ABSTRACT
The producer has two major concerns regard to the art department: hiring the best creative people for the project and creating a special "look" within the parameters of the budget. Production value is the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and respect for the artistic aspirations of the script and the vision of the director. If there is one person who did more than any other to demonstrate the importance of art direction in filmmaking, it was William Cameron Menzies. Ironically, Menzies was not eligible for an Oscar nomination because the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not recognize the production design credit. The art director scrutinizes the script carefully and, in conjunction with the director, arrives at a visual plan for the picture. The costumer, or wardrobe designer, works hand in glove with the art director; this department's contributions on a feature film are also acknowledged with an Academy Award.
