Lina Zackariya working on the set of short film ‘The Current’, 2024. Photo credit: Kathleen Ireland.
Lina Zackariya is Melbourne-based production designer and a passionate storyteller. She studied her bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Melbourne, then went on to study the Master of Design and Production, specialising in production design for screen, at the Victorian College of the Arts, which she graduated from in 2022.
In conversation with Jo Briscoe, Senior Lecturer in Design at the Victorian College of the Arts and coordinator of the Master of Design and Production, Lina shared the key skills shedeveloped during her studies, her unique experiences as a student, and her future career plans.
Jo: Thank you so much for talking with me, Lina. I have some questions for you. The first one is a classic: what exactly is production design?
Lina: Oh, that’s a big one! The way I see it, and the way you taught it, Jo, is that production design involves shaping the visual look of a film. It means harmonising the script, the director’s vision, and the director of photography’s perspective. The production designer brings all these elements together, contributing their own vision to best bring the script to life on screen. This involves considering all nuances, from the sets to what’s visible on screen, to create the most effective representation of the script.
Jo: It’s a challenging question because production design is so expansive and multifaceted. It’s interesting to see how everyone tackles it. You graduated with a Master of Production Design in 2022. What exciting things have you been up to since you graduated?
Lina: Since graduating, I’ve been drawn to scripts and films that have a strong visual component. I’m particularly interested in sci-fi and fantasy genres where the visual design significantly contributes to the story. One project I’m really proud of is Distant Space, a virtual production film where we used a VP LED screen. It was fascinating to blend my background in architecture with production design. We used digital designs projected on the VP wall, which was a unique experience and showcased how digital and physical worlds can interact.
Jo: That sounds fantastic. It’s amazing how technology and traditional design can come together in new ways. You’ve just completed work on another virtual production project with a VCA graduating student at NANT studios. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Lina: Yes, that was really exciting! This project involved recreating a cruise ship at sea. We used the VP screen to represent the ocean and built the ship’s deck in the studio. The flexibility of the VP screen allowed us to adjust elements in real-time, like changing the frequency of lightning or the brightness of stars. Working at NANT Studios showed me the vast potential of these technologies for future films.
Jo: I know there was another exciting event you were involved in just as you were finishing your final year, which we had the chance to attend together. Do you want to share a bit about that?
Lina: Oh, I’m so excited to talk about that! I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Production Designers Gathering on the island of Spetses in Greece. It was an amazing event with around 250 production designers from around the world.
Attending as a student, I had an idea of what to expect, but it was even more enriching than I imagined. I listened to lectures and seminars from industry veterans who have worked on major films. The most exciting part was having candid conversations with these professionals in informal settings. It was fascinating to discuss how production design is applied across different media, from music videos to web series. The experience broadened my perspective and confirmed how fulfilling this career can be.
Jo: How did your course prepare you for the jobs you’ve done since graduating?
Lina: I think my course prepared me a lot with working to a brief and a budget. I understood the kind of brief perspective, but it really put into practice the practicalities of working towards a specific goal. It opened my eyes to making the best decisions within a budget, but also things like scheduling, organisation, and logistics. It also showed me the connections in the industry and how to lean on them in my career.
Jo: That’s the thing about production design – it’s equal parts creative and practical.
Lina: Yeah, exactly.
Jo: What was your favorite project you worked on during your degree?
Lina: I had a couple. I really enjoyed my grad film, “Death and Wildflowers.” My director and I had a good rapport, and he trusted me a lot. The initial script was one idea, but after discussions, it became more fruitful. The production design and direction worked hand in hand, allowing me to make more creative sets. For example, I designed a flower room that initially was just an empty room. The flowers ended up becoming a significant motif in the film, contributing to the story.
Jo: And for the last question, it might feel a bit soon since it’s only 18 months since you graduated, but if you could give study or career advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Lina: That’s a tricky one since I’m still learning. I would advise myself to always have belief in my pitch. If you have a creative vision, present it confidently. Backing yourself and having the correct preparation to prove your ideas is important. Be open to collaboration and lean on others’ expertise to make the project better. Lastly, organisation is key in production design. Be organised in scheduling, keeping receipts, and tracking steps in pre-production and afterwards. It makes everything a lot easier down the track.
Jo: That’s completely brilliant. Thank you so much for your time and I can’t wait to see what you do next.
Find out more about studying the Master of Design and Production at the VCA, University of Melbourne. Applications for 2025 are now open.