Problem of the Hero
Part 10: Problem of the Hero - Period Design Challenges
2020 | Director: Shawn Dozier | Winston-Salem, NC
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Memory: Recreating the “Rosebud” piece— a small set decoration inspired by Citizen Kane—became a favorite detail that connected my love of classic film with my story of perseverance and growth.
Problem of the Hero was my first period piece—a feature length 1940s-set production that required meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy. The challenge was immense, with a need to source everything from era-specific radios to furnishings that felt authentic to the time. Our budget was tight, and unlike most of my previous projects, this film was produced outside of a student environment, meaning we had to find new ways to acquire props and decor without the usual school resources.
I pulled together a tiny crew of skilled artists, each bringing a unique strength to the project. We transformed blank rooms into layered, lived-in sets, with meticulous attention paid to every detail. From recreating lighting setups that evoked the ambiance of the 1940s to carefully selecting props that told the story of the characters’ lives, Problem of the Hero became a labor of love. The dedication paid off; the film won multiple awards, including a Production Design award from the Santa Fe Film Festival, validating our hard work and cementing my confidence in my abilities as a production designer.
Creating this world allowed me to explore my passion for visual storytelling on a larger scale. It was the first time I felt like a seasoned designer capable of executing a vision with precision, style, and respect for historical detail. This film became the launchpad for my career beyond school, setting the stage for future work that would blend art with psychology, emotion, and story. I’m glad to have had the experience before the pandemic changed the industry norms. The film went on to win an additional 4 awards, and earn 7 nominations across a handful of festivals.
