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Set Design for High Definition

Shooting in HD puts new demands on the art department. Here are some things to consider when planning the set design.

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1. HD brings out fine detail and texture, enriching the picture rather than detracting from it

2. Feedback has been positive from designers who've experienced HD. They welcome seeing fine detail so long as budgets allow for them to maintain design standards and using HD is planned from the outset

3. Most textures and finishes are better tolerated on HD than SD

4. Colour: Most colours are true to the eye. White is well tolerated, red doesn't bleed but is quite dominant, black fills in less with more nuance and depth

5. Using HD will highlight scenery defects such as repeat taping and painting over scenery flattage joins, knocks and damage, dirt and scuff marks

6. Any patching needs very careful paint / colour matching and more effort to look good to make it an acceptable standard

7. Knocks, scratches, general wear and tear are distinctly noticeable and need additional time and effort to rectify

8. The cost of repairs and re-vamping scenery / furniture will need to be built into production budgets

9. Floor paint / cover: care needs to be taken as foot marks, scuffs and dirt are clearly visible. Take additional care with set dressing detail e.g. set dressing with text and labels

10. Traditional methods to age / break down / distress surfaces will need a finer approach and expertise e.g. where we might give a general 'splatter' that fills in on SD are seen as ‘spots and splatter’ on HD

11. On set maintenance and closer scrutiny for dressing continuity will need to be vigilant to make sure surfaces are kept clean and free from marks

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For more information on HD, check out the BBC HD Resource Centre, and book your place on Encountering High Definition, our scheduled face-to-face course.