- Modules
- Background Design
- Introduction to Background Design
Introduction to Background Design
T-DES-002-001
When designing an environment, keep in mind that it will only stay on screen for a few seconds. The audience doesn’t have the time to wonder where they are and how they should feel. It’s your job to make sure the backgrounds are easily readable and that they support the story; not only with the location, but also with the emotional journey you want the audience to experience as they’re looking at the images.
Designing for a Purpose
To design an environment, you need to know its purpose: you have to read the story. Take notes of where the action is taking place, elements that must included and how you want the crowd to feel, as you will later design the location to put emphasis on the emotional aspect of each scene.
Research
Once you know what you need, it’s time for research. If you have the opportunity to go out in the field to sketch and take pictures, it’s probably the best reference you can get, as you will be able to gather the exact information you're looking for, and you'll also have the chance to experience an environment similar to the one in which the story is taking place.
But more often than not, you have to make do with what you have: Internet research. It’s an endless sea of visual reference. And you need reference to create believable environments.
Just Start
The white page can sometimes be intimidating. The trick is to simply start, get the machine moving. Start with little thumbnails, the more the better. Pick the ones you like, the ones that create the feeling you're looking for, and push them further.
Time Estimated 10 mins
Difficulty Level Beginner
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