Movie Production Designer Tips - We sit down with PD Brandon Tonner-Connolly to discuss all things production design.
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PRODUCTION DESIGN IN FILMMAKING
Production design is one of the most important elements of filmmaking. Every decision for what appears in front of the camera other than the actors- from props to sets- is a production design decision. Even if you’re just starting out and don’t have a production designer, you’re making PD calls. Today, we talk with celebrated production designer Brandon Tonner-Connolly (Reservation Dogs, I Saw the TV Glow) about the in’s and out’s of the profession.
PRODUCTION DESIGN TIPS
Tonner-Connolly begins by walking through how he became the head of the art department. Like with every creative, it is a unique path. He talks about how he rose the ranks of the department to become PD, taking jobs as a set dresser, prop master, and more. Tonner-Connolly also discusses what qualities are needed in a great production designer, and how he learned those qualities.
I SAW THE TV GLOW FILM PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Next, we delve into some of Tonner-Connolly’s work, beginning with “I Saw the TV Glow,” the most recent film from writer/director Jane Schoenbrun. Tonner-Connolly explains how he worked with Schoenbrun to create the evocative world of the film, and goes step by step through his design process. Through this discussion, we learn about the ideal working relationship between a director and a PD, and how distinct visual palettes come to be.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER JOB ON RESERVATION DOGS
Tonner-Connolly then talks about his work on the beloved TV series “Reservation Dogs.” He dives deep into each decision that went into the look of the show, and how he strove for the most realistic and respectful representation of reservations and Native Americans possible. In particular, we talk about his award-winning work on the show’s sequences within the reservation school system. Despite setbacks, he and his team created a true-to-life look of an under-examined element of US history.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER JOB DESCRIPTION
We end our conversation with Tonner-Connolly with some more practical questions, like any tips he has for up and coming PDs, and how to work on a budget. His advice is invaluable- to not sacrifice the artistic vision, no matter the project.
As Tonner-Connolly shows us, production design is an entire artform in and of itself. It demands time and attention to detail.
#filmproduction #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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