Note from the writer:
“Welcome to The NSN Company blog!
I’m Gizem from the Strategy Team at NSN. Originally from Türkiye, I’ve been living and working in Korea for the past seven years. While I’ve always been passionate about watching movies and series, I never gave much thought to the world of production design—until I joined NSN. Like many, I had no idea that so much of what makes my favorite films unforgettable stems from the creativity of production designers.
Through this blog, I’ll be diving into the captivating world of production design, sharing what I’ve learned, and exploring how it shapes the stories we love. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just curious, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey!”
Lights, camera… but hold on. Before the action, there's an army of magicians who build worlds, ignite moods, and make sure that every single throw pillow in a scene whispers its own secret story. Welcome to the world of production design, where imagination gets an architectural blueprint and storytelling gets a home.
What Is Production Design, Really?
In essence, production design is world-building. Whether it’s the stark contrast between the semi-basement and sleek mansion in Parasite, the childlike, almost surreal game rooms in Squid Game, or the eerie, claustrophobic interiors of Oldboy, production design shapes the physical and emotional reality of a story.
It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about making things feel right. A production designer’s goal isn’t just to craft beauty but to curate a space that whispers, screams, or even taunts the emotional undercurrent of the narrative.
"Parasite" - The semi-basement house
"Squid Game"
"Oldboy"
The Toolbox of the Trade
If you think production designers just shop at IKEA and paint walls, think again. Their toolkit includes everything from detailed storyboards to fabric swatches to CAD software—and, oh yes, they’ve probably memorized every dusty antique shop in a 50-kilometer radius.
But production designers don’t work alone. They collaborate closely with art directors, set decorators, costume designers, and more. It’s a symphony of artists, with the production designer as the conductor, ensuring every visual element sings in harmony with the story.
Challenges and Triumphs
Let’s not sugarcoat it—production design is not for the faint of heart. There are always budget constraints, time crunches, and last-minute script changes that demand entire sets be rebuilt overnight. (And yes, someone will always complain that the wallpaper pattern is “too distracting.”)
Yet, the triumphs are worth it. Seeing your imagination come to life and millions of people talk about the worlds you created—that’s the real payday.
And let’s not forget the Easter eggs! Production designers often leave tiny, deliberate details—like a clock set to a pivotal time or bookshelves filled with meaningful titles—that only the most eagle-eyed viewers will catch. It’s like having an inside joke with the audience.
Why It Matters
A movie without good production design is like a cupcake without frosting—technically fine but heartbreakingly incomplete. The spaces we see on screen are more than backdrops; they’re characters in their own right. They breathe life into the story and invite us to step into worlds that feel vivid and real, even if only for two hours.
So, next time you’re watching your favorite show or film, try to see how the color of a room mirrors a character’s mood or how the clutter on a desk reveals their secrets. Behind every perfectly placed object is a production designer whispering, You’re welcome.
Next Episode: Be on the lookout for a new post every Friday! (Korean time🙂)
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