BENJAMIN RALSTON
Production Designer - Los Angeles, CA.
ILLUSTRATIONS / DESIGN PROCESS IMAGES
The previsualization and prep phase of a project is the most important time in the design process.
Here are some examples of the tools I use to previsualize sets and get a strong concept communicated to directors, producers, VFX supervisors, and DPs.
Sketchup plans and rendered walkthroughs help us use our resources wisely and have a solid approved set design prior to construction.
I always create a well articulated Pre Pro Book that clearly communicates all facets of my art department and makes sure everyone sees our progress every step of the way.
Skyfighter - Spaceship Walkthrough & Rendering
Interior Built on Stage
Example Commercial Pre Pro Book
Walmart Toys 2020
Additional Tools Used
Renderings, groundplans, animations, concept art, mood boards and more.
Built Set on Stage Rendered In Sketchup Production Designer - Benjamin Ralston McDonalds 2020 Award Season Promos with Uber Eats.
This is a full set build on stage with multiple smaller sets that combine to make one long set! Drawn In Sketchup by Benjamin Ralston
Construction plans are drawn to communicate the size and space of a built set. Hand Drawn
This director's plan is something that I would make to distribute for any set. They will be helpful in camera diagrams and blocking, as well as furniture plans and overall production plans! Drawn in Layout by Benjamin Ralston
Before building a set, even a small one like this closet, I wanted to see exactly how much space we could utilize! Drawn in Sketchup by Benjamin Ralston
Before building a set, even a small one like this closet, I wanted to see exactly how much space we could utilize! Drawn in Sketchup by Benjamin Ralston
Sometimes just taking a look through a camera lens can really be helpful for determining how big the set should be. Drawn in Sketchup by Benjamin Ralston
An example of how we can achieve almost exactly what we pre previsualize in preproduction using SketchUp! Designs by Benjamin Ralston.
Concept art for the film Blackstar Canyon - The Arkham Arcade
Concept art for the film Blackstar Canyon - The Arkham Arcade Sketchup Model & rendering
Concept art for the film Blackstar Canyon - The Arkham Arcade Sketchup Model & rendering
A furniture plan is put together to communicate the placement of furniture on a set. After a groundplan is drawn and distributed, a furniture plan expresses color and space. Drawn in Sketchup by Benjamin Ralston
A full set plan like this includes a furniture ground plan, stage spotting plan, and multiple renderings and perspective. Drawn In Layout
Renderings are very important to show and tell exactly what you plan on the set looking like. Quite often, when time allows, a rending will be made in addition to a groundplan, construction drawings, and mood boards. Drawn In SketchUp
Greenscreen renderings like this show how much greenscreen is required for specific angles of set extension. Drawn In SketchUp
Rendered In Podium
A furniture plan is put together to communicate the placement of furniture on a set. After a groundplan is drawn and distributed, a furniture plan expresses color and space. Hand Drawn
Mood boards are key in the initial stage of design to communicate color palate and textures planned for a specific set. Made In Photoshop.
Drafted with magicPlan
A simple sketch can help start a conversation about tone and size of the set. Hand Drawn
Quite often I provide a camera plan of the set to show directors and cinematographers the space as well as allows them to mark camera angles and plans.
Sometimes a prelim rendering is done to get a general size of the set and scope of the production.
A quick blocking rendering can be helpful for production to show frame size and get a general feel of size of a set.
A stage plan is drawn when a set is being built on a stage to show the crew where specific scenic items go in relation to the stage.
When a set is to be extended by green screen its helpful to show a set drawing with the extension.
