"Art Directing for film can cover such a broad spectrum of duties. If the film project you're working on has a bit of a budget, then you can rely on the help of set designers, research assistants and coordinators. If you don't have a big enough budget to get this support staff, then you end up doing a lot of this stuff yourself.

It all starts with a sketch or concept from the production designer, for example, what does this rich family's foyer look like? Once you have this sketch, it's time to translate it into a drawing with real dimensions and details, so the construction department can start building.

After construction, it's time for the painters to add their magic, with textures and aging that can make something built yesterday look like it's 500 years old. Once that is complete, then the set is in the hands of the Set Decorator, to add any furniture or dressing needed. The job of an art director is to make sure all of this happens on time and on budget, while still looking like the original sketch. I have had to wear all of these hats on some of my past film projects."

Romanian born, Oana Bogdan moved with her family to the United States when she was just 8 years old. Having engineers for parents certainly had a strong influence over Oana's direction, but it was her early days in high school when she discovered her love for art. At that time she began to embark on the journey, that would later take her into the world of movie magic.

Oana graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her major of Interior Design paved the way for her entry into the role as an Art Director for Feature Film and Televison.

Shortly after graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, California and before long, her freelance career began. With credits like "Stargate", "The Adams Family" and Linkin Park's "In the End" video, her career continues to be an exciting and prosperous adventure.

© Melt Magazine 2002