The Documentary Podcast In the Studio: Designing Conclave
Jun 2, 2025
Suzie Davies, a renowned production designer known for her work on films like Mr. Turner and Conclave, shares her creative journey in constructing the Sistine Chapel inside a film studio in Rome. She discusses the balance between historical accuracy and artistic expression, explaining how mood often takes precedence over strict details. Suzie also illuminates the vital role of color and texture in storytelling, and how collaborative design choices enhance character development, creating rich environments that immerse viewers in the narrative.
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Hidden Spaces Enhance Storytelling
- Interesting set locations often lie in overlooked spaces like staircases, basements, and car parks.
- These areas add texture and tension to a story’s visual atmosphere beyond grand sets.
Balance Research and Creativity
- Use research to inform and inspire your design, but know when to let it take a back seat.
- Prioritize cinematic storytelling over strict historical accuracy to serve the narrative.
Reusing the Sistine Chapel Set
- Susie reused a previous Sistine Chapel set at Cinecita, assembling it like a 3D jigsaw.
- Craftsmen repainted it carefully, adding slight configuration changes for cinematic impact.
