I'm dong a bit of research for an upcoming BLOG, and stumbled upon this great behind-the-scenes video about the PRODUCTION DESIGN on Netflix's "The Residence". It's SO detailed and well-thoughtout AND... get this, THIS IS THE LARGEST WHITE HOUSE THAT HAS EVER BEEN CONSTRUCTED!
AND there are massive amounts of props and set decorations...
AND the costumes are detailed and coordinated...
AND the hair and make-up are intentional!
Now, I know you're wondering "K-Dawg, why are you bringing this up in the PRODUCING Lounge? Shouldn't you be geeking out about this with your fellow filmmakers?" For one simple, but important reason...
Producers are responsible for raising funds and spending funds, and ART DEPARTMENT is often the first thing that is cut in order to afford a project. So, I'd love to know - what does "The Residence" inspire YOU to pursue on your next project? In what ways could you elevate your storytelling with Production Design?
If you know the VALUE of PRODUCTION DESIGN, then you can fight for it's inclusion.
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Karen "Kay" Ross Loved the video, Kay. For the project after Seeing Rachel, I want to buy a plot of land, build a house, which is the focus of the story and like Zone of Interest, have cameras hidden in each room.
To the front of the house, a rose garden, to the back a vegetable garden. Then after we wrap, I want to sell the house along with some production memorabilia and put the money into post-production and advertising. And maybe buy a fine bottle of port - a central prop to the story.
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One of my favorite watches so far this year! The Residence is such a brilliant example of what happens when production design is treated as an essential storytelling tool rather than a luxury. The detail in every room and every prop doesn’t just look great, it deepens the mystery and builds character without a single line of dialogue.
Your point about producers needing to understand the value of the art department is so important. When production design is thoughtful and intentional, it elevates the entire project and can absolutely be the thing that gets audiences talking. This video is such a powerful reminder of that. Thanks for sharing it, Karen "Kay" Ross!
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Karen "Kay" Ross I’ve just read Ashley’s comment about production design being undervalued and then thought the PD budget is obviously more than the budget for my film. With that in mind, how can you get the best value for a low budget, £3m film?
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I Enjoyed this video and inputs as well, its indeed eye opening on how big one can go, may a times we as producers think, am I being to extra, or bring it down, but to build a 5 story Whitehouse with so much precision is impression. Thank you for reminding us to rather extend our deadlines and shooting schedules in order to get all the proper funding to do a project properly.