This portfolio is separated into different sections by project.
“THE FORT” – Short Film – Youtube
I was co-production designer on this project along with Matthew Dale Smith. The main set was a vintage trailer that progressively “transformed” itself throughout the film until it became “mostly” the renovated trailer. See the progression below.
“BAG OF LIES” – Feature Film – Amazon Prime
This film takes place mostly in the home of Claire and Matt. My favourite set in particular is the basement, which Matt and Harry are transforming into her new music studio. I immensely enjoyed planning this sequence and loved the final result.
I only had the help of a set decorator on this shoot and we tag teamed props. I did my own graphics work. I also wound up doubling for some of the “monster” bits, and as you can see from the main photo, it didn’t stop me from making decor adjustments on the day.
“LEGACY” – Feature Film – (unreleased)
Not only was I the writer, director, and exec producer on this project, but I also served as my own production designer and propmaker. Many of the actors and crew people also helped to build and dress sets under my supervision. I also made a few costume / costume pieces.
“HAUNTOLOGY” – Feature Film – Tubi
This film shot during four different segments over the course of a year. For three of the segments, I had a set decorator to help. I created quite a few graphics and paintings for this one. Each segment was like its own short film, and so we got to play with several different looks all while maintaining a cohesive through-story with some elements crossing over into other stories.
“THE GERMAN KING” – Short Film – Angel Studios Streaming
Still likely one of my favourite projects. I had an on set dresser, but all of the prep and research, graphics work, prop and procurement, and small scale builds were all my own doing. I recreated a vintage cigarette pack design, built a simple table, and dressed the same location for both a 1914s Cambodian palace as well as the Berlin Palace. Much of the location had to be as-is or slightly modified due to the budget, but with our resources and schedule, it remains one of my proudest achievements.
“NOTZILLA” – Feature Film – Tubi
I was the set decorator on this film, and with only three people in the art department, we all wore multiple hats. We had several set builds, including miniature sets, a water set, and front and rear projection work.
“TINY WORLD” – Spot for TV Show
For this project, my team and I created four separate miniature environments on 6×6 platforms. Sand dunes, rainforest, grasslands, and desert were our tasks to create. I also had a 3D print prop maker on my crew to make the small production equipment items. Team: Matthew Dale Smith & Ryan Tudor (3D print artist). Set sketches by Smith.
“ON SACRED GROUND” – Feature Film – Tubi
Served as set decorator on this film, and it was filled with challenges. I learned how to construct tipis, maintained an extensive exterior set, created signs, etc. One of the biggest challenges was a night exterior where we created a road blockade, constructing a fake barbed wire fence.
“LOW LIFE” – Short Film – (Rose Bush Build)
The director wanted two versions of this rose bush. One that had just been planted and one that had undergone years of growth. They were shot on separate days, giving me just a day to turn one small real rose bush into one that had grown for several years (and he wanted black flowers) by use of artificial vines, leaves, roses, real sticks, spray paint and variety of floral tapes.
“BLUE” – Feature Film – Amazon Prime
I also served as the costume designer on this film. I was a department-of-one on this film, save for a PA that aided me throughout the shoot days. The last couple photos in the slideshow are actually of my house at the time, showcasing just how an independent can take over my life. I was rather proud of the results of this film, as I had a grand total of only $1,000 for a budget across design, props, & costumes.
“OTHER PROJECTS” – Features, Shorts, & Commercials
Here you’ll find an assortment of examples from various shows on which I was either a designer or decorator (and on occasion dresser). Projects include Wrong Turn, The Nameless Cryst, Last of the Big Time Promoters, Jekyll, The Pope Drops In, Shirley, McAfee A/C, etc, including some of my graphics.
Stephonika W. Kaye 