Team Deakins

NATHAN CROWLEY - Production Designer

Mar 26, 2025
Nathan Crowley, a renowned production designer known for his work on *Interstellar*, *Dunkirk*, and *Wicked*, shares his transformative journey in film. He reveals how a chance encounter led him to set design, and discusses the practical effects used in *Dunkirk* to enhance emotional depth. Crowley provides insights from his recent project, *Wicked*, detailing how he addressed challenges in creating iconic visuals, like expansive tulip fields. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and following instincts in innovative design.
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ANECDOTE

Accidental Entry into Film

  • Nathan Crowley stumbled into production design accidentally after a car breakdown led him to an open day at Brighton Art School.
  • A chance encounter with Joe Hodges at a bar landed him a drafting job on "Hook."
ANECDOTE

Learning Filmmaking on Dracula

  • After "Hook," Norman Garwood helped Crowley get a job on "Bram Stoker's Dracula," working with Roman Coppola on second unit.
  • This experience taught Crowley practical filmmaking techniques like puppeteering, miniatures, and in-camera tricks.
ADVICE

Collaborating with Directors

  • Collaborate closely with the director to visualize the script and understand their vision.
  • Help them translate their ideas into tangible imagery and designs.
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