Using graphic design as a narrative communication medium in the film industry is the purpose of this training led by Erica Dorn. The graphic designer will be supported by the Métairie Bruyère graphic art center.

At the end of the training, the trainee will have assimilated:

Understanding graphic design in a film context
Analyzing a scenario and anticipating graphic needs
Interpreting a graphic into a film accessory by choosing the appropriate processes and materials
Becoming introduced to traditional printing
Learning how to prepare a project and discovering the tools used
Implementing the project

Erica Dorn has worked with Wes Anderson since his animated film Isle of Dogs (The French Dispatch, Asteroid City, ...) and meticulously designs all the graphic and typographic elements of his films: signs, patterns, custom fonts, sets, vending machines, and more, based on spectacular historical research.

This workshop explores the different ways in which the graphic concept is used to support the narrative in the context of filmmaking, with a particular focus on the design of set props and graphic elements. What does the contents of a character's trinket tray tell us about them? What does the facade of a building, with its layering of signage built up over the years, tell us about what is happening inside?

Using examples from existing films, participants will begin to understand the ways (both obvious and subtle) in which graphic design can be used to support the intentions of the director or set designer, and to shape the audience's understanding and experience of the story.

Day 1
Morning

Introduction and presentation of Erica Dorn's work and the training
Group manual workshop

Afternoon
Graphics to advance the narrative
Reading the synopsis "Goog Bye Hotel Memphis"
Deconstruction of a scenario to better understand graphic requests
Search for references based on the deconstruction of the scenario
Synthesis of research and selection of key references
Creation of a moodboard

Day 2
Morning
Work based on the synthesis of the previous day's research
Use of existing models
Design of as many accessories as possible for the hero of the script

Afternoon
Presentation of individual work
Finalization of projects to be carried out for the following days

Day 3
Morning group 1
Presentation of lettering and signage
Presentation of a reference alphabet
Design of a hotel or store facade based on a front elevation drawing

Morning group 2 (the group will be split into 2 subgroups)
Visit of the Bruyère Farm
Project lithography workshop based on prints made on campus

Afternoon group 1
Workshop for manufacturing accessories designed the day before

Afternoon group 2 (the group will be split into 2 subgroups)
Visit of the Bruyère Farm
Project lithography workshop based on prints made on campus

Day 4
Morning group 1 (the group will be split into 2 subgroups)
Visit of the Bruyère Farm
Project lithography workshop based on prints made on campus

Morning group 2
Presentation of lettering and signage
Presentation of a reference alphabet
Design of a hotel or store facade based on a front elevation drawing

Afternoon group 1 (the group will be split into 2 subgroups)
Visit to the Bruyère Farm
Project lithography workshop based on prints made on campus

Group 2 afternoon
Workshop for manufacturing accessories designed the day before
Final exam and discussions on training

Erica Dorn, Graphic Designer

Erica Dorn is a London-based graphic designer who has worked in film and television for over 8 years, with a background in branding and visual identity design.

Erica Dorn has worked with Wes Anderson since his animated film Isle of Dogs (The French Dispatch, Asteroid City, etc.) and meticulously designs all the graphic and typographic elements for his films: signs, patterns, bespoke fonts, sets, vending machines, and more, drawing on spectacular historical research.

• Workshops equipped with professional machines, classrooms, multipurpose room
• Technical acquisition including an introduction to the operation of the tools, an initiation to their maintenance and their safe use
• Provision of materials
• Educational distribution: 50% practice, 50% theoretical contributions
• Active participation and experimentation of participants are favored
• This program immerses participants in the heart of the Metairie Bruyère printing workshop and offers a unique collaborative experience

• Individual and group interviews
• Self-assessment
• Collective restitution at the end of training
• Sign-in sheet per half-day
• Certificate of completion issued by Campus MaNa