Chris Trujillo

The Magic of Industrial Metamorphosis Creating an immersive environment requires seeing the potential in the mundane. To bring the haunting atmosphere of Stranger Things to life, production designer Chris Trujillo looked past high-end materials to find an unlikely hero: the common pool noodle. This guide breaks down how to transform basic hardware store supplies into the organic, creeping vines that define the Upside Down. It proves that texture and form often matter more than the price tag of your materials. Essential Inventory for Set Fabrication To replicate these iconic growths, you need a mix of structural support and tactile finishes. Gather various sizes of pool noodles to establish different vine thicknesses. You will also need heavy-gauge metal wire for the internal armature, allowing the vines to hold their shape. For the exterior skin, prepare resin-soaked fabric and tinted rubberized paint. This combination ensures the final product is both durable and easy to maintain during long production days. Construction and Sculpting Steps 1. **Insert the Core**: Thread the metal wire through the center of the pool noodle. This gives you the mechanical control to bend and twist the vine into supernatural shapes. 2. **Skin the Surface**: Wrap the noodle in fabric soaked in resin. This layer provides a grotesque, organic texture that mimics biological matter. 3. **Apply the Finish**: Coat the fabric in tinted rubberized paint. This step adds a permanent, wet-look shine and makes the surface resistant to the dust and grime of a busy film set. 4. **Organic Integration**: Use scenic techniques to blend the ends of the vines into walls or floors, making them appear as if they are actively sprouting from the architecture. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Durability is the secret to successful set design. By using rubberized paint, you create a waterproof barrier that allows for quick cleaning. If the vines lose their shape, adjust the internal wire armature to restore the tension. For a more realistic look, vary the diameter of the noodles used in a single cluster to mimic natural growth patterns. The Result: Atmospheric Excellence Following these steps results in a versatile, terrifyingly beautiful set piece. The contrast between the rigid internal structure and the glistening, rubberized exterior creates a visual that is both repulsive and captivating. This method allows for miles of production-ready scenery that stands up to the rigors of a professional set while maintaining a high level of aesthetic detail.