String Theory | 2025
Production Designer | Independent Short Film
"A woman befriends her younger self, allowing her to reflect on her childhood and independence. Together they work to create the freedom and friendship they wish they had, both in the past and present."
I worked as Production Designer on this experimental short film, designing nostalgic sets and unique crafty props. This project provided countless fun challenges by showcasing imagination through handmade crafts, representing the childlike wonder of this story. The story also showcases multiple dreams, blending imagination while awake and asleep. I loved having my own freedom to push into exaggerated and worn looks to fit our old abandoned farm aesthetic.We spent a week living on this farm, working together to build equipment and sets in between shooting schedules. It was amazing having access to so many old fabrics, tools, and clothes to work with, and a loving team to help along the way.
My favorite part of this production was rigging our theater and firelord puppet! This theater was lowered into frame on tight strings rigged to the ceiling, then lifted out of frame at the end of the scene. We also had fishing line tied to the curtains to pull them open, revealing the puppets as the show starts. I used reds, pinks, and some blues to create a dreamlike neon appearance for our theater, brightening it against its dark setting.
The firelord puppet was inflated with a barn fan while I puppeteered from behind with a long brace. This allowed us to create an inflatable tube look and give the creature more character. We lit a large bonfire in front of it to give the puppet a sense of power and godliness, pushing our characters to pray and worship the creature. I cut think pieces into the arms and wavy fire to create more movement and flow for the fan to push against.
Lookbook
