Some filmmakers tell stories through words. Others do it through performances. Dennis Gassner? He builds worlds.

In the latest episode of Pizza Film School, Joe & Anthony Russo sit down with legendary production designer Dennis Gassner, the creative mind behind some of the most visually stunning films of all time—including Blade Runner 2049, Skyfall, The Truman Show, 1917, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and The Electric State.

With vegan pizza from Forever Pie and a side of garlic knots, the conversation dives into how Gassner crafts immersive cinematic universes, the power of production design, and why a simple detail—like the smell of olive oil on a table in The Godfather—can change the way a film feels.

How a Single Movie Changed His Life

Before he was designing entire film worlds, Gassner was studying architecture at the University of Oregon—until one screening of Lawrence of Arabia changed everything.

“I remember standing in the theater, staring at the white screen after everyone left, and I pointed at it and said, ‘Who’s the architect of that?’”

Realizing that film was bigger than any building he could ever design, he packed up his life, moved to LA, and enrolled at ArtCenter College of Design. From there, he stumbled into the most legendary film production of all time: Apocalypse Now.

From a Student to Apocalypse Now

Gassner’s first job in film? Designing a dossier for Apocalypse Now. That might not sound like much—until you realize that dossier was a key storytelling element that helped shape the entire film.

🎞️ He created Marlon Brando’s character’s entire backstory through fake passports, military records, and personal documents.
🖼️ He had to manipulate old black-and-white photos by hand (this was before Photoshop, people).
📜 And then, when Francis Ford Coppola needed a poster for the film, he casually said, “Dennis will do it.”

“I had no idea what I was doing, but I said yes. And then suddenly, I was the guy designing the poster for Apocalypse Now.”

His lesson? Say yes, figure it out later.

What Does a Production Designer Actually Do?

A production designer is more than just a set builder. They create the entire visual identity of a film.

🏗️ Architect of the movie – Every building, room, and location is meticulously designed.
🎭 Creates mood and emotion – The colors, textures, and even smells of a set can shape a scene’s tone.
🎬 Works directly with the director and cinematographer – Every shot is a collaboration between camera, lighting, and set design.
🖼️ Ensures every frame tells a story – The way a room is arranged, the materials used, the background details—it’s all intentional.

“The first thing I think about isn’t just how a set looks—it’s how it feels.”

For example, in Field of Dreams, Gassner added cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol behind the furniture to create the distinct smell of a doctor’s office. The lead actor, Burt Lancaster, walked in and said, “How did you find this perfectly preserved 1920s doctor’s office?”

Gassner’s response? “We built it.”

Building The Electric State

For The Electric State, Gassner was tasked with bringing a decayed, retro-futuristic 1990s America to life. This wasn’t a clean, polished sci-fi world—it was a gritty, broken-down landscape of forgotten technology and long-abandoned dreams.

His process?

🔎 Deep research into 90s aesthetics, from old malls to corporate mascots.
🛠️ Practical, worn-in set design to make every environment feel lived in.
🎨 Muted colors and nostalgic details to blend sci-fi with realism.

The goal was to create a world that felt familiar but slightly off, as if the 90s we remember had taken a completely different turn.

How Blade Runner 2049 Inspired The Gray Man

During The Gray Man, Gassner pitched the Russos an idea:

“What if we mix James Bond with Blade Runner?”

The result? A neon-drenched opening in a Bangkok nightclub, a high-fashion villain’s lair, and a chateau finale that looked like something out of a spy fantasy.

Fun fact: The Chateau de Chantilly, the stunning final location of The Gray Man, was discovered through a single drone shot taken at magic hour. When Gassner sent the image to the Russos, the response was instant:

“This is it.”

Dennis Gassner’s Ultimate Advice for Filmmakers

💡 Be open. Inspiration can come from anywhere—even the smell of olive oil on a table.
🏗️ Think like an architect. Every set should serve a purpose in the story.
🎨 Make people feel something. A great set isn’t just beautiful—it’s emotional.
🎬 Work with the best. Learn from the greats, and then push their ideas even further.

And perhaps most importantly?

“Drink more water.”

Wise words.

Next Episode Sneak Peek… 🍕

Dennis Gassner just gave a masterclass in world-building, but Pizza Film School isn’t done yet. Stay tuned for the next episode, featuring another top-tier collaborator breaking down their creative process.

Until then—watch, learn, and grab another slice. 🍕🎬

Watch the full episode here → [HERE]

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