Meet Luis Marciliano | Production Designer for film and advertsiment

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luis Marciliano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luis, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has been key to my life and career success. It can be scary to step away from stability, but when it doesn’t make you happy, it’s important to face that fear. At 23, I left a comfortable life as a lawyer in Brazil, surrounded by family and friends, to follow my love for film in New York City. Being a lawyer did not make me happy, so I decided to face my fear and take a risk to pursue my passion. After graduating from an one year conservatory program at the New York Film Academy, my first professional job was as an art assistant for an indie film, driving a truck for the art team. That’s where I fell in love with the art department. But after a while I knew I didn’t want to stay in assistant roles for too long. I wanted to be the head of the art department one day.
With experience and extra study, I took the risk of saying no to those jobs that were keeping me stable in a foreign country, and aimed for better opportunities.
Now, after seven years of taking risks, I’m an established Production Designer. I’ve worked on projects for Netflix, Broadway, FX, and with brands such as Jack Daniels, Puma, Adidas, Reebok, Logitech, Verizon, and Macy’s. It wasn’t always easy, but every risk I took helped me get where I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a production designer in film and advertising, I’m responsible for bringing scripts or brand visions to reality, building sets or fabricating the elements that will be crucial for the concept we are working with. Each project is different from the other and have specific demands. My background as a lawyer in Brazil taught me crucial organizational skills, client communication, and leadership. In coordinating my team, I’ve learned to understand each member’s strengths and how they contribute to project execution. This job demands both creativity and attention to detail, managing deadlines, budgets, and meeting expectations. Overcoming challenges requires trust in the team, allowing individuals the space to succeed without micromanaging. With larger teams, I’ve realized it’s impossible to oversee every aspect; trust is the key for the magic to happen.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to prioritize people and respect their lives. The relationships created in this industry become like family, as we spend considerable time together. Regardless of your job or position, respect the humans you are working with; without this, everything falls apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
New York City offers an abundance of options, and if I were to explore, I’d start in my neighborhood, Crown Heights in Brooklyn. The vibrant life at Utica Ave and the serene tree-lined streets nearby, leading to a matcha at Daughter, a charming coffee spot on St Johns Pl, make for an enjoyable stroll. Taking a walk via Eastern Parkway toward the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park is a favorite. Pausing for an amazing fried chicken and waffles at Shane’s Brooklyn along the way adds to the experience. If you want a late ramen, Nana Ramen in Bed-Stuy or Chez Alex for an affordable yet high-quality breakfast sandwich are definite go-tos.
While I lean toward Brooklyn, exploring Manhattan’s Chinatown is a must. Taiwan Pork Chop House at Doyer St serves up authentic Taiwanese food and the freestyle skate practice at Coleman Skatepark beneath the Manhattan Bridge is super cool. Walking along Pike St toward the water under the FDR offers breathtaking views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.
Around the same area, Golden Unicorn is perfect for soup dumplings, and Mr Fong’s is a cozy bar worth visiting. For an exceptional yet low-key dining experience in the city, Café Mogador at St Marks Pl is a must-visit. Their lamb tagine is a standout.
Venturing slightly out to Long Island City, Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill by the waterfront offers a stunning sunset view behind Manhattan’s buildings. The stroll to the Pepsi-Cola Sign nearby is worth it.
In the summertime, a day at Jacob Riis Park in the Rockaways is a refreshing break. Follow it up with drinks and arepas at Caracas Arepa Bar close to Beach 105th, offering a different, authentic NYC experience.
Ultimately, wandering and discovering new bars, restaurants, shops, and museums across the city is an endless adventure. Go get lost.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m incredibly thankful to many amazing individuals who’ve been there for me in this journey. Adam Golub, my constant supporter and sponsor in the USA. Joana Sotomayor, my first boss after film school, taught me the ropes of the art department and how to navigate work intricacies. Carolina Bradilli, who always trusts my vision and pushed my career to new heights. Maite  Perez Nievas, for bringing me on my first large scale project, teaching me how to be resilient and respectful at the same time. Brittany Franklin, a dear friend, held my hand from day one, offering great opportunities along my path. Sarah Leriche, who showed me a magical side of New York and different ways of making movies. Sarah Na, who’s always been by my side, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. Richard D’Angelo, my mentor, who gave me my first big break and continues to cheer me on. I’m also immensely grateful for the unwavering support of all my family and friends.

Website: https://www.luismarciliano.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luismarciliano/

Other: Vimeo https://vimeo.com/user60105460

Image Credits
Sarah Leriche Mckenzie Thompson