I had the unique opportunity to create an innovative design for an “incubation pod” for the A24 production short film Toru. Working closely with the directors of the project, we went through many concept iterations of the device that is intended to hold a small child. This device had to be very futuristic and streamlined, and yet convey the notion that it was a medical device. A major part of this project involved gathering reference for existing medical equipment and machinery and “fast-forwarding” the visual style into the future.
Once the production team was happy with the design, it was ready to be brought to life! The 3D file of the incubator was given to a fabrication studio. The incubator was milled in aluminum and used as a miniature on a live-action set. It was important to retain a realistic sense of proportion because of the miniaturized scale of the object. I collaborated with the production team to ensure that even at a smaller scale, the camera movements would be convincing and convey the proper envisioned size of the object.
The short film Toru made it’s debut at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews. Find out more about this beautiful yet heart-breaking short film at IMDB.
