A film look book is a vital pre-production tool that establishes a project’s visual identity, guiding the crew on the intended tone and style before production begins. Included within the look book are the following:
I. Fundamental Project Information
An effective look book begins by grounding the visual style in the story’s context. This section provides the narrative buy in for potential investors and team members.
- Basic Info: Include the project title, a concise log line, and a full synopsis.
- Character Descriptions: Outline the protagonist’s journey and how their wardrobe or world might evolve visually.
- Introduction Page: A summary slide that defines the overarching theme of the look book.
II. Visual References and Inspiration
The primary purpose of the look book is to “show off” the project’s aesthetic through a curated catalog of work. Organize images in an engaging way, typically featuring 3–9 images per page across a total of 4–6 slides.
- Reference Stills: Use movie stills you’ve saved. You can also pull from a professional database found in the Imagery Tools page.
- Mixed Media Inspiration: Include photography, paintings, or any other mediums that can convey the vibe.
III. The Color Palette
Clearly defined color palettes help inform decisions for prop, outfit, and set design. Include specific swatches with Hex Codes, Color Harmonies (stated above), and some notes on why colors are being used for context.
- Color Scripts: Animators use color scripts to map emotional arcs through colorful sketches and maintain the mood throughout the animation process. While note necessary, mapping your color over more long form content where visual/emotional atmosphere changes can prove useful for keeping everyone aware of what each section of the script entails for color and mood.
IV. Lighting and Composition
Sharing an intended lighting setup to help production teams with ideation/rentals.
- Lighting Quality: Use samples to show the desired color temperature (warm vs. cool), shadow harshness, and the use of practical lighting vs. natural sources.
- Compositional Techniques: Define your visual scale, including framing choices like symmetry or the quadrant system.
- Visual Motifs: Include references for elements that might interrupt or layer the image, such as reflections on glass or double images.
V. Technical and Administrative Details
- Camera and Lenses: Specify ideal camera bodies and lenses.
- Locations: Include photos of exact secured locations or “ideal” reference images to assist with scouting.
- Distribution Goals: Defining clear goals for how and where the project will be completed and delivered adds clarity for camera output/editing considerations.