Drawing the Line

Technical Hand Drafting for Film and Television

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by David McHenry

Type: Didactic
Subject: Technique > Set Design
Keywords: design, set designer
Publishing date: 2023
Publisher: Routledge
Collection: A Focal Press Book
2nd edition
Language: English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 206 pages
11 x 8 ½ inches (28 x 21.5 cm)

ISBN

978-1-032-27760-8

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Book Presentation:
This is the definitive guide for all aspects of scenic hand drafting for film and television, now comprehensively updated and revised for its second edition. Author, David McHenry, utilizes 45 years of experience as a Designer, Art Director, Storyboard Artist, and Draftsman to provide readers with an accessible step-by-step guide of professional techniques, tools, and workflows.

Readers will discover how to draw the iconic scroll of a classical column or learn the difference between Flemish and English bond brickwork, as well as all four types of drafting projection in detail: isometric, oblique, orthographic, and axonometric. Also included is hard-to-find information on lens angles and their calculation for different screen aspect ratios, how to create a lens projection image of a set with a given lens, height, and aspect ratio, and how to create forced perspective. Beautifully illustrated with carefully crafted hand-drawn illustrations on every page, this thoroughly revised text has been updated to include new examples and exercises and a revised glossary, making it the ideal step-by-step guide to hand drafting for film and television.

This is an essential resource for students of drafting for film and television, scenic design, and art direction courses. It will also hugely benefit professionals studying or working in film and television design.

About the Author:
David McHenry studied Theatre Design in London at the Central School of Art and Design and has worked in Theatre, Television, and Film for over 45 years as Designer, Art Director, Storyboard Artist, Draftsman, and Lecturer. His recent drafting credits include Ridley Scott’s NAPOLEON and Neil Gaiman’s SANDMAN.He has taught at the University of the Arts (Wimbledon), the London Film School, the National Film School (Beaconsfield and Scotland), Nottingham Trent University, the National Film School (Lillehammer Norway), the Film School (Bergen Norway), and the Stockholm University of the Arts (Sweden).

Press Reviews:
"This book is a must for anyone learning technical drawing, as well as those establishing themselves in art departments around the world."

- Kerry Bradley, Course Leader BA (Hons) Design for Film & Television (Nottingham Trent University)

"Drawing the Line is an excellent resource for students and professionals of film and television alike. In an age of technology, it is inspiring to see a text that focuses on drafting as a means of communication, and approaches drafting in a guided, thoughtful way."

-Scott C. Chapman, Associate Professor of Theatre, Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer & Technical Director (Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia)

Praise for the 1st Edition

"When David worked with us on Game of Thrones, I was impressed by his enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of architecture. He is a fine draughtsman and teacher, and I believe this book will prove invaluable to those wishing to improve their skills at the drawing board."

― Paul Ghirardani, Five-Time Emmy Award Winner, Supervising Art Director, Game of Thrones

"This excellent book both celebrates and helps to perpetuate the unique skills of hand-drawn orthographic construction draughting for film and television set building. David McHenry’s drawings have a beautiful pictorial quality which, through his sensitive use of line, communicate technical and artistic information. The book is a useful introduction to both students and professionals in the Art Department. A winner!"

― Professor Moira Tait, Production Designer and Tutor; Member of BAFTA, Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts

"My only flaw with Drawing the Line is that I didn't have it when I was in high school or college. It is a must have for up and coming designers. This book merely consolidates how seamlessly his drawings simply and elegantly enhance the designer's vision."

- Jon Gary Steele,Production Designer, Sandman (2022), Outlander (2014-20), and Luther (2023)