Challenges of Art Direction and Traces of Creativity
Art direction is one of the cornerstones of the visual expression of the cinema world. Art directors create the atmosphere of the story by designing locations, decorations and lighting, and carefully plan every detail of the set. In this interview, we will take a look behind the scenes of the cinema world through the eyes of Vahit Yazıcı, an experienced art director.
- HELLO Mr. VAHIT, WELCOME, FIRST CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
VAHİT YAZICI: Of course, I was born in Istanbul in 1976. I am an art director and have been working in this sector since 2000. I focus on advertising and cinema projects.
- WHAT IS ART DIRECTION, CAN YOU EXPLAIN A BIT?
VAHİT YAZICI: An art director is the person who designs and implements the locations, decoration and lighting of a story. We are tasked with creating different characters and environments.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULT AND PLEASANT ASPECTS OF THIS JOB?
VAHİT YAZICI: The enjoyable part of the job is that people appreciate you as a result of the work you do and that you produce different works. However, the difficult part is that it is tiring and every detail is very important.
-WHICH SET WAS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT YEAR?
VAHİT YAZICI: The most difficult set was a Nazi camp set in Bolu Aladağlar. It was difficult to do historical research of the place and be emotionally affected by it.
- YOU WERE THE ART DIRECTOR OF THE MOVIE BERGEN. WHAT KIND OF WORKING PROCESS DID YOU HAVE TO CAPTURE THE PERIOD?
VAHİT YAZICI: We had discussions with the directors to find locations and objects suitable for the period of the film. Colors and light were also important, we planned every detail carefully.
- YOU WERE ATİYE'S ART DIRECTOR. DID THE SYMBOLS HAVE AN EFFECT ON YOUR ART AND PRACTICES?
VAHİT YAZICI: Yes, we researched Atiye's symbols and interpreted them as the art director. However, it was a little difficult to get used to this fantasy world because I had never worked in this field before.
- HOW IMPORTANT ARE TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND CREATIVITY FOR THE ART DIRECTOR?
VAHİT YAZICI: Technical knowledge and creativity are always important. It is necessary to have detailed knowledge, especially about light and decoration.
- CAN IT BE DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN THE NECESSITY OF ART TO A PRODUCER?
VAHİT YAZICI: Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to explain the necessity of art to producers. However, in this case, we try to reduce costs by using our creativity.
- FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS IN THE FIELD OF ART DIRECTION?
VAHİT YAZICI: I am not currently working on specific projects, but I hope to encounter new opportunities in the future. I'm always open to new and interesting projects.
Vahit Yazıcı's experiences and shares remind us once again of the difficulties of art direction, his creativity and the attention he gives to details. Behind the light of the cinema world lies a world where technical knowledge and creativity meet. We thank him for these valuable shares and wish him success in his future projects.
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