DESIGNERS ON FILM

Jason Tselentis
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Design
  • Updated Weekly

Every episode, host Jason Tselentis speaks with a phenomenal guest, usually a designer, about their favorite movie. It might be worth watching over and over, and over again. Maybe it left them with more questions than answers, or a lingering feeling. Learn about art direction and set design, cinematography and performance, casting and screenwriting, acting and costume design, makeup and music, as well as advertising, marketing, media, technology, unforgettable quotes, and so much more. Whether or not you are a designer, you will enjoy every revealing conversation that explores creativity and strategy, perseverance and leadership, craft and style.

  1. Jun 1 ·  Bonus

    That's a Wrap: Season 2

    We've done it again, made it through another season of DESIGNERS ON FILM. Having just finished Season 2, here are highlights and episodes of note. - Sam Beddoes, who developed a video game based on The Rocky Horror Show, talked about the movie, aka The Rocky Horror Picture Show. https://www.designersonfilm.com/podcast/the-rocky-horror-picture-show-1975-w-sam Leading up to Halloween in 2025, we continued our Spooky Cinema theme with plenty of new additions, Season 1 and 2 are collected at… https://www.designersonfilm.com/scares/ Erik Wiese discussed the work that went into Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical, and how design played a role in this fun, heartwarming movie that honors Charles Schulz and Schulz's development as an artist. https://www.designersonfilm.com/podcast/snoopy-presents-a-summer-musical-2025-with-erik-wiese Guests Scott Amyx and Cameron Tau analyzed David Fincher's The Social Network and critiqued the ways Facebook has caused disruptions impacting people at a very human level. But, the Uplifty app Scott and his team developed aims to do something very different, helping people build relationships. https://www.designersonfilm.com/podcast/the-social-network-2010-with-scott-amyx-and-cameron-tau University of Washington's Professor Karen Cheng recalled seeing Working Girl for the first time, and explained what makes it such a fun, rewatchable movie. https://www.designersonfilm.com/podcast/working-girl-1988-with-karen-cheng Christie Wu, who introduced me to the movie Clockwatchers, analyzed its well-composed cinematography. https://www.designersonfilm.com/podcast/clockwatchers-1997-with-christie-wu Designer and filmmaker Sofia Cababa Wood, who has always loved Marie Antoinette, shared her own personal connections to Sofia Coppola's movie. https://www.designersonfilm.com/podcast/marie-antoinette-2006-with-sofia-cababa-wood‍ ‍ DESIGNERS ON FILM is available on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. Do you have a question about the show? A guest to recommend? A movie or movies you'd like to learn more about? See this episode's notes and the link to our contact form. We'll be off for a few weeks. I hope you watch plenty of movies this summer!! I sure will! - CONTACT US https://www.designersonfilm.com/hollaback - We're on LETTERBOXD Season 3 https://boxd.it/UxwBk - Season 2 https://boxd.it/Kkuik‍ ‍ - Season 1 https://boxd.it/xfW8K

    2 min

  2. May 25 ·  Bonus

    Marie Antoinette (2006) with Sofia Cababa Wood [more thoughts]

    In this bonus episode, you'll hear more from Sofia Cababa Wood who discusses Marie Antoinette, its themes, and movies that would pair well with it. Antoinette was ruled by her circumstances, but the 2006 movie shows us a more personal side, all while avoiding graphic imagery of her ultimate demise. We also talk about the funny, entertaining MTV Cribs parody that Jason Schwartzman did which appears on the DVD's special features. - Sofia Cababa Wood is a Seattle-based product designer at eBay. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication Design from the University of Washington in 2020. She cut her teeth at various design studios, with a specialty in data visualization. Her experiences living in the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea have shaped her as a designer and helped her view her work through a systems-centered lens. These days, she also makes and sells pottery! https://www.sofiacababawood.com/ https://scwstoneware.com/‍ ‍ - Marie Antoinette (2006) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422720/ https://www.instagram.com/reels/DNY8hQuSOyU/ - Other movies and shows discussed: Barry Lyndon (1975) The Bear (2022-) The Beguiled (2017) The Bling Ring (2013) Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) Bottoms (2023) Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Bridgerton (2020-) The Great (2020-2023) Her (2013) Lost in Translation (2003) Pride and Prejudice (2005) Priscilla (2023) The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) Shiva Baby (2020) Somewhere (2010) The Virgin Suicides (1999)

    19 min

  3. May 19

    Marie Antoinette (2006) with Sofia Cababa Wood

    Based on Lady Antonia Fraser's 2001 biography and directed by Sofia Coppola, the 2006 Oscar-winning movie Marie Antoinette portrays the queen in a way you might not expect, making her a relatable person, a teenager who becomes a leader, coping with life's ups and downs all while trying to have some fun too. The stylistic flair and visual embellishments (watch for a pair of Converse sneakers) make plenty of scenes feel like a dessert tray thanks to the friendly, sweet color choices and Milena Canonero's work which won a 2007 Oscar for Best Achievement in Costume Design. Designer Sofia Cababa Wood has always loved the movie and as a teenager reenacted moments while visiting France, it's a movie the Seattle-based product designer at eBay definitely watches once a year. - Sofia Cababa Wood is a Seattle-based product designer at eBay. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication Design from the University of Washington in 2020. She cut her teeth at various design studios, with a specialty in data visualization. Her experiences living in the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea have shaped her as a designer and helped her view her work through a systems-centered lens. These days, she also makes and sells pottery! https://www.sofiacababawood.com/ https://scwstoneware.com/ - Marie Antoinette (2006) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422720/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DO8szHyCH91/ https://www.history.com/articles/marie-antoinette https://variety.com/2006/film/awards/marie-antoinette-4-1200515977/ https://letterboxd.com/journal/marie-antoinette-retrospective-deep-impact/‍ ‍ https://www.vulture.com/2013/06/defense-of-sofia-coppolas-marie-antoinette.html - Other movies and shows discussed: Barry Lyndon (1975) The Bear (2022-) The Beguiled (2017) The Bling Ring (2013) Bridgerton (2020-) The Favourite (2018) The Great (2020-2023) Lost in Translation (2003) Priscilla (2023) Somewhere (2010) The Virgin Suicides (1999)

    42 min

  4. May 13 ·  Bonus

    Clockwatchers (1997) with Christie Wu [more thoughts]

    Designer Christie Wu shares more thoughts about Clockwatchers (1997), talking about iconic, memorable, and funny scenes. Starring Toni Collette, Parker Posey, Lisa Kudrow, and Alanna Ubach, Clockwatchers tells the story of four female temp workers struggling to get through each day of their 9 to 5 job. - Christie Wu is a concept-driven designer working at the intersection of culture, design, and technology. Specializing in digital and interactive design, she crafts playful interactions and inventive visual stories that reverse expectations and bring joy to everyday experiences. At DEPT, she has designed for Twitch, eBay, Nordstrom, E*Trade, and Ariana Grande Fragrances. Her work has been recognized by PrintMag, Loadmo.re, and WeDirectory. Her personal project, Wandering Wombs, rebrands menstrual health visually, conceptually, and culturally. Launched in November 2024, it weaves together education, innovative design, and community engagement to empower individuals and spark meaningful conversations about the menstrual cycle. https://christiewu.design/ https://christiewu.fun/index.html - Clockwatchers (1997) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118866 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHACMZl4ud0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taf5HhMAmOI

    4 min

  5. May 8

    Clockwatchers (1997) with Christie Wu

    Starring Toni Collette, Parker Posey, Lisa Kudrow, and Alanna Ubach, Clockwatchers tells the story of four female temp workers struggling through the challenges of their 9 to 5 job. But when a new, full-time permanent hire comes on board suspicion and competition set in, made worse by a patronizing boss and thievery that brings about a witch hunt. Designer Christie Wu talks about how Clockwatchers impacted her, and explains why its well-composed cinematography is so rewarding to watch. - Christie Wu is a concept-driven designer working at the intersection of culture, design, and technology. Specializing in digital and interactive design, she crafts playful interactions and inventive visual stories that reverse expectations and bring joy to everyday experiences. At DEPT, she has designed for Twitch, eBay, Nordstrom, E*Trade, and Ariana Grande Fragrances. Her work has been recognized by PrintMag, Loadmo.re, and WeDirectory. Her personal project, Wandering Wombs, rebrands menstrual health visually, conceptually, and culturally. Launched in November 2024, it weaves together education, innovative design, and community engagement to empower individuals and spark meaningful conversations about the menstrual cycle. https://christiewu.design/ https://christiewu.fun/index.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-wu-13031a181/ https://www.printmag.com/web-interactive-design/wandering-wombs-a-lifeline-for-reproductive-rights/ - Clockwatchers (1997) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118866 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHACMZl4ud0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taf5HhMAmOI - Other movies and shows discussed: Big Love (2006-2011) The Office (2001-2003, UK) The Office (2005-2013, US) Office Space (1999) Playtime (1967)

    36 min

  6. Apr 30 ·  Bonus

    Working Girl (1988) with Karen Cheng [more thoughts]

    In this bonus episode, Professor Karen Cheng shares more thoughts about Working Girl (1988), a movie she loves. We discuss the cinematography, Harrison Ford's character, and other movies that would pair well with Working Girl for a potential double feature. - Cheng is the author of Designing Type, a comprehensive, systematic guide to the design of letters, published by Yale University Press. Since its initial publication in 2006, Designing Type has been translated into German, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, and it has been ranked #14 on a list of "Top 50 Typography Books of the Last 50 Years" in the journal Visible Language. As a researcher, Cheng has investigated how scientists can collaborate with designers to aid public and interdisciplinary communication. She is co-author of the widely referenced "A Brief Guide to Designing Effective Figures for the Scientific Paper" and has published on the positive impact of visual design on scientific communication and the role of visual design critiques in research practice, in the Information Design Journal. Cheng holds a Master's Degree in Design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning and an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Washington in 1997, she worked in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble. https://art.washington.edu/people/karen-cheng https://vimeo.com/52861172 Designing Type https://amzn.to/4dZeNYv - Working Girl (1988) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096463/ - Other movies and shows discussed: All the President's Men (1976) Betty Blue (1986) Delicatessen (1991) The Little Mermaid (1989) Miss Sloane (2016) 9 to 5 (1980) Powers of Ten (1977) Trading Places (1983) Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) - As an Amazon Associate, DESIGNERS ON FILM earns commissions by sharing product links.

  7. Apr 23

    Working Girl (1988) with Karen Cheng

    Working Girl, directed by Mike Nichols, stars Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, with Alec Baldwin and Joan Cusack. Tess, played by Melanie Griffith, ascends the corporate ladder using her book smarts and street smarts, and by pretending to be somebody she's not. Tess strives to do big things, and has plenty of good ideas to get her foot in the door until she's caught, accused of being an imposter. With Sigourney Weaver as her boss Katharine, and Harrison Ford as Jack Trainer the love interest, the movie has plenty of laughs, and lessons too. Professor Karen Cheng joins the show to talk about what makes Working Girls such a fun, rewatchable movie. - Professor Karen Cheng is the author of Designing Type, a comprehensive, systematic guide to the design of letters, published by Yale University Press. Since its initial publication in 2006, Designing Type has been translated into German, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, and it has been ranked #14 on a list of "Top 50 Typography Books of the Last 50 Years" in the journal Visible Language. As a researcher, Cheng has investigated how scientists can collaborate with designers to aid public and interdisciplinary communication. She is co-author of the widely referenced "A Brief Guide to Designing Effective Figures for the Scientific Paper" and has published on the positive impact of visual design on scientific communication and the role of visual design critiques in research practice, in the Information Design Journal. Cheng holds a Master's Degree in Design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning and an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Washington in 1997, she worked in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble. https://art.washington.edu/people/karen-cheng https://vimeo.com/52861172 Designing Type https://amzn.to/4dZeNYv Type Directors Club book discussion https://youtu.be/uEMtKyn1aGA "A Brief Guide to Designing Effective Figures for the Scientific Paper" https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.201102518 Positive Impact of Visual Design on Scientific Communication https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/idj.23.1.09che The Role of Visual Design Critiques in Research Practice https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/idj.22008.sem - Working Girl (1988) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096463/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DTlPpI8knqN https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/08/working-girl-remake-selena-gomez - Other movies and shows discussed: Anchroman 2 (2013) Freaky Friday (1976, 2003) The Intern (2015) Murderbot (2025) Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) Shrinking (2023-) Ted Lasso (2020-) Trading Places (1983)

    48 min

  8. Apr 16

    The Social Network (2010) with Scott Amyx and Cameron Tau

    Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, The Social Network is a dramatization of Facebook's founding. The fictional story shows the grit, tenacity, and ruthlessness of its creators. Guests Scott Amyx and Cameron Tau talk about the movie, and how Facebook has caused disruptions impacting people at a very human level, resulting in isolationism and addiction, damaging mental health. But Uplifty aims to do something very different, helping people build relationships. - Scott Amyx is a global innovation expert, venture capitalist, and futurist focused on the intersection of humans and exponential technologies. He is the Founder and CEO of Uplifty, where he builds platforms to enhance human connection in an increasingly automated world, and Chair and Managing Partner at Astor Perkins, a deep-tech and sustainability venture firm. A Harvard Business Review Advisory Council Member, TEDx speaker, and author, Scott has advised governments, Fortune 500s, and startups on breakthrough innovation, smart cities, and the future of work. His work combines cutting-edge technology with human-centered strategies to help people and organizations thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. https://uplifty.ai/about-us/ https://astorperkins.com/ Strive: How Doing The Things Most Uncomfortable Leads to Success by Scott Amyx https://amzn.to/4sU2elb - Cameron Tau is a UX and product design professional with a background in psychology, marketing, and data analytics. She served as a UI/UX team lead at Uplifty, driving the app's wireframes and overall user experience while integrating user-centered design principles. Skilled in user research, prototyping, and data-driven decision making, Cameron has created high-fidelity designs that enhance usability and engagement across digital platforms. Her work combines design thinking with analytical insights to deliver seamless and impactful user experiences. https://uplifty.ai/about-us/ - Uplifty https://uplifty.ai/ https://www.instagram.com/upliftyai/ - The Social Network (2010) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/ https://youtu.be/lB95KLmpLR4?si=vKPKWSVjCNTHxulx - The Accidental Billionaires https://amzn.to/4tJ6a8T - Social media and recent fallout https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c747x7gz249o https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-68161632 https://lite.cnn.com/2026/03/25/media/meta-google-social-media-verdict-advocates

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Every episode, host Jason Tselentis speaks with a phenomenal guest, usually a designer, about their favorite movie. It might be worth watching over and over, and over again. Maybe it left them with more questions than answers, or a lingering feeling. Learn about art direction and set design, cinematography and performance, casting and screenwriting, acting and costume design, makeup and music, as well as advertising, marketing, media, technology, unforgettable quotes, and so much more. Whether or not you are a designer, you will enjoy every revealing conversation that explores creativity and strategy, perseverance and leadership, craft and style.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Tselentis
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    DESIGNERS ON FILM