The Art Director

A film's art director is in charge of the set, from conception to construction to furnishing. This short film walks the viewer through art directors' responsibilities and the demands on their talents. They read a script carefully and design a set to capture the time and place, the social strata, and the mood. They must be scholars of the history of architecture, furnishings, and fashion. They choose the colors on a set in anticipation of the lighting and the mood. Their work also sets styles, from Art Deco in the 20's to 30s modernism. Then it's on to the next project. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

Top Cast

Dana Andrews

Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

Ronald Colman

Self - from 'Late George Apley' (archive footage) (uncredited)

Joan Fontaine

Self / Jane Eyre (archive footage) (uncredited)

Ann Harding

Self - from unidentified film (archive footage) (uncredited)

Rita Johnson

Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)