Finding Magic in the Mundane: A Journey into Production Design by Shea

Finding Magic in the Mundane: A Journey into Production Design by Shea - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Ever since my father introduced me to Star Wars, my first science fiction movie, I have been captivated by the art of world-building. It is this intricate craft that enables stories to transcend the confines of the imagination and draws viewers into a whole new world. Each movie had its own cinematic pallet, allowing colors and textures to interact and evoke a range of emotions. While I was always drawn to the overall concept of world-building, I am especially drawn to the way props and the set design worked to serve the story being told.

My initiation into the world of production design began with my experience in theater. While I often assumed the role of stage manager for most shows at my school, my true passion was for set dressing. I was fascinated by how every prop on the set influenced the audience’s interpretation of the story unfolding. It was a form of storytelling in itself. Whenever I am working on a show and am tasked with set dressing, I often find myself wondering, “If I were this character, what would I own?”. There is no right or wrong answer to this question; it's all up to my interpretation of the character.

I remember going to Goodwill one evening in an effort to find a wooden tennis racket for a character who was an elderly aristocrat. Miraculously, I found one hidden behind all the sports equipment. While this antique racket was more decorative than useful, it showed how the character was more interested in showing off his collection of items rather than the actual functionality of them.

It was at this moment I knew I would pursue Production Design as a career. I want to be the curator of these "new worlds." If my father had not been as big of a movie and electronics nerd as he is, I would have never discovered the true magic of cinema. I want to create a movie that impacts a young child's life just like Star Wars impacted me. There is also something special about creating a piece of art that brings people together. From long night conversations over the phone ranting about new movies to sharing my Letterbox account information, my friendships have grown over a mutual love of movies. I want to create something that will build a community, just like how I found my community through movies.