Article - Creating Believable Backgrounds
It is with complete sincerity that I say this:
I hope nobody can see the effort put into my drawings.
This may seem counterproductive (isn’t the point of art, after all, to be noticed?). When it comes to designing for film, I’ve estimated that approximately 80% of your work should be inconspicuous enough that the viewer never bothers to think of its existence. Call it depressing (I prefer realistic), but the goal of filmmaking as I define it is to create a believable world. To invent a place and have an audience not question it is akin to a divine power. Filmmaking is deception, it is trickery and lies, a charade served sweet by design. One wrong choice threatens even the most subtle and sly.
Though I claim no expertise or exceptional proficiency, as a filmmaker myself, I see my work through deceitful eyes. How I create my worlds may or may not be alike to anyone you know, have known, or have known to be deceived by. My only hope is that you feel the fulfillment of a good, effortless design.
The 1970's Living Room
Who’s room is it anyways?
If you were to walk into a house you’ve never been in before, you should instantly be able to make conclusions about who lives there. Behind every messy room is a messy person (probably saying they “know where everything is”) after all.
With this room, the goal was to create a small, informal and slightly cramped living room from the 1970’s. I imagined the owner of such space to be young, college aged, and have a persuasion for ordering Pizza Hut and watching M*A*S*H with friends. Because of the character, using college dorm rooms as inspiration for the cluttered and homely style was an obvious choice.
It’s all in the details
Once you know your occupant and have some idea of what their room would look like, the next step is to know how the outside world is impacting this person, and how that should be represented in the design. Since this background was supposed to draw from the entire 1970’s, there are several references to historical events and products throughout the decade.
Women's Liberation Movement
There is no 1970's without the Women's Liberation Movement. Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion in 1973, the Equal Rights Amendment was proposed (which Phyllis Schlafly and conservative women vehemently opposed), and the National Black Feminist Organization was created.
Soda
The 1970's soda can- a much simpler, cylindrical shape with familiar, but different, logos. The tops of cans were redesigned during the 70's to prevent children from choking on the metal piece.
Atari 2600
The 1977 game console. You've probably heard of it.
Ball (Egg) Chair
The Ball Chair (or "Egg" as some call it) took many forms, such as this modified version. Originally designed by Eero Aarnio in 1963, the chair became famous and a 1970's staple for it's unique design.
Apple II
Released in 1977, the Apple II was one of the first successful mass-market home computers.
Lava Lamp
Coachlite Lava Lamps, know for their unique copper base and being totally cool looking.
Bay City Rollers
A Scottish pop band that gained popularity in the 1970's. Also, my mom's favorite band (this one is for you, mom).
TV
Television boomed during the 1970's as it gained more recognition and a larger audience. Of course, you were probably watching either NBC, CBS, or ABC.
VCR
"Relax! My Panasonic VHS Home Video Recorder is taping it right now!"
Anti-Nuclear Protests
Protests at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in Seabrook, New Hampshire.
Anita Bryant and the Save Our Children Crusade
Singer Anita Bryant formed a political coalition during 1977 to overturn a Florida ordinance that prevented workplace and housing discrimination based on sexual orientation. She was also the voice of the Florida Orange Bird (which is still owned by Disney today and in their theme parks, sans her voice), which prompted a boycott on Florida Citrus products, and eventually got her fired. Oh, and somebody threw a pie in her face once. Here's a youtube video of it: Pie Face
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War ended in 1972, which had been heavily protested during the late 60's and early 70's by several opposition groups. The "4 American Students" is, of course, a reference to the Kent State Massacre in 1970.
Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag
In need of a unifying symbol for the gay liberation movement, Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag for the 1978 San Fransisco Pride. The original design featured eight colors, two of which were eventually removed to create the six color flag we know today.
The Mini Fridge
Boxy, compact, and kind of ugly, the mini fridge gained popularity in the 70's.
Harvey Milk
Politician and activist who became the first openly gay elected official in California. His assassination by fellow city supervisor Dan White made him a martyr for the gay community.
