I am currently underway on an epic art project. I am going to be the Production Designer for a film. Writer/Director Jon Crawford has asked me to head up the art team for his new short film, Foot Soldier.

Foot Soldier is a story about a down on his luck, door to door Bible salesman in the South. Emmitt, the main character believes that the way to be close to God is through pain and deprivation. He says, “When He is in me, I can’t feel pain, and so I know I’m holy.” Emmitt comes across a number of interesting characters on his path and in the end, realizes that there are other ways to feel God. That pleasure and love are just as valid a path, even a better one.

It is a film that I’m really excited to be a part of. I love the South and this is a film that is going to take a lot of it’s impact from the environment and feel of the region. That is why we will be filming in my homestate of Arkansas.

When I was in college, my emphasis was in Theater Design, set and production. I haven’t been a “production designer” for a film before. In fact, I’ve only done stage productions before, so I can’t wait to get this under my belt as well. I think I will really be able to pull together something wonderful. And, I’ll be working with a great crew!

As the production designer, I’m the head of the art team. I’ll be personally organizing and designing all of the location details. Props, furniture, set dressing, etc. I’ll also be coordinating with the costumer, makeup person, special effects person, etc. I’m currently working with the director and having weekly phone meetings to discuss ideas, direction, theme, color, and full lists of items. We are also still recruiting team members.

It is a little intimidating to try and organize a production in a location about 2,000 miles from your current one, but I like a challenge!