The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop

The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop

The definitive behind-the-scenes history of one of Hollywoodâ€™s most closely guarded cinematic secrets finally revealedâ€”painted backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen.

In almost every feature film of Hollywoodâ€™s golden age, from The Wizard of Oz to North by Northwest to Cleopatra to The Sound of Music, painted backings have convinced moviegoers that what they are seeingâ€”whether the fantastic roads of Oz, the presidents of Mount Rushmore, or ancient Egyptian kingdomsâ€”is absolutely real. These backings are at once intended to transport the audience and yet remain unseen for what they really are. The Art of the Hollywood BackdropÂ reveals the hidden world and creators of these masterpieces, long-guarded as a special effects secret by the major studios such as MGM, Warner Brothers, Universal, Columbia, 20th Century Fox, and Paramount.

Despite the continued use of hand-painted backings in todayâ€™s films, including the big-budget Interstellar and Lemony Snicketâ€™s A Series of Unfortunate Events among many others, digital technology is beginning to supplant the art form. In an effort to preserve the irreplaceable knowledge of scenic masters, Karen Maness and Richard Isackes, in collaboration with the Art Directors Guild,Â have compiled a definitive history of the craft, complete with interviews of the surviving artists. This is a rich undiscovered historyâ€”a history replete with competing art departments, dynastic scenic families, and origins stretching back to the films of MÃ©liÃ¨s, Edison, Sennett, Chaplin, and Fairbanks.

Filled cover to cover with over 300 images,The Art of the Hollywood BackdropÂ is beautifully packaged as a hardcover book with slipcase.
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Country USA
Brand Regan Arts.
Manufacturer Regan Arts.
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber 9781941393086
Color Ca15911
ReleaseDate 2016-11-01
Size CA15911
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781941393086

Country	USA
Brand	Regan Arts.
Manufacturer	Regan Arts.
Binding	Hardcover
ItemPartNumber	9781941393086
Color	Ca15911
ReleaseDate	2016-11-01
Size	CA15911
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781941393086

The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop

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