Sal's Diner

SEPTEMBER 2024

Sal's diner was a film set built on a tight budget at Dreamscreen Australia's film studio. Set in the 1950's, this no-frills American diner is a converted train carriage with an ironic aviation theme. As the production designer, it was my job to bring the look and feel to life and dress the set to tell the story.

The project was led by Virtual Production Designer, Stephanie Bonnes as part of the Specialist Placement Program thanks to Vicscreen.

Sal's Diner is one of many projects Stephanie has been working on whilst completing this program at Dreamscreen.

Dreamscreen Director / Supervisor: Clayton Jacobson
DOP: David Chan
Virtual Production Designer: Stephanie Bonnes, supported by VicScreen
Technical Director: Ahren Morris
Production Manager: Bridget McNamara
Environment Artist: Jesse Jacobson
Office Manager: Alison Coogan
Art Dept Assistant: Ernie Bonnes

Cast (in order of appearance)
Waitress: Bridget McNamara
Pilot: Ahren Morris
Patron #1: Alison Coogan
Patron #2: Lucy Jacobson
Eavesdropping patron: Laura Sweetman

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Stephanie sourced, up-cycled and created physical props for SAL'S DINER. Working with a small budget of only $500, she was able to integrate both the physical and digital worlds seamlessly.

VIRTUAL PRODUCTION DESIGN

Virtual Production Designer is a role in the industry that is yet to be fully defined. Through the Specialist Placement Program, thanks to Vicscreen, Stephanie is able to gain real-world knowledge and practical application in a commercial studio environment where she can broaden the scope and identify how the role truly integrates in the industry.

INTEGRATING PRACTICAL AND DIGITAL

Virtual production works best with the thoughtful consideration of practical elements. On this project, Stephanie worked to a brief to integrate the real and virtual worlds.