num_pages: 352
description: The definitive behind-the-scenes history of one of Hollywoods most closely guarded cinematic secrets finally revealedpainted backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen.In almost every feature film of Hollywoods golden age from The Wizard of Oz to North by Northwest to Cleopatra to The Sound of Music  painted backings have convinced moviegoers that what they are seeingwhether the fantastic roads of Oz the presidents of Mount Rushmore or ancient Egyptian kingdomsis absolutely real. These backings are at once intended to transport the audience and yet remain unseen for what they really are. The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop reveals the hidden world and creators of these masterpieces long-guarded as a special effects secret by the major studios such as MGM Warner Brothers Universal Columbia 20th Century Fox and Paramount.Despite the continued use of hand-painted backings in todays films including the big-budget Interstellar and Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events among many others digital technology is beginning to supplant the art form. In an effort to preserve the irreplaceable knowledge of scenic masters Karen Maness and Richard Isackes have compiled a definitive history of the craft complete with interviews of the surviving artists. This is a rich undiscovered historya history replete with competing art departments dynastic scenic families and origins stretching back to the films of Mlis Edison Sennett Chaplin and Fairbanks.
language: English
title: The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop
publisher: Regan Arts.