The Sirens

11 minutes, Sci-Fi, Production Designer
Created by Stephen Cullina

Participated in a team of Production Designers on a larger scale student short. Responsible for sourcing props, constructing a bedroom location, outdoor set dressing, assisting in costume design and graphic designs used in the film.

The Bedroom was what I spent most of my time on. The frame of the bed was completely assembled with scraps I strategically sourced from our location in advance - boxes and a small table, along with my own comforter and pillows. A few of the items were purchased: the rug, the curtains, for instance. We budgeted for those items but I was able to return them (as is standard) after we wrapped. The items that could not be returned were kept by members of the crew. The telescope and the Lego spaceship I got inspiration for while out shopping, as I thought they might add some depth to the child's character. Other items, I borrowed, kept track of, and returned in a timely manner. A few of the touches I even crafted myself, including some "child-like" drawings and paintings of the characters. I assembled a little cubby full of drawing materials for the character and wanted him to be portrayed as properly imaginative, even sentimental.

Everything came together on location a couple days prior to the shoot, after spending a couple late nights figuring out the best possible organization of things. It was to be set up in a completely blank studio space, so it was important to try and make the room feel alive, and lived in. In that regard, I feel like I was successful, and they used the space very well.

Other specific contributions to the film on my end include the design of the shoulder patch on the space suits, and helping clearing areas of the forest for us to shoot in.

For more information on the film, check out his website.