How does the design process work?

Production design is the art of visual storytelling. Through a complexe process and a lot of collaboration, Brian gives each project its unique and memorable identity.

The process

Exploration & research

concept board for a tv show in earth tone and black with picture of 2 teenagers in an attic

concept board 2 in vintagy blue and orange colors with a boy lying on a bed

concept board for a halloween episode with orange and black colors and pictures of a museum hall

concept board with blue background and pictures of a fancy mansion's living-room

concept board with blue background and pictures of great entrance hall of a mansion

concept board with orangy red background and pictures of a halloween decorated entrance door

The bulk of Brian's work happens in the pre-production phase and starts with some brainstorming sessions with the director to develop and understand their vision.
During this time, he works out overarching creative decisions, such as: whether to build sets or shoot on location; what the mood, tone, or visual theme of the film will be, etc.

Brian also starts an extensive research work that ultimately results in the moodboards and lookbooks for each of the sets.

After the discovery and research phase, Brian creates design sketches, or models that communicate the mood, atmosphere, lighting, composition, color, and texture of a film so that all members of the department are on the same page. His art director will then turn these design sketches into technical drawings or elevations that the construction department will use to build the sets. All those design materials are also the base for the decorator and prop master's work going forward.

Conceptualisation

elevations for a mansion hallway and dinning room

blue print and elevation for a mansion's study room

blue print and elevations for a mansion's study room

Implementation

a boy's bedroom in blue tone with a plaid cover on the bed

a boy's bedroom in blue and purple tones with closet open and vintage suitcase inside

a 60's living-room with lots of teak furniture

a 70's living room with lots of teak furniture and blue and orange tones

a vintage RPG game card with a warrior screaming and an octopus in the background

A vintage taro card in red blue and purple colors with a crystal ball on it

a vintage poster with a lady lemon graphic on it, holding a lemonade

Once the concepts are approved, Brian coordinates with his team of carpenters, set dressers, props, illustrators and painters to implement the design and turn it into a workable set that a full crew can move around while still perfectly rendering the director's vision.

His most prevalent job from that point on is team and budget management, which Brian always executes with a positive and open attitude and communication.