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Regan Arts
November 2016
On Sale: November 11, 2016
352 pages
ISBN: 194139308X
EAN: 9781941393086
Kindle: B00W05CVWS
Hardcover / e-Book
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Non-Fiction Photography
The definitive behind-the-scenes history of one of Hollywoodβs most closely guarded cinematic secrets finally revealedβpainted backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen. In almost every feature film of Hollywoodβs 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 seeingβwhether the fantastic roads of Oz, the presidents of Mount Rushmore, or ancient Egyptian kingdomsβis 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 todayβs films, including the big-budget Interstellar and Lemony Snicketβs 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, in collaboration with the Art Directors Guild, have compiled a definitive history of the craft, complete with interviews of the surviving artists. This is a rich undiscovered historyβa history replete with competing art departments, dynastic scenic families, and origins stretching back to the films of MΓ©liΓ¨s, Edison, Sennett, Chaplin, and Fairbanks. Filled cover to cover with over 300 images,The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop is beautifully packaged as a hardcover book with slipcase.
 Media BuzzGood Morning America - December 20, 2016
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