My name is Kevin Castaneda — production designer, prop stylist, fabricator, and owner of CSTND.
Each year I reach out to a small number of production companies whose teams I’d like to be on set with — and guess what bitch, you’re one of them.
I’ve noticed over the years that a lot of the pain that shows up on set can be solved in pre-production. The cause? Unclear communication about clients’ Art Department needs, leading to sudden asks and on-set problem solving.
This isn’t a criticism of them. We’re all in this industry because we’re visual people, and it can be challenging to imagine how the set will play when it’s just mood-boards and static prop images.
By putting a clear picture of what the Art Department is actually building in front of everyone early, we get:So I started making miniature sets to help everyone see the job before we build it.
But it’s one of the tools I use to make pre-production — and, by extension, the shoot — cleaner and more efficient.
That said, sometimes a digital render can do the job.
Not every job needs a miniature set-Built in Blender, your set is rendered with variable studio lighting. You'll see how many walls and jacks we’ll be using. What EQ needs to be ordered. How color and texture play with light and space. Every piece of furniture and visible prop in place, in situ, at scale.
Ready to present during calls and quick to adapt as needed, a fully developed render achieves what a mood board can’t. Client doesn’t like the lamp? Let’s pop another one in. It’s feeling a little too sterile? Let’s bring in some color and touches of life.
The surprise creative decisions that normally happen on set happen here instead, well in advance - saving you time and money while avoiding stress.
By putting a clear picture of what the Art Department is actually building in front of everyone early, we get:Dialed in budgets Faster approvals less waste accurate team needs smoother build & shoot days
I hope you enjoy playing around with the mini-set and seeing how CSTND can make your productions easier — and maybe more fun.
If there’s a project that you think we can help you realize, or if you just want to connect, feel free to reach out -
Hope to work together soon,
