The Art of 'The X-Files' Event Showcases Series' Production Design
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- Written by: Garrett Devol
- Category: Latest News
On May 19th 2013, fans of The X-Files were given a rare treat; a chance to spend time with the minds behind the art of The X-Files. The event, held at the iconic Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles, and celebrated by the Art Directors Guild Film Society, the American Cinematheque, and The Hollywood Reporter, brought together production designer Corey Kaplan (The X-Files, Scandal, Cold Case, Robbery Homicide Division), writer-producer-director Vince Gilligan (The X-Files, Breaking Bad, The Lone Gunmen, Harsh Realm) and Creator-Writer-Producer-Director Chris Carter (The X-Files, Harsh Realm, Millennium, The Lone Gunmen). Moderated by production designer John Muto (Home Alone, River’s Edge, Terminator 2 3-D), the event presented the art and design of The X-Files by screening “Je Souhaite” and “Triangle” and included a panel discussion.
What made this event unique is that as a television viewing audience, we often celebrate and obsess over actors, and at times writers and producers. We become deeply connected to the characters and to the story of the hardships they face. However, the world that is created by the Art Department under the guidance of the Production Designer often goes unmentioned. This is likely due to the ability of the visual medium to submerse the viewer into an environment so compelling that we momentarily suspend belief. We forget the complexities of set design and construction, of picking out the right costumes and maintaining outfit continuity, of choosing makeup that both enhances the character yet seems realistic, of creating convincing special effects, and the arduous search for the perfect location. The style that unifies the image goes unnoticed because Production Design, when done right, complements the story and actors so well it becomes their world.
It is the job of the Production Designer to tell a visual story by taking the words off the page of the script and manifesting them on screen. Working alongside the cinematography department, they create a world that both matches and enhances the characters and their story. By utilizing sets, locations, props, special effects, costume design, framing, lighting, and pacing, the image communicates not only visual information but also emotional information.
Production Design on The X-Files took this a step farther. The visuals of The X-Files not only brought us into the world of Mulder and Scully, they also gave validity to a science fiction genre that is often plagued with big ideas but campy production by telling complex stories with fantastical elements in a believable way. With The X-Files, sci-fi suddenly found a mainstream audience.
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Details From Gillian Anderson's Reddit AMA
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- Written by: Roileigh Ollson | Managing Editor
- Category: Latest News
Earlier today, Gillian Anderson participated in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) thread on Reddit. The Q&A session was a great success with the post sitting at the top of the front page for several hours. At one point, the site even went down under too much activity for a few minutes.
Fans from all over the world asked Gillian questions about her career and life, and there were some really great moments. If you want to check out the entire thread, you can do so here. If searching through the the comments makes your head spin though, you can also read her responses to questions on her user page. Then click "permalink" or "context" to see the question she was answering.
For some of the best questions from the AMA, including those on The X-Files, Hannibal, and Gillian's favorite flavor of muffin, click read more.
A Weekend at Ottawa ComicCon with Gillian Anderson
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- Written by: Patricia Silva | Social Media Editor
- Category: Latest News
The weekend is over and now the post-con depression takes over. Ottawa ComicCon was a great success and everyone seemed to have a great time. XFN was in attendance from start to finish every day reporting on all things X-Files. Cell service and internet connection there were a little bit of a challenge, but we updated our Twitter every chance we got.
Gillian Anderson was in attendance Saturday and Sunday only. On Friday, we were told she had arrived early and would be able to sign autographs later in the day, but it was canceled last minute. There were tons of X-Philes on site, even on Friday, and we were able to snap a few shots of several people sporting their X-Files t-shirts and even some hardcore fans in Mulder and Scully cosplay. There was even a Skinner!
On Saturday, Gillian was signing autographs, posing for photo sessions, and interacting with fans all day. Her line was long all day and XFN was able to talk to several fans after their encounter with the woman behind their favorite FBI agent. Our Facebook has photos from Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Gillian's panel. If you were one of the fans we chatted with, head over there and look for yourself.
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