Meet Cyrum Ramirez | Production designer for film

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

Hi Cyrum, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Attending the American Film Institute Conservatory was a very transformative chapter that widened my creative horizons and awakened my abilities as a designer. While I already had a voice and vision, AFI acted as a catalyst, molding my approach to design into a more refined and impactful way.

The Conservatory’s influence encouraged me to explore diverse perspectives and facilitated me the knowledge to deconstruct the story and assign a visual language to the story to develop a more profound and distinct narrative arc for characters and story.

On a personal level, my success can also be attributed to my way of perceiving life. I use this as a core to everything I design. Allowing my vulnerability to explore the emotions of every story and really question “what is the character feeling?” or, “where, emotionally, are we in the story?” The set ends up being an external reflection of what the character is going through.
We are storytellers and humans moved by emotions. I believe the design should always be rooted in emotion rather than driven by technicality, logic, acuteness or aesthetic considerations. It is this emotional resonance that elevates a design, breathing life into it and creating an immersive experience that leaves the audience on a profound level, even if they’re not consciously aware of it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What keeps me going every single time are the fresh challenges and uncharted territories each project brings. Each one is like embarking on a thrilling new adventure. You know how they say, “every person is a world to explore”? Well, the same goes for every project and every character within. My greatest passion is exploring into the intricate lives of seemingly lifeless beings who exist only on paper. As creators, it’s our duty to bring these characters to life and shape the world that surrounds them. It’s an absolute delight to immerse myself in every story and character, treating them as if they’re flesh-and-blood individuals, and then crafting their environments accordingly. Constantly questioning, “What would they buy? What items would fill their living space?”
I frequently receive compliments on the sets I design, with people noting how lived-in, personalized, and meticulously detailed they feel. Diving deep into character exploration is absolutely vital for crafting believable sets.
I’m profoundly grateful for each project I’ve been a part of because they’ve taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me on every project. From the triumphs to the setbacks, and especially from the diverse perspectives of my collaborators, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge that keeps enriching my craft.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the things I absolutely adore about Los Angeles is the excitement of cruising around town and soaking in all the rich history that surround us. As a filmmaker, every drive through Hollywood is like a journey through cinematic history itself. The street filled with film billboards, serving as a constant reminder that this vibrant city is the very heartbeat of the film industry. Hollywood exudes an electrifying energy, with its bustling streets adorned with billboards, loud music, bustling sidewalks, and neon signs that uplift the spirits of those who pass through. Similarly, visiting the film studios and exploring prop houses I find myself marveling at the thought of the countless classic films that have been shot here and the timeless props that have left a mark on the silver screen. It’s inspiring to realize that many of these props are now part of our daily lives, and to some degree are part of cinematic history. I could easily play tour guide to a friend visiting town, explaining the history, artistry, and the sheer joy I get from visiting these places on a daily basis.
Next on my list of favorites are the architectural hidden beauties throughout the city. From the iconic Bonaventure Hotel to the majestic Beverly Hills library, from the enchanting Hollyhock House to the avant-garde Gehry’s Disney Hall, and let’s not forget the historic movie theaters that are a living proof of the golden age of cinema, each architectural gem holds a special place in my heart.
And speaking of movie theaters, no visit to LA is complete without checking out the legendary New Beverly Cinema. Owned by the acclaimed film director and film buff, Quentin Tarantino, this iconic theater screens films from his personal 35mm and 16mm collection. It’s a cinematic Mecca where I find myself drawn to at least twice a month, and if you’re lucky, you might just catch Tarantino himself, passionately introducing one of his favorite films.
Last but certainly not least, the cultural diversity of LA is simply unmatched. From delectable Asian cuisine in the San Gabriel Valley to soul-stirring Ethiopian dishes in Fairfax , and Mexican food scattered throughout the city, LA offers a gastronomic journey from even corner of the world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s been quite a journey filled with growth to reach this point. As a freelancer, diving into new projects with limited resources can be a bit daunting, but like any captain, I’ve learned that nothing great is achieved without the incredible support of a skilled crew. I’m immensely grateful for those who have been by my side through thick and thin, standing strong no matter how tough the challenges.

Among them are individuals who started as classmates or collaborators but have since become cherished friends. While they all know who they are, I want to give a special shout-out to Georgina Gutierrez, Abbie Vance, Mariana Silva, Mehdi Bennani, Emma Yue Zhou, Carrie Liu, Juliana Gonzalez Petite, Caleb Kephart, and countless others who have played great roles in my journey as a production designer.

I can’t express enough how much I’ve learned from each and every one of them. What’s remarkable is that no matter the circumstances, our collaborations are always filled with laughter and joy, making the work not just fulfilling, but genuinely a blast.

Website: cyrumdeco.com

Instagram: instagram.com/mise.en.cyrum

Image Credits
Alex Oger, Zach Goodwin, Steve Yukun Chan, ‘Aves’ Film, ‘In Wonderland’ Film