The Creations

The Creations is based on a true story. Replicating the exact locations and making them feel magical was a challenge. The Creations takes place in 2011, making it a period piece. With this, the director and I aimed for a slightly vintage feel, yet one that was nostalgic for those watching. Mateo's grief throughout the movie plays a huge role in the production design itself. At the beginning of the film, Mateo is happy, but after his Tata's death, he is left with no hope or purpose in the world. His creativity speaks to him throughout the grief process. In the montage where he is making the creations, we wanted it to feel like he is creating something that will help him get through the death of his Tata, the Creations. The Creations help him through his grief process, showing that you don't have to do it alone. Creativity is a powerful force, and we showcased it extensively during the film. Creationland was his escape from the real world. We wanted to make it vibrant and poetic, like nothing could go wrong here. The handmade crafted look was to show the audience that this is something Mateo has created in his room, almost like a set he would play with them in. At the end of the film, a small diorama on the Día De Los Muertos table is visible, which is what Mateo used to play with when he was in Creationland.