I write a lot about my process of designing here and while it works for me it is only one particular take on the subject. I would be interested in hearing from designers of all flavors, lighting, scenic, costume, sound and video. What do you do? How do you start the process? How do you talk to a director? Directors, how do you begin discussions with your designers? Where do you find inspiration? How do you choose projects?
Please leave your answer in comments or send me an email. I would love to hear from you.
Tags: design
The first thing that pops to mind is that I like to talk to myself. I go over all the details (angle, color, instrument photometrics, etc) out loud which seems to keep me focused and able to figure out things quicker. I know for most projects I also like to work on my bed or a large table where I can spread out all my papers.
To start with I usually like to read the script once or twice before sitting in on read-thru rehearsals. I try to go to at least 2 or 3 of those before solidifying the design with the director. I do any needed research and collect images of looks to show the director. Between all of that and talking with the other designers, I get a feel for what I think “fits” the play. I then collect all my data and do a quick (or long if needed) presentation to the director about what I have in my head. If he/she disagrees and wants me to rework it, I do.
Overall, I love the process of getting down in to the script, finding what the playwright was going for, but also trying to add my own mix to it. I like to work with others and make compromises (which is really only another challenge for me to tackle). I really like surreal / edgy stuff and if I can add that, I will. I’ve been lucky to have the chance to do some great plays with great artists.
haha, just remembered one thing I should add. I usually wait WAY too long to read or re-read the script and do my research. I’ve been lucky so far that things have gone well so far. If I had a tighter schedule on some projects, it wouldn’t have flown.