Production designer Christopher Glass recently emerged from the wild and colorful sets of Boots Riley’s latest film, I Love Boosters. Starring Keke Palmer, Demi Moore, and Eiza González, the movie takes viewers inside an eccentric world where Moore’s character, fashion designer Christie Smith, operates from a dramatized version of the tilting Millennium Tower in San Francisco. Known for his remarkable ability to create immersive environments, the film environments created by Glass truly enhance the movie’s whimsical narrative.
The film’s set included Smith’s wildly slanted office, though the script describes it as 45 degrees. Through practical effects, Glass and his team created elements such as a giant junk ball and a dress with plaid that bursts into ribbons. These film designs demonstrate his unmatched creativity and attention to detail.
Inside Boots Riley’s Creative Universe: Movie Sets
Glass comments on Riley’s unique vision, stating, “It’s a very strange, interesting universe.” Despite the seemingly surreal plots, Riley’s stories often ground themselves in relatable themes. The innovative sets, including the ominous junk ball, were crafted using miniatures to illustrate the Bay Area’s steep streets, adding a whimsical yet unsettling dimension to the film.
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In another scene, Keke Palmer’s character wears an exploding plaid dress, avoiding digital effects in favor of using pre-cut ribbons. This tactile approach allowed Glass to execute an impressive, visually dynamic moment without CGI. Such film design choices highlight Glass’s innovative approach to filmmaking.
From Films to Groundbreaking Commercials
Glass’s innovative spirit extends beyond films, evident in his work for Spike Jonze’s Apple HomePod commercial, “Welcome Home.” Featuring FKA Twigs, this commercial involved a dynamic set that transformed with music, winning accolades like the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions. The commercial’s set designs captured audiences with their creativity and complexity.
Glass explains, “Commercials can be very experimental… [it’s] a playground to do weird, experimental, or risky visual ideas.” His projects span various industries, creating expansive set environments for companies like Leroy Merlin, Experian, and Jim Beam.
Balancing Real and Digital Worlds
Glass’s expertise spans high-action realms of Marvel’s Ms. Marvel and DC’s Batgirl. In the 2015 live-action The Jungle Book, Glass’s team expertly melded crafted physical sets with CGI. “Almost everything [Mowgli] interacts with physically we created,” he recalls. Such set designs blend the best of both worlds.
For further exploration of blending physical and digital art, discover how Won Ji Lim’s work reimagines everyday objects in unique sculptural art.
This blend of real and digital is central to Glass’s philosophy, ensuring each project delivers both magic and realism. Reflecting on his extensive experience, Glass shares, “I’m a nerd for filmmaking… if I’m not doing something, I start to feel too separated from the process.”
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the film ‘I Love Boosters’ about?
The film ‘I Love Boosters’ takes viewers inside an eccentric world where Demi Moore’s character, fashion designer Christie Smith, operates from a dramatized version of the tilting Millennium Tower in San Francisco.
How did Christopher Glass create the exploding plaid dress effect?
For the exploding plaid dress worn by Keke Palmer’s character, Glass used pre-cut ribbons to avoid digital effects, opting for a tactile approach that allowed for a visually dynamic moment without CGI.
What is Christopher Glass’s philosophy on blending real and digital worlds?
Christopher Glass believes in blending physical and digital elements to deliver both magic and realism, as seen in projects like ‘The Jungle Book’ where crafted physical sets are melded with CGI.