The role of the production designer was first created in 1939 by producer David O. Selznick out of respect for the astounding work accomplished by William Cameron Menzies on the film Gone with the Wind. Since then, many directors and producers have worked closely with designers to develop a visual concept for their films. With some of the films in this year's LFF displaying outstanding production design, including A Serious Man, The Limits of Control, An Education, Bright Star, Air Doll and Tales from the Golden Age, we thought it was high time that we paid tribute to some of the talented individuals who are making their mark in this often under-appreciated field of the film world. Eugenio Caballero won an Oscar for his work on Pan's Labyrinth, and has helped to create the hyper-stylised mood of The Limits of Control. Andrew McAlpine won a BAFTA for The Piano, and recreates early 1960s London perfectly in An Education. These brilliant and talented designers were brought together to discuss their very different styles and experiences working with top directors at an event hosted by author Mark Salisbury.
Timothy Smith & Tricia Tuttle