We were lucky to catch up with Joy Tan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most impactful project I’ve contributed to is the award-winning film “Backlog,” which delves into issues of social justice. Centered around a collegiate woman whose rape kit is shelved and her subsequent betrayal by her community, the film explores her journey as she becomes a key witness at the 2010 Senate Hearings, grappling with the question of whether she can trust the very system that failed her. As the production designer for this feminist social film, I felt honored to shed light on important societal truths. Depicting the challenges of rape-kit backlogs authentically was a significant endeavor, and we opted to forego visual effects in favor of portraying the issue in a realistic setting. Constructing a backlog of rape kits in a stockroom for a pivotal scene required meticulous effort, with sustainability in mind as we extensively recycled materials.
In “Backlog,” one of the most emotionally charged scenes revolves around Mallory’s tragic encounter at her 21st birthday party. Led to a fraternity house bathroom by a so-called “classmate,” Christopher, Mallory becomes the victim of rape. This pivotal scene demanded careful attention to set design to authentically capture the environment and emotions involved. Our intention in designing the fraternity bathroom was to mirror the mindset of the boys who frequented it, with graffiti and derogatory words adorning the walls and mirrors, reflecting the predatory nature of the fraternity culture. Strategically placed provocative posters hinted at the true intentions masked by false kindness and sincerity. The bathroom was envisioned as a trap, a web spun by the perpetrator to ensnare Mallory and potentially other victims. To intensify this feeling of entrapment, we scattered dirty napkins and cigarette butts across the floor, along with unidentified drinks mixed with unsavory substances resembling urine. The graffiti, rife with sexual connotations and dirty jokes, further contributed to the unsettling atmosphere. As Mallory enters the bathroom, she senses something amiss, but by then, it’s too late—the door is locked, sealing her fate. This realization, combined with the claustrophobic setting, heightens the sense of helplessness and vulnerability experienced by Mallory. Despite filming in a relatively decent house, we transformed the bathroom into a harrowing setting within an hour, immersing the actors in the traumatic environment. Our meticulous attention to detail in set design enabled the actors to deliver powerful performances, authentically portraying the experience of sexual assault and enabling audiences to empathize with Mallory’s plight.
Recognizing the power of quantity in evoking deep emotions, we drew inspiration from cinematic history to create impactful scenes in “Backlog.” We aimed to mirror iconic scenes like the ships allied in “Dunkirk,” the masses gathering in “V for Vendetta,” and the lines of soldiers in “Atonement.” To authentically depict the backlog, we meticulously crafted thousands of boxes labeled as “sexual assault evidence collection kits” and arranged them on storage shelves. This abundance of boxes symbolized the overwhelming quantity of untested rape kits, each representing a survivor awaiting justice. By immersing the audience in this environment filled with boxes, we aimed to convey the gravity of the situation and provoke introspection. The simplicity of the visual representation spoke volumes, cutting through complexities to highlight the fundamental injustice faced by survivors of sexual assault. Through this reenactment, we aimed to give the film a tangible texture, grounding it in the reality of the rape-kit backlog crisis. Confronting audiences with the sheer scale of the problem, we aimed to ignite empathy, awareness, and a call to action, hoping that our portrayal of the backlog would resonate deeply and spur meaningful dialogue and change.
Joy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
From a young age, my passion for building and creating environments for various purposes has been a driving force in my life. This innate desire to bring imagination to life led me on a path that eventually intersected with the captivating world of production design. It was during my time at USC, while working on a school project as a production designer, that I experienced a defining moment. As I meticulously crafted the visual elements and intricacies of the set, I felt an undeniable pull toward this art form. The blend of creativity, technical skill, and storytelling resonated with me in a profound way, igniting a fervent passion within me. Recognizing the potential for endless creativity and the opportunity for meaningful contributions to the film industry, I made the decision to fully immerse myself in the world of production design. The dynamic nature of the field, coupled with its ability to shape the narrative and atmosphere of a film, captivated me, solidifying my commitment to pursuing it as my long-term career. With each project, I find immense joy in the process of conceptualizing and bringing to life diverse worlds, each with its own unique story to tell. Through production design, I not only fulfill my love for building and creating but also contribute to the magic of storytelling, making every project a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a creative production designer, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work lies in the opportunity to construct diverse and immersive worlds for films. Each project presents a blank canvas upon which I can unleash my imagination, sculpting environments that transport audiences to realms both familiar and fantastical. While I’ve occasionally pondered the allure of exploring other career paths or seizing different opportunities, I’ve come to realize that, for me, the essence of fulfillment lies in the act of world-building. Just as an actor relishes the chance to inhabit various characters, I find myself drawn to the exhilarating prospect of conjuring entirely new realms, each brimming with its own unique atmosphere and narrative potential. There’s a profound satisfaction that accompanies the process of breathing life into these imagined landscapes, knowing that I have the power to shape and define the visual language of a film. Moreover, the sense of reward intensifies when the worlds I create serve as conduits for conveying significant stories and themes. Whether it’s through the intricate details of a historical period piece or the futuristic landscapes of a sci-fi epic, I relish the opportunity to infuse meaning and depth into every aspect of my designs, enriching the storytelling experience for both filmmakers and audiences alike.
Any advice for managing a team?
For managing a team:
Listen to Everyone: Actively listening to each team member’s input fosters a sense of inclusivity and respect. By valuing diverse perspectives, you harness the collective wisdom of your team, leading to better decision-making and innovative solutions.
Effectiveness: Strive for efficiency and productivity by clearly defining goals, roles, and expectations. Empower your team with the resources and support they need to succeed, while also encouraging autonomy and accountability.
Detailed Tasks: Break down larger goals into manageable tasks, providing clear direction and guidance to your team members. By articulating specific objectives and deadlines, you enable individuals to focus their efforts effectively and track their progress towards achieving shared objectives.
Well-Planned Schedule: Develop a comprehensive schedule that balances workloads, deadlines, and resources effectively. By anticipating potential obstacles and allocating time strategically, you minimize disruptions and maximize productivity, ensuring that your team stays on track to meet its goals.
For maintaining high morale:
Appreciate Them: Express genuine appreciation for your team members’ contributions and accomplishments. Recognize their hard work and dedication through praise, rewards, or other forms of acknowledgment, reinforcing their value and fostering a positive work environment.
Have Fun: Cultivate a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment within the team by incorporating opportunities for social interaction and lighthearted activities. Whether it’s team-building exercises, celebrations, or simply encouraging moments of levity and humor, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere can boost morale and strengthen bonds among team members.
