Good Questions: How To Find Out More About Film Set Design Elements?

Hello AT,

Last night I saw Steve Buscemi’s “Interview,” which was fascinating — but no more so than the design of the Sienna Miller character’s NYC loft. Lots of brick, gauzy curtains, a red crochet hammock—not exactly a small space, but definitely cool. The set designer, according to IMDB, is Christina K. Tonkin. Where can I get more information about the designers and design elements used in the film (and films in general, perhaps)?

Thanks, Sarah

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Anyone????

Comments (8)

I thought this query sounded familiar. Here is a link to a decor8 post on the same topic from February

http://decor8.blogspot.com/search?q=%22The break up%22

Set Decorators Society of America:

http://www.setdecorators.org/incEngine/

If the above post isn't useful, try to track down the Production Company (the distributor can help you here). It's the Production Designer you want to find since he/she is in charge of the overall look of the film. If they cannot help, they can lead you to the set designers and props dept. I haven't seen the film, but given that it's Steve Buscemi directing, I'm assuming it's set in NYC so once you get hold of the right crew members, you very well may be able to find what you are looking for. Be patient though. It could take awhile since this film finished long ago and the Production dept. has undoubtedly moved on to other work.

thanks for the contacts. has anyone tried reaching out to a production designer before? are they willing to pass on information, or too busy to take notice of such humble queries?

They'll be flattered. Whether or not they have time/will be inclined to share sources with you is an unknown, but everyone likes to be appreciated for their good work.

The distributor can not help you. The Production Company disbands once the film wraps. Christina is one of the best designers in the city. I've alerted her of your comments and maybe if she has time (which is limited) she will log on and point you in the direction of the red hammock.

Now there's a coincidence - I just wrote to Pixar an hour ago trying to find out who is in charge of the look of their movies.

Yeah - how to contact such a person. Damn.

The person who helped me with my house is a set decorator who does interior design/redesign/staging on the side. Todd is AMAZING and has my very highest praise!!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0606976/

He just left Portland to move to Cleveland, so if anyone in that area is interested in a wonderfully talented designer, let me know.

P.S. Even though he worked on the film, I assure you that my place doesn't look like the set of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Hopefully I'll be posting photos soon...

You might be able to contact the Decorators through their unions, Local 52 in NYC, Local 44 in Los Angeles.

It is important to note that there is a difference between Set Decorators and Production Designers. I am a Production Designer in NYC and my union is IATSE Local 829.

I don't know if just anyone can call and ask for that information, but I call the local when I need a Decorator's number; they have everyone on file.

I can imagine that it might get bothersome to some film professionals to have a LOT of people calling & asking questions but in general we're happy to give out our sources!