October 23, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dawn Newell (310) 247-3000
                 dnewell@oscars.org

Academy to Explore Impact of Production Design on Cinema History

	Through the use of film clips, and discussions with leading designers in the field, "Arresting Images" will analyze the history of production design and its influence on cinema. Pictured here is a scene still from the 1916 film "Intolerance," clips of which will be shown during the program.

Beverly Hills, CA - The history of production design and its influence on cinema will be the focus of a November program by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In collaboration with the Art Directors Guild, the Academy will present "Arresting Images," on Thursday, November 7, at 8 p.m. in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

"Arresting Images" will illustrate how production designers create the emotional essence of a film through sets and key visuals that enhance the film's impact for the audience. Through the use of film clips and discussions with leading designers in the field, the program will explain how memorable and resonant images come to exist on film.

Film clips to be shown will span the past century, from 1902's "Trip to the Moon" to 2001's "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," and will include such classics as "Intolerance" (1916), "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), "Dr. Zhivago" (1965), "The Last Picture Show" (1971) and "Apocalypse Now" (1979).

The evening's speakers will range from the field's living legends to contemporary innovators, among them Robert Boyle ("The Birds"), Gene Allen ("A Star is Born"), Terence Marsh ("Dr. Zhivago"), Bill Creber ("The Poseidon Adventure"), Polly Platt ("The Last Picture Show"), Rick Carter ("Forrest Gump") and Jim Bissell ("Jumanji'").

The universal challenges faced by production designers, whether they are working on sound stages, on location, with black and white or color film, will be explored during the program. From the silent era to the present digital age, continuing changes in the field have prompted production designers to find new and creative solutions, which also will be addressed.

This film program will kick off a companion film series at the UCLA Film and Television Archive, which will include 12 films, screening between November 9 and 24, with introductions by production designers and other filmmakers. The UCLA program is also being presented in collaboration with the Art Directors Guild. For full program details, please call 310-206-FILM or visit www.cinema.ucla.edu. Tickets for "Arresting Images" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. They may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours, or, pending availability, on the night of the program when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3600.

Editors: Please note that downloadable photos from this film are available at http://photos.oscars.org