Award-winning art director Alex Gordon Stotz, one of the creative driving forces behind blockbuster hits like “Barbie” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," will deliver the next Hyde Lecture, “Architecture in Film.”
The event is presented by the College of Architecture and the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts in collaboration with Sheldon Museum of Art. The lecture will be 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the art museum.
Stotz is an accomplished art director and set designer whose work spans both film and television. A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Design and a Master of Architecture, Stotz began his career as an architect in Washington, D.C., before transitioning to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. His portfolio includes work on award-winning projects such as “The Fabelmans.”
In the fast-paced world of film and television, art departments consist of a diverse team of concept artists, set designers, graphic designers, set decorators and art directors. The lecture will explore the dynamic intersection between architecture and set design, revealing how the principles of architecture seamlessly translate into the art department. Stotz will offer insights into his journey, detailing how his background in architecture shaped his career in film, and provide guidance for architects, interior designers, graphic artists, filmmakers and set designers interested in a similar path. The lecture will underscore the parallels between an art department and an architectural office, demonstrating how architects and similar disciplines can successfully transition into the competitive world of set design.
The Hyde Lecture Series is an endowed, public program hosted by the College of Architecture. Each year, the series invites leading experts from architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and planning to present on topics that inspire thought-provoking discussions. The 2024-25 Hyde Lecture Series is centered on the theme “Trajectories,” focusing on the varied and complex career paths within and adjacent to the design and planning fields. The lectures provide a unique opportunity for students, professionals and the public to engage with top industry leaders and explore diverse career possibilities in the design disciplines.
