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The magic of cinema is more than just actors and directors—it’s about the worlds they inhabit. Few understand this better than François Audouy, the visionary production designer behind Logan, Ford v Ferrari, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and A Complete Unknown.
His craft transforms scripts into tangible, immersive spaces that transport audiences across time and genres. Now, his official website, audouy.com, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these cinematic universes come to life. Designed with a sleek, restrained elegance, the site is not just a portfolio—it’s an invitation to explore the art of world-building itself.
A portal into the creative process
At first glance, audouy.com greets visitors with a striking yet understated homepage, punctuated by the phrase: Imagining Stories. Building Worlds. This ethos is reflected throughout the site, where the process of production design is demystified. Unlike traditional portfolio sites that simply list projects, this one invites users deeper—into the conceptual sketches, research materials, and on-set photographs that bring Audouy’s visions to reality.
The Case Studies section is where the site truly shines. Instead of a simple showcase of past works, each project is treated like an interactive dossier. Take A Complete Unknown, for example. This award-winning Bob Dylan biopic required an intricate recreation of 1960s New York, blending historical accuracy with artistic interpretation. Audouy’s site presents this process in a way that feels almost cinematic itself—through rich visual storytelling and thoughtful breakdowns of each design decision. Visitors don’t just see the final product; they experience the evolution of a film’s visual identity from the ground up.
From sketchbook to silver screen
What sets Audouy’s website apart is its ability to convey the sheer depth of production design. A quick browse through the Work section reveals a diverse array of projects, each with its own world-building challenges. The dusty, hard-edged realism of Logan. The roaring 1960s aesthetic of Ford v Ferrari. Each entry acts as a deep dive, offering glimpses into blueprints, set models, and pre-visualization materials that highlight how these environments were meticulously crafted.
Film enthusiasts will also find the Publications section compelling, as it features articles and interviews that provide an intellectual layer to Audouy’s work. Whether discussing the role of production design in storytelling or breaking down the creative problem-solving behind specific films, these writings add a level of depth that extends beyond the visual.
A cinematic experience in itself
Perhaps what makes audouy.com most impressive is how it mirrors the very principles that define François Audouy’s production design—precision, clarity, and immersion. The design of the site is as intentional as the worlds he constructs for the big screen. Navigation is seamless, typography is bold yet understated, and the visual balance ensures that content remains the focal point. Every page, every project feels like an entry into another world.
For those who love cinema, the site is more than a professional showcase—it’s a guided tour through the unspoken artistry that shapes our favorite films. Much like a film set, where every detail contributes to a grand illusion, François' website is a masterclass in how to design an online experience that tells a story in its own right.
In an industry where the behind-the-scenes magic often goes unnoticed, François Audouy’s website is a reminder that production design isn’t just about building sets—it’s about building entire cinematic realities. And now, for the first time, audiences can step inside that process with just a click.
Author: Bram Timmer — 2025.02.07
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