The Crane Wives
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Black and White photos by: Hwa-Jeen
‘Bitter Medicine’ was such a fun project to be a part of. Ezo Productions reached out with a fun and spunky commission request with the prompt of balloons and paint splatter. After considering the implications of a few design tactics, we arrived at the idea to Characterize the balloons (as opposed to being environmental elements like a full wall or ceiling of them).
Once a form of puppeteering was addressed, we created Tentacloons of various combinations and purposes. Some were static sculptures to create shape and occupy space. Others were strange whips and swords to manipulate and add motion. Beyond the tentacles - we added many free-floating spheres and balloon-jacks (an assembly of several lashed together) to aid in the creation of constant motion and flexible occupation of screen space. A literal minefield of balloons for Production to dance around.
We imported a sleek bedroom set (with a trick mattress ie. Nightmare on Elm Street) into a white cyc studio in Grand Rapids (The Moon Studio). A lot of our Look was secured by the incredibly perfect circular light installed at the studio. When it created a perfect sci-fi vibing highlight on the balloon skin… *chef’s kiss. There was a still-photograph session the night before the music video, so we were able to rehearse with some of the assets and effects. On Shoot Day, we were busy. Keeping all balloons in motion and on set was a several person ordeal. Then, a strategic(ish) application of paint splatter per situation. Everything and everyone was in constant motion all day - but everyone had an immeasurable amount of fun.
How can you not when working with balloons, paint, and excellent people?
Directed By: Jackson Ezinga
