FDR 1933 Inaugural

This set came about amid a very packed shooting scheduled in a long season of filming. Initially, it was supposed to be an insert shot. However, it kept growing with each successive meeting. There was very little time to do the research, master the research, and produce a set. As the Art Director In charge of the set, I had no supporting set designer, so I ended up having to draw the set myself. There was very limited research to go on. I had to extrapolate from the limited research available. I also had to coordinate with the Visual Effects department to incorporate the built portion of the set with the blue screen to adequately depict this historical scene. I had to coordinate with the Construction Department to produce files to be CNC cut by outside vendors and engineer the set so it would safely stand up to wind forces on the studio lot. The Construction Coordinator and I also worked together to schedule the sequencing of building, plastering, painting, and scenic aging of the various components to get the set ready on time. For example, we built the ceiling and raised it 7 feet with cranes so that the scenic artists could stand on the platform to plaster, paint, and age the ceiling before raising it to the 30 feet height required. I also had to do extensive research to find suppliers and later contact vendors to procure the spindles for the railings. With the limited research I had, I worked closely with the Graphic Designer to design the plaques and the presidential seal. I also had to commission a sculptor to carve the presidential seal based on my drawings and research.