News

Exclusive: ‘Luke Cage’s Production Designer Toni Barton Talks Creating Alternate Reality Through Set Design

by Betti Halsell

Published

3 years ago

March 31, 2021

When dissecting a cinematic body of work, one would cut into formations of people who create an alternate reality. The script works as the spine, keeping the structure of a project together, and the production designer heads the impetus of the written reality.

Production designer Toni Barton constructed environments that pull the audience into the story. Her transformative abilities have been featured on television, film, and theatre sets. Barton has curated the atmosphere for Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Dare Devil, and Netflix’s Luke Cage series, to name a few.

We conducted an exclusive interview with the scenic visionary, discussing her journey, passion, and the mindset needed to pursue this career path.

“Everything starts with the written word; there would be no need for design if there was no script,” Barton said, reflecting on the significance of a written outline of a scene. She elaborated on different aspects of filmmaking, calling it a “collaborative effort.”

A production designer absorbs the idea of where a story occurs, takes the proposed setting, and interprets it into physical placement. The painting in one’s mind formulates into the physical world. The seamless performance of a film or play is held together by the set, which the production designer cultivates. Barton developed an eye for what sits in the background and provided a window into what she sees.

Breaking down the process of taking the narrative and breathing life into it, Barton starts with absorbing the scene from reading the script and then diving into the research. After gathering the bones of the project, the architecture can begin. Barton oversees the role of art, sets the direction to build out these worlds, and shares creative synergy with the production’s buyers, graphic designers, illustrators, and many more to tell the given story.

Barton’s introduction to her future career path started on the University of Southern California (USC) campus, where she pursued her degree in architecture. While in school, her friends would call on her to capture scenes of their plays and short films.

After earning her degree at USC, she looked for specialized theatre training at New York University (NYU), entering a graduate program in set design and art direction. Barton honed her skills to create sceneries for stage and film production.

By her third union film as an assistant art director, Barton’s skills and confidence matured. She worked with veterans of the business, and they took Barton under their tutelage. With real-time hands-on experience, they shaped the rising creative to become the profound designer she is today.

According to Barton, a production designer’s role calls for interest in fashion, art history, and architecture, “Understanding history and helping to tell that story helps us build character, so anybody interested in any aspect of history, sociology, architecture, art, fashion and […] how to tell a story, would potentially be interested in this and more importantly have that skill set to then tell that story.”

Barton reflected on a moment in her early career development when a friend told her, “when you become a production designer—that’s when you will really make it.” Barton responded with the reassurance that she was exactly where she needed to be at that time – an assistant art director. She owned her current placement, taking the first steps into her journey. Eventually, Barton went from being an assistant art director to becoming an art director while simultaneously teaching at NYU. Later, through her accumulated experience, she became a production designer.

Getting to that final point takes time, and not everyone understands or is prepared for it, “People think when you get out of school, you have to instantaneously have this title, or you’re not making it.” On the contrary, Barton said, the beginning stages of one’s career are rich with people who are experts, willing to garnish a young mind with wisdom to build a force around their talent.

Passing the torch, in conjunction with being an art director, Barton taught theatre design at NYU for 18 years. “By far, that has been the most rewarding thing I could ever say and do,” she said. The production designer continued to explain the passion of being an art designer while taking it to an academic setting. Her hope is for younger students to identify this as a viable career and be drawn to the scenic route, especially students of color. “I desire more people to know about it younger, in essence, to know every single aspect of design,” she concluded.

Film

First Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2024

HM staff writer

Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’

In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.

The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.

The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.

‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.

News

‘Fresh Prince’ Star Joseph Marcell Joins ‘Bel-Air’ Season 3

Published

1 week ago

July 19, 2024

HM staff writer

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Joseph Marcell, known for his iconic portrayal of Geoffrey, the butler, is set to join the cast of the hit series Bel-Air in its highly anticipated third season.

The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic take on the original premise. It follows a young man’s journey from West Philadelphia as he navigates life with his wealthy relatives in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.

The new trailer opens with Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) working as waiters at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) country club, hinting at a summer job that may lead to more than just serving drinks. Meanwhile, Hilary (Coco Jones) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) try to sort through their differences, and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) deals with some of his old demons from his past in London.

The trailer also teases a mysterious member of the Banks family’s past, played by Marcell.

*Joseph Marcell in “Bel-Air” Season 3 (Peacock)*

Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles has shared her enthusiasm for Marcell joining the cast. “Joseph Marcell is a phenomenal actor, and we are thrilled to have him join the Bel-Air family,” she said in a statement. “His presence will add a new layer of depth to the show, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store.”

“It’s an honor to be a part of this new chapter in the Bel-Air story,” In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Marcell shared his thoughts on joining the show, “I’m excited to explore Geoffrey’s character in a different light and to work with such a talented cast and crew.”

Watch the trailer below.

News

‘UnPrisoned’ Season 2 Takes A Deeper Dive into Healing, Family, and Love

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2024

HM staff writer

Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’ returns with a compelling and emotionally charged second season.

Starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the show follows the story of Paige (Washington), a successful therapist who reunites with her father, Edwin (Lindo), after his release from a 17-year prison sentence. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their relationship, Paige also deals with her struggles, including her career, relationships, and the impact of her father’s incarceration on her own life.

Season 2 of ‘UnPrisoned’ picks up where the first season left off, delving deeper into the emotional journey of the Alexander family. The show continues to explore the complexities of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the lingering impact of past traumas.

In the new episodes, we see Paige and Edwin commit to family therapy sessions led by a quirky and unconventional therapist, played by John Stamos. The meetings are instrumental in helping the characters confront their issues head-on.

It’s important to highlight the show’s ability to balance comedy and drama. Although ‘UnPrisoned’ tackles serious issues, such as the impact of mass incarceration on families and the challenges of reintegration into society, it does so with plenty of humor. For Edwin, while the first season focused on the external challenges of reintegration, season 2 explores his internal struggles and takes us through his and Paige’s arduous but rewarding journey.

Other characters who play a pivotal role in the Alexanders’ path to reconciliation are Mal (Marque Richardson), Paige’s love interest, and Paige’s son, Finn, played by Faly Rakotohavana, and, of course, little Paige, played by the young and talented Jordyn McIntosh.

“UnPrisoned” season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.