Episode #56
Using Design Elements for Storytelling
In this episode, Jennifer talks to costume designer and visual producer, Sarah Cogan, all about the importance of design for on-camera and how aligning design elements of production, costume, lighting, hair/makeup etc. can shape and enhance storytelling. She gives guidance to filmmakers on crafting cinematic cohesion through production design, getting clarity on their ideas, and counters the misconception that film design is a luxury. They unpack four key storytelling layers of film, what three key questions are crucial to ask when in the process of creation, and five tenants to use as storytelling tools.
About Our Guest
Sarah Cogan crafts cinematic cohesion by aligning the script to the visuals, skillfully integrating the filmmakers’s creative vision across all areas of design. She crafts grounded, genuine characters by working closely with the director and actors. Sarah has been designing costumes for over 17 years. Her latest film, 18 1/2 (2021), was submitted to the Oscars for Best Costumes. She’s designed features, shorts and episodics. She’s Assistant Costume Designed shows such as Kevin Can Wait, Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Helpsters (Nominated for an Emmy) and Last Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Sarah is known by her colleagues for championing the projects she takes on, serving the filmmakers’s vision with excellence, and making strong intuitive choices. Her strengths are genre blending, worldbuilding, and crafting grounded characters.
Sarah’s Instagram Sarah’s Website Sarah’s TikTok
Sarah’s Free Workshop
