This July, the Spring BFA class took a creative leap with their Production Workshop, focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of production design. This hands-on experience was not just about theoretical learning but truly diving into the practicalities of building a film set from scratch. The theme for this workshop was centered around crafting a detailed “rural cottage” set, showcasing the power of imagination and resourcefulness, even on a tight budget.
“The students did a phenomenal job on the production designs of the set (the focus of this Production Workshop), getting their hands dirty,” said instructor Arsenio Assin. “The assignment saw them building and painting, sourcing props and weathering them, placing a multitude of elements, that gave the set an amazing texture and atmosphere. Once the set was dressed, the lighting, camera, and acting all worked harmoniously together to create a sublime homage to Ingmar Bergman’s “The Seventh Seal”.
The iconic film is a Swedish allegorical drama set in medieval Sweden during the Black Death. The story follows Antonius Block (played by Max von Sydow), a knight returning from the Crusades, who is disillusioned by the suffering and death he has witnessed. Upon his return, he finds his homeland ravaged by the plague. Confronted by the personification of Death (Bengt Ekerot), Block challenges Death to a game of chess to delay his inevitable demise. Throughout the game, Block seeks answers to profound questions about life, death, and the existence of God, but Death remains elusive and unresponsive. Widely regarded as one of Bergman’s greatest works, the film is a classic in world cinema.
This choice to find inspiration in Ingmar Bergman’s “The Seventh Seal” provided a rich narrative framework. It also allowed the students to delve into a thematic exploration of life, death, and existential questions.
BFA Students Build Set From Scratch in Hands-on Production Design Workshop
Traditionally, the class would opt for an exterior nighttime shoot, a choice that often comes with its own set of challenges, from lighting complexities to logistical issues. This year’s project offered a viable alternative, proving to be a lot less taxing both budget-wise and in terms of logistical planning. By focusing on a controlled indoor set, the students could concentrate more on the creative aspects of production design without the stress of external variables.
What made this project particularly remarkable was the choice of materials. The students embraced a cost-effective approach, using painted craft paper and cardboard to construct the set. This method not only kept the expenses low but also challenged the students to think creatively.
Get Hands-on Experience at NYFA
NYFA’s hands-on projects, exercises, and workshops are designed to provide practical experience. These skill-building activities serve aspiring visual storytellers well in their future filmmaking endeavors, reminding them that the power of storytelling lies in the heart and soul of creators.
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