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'All That Stayed Behind'
Jac acted as the Set Decorator and On-Set Dresser for this AFI Visual Essay. Being transported back to 1975 Hong Kong, Jac and the Art Department team were able to create contrasting realties of a coffin home and fantasy home.
Directors: Austin Kwok & S. S. Ayers
Screenwriter: Austin Kwok
Production Designer: Samantha Lam
Cinematographer: Austin Kwok
Producer: Neta Shavitt
Editor: Dimitri Korabelinkov
The Coffin Home
Cramped & small, the coffin home held 8 bunkbeds, a card table, a shrine, and anything they could hang up on cages. Many of the items on the set were bought from China or Chinatown in Los Angeles.
The Conduit Wall
Walls filled with family photos, letters, grocery bags, clothing, and kitchenware.
The back of the coffin home leads to a concrete wall covered in conduits, and a broken ceiling fan that sputters.
The conduit wall is on wheels and was able to perform a big reveal to the audience.
Portal Wall Opened
When the man begins to envision what life could have been if he had done things differently his imagination opens the coffin walls to revel this distant fantasy. Beyond the grim clutter is a breathable home where the set dressing and colors flow together to create a sense of comfort and purpose.
The Fantasy Home
The fantasy home was filled with travel memorabilia and photographs. Vivid green walls, warm toned furniture, and lushes plants fill the space. The table is set for a plentiful feast and on the coffee table sits a full tea set. Above is a Tiffany's lamp illuminating luxury and bright light.
