As an altruist gesture, I ask of you: please don't do the same.īelow we break down what makes this documentary so essential, as well as Jodorowsky's lasting impression and the sci-fi genre as we know it.Ĭhilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky-a uniquely creative artist who came up in avant-garde theatre-started to garner international attention after the release of his first two films, El Topo and The Holy Mountain. The year was 1974, Denis was a wee 7-year-old who hated to read (just kidding), and Jodorowsky, hot off of the success of The Holy Mountain, begin assembling possibly the most bad-ass team of collaborators this side of The Roundhay Garden Scene.Īs a fan of El Topo and The Incalgraphic novel I slept on watching Jodorowsky's Dune for far too long. Again, all due respect to the original text and its most modernest (very pretty) adaptation.But long before Villenueve's Dune, Alejandro Jodorowsky set out to make possibly the most ambitious movie ever made. Oh, and shout out to Frank Herbert too, I guess.īut that isn't what this article is about. Blockbuster spectacles on another level, beautifully rendered adaptations that put modern blockbusters to shame (looking at you, Marvel). It's also an essential watch for filmmakers on how to develop a film (in grandiose hyperbole), as well as how that can all be stripped away just behind the finish line.Ĭredit where credit is due: Denis Villenueve's Dune movies rule. It's a documentary that serves as an autobiography of one of the most eccentric, creative auteurs in cinema that amounts to what is essentially an oral history of the sci-fi blockbuster as we know it today. Stumbling upon Jodorowsky's Dunewas just about as eye-opening as Paul taking in that first hit of spice taking shelter in the sands of Arrakis (if you know what I'm saying). Once the board aligns with your vision, finalize it and share it with your team. The creative process is fluid, and your mood board should reflect this. This process is not linear, and you may find yourself moving back and forth between steps as you refine your board.Īs you refine your mood board, be open to inspiration and changes. This step involves arranging the elements to create a visually pleasing and coherent composition. Once you have your materials, start organizing them. Remember that these materials are for reference and inspiration, not necessarily to be replicated exactly. This could include photographs, illustrations, film stills, color swatches, or even textures and patterns. Gather Visual MaterialsĬollect visual materials that align with your vision. You might focus on a specific aspect like lighting, costumes, or set design, or create a comprehensive board that encapsulates all these elements.
Here's a stepwise approach: Start by determining what you want your mood board to communicate. Who do you think would be good for this project, and what are the visuals you want to make sure pop?Ĭreating a mood board involves gathering, organizing, and refining visual materials. Include a color palette that reflects the tone you want to achieve, from warm and vibrant to cool and muted. Color can significantly influence the mood of a scene. Showcase your desired cinematography style through images that highlight specific lighting setups, shot compositions, or color-grading styles. These could range from historical clothing to futuristic gadgetry, depending on your project.ĭo you have people you've worked with in the past? Are there specific items that need to be built or created for this project? Cinematography
Visual references for costumes and props can help your wardrobe and props departments align their work with your vision. Where are we shooting this project? What are the benefits of the places we want to shoot? Are there rebates or a POV that changes? Wardrobe and Props Include images that reflect the architectural style, period, or mood of the locations in your script. Visuals representing the desired locations and set designs can help your art department understand your vision. Who's in this project? Who do you think should play them? Locations and Set Design This could include photographs, sketches, or even color palettes that reflect their personality or emotional state. Include visual references that capture the essence of your characters. When crafting a mood board, consider including the following elements: Characters
There are some essential components that help get this message across. It helps me understand their vision and make sure we are all on the same page.
I find it pretty flattering when directors make mood boards for screenplays I've written. What Are the Key Components of a Mood Board?