From Architecture Graduate to Blockbuster Set Designer: The Unconventional Journey of Cortner
After completing his architecture studies, Cortner found himself at a crossroads. Rather than taking a traditional job, he opted for an unexpected opportunity that would launch his career in the film industry.
His thesis advisor introduced him to Leslie McDonald, a noted production designer known for her work on films such as “Minority Report” and “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.” Through McDonald, Cortner was connected with the team behind the “Transformers” spinoff, “Bumblebee,” which was seeking additional production assistance.
Faced with the choice between a stable job and a leap into the film world, Cortner chose the latter. “They needed a production assistant to start the day after I graduated. So, I decided not to take my full-time job, and I drove out to LA to do that,” Cortner recounted.
In his role as a production assistant, he managed tasks such as organizing props and fetching items for the art department. His diligent work caught the attention of an art director, leading to his entry into the Art Directors Guild. This marked the beginning of his career as a set designer, with “Ford v Ferrari” being his first major project.
Tasked with challenging assignments right from the start, he was responsible for transforming minimal data—like a few photographs and measurements—into comprehensive set designs. “It was a real test of, ‘Would I be able to do this job?’” Cortner reflected.
His academic background at UVA had prepared him well for the demands of such creative and intensive work. “It’s long hours, but it’s very creative, and it keeps your mind very busy,” he explained. “There’s lots to do every day, so 12 to 13 hours goes by quickly. It was similar to architecture school.”
Cortner’s set design credits extend beyond “Bumblebee” and “Ford v Ferrari” to include notable films like “Babylon,” “The Batman,” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” Interestingly, he noted that he was not responsible for the UVA diploma seen in “Ghostbusters,” attributing it to the film’s director, Jason Reitman’s meticulous research.
His most recent and ambitious work is on “The Odyssey,” a cinematic adaptation directed by Christopher Nolan. “Chris Nolan demands a lot from his crew, but what I will say is that he also demands a lot from himself, too,” Cortner said of the experience.
Currently, Cortner is expanding his horizons by pursuing a business degree at the University of California, Berkeley. Despite this new academic endeavor, his passion for creativity remains strong. “I’m hoping to do something creative, still, but I’m just trying to enjoy the moment,” he shared.
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