Danillo Arantes
Hails From: Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil.
Lives In: São Paulo, Brazil.
Tell us one fact about yourself: I'm passionate about the idea of places as characters in the stories we read, watch and create. When I say I work in the art department of film and TV productions, most people think about period films, sci-fi or fantasy worlds. Those are, for sure, really fun to work on, but there's nothing I love more than creating original, real life contemporary places. I love when I have the opportunity to work on beautiful, almost heightened, contemporary realities – transporting audiences to different places within the real world.
What is one creative goal you have for 2024? I used to write a lot growing up and, lately, reading other people's scripts and ideas has been really inspiring to me. That is one habit I'm hoping to bring back to my life in 2024!
What inspired you to follow a career in production design? The combination of storytelling and design. When I found out that there was a job responsible for materializing spatially and aesthetically the stories in films and TV, I could not see myself doing anything else. There's something really magical about being able to translate visually what we see written on the page.
You joined the PDC team because... The PDC has been a great resource for me over the years, especially before transitioning from architecture to production design and officially getting into the industry. It has always been a great way to see what other designers have been working on, and how they have managed to create a career in this field, that is usually super niche and not so easy to find information about. I just really wanted to contribute to something that has been so helpful to me over the years.
Ana Julia Fortes
Hails From: Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil.
Lives In: Berlin, Germany.
Tell us one fact about yourself: One of the first things I do when I start a new project is to create a playlist inspired by the characters. Music can guide me visually in the beginning of a design.
What is one creative goal you have for 2024? I’m starting a visual journal with elements I can find in nature. The idea is to explore shapes, materials and even pigments and get inspired for more sustainable solutions in my projects.
What inspired you to follow a career in production design? I watched “Vertigo” for the first time when I was 8 years old and found out one could build worlds by designing them.
You joined the PDC team because... I wanted to help our community grow stronger.
Isaac Medina
Hails From: Mexico City, Mexico.
Lives In: Mexico City, Mexico.
Tell us one fact about yourself: From a very young age I stopped counting on my parents and I found myself having to fend for myself, study and work at the same time. Economic necessity made me always look for better opportunities. I first started learning new things on my own to get better jobs, and now it has become a habit that I really enjoy.
What is one creative goal you have for 2024? I want to keep working in the film industry and to help organize the 2024 PDC Gathering.
What inspired you to follow a career in production design? Once I discovered it is a mixture between all my passions: architecture, art, history, film and technology.
You joined the PDC team because... I think it is a good way to keep learning and to help others. Also because I like to organize events.
Jenny Carlys Melendez
Hails From: Lawrenceville, GA, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Lives In: New York City, New York.
Tell us one fact about yourself: I love to wear overalls and jump suites on set. They make me feel cute and prepared.
What is one creative goal you have for 2024? I am applying to a pottery class near my apartment.
What inspired you to follow a career in production design? I am an interior designer and worked for retail, hospitality, and luxury residential companies. After 7 years of working in the industry, there was something missing and I took a break from my career. Production Design found me and an alum needed an Art PA for their friends short film. I had no idea what an Art PA was but the moment I started on the project I instantly fell in love with the craft.
You joined the PDC team because... I love this global tribe, writing, and brainstorming different ideas. It’s fulfilling to play a small role in helping build a collective of production designers.
Diana Penglase
Hails From: Appleton, Wisconsin.
Lives In: New York City, New York.
Tell us one fact about yourself: I studied film in three different countries as a part of my undergraduate curriculum: Rome, Italy; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Chicago, USA. These are three areas of the world that will always be apart of my design interests and choices.
What is one creative goal you have for 2024? I've been designing furniture pieces in my head for a while now, and I would like to finally bring those to life in 2024. In addition, and this is a very large goal for me, I have started to learn Arabesque No. 1 by Claude Debussy on the piano.
What inspired you to follow a career in production design? It has always been film and cinema for me, for as long as I can remember. However, I wasn't entirely sure where I would fit in this industry and almost decided to pursue interior design instead. Like kismet, I discovered production design.
You joined the PDC team because... I attended the gathering in Greece last year and I place that experience in my box of favorite life memories. The PDC has brought me connection, community, and invaluable education, mentorship and resources. Working with this incredible team is just the cherry on top!
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