Home » Behind the scenes of The Electric State

Behind the scenes of The Electric State

by Samantha Rowland
3 minutes read

Exploring the Artistry: Unveiling the Magic Behind “The Electric State”

When it comes to crafting visually captivating worlds on screen, the role of a production designer is paramount. In the case of “The Electric State,” this responsibility fell into the capable hands of Dennis Gassner. With a philosophy that resonates deeply with creatives and audiences alike, Gassner’s mantra, “I have one fallback position: when in doubt, make it beautiful,” encapsulates the essence of his work.

In the realm of filmmaking, the production designer is tasked with shaping the overall look and feel of the movie. From conceptualizing sets to choosing props, colors, and textures, every decision contributes to building a coherent visual narrative that immerses viewers in the story. Gassner’s approach goes beyond mere aesthetics; it underscores the importance of creating a visual language that communicates emotions, themes, and character motivations effectively.

“The Electric State,” a sci-fi adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel, presented Gassner with a unique challenge: bringing a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world to life. Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, he transformed words and images into a tangible reality on screen. Every rusty scrap of metal, flickering neon light, and desolate landscape served a purpose in enhancing the storytelling experience.

Gassner’s statement, “when in doubt, make it beautiful,” speaks volumes about his commitment to excellence in design. It’s not just about creating visually stunning scenes; it’s about using aesthetics as a powerful tool to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and transport audiences to another realm. In “The Electric State,” this approach is evident in every frame, where beauty intertwines with the bleakness of the narrative, creating a hauntingly mesmerizing world.

In essence, Gassner’s philosophy mirrors the intrinsic connection between art and storytelling. Just as a painter uses colors to evoke moods and a writer chooses words to convey meaning, a production designer like Gassner uses visuals to enrich the cinematic experience. By prioritizing beauty as a guiding principle, he elevates the mundane to the extraordinary, inviting viewers to immerse themselves fully in the story unfolding before them.

As professionals in the IT and development industry, we can draw inspiration from Gassner’s approach to design. Just as he leverages creativity and aesthetics to enhance storytelling, we too can infuse our projects with a sense of artistry and purpose. Whether we’re designing user interfaces, developing software applications, or creating digital experiences, we can strive to make our work not just functional, but also visually compelling and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, Dennis Gassner’s behind-the-scenes work on “The Electric State” offers a glimpse into the transformative power of design in storytelling. Through his unwavering commitment to making things beautiful, he showcases the profound impact that aesthetics can have on shaping narratives and engaging audiences. As we navigate our own creative endeavors, let us remember the essence of Gassner’s words and the magic they hold: that true beauty lies not just in what we create, but in how we imbue it with meaning and artistry.