World War Z
Zombie pandemic thriller based on the novel by Max Brooks
World War Z was the film that changed everything for me and set a major precedent in my career. Having previously researched for Production Designer Nigel Phelps on Transformers 3, I was brought onto this project first as a Researcher, then promoted to Art Department Coordinator. I expressed to Nigel that I needed the opportunity to log my days toward union membership, and he not only hired me as an Assistant Art Director, but personally negotiated with Universal’s labor relations to secure my entry into the Art Directors Guild (Local 800).
This was a turning point after years of working in administrative and research capacities despite holding a Master of Architecture. World War Z finally gave me the chance to step fully into the creative and managerial responsibilities of art direction.
Another precedent was the scale and international reach of the production: I worked abroad in London, Scotland, and Malta, contributing to multiple sets by coordinating, researching, and preparing Director’s Plans. The scope, speed, and global logistics of this film made it a life-changing experience, setting me firmly on the path of large-scale art direction for feature films.
