Meet Lucia Castejon Lopez | Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucia Castejon Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
i think I wouldn´t be in the place where I am right now without risks. The reality is that taking a risk is scary and sometimes that fear makes you not take the step that you need towards the direction you want.
For me taking the risk of moving across an ocean to further expand my knowledge in the film industry changed my life both personally and professionally. It was scary and thanks to the support of my family, specially my mom, I had the chance to move to LA and here I met wonderful people and I grew professionally in a way that I am not sure if I had been able to do back home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a production designer and actress originally from Madrid, Spain, now based in Los Angeles, I have dedicated my career to creating immersive and authentic visual narratives across various media, including feature films, short films, and music videos.
What sets my work apart is an unwavering commitment to authenticity and meticulous attention to detail. I immerse myself in diverse cultures and narratives, ensuring that each project reflects its unique essence. This adaptability allows me to craft compelling visual stories that resonate deeply with audiences
I take immense pride in my role as the production designer for “Rift,” my inaugural feature film. The project presented the unique challenge of authentically depicting a story set in India, a culture initially unfamiliar to me. Through extensive research and collaboration with local vendors, I successfully recreated the Indian setting, enhancing the film’s realism. One of the most ambitious tasks was constructing a traditional cottage in the jungle using hay, grass, and bamboo. Overcoming communication barriers and logistical hurdles, I executed this vision seamlessly, earning admiration from my colleagues on set.
My journey from Madrid to Hollywood has been both challenging and rewarding. Transitioning to a new country and industry required adapting to different cultural and professional landscapes. Overcoming language barriers, understanding diverse work cultures, and establishing a network in a competitive environment were significant hurdles. I navigated these challenges through perseverance, continuous learning, and a passion for storytelling.
Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. Embracing diverse perspectives enriches the creative process and leads to more authentic storytelling. I have also realized that challenges are opportunities for growth, pushing me to innovate and refine my craft.
Through my work, I aim to bridge cultural gaps and tell stories that resonate universally. I am committed to creating visual narratives that not only entertain but also foster understanding and empathy among diverse audiences. My journey reflects a dedication to authenticity, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling

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.
If a friend was visting I´d made sure they experienced a mix of the city, for example:

Day 1:
– the iconic Hollywood Boulevard: walk of fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood sign
– Warner Bros Studio Tour
-Dinner at Castaway

Day 2:
-Santa Monia Beach
-Santa Moncia Pier
-Explore Venice Beach
-cocktails at The Venice Whaler

Day 3:
-Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park enjoying the rides, attractions and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
-Dinner at Yamashiro

Day 4:
Day out exploring one of the amazing places near LA such as Santa Barbara

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely have to give credit to more than one person:
1. My mom, she is the one that made possible my crazy idea of coming all the way to Los Angeles from Spain, she has supported me every step of the way even when seeing your kid struggle with the difficulties of the industry is not easy, but she has always been there and keeps cheering me to make things happen.
2. My cousin and amazing godmother, she has always been there for me no matter what, she has this spirit that cheers you up in the worst days and she has for sure been my personal cheerleader.
3. My boyfriend, he understands better the industry than my mom and cousin since he is an AD and Director and whenever I had a bad day or I didn´t trust myself or see my value he has made sure to remind me what I am capable of doing and achieving.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucia.clopez/