Many of us have an appreciation for great television shows and movies; we all have our favorites. Some we love because of the suspense, some for the laughs and others for the drama. But one thing most people probably fail to recognize is the role a graphic designer plays in making all of the shows you love. Erica Wernick is an LA-based designer specializing in the entertainment industry, specifically in creating props. Erica took a few minutes out of her day on the set to answer a few questions about her field.
How did you go about getting into the entertainment industry?
One day I was watching the movie “13 Going on 30″ (a classic); you know the scene where J+M are eating Razzles? Suddenly, a light bulb (only the environmentally friendly kind, you gotta be green these days) went off: If that candy is not a pre-existing candy, someone must have designed that candy box! AMAZING!! Immediately, I decided this was what I wanted to do with my life. Yes, my inspiration came from a popular rom-com. Judge away.
Anyway, once I came to this brilliant realization, I packed my bags for sunny California, where dreams are made (and sometimes crushed, stomped, clouded from the pollution). Well, it wasn’t quite that glamorous. I researched for about 1-2 years about the kind of job I wanted. I contacted people who were already doing it and asked them questions. Specifically, I looked through credits on IMDB for Graphic Designers, and then searched the web for their contact information. Facebook was my hero through all of this. Some may call my tactics “stalking”, I, however call it determined. It landed me my first few gigs, so eat it.
What is your favorite part about designing for television and movies?
I have a few favorites, so bear with me. I love the idea of my work being on the big screen. It’s amazing to call home and tell my friends to watch an episode, or watch a movie, and they can see my graphics. Another great aspect is feeling a part of a larger picture. It’s pretty awesome to be a part of a film or tv show, working with all the different people/components. Finally, designing for film/tv is different than designing for a client. The main people you have to please are other art people. This gives you a lot of room to be creative.
What is a typical day like for you?
I have had the opportunity to work two types of jobs so I will explain both (and of course, it really varies from production to production):
1) Kick Ass Graphic Designer – Arrive on the lot around 8:30am. Go to set for breakfast. Check for new drafts of the script to see if new graphics have been added. Create priority schedule for what shoots when. Meet with Art Director, Property Masters for any new graphics/specific direction. Design, design, design! Print designs, get approval. Once they are approved, bring them to set. Take advantage of craft service. (Try not to get fat) Watch a take or two of the episode shooting. Design more. Make sure all deadlines are met before going home (usually around 7:30).
2) Slightly Lamer Art Production Assistant – Arrive on the lot around 8:30am. Make coffee. Print and distribute prep schedule. Check for new emails from Production Designer. Order lunch for the Art Dept and Set Dec. Pick up the lunch. Print/cut research photos for presentation boards. Run errands such as going to the carpet store to get samples of carpet, flooring, etc for sets. Distribute set drawings. And create some small graphics in there somewhere. Leave around 7:30 or 8, unless a pre-screening of an episode is playing for the crew to see.
I know some of this does not sound glamorous, but keep in mind I get to go to set and watch them film, I get to go to big hollywood wrap parties, eat for free everyday, and watch dailies/episodes several months before the public. Downside: I’m working on “Glee” right now, which is a show I love, and I just want to gush over the new scripts with my friends and I CAN’T!! You can not tell anyone outside of the crew anything about the scripts.
What do you do when the show you’re working on is on hiatus?
Ah, hiatus. When you are making the big bucks (right now, a Graphic Designer’s scale is minimum $44/hour, guaranteed 8 hrs/day) you don’t have to worry too much about hiatus. Otherwise, I look for other jobs, waitressing, freelancing, etc. Sometimes I am able to take a trip home (back east), go the beach, etc. Complain to my other industry friends.
Can you give some examples of props you’ve created?
I’ve designed book covers, business cards, soda machine flavors, advertisements, forms, websites, menus, etc. It’s really fun creating stuff like “Wernick Cola”. My friends’ names start turning up everywhere…
Are there any shows you’d love to work on?
I would have loved to work on Curb Your Enthusiasm because it is one of my favorite shows. Although there were not many graphics in that show. I think it would be great to work on a period piece. I love working on shows I actually watch. And it’s always more fun when there are hot actors.
Who are some of the actors you’ve worked with?
Eric McCormack, Tom Cavanagh (I even designed some holiday cards for him), Monica Potter, the cast of Entourage, the cast of Glee, Jim Bellushi, Jennifer Tilly, Vanessa Marano, Beau Mirchoff.
Erica’s truly awesome work can be found on www.ericawernick.com. Check it out and show her some love!
