The Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design

as described

A must have for production designers and film people.

Despite the negative reviews listed here about this book, my opinion is that this is one of the best explanations of what Production Design does (and should do) for cinema that is on the market. Having worked in art departments for over 15 years on feature films and television shows this book is what I wish all my workmates had read before production started to understand just what we were helping shape with the story, not just window dressing and logistics. This book is written intelligently but without alienating the reader, using film examples that film fans will know or can easily find. Great for filmmakers who need a good injection as to what Production Design can do for their films. Thank you for this book Mr. Lobrutto.

I was very pleased with this book when I first read it. And when I read it the second time. I still refer back to it whenever I have a question concerning design. The best factor about this book is that it helps the beginning designer to wrap his brain around the philosophy of production design. Success in any endeavor requires 2% mechanics, and 98% mind-set; it's about how you think, which influences what you do. Lobrutto doesn't get too deep into the nitty-gritty, which keeps it a rather simple read; if he did go into all the aspects of design, it would be such an imposing volume that people would then complain about how thick it was. This book is certainly not an end-all-catch-all. It's a beginner's guide.(In reply to one of the prior comments) It is true that Lobrutto has few credits in film. However, I laud the fact that he interviews the top designers in lieu of his experience.Overall, an exellent introduction to the topic of visual design, and one which I shall continue to recommend to aspiring designers.

Too philosophical to teach anything helpful.

This writer is ridiculously opinionated criticizing great films as if his opinions were a matter of fact. After checking out his imdb resume I realize this person has done almost nothing in film and yet has the audacity to criticize others. get a real job dude, your book sucks. FACT!

This is a handy little guide to production design, but as other reviewers have noted, it is not necessarily meant for a production designer. It's for filmmakers themselves (as noted in the title).As an independent filmmaker, I found this book an entertaining and informative read. It helped me get a better understanding for just what the art department is involved with on a feature. Also, it inspired me to design the sets for my next film.Recommended for beginning independent filmmakers who are often their own production designer. For those who want a career in production design this book, although a nice intro, will leave you wanting something deeper.

This book is very poorly written. Its like the author heard about Production Design and decided to write a book on what he'd heard. Full of inaccurate information. This book is a mess.