When starting an environment concept, you'll always been given a brief on what the client wants to see. In this case, I'm
make-believing that the client is creating a film about an Irish fortune-hunter called Paddy who plunders ancient sites like this
long-forgotten druid tomb hidden in a ruined Christian monastery (cool film idea, huh?). Let's say the client wants this
environment to be instantly recognisable as ancient celtic ruins. It's a freezing cold night or very late in the day and the
atmosphere is foreboding and spooky.
With a work like this, I usually spend two to three hours looking for whatever reference material I can find. Movies always
provide great ideas for the spooky lighting setup and effects like ground mist and there's always holiday snaps of Irish ruins
online. Examples of how special materials behave under certain lighting conditions go a long way as well.