ABSTRACT
The physical setting of a film and its interaction with its cultural setting. The elements of the physical world: general/specific locale, geography, and terrain, urban or rural, constructed environment, architecture, the degree and configuration of its density of settlement, living conditions, interior and exterior locations, climate, weather, seasons, and conditions, light, heat, or cold. Setting not as mere backdrop but affecting story and characters, either complementing or subverting them. How the physical world may be related to a film’s theme (The English Patient). How it may relate to the emotional journey of a character (Ratcatcher, Zama). The practical considerations the physical world brings to bear on production — space and light; accommodation of the action within scenes; scope and scale effects on costs and schedule, on numbers of extras and associated costs. Digital post-production facilitates the creation of worlds once impossible to create. A comparison of low- and higher-budget historical dramas, Zama and Gangs of New York. The daunting demands of sci-fi and fantasy (Metropolis, Blade Runner, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings). The need for the director to thoroughly research the world and setting of their film.
