Every visionary director possesses a distinct creative signature - a unique toolkit of pacing, framing, camera movement, and thematic obsessions that transforms a script into a personal artistic statement. While some filmmakers rely heavily on improvisation and naturalism, others orchestrate every single frame with geometric precision. Ridley Scott stands as a masterclass in the latter. 

Having spent formative years studying design before transitioning into commercial directing and feature films, Scott approaches filmmaking primarily through the eyes of a visual artist.

The renowned director of some of the most famous movies ever made, Ridley Scott, recently talked about how his early artistic background still influences his style. The 88-year-old director emphasized in an interview with PEOPLE the significant influence his time at art school had on his style of visual storytelling.

“I’m filming on paper in my head, but then it goes onto the paper because my time at art school is the most useful time in my life. I use everything at an art school today,” said Scott.

Scott is one of those directors who like to do a little homework before they set foot on the set. He has a propensity that dates back to his time in art school: before the cameras roll, he wants to have a clear vision of the film he is doing. In the PEOPLE interview, he argues that this approach is essential to effectively expressing his vision and facilitating a more seamless transition from concept to production.

Scott's adaptation of Peter Heller's post-apocalyptic novel, The Dog Stars, is branded by this strategy all over. In the movie, Margaret Qualley plays Cima, Josh Brolin plays Bangley, Hig's rugged survivalist friend, and Jacob Elordi plays Hig, a young pilot attempting to live after a pandemic decimates society.

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While it is nice knowing that Scott still uses the conventional route of filmmaking - one that uses his art school background - it will help everyone’s curiosity a little bit more to dive a little deeper into that background.  

The filmmaker attended West Hartlepool College of Art in the UK, where he started his formal artistic career. Later, between 1958 and 1961, Ridley Scott refined his abilities at the Royal College of Art in London, concentrating on graphic design during a pivotal time when a variety of visual mediums were developing. After completing his education, Scott - who did not attend a traditional film school - entered the commercial film industry. His work in the British advertising industry taught him how to effectively and concisely tell stories, which proved to be crucial.

Scott is still dedicated to the exacting planning procedures that have worked effectively for him throughout his career as he gets ready for upcoming assignments. The Martian director has big ambitions for the future, such as a movie version of Treasure Island. The foundation for this initiative has already been laid by him. Hugh Jackman has agreed to play the infamous Long John Silver in the movie, which is scheduled to begin production on November 1, 2026.

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What do you think of Ridley Scott’s approach to filmmaking? Do let us know.