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Harry Potter: graphic design methods of converting textual references into film props
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Abstract(s)
This thesis aims to analyse the work method of the graphic designer in a cinematographic context and the way in which textual references present in the books are adapted to film props. I analysed the graphics in the Harry Potter films, because it is very rich at a graphic level, since tens of thousands of props were developed and many of them were highlighted in the filming process. Graphic design, applied to film props, is an area that has yet been explored to its full extent. There isn't a lot of published material that talks about the work of the graphic designer and how he develops fictitious graphical objects. This thesis aims to contribute to a better understanding of the studied area and may be used as a basis for designers who might want to explore the field of graphic design, applied to the development of film props, since the investigation and gathering of information on its own, represents a major contribution, as it enabled the development of a data base, which could be used as a resource for future conclusions. It does not exist, at the moment, a thorough research, such as this about fil props associated with graphic design. A thorough research was made, of the objects created by the design team, of interviews, sketches, textual and visual references. After assessing the gathered information, a comparison was made between the original textual content and the final object. Each of these objects was individually planned, and the development of film props works on a basis of trial and error. While trying to create a fictitious object, with which the audience should relate to, the designers simply look to alter reality a little, in order to create something specific for the film but, at the same time, avoid strangeness and distancing of the audience. In addition to the props referred in the scrips, there's also the need to create a panoply of other objects to fill in the set, from product's packages, to everyday objects. There are news with personal stories and titles ans manes of authors, which are often inspired in members of the team or their relatives. Graphic design in the world of film props works as an invisible hero. While rarely given any highlight in the film, props help decorating the set and facilitating the actor's role. However in Harry Potter films, graphic design had a crucial role in the development of the story, since props have a vital importance to the whole work.
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Pop-making Design Method