PRODUCTION DESIGN

For Shut In, the production design was integral to building the film’s tension and atmosphere. We combined practical, on-location builds with several full-scale standing sets on stage to meet the demands of the cinematography.

On location, we constructed “rooms within rooms,” creating functional spaces that blended seamlessly with the stage sets. Each set featured custom-printed wallpapers and detailed scenic work by our talented scenic charge, adding depth and a sense of history to every room. We also took the exterior of a dilapidated house and made it look “worse” and also had to flip it to “fully restored” within one week.

The design also included dozens of custom-built furniture pieces and props, all crafted and painted to match the film’s aesthetic. Every detail, from the textures to the finishes, was carefully considered to support the story and immerse the audience.

This project was a true collaboration, where the production design not only set the tone but also became a vital part of the storytelling.

Director: D.J. Caruso

Cinematography by: Akis Konstantakopoulos

Production Design by: Marcus Cooley

Art Director: Russell J Thomas

Set Designer: John Sandmaier

Set Decorator: Spencer Crenshaw

Propmaster: Jessica Rigsby

Starring: Rainey Qualley, Jake Horowitz, Vincent Gallo, Luciana VanDette

Synopsis:

When a young mother is barricaded inside a pantry by her violent ex-boyfriend, she must use ingenuity to protect her two small children from escalating danger while finding an escape.