Production Designer Andrea Leigh Collaborates A-List Stars

Andrea Leigh, an industry-leading production designer, has been making significant contributions to many prestigious projects throughout her esteemed career, solidifying her position as a vital creative force. With her exceptional talent and attention to detail, Leigh has played a crucial role in the success of campaigns for many, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Leigh has resided in Los Angeles for the past six years. As a production designer, she creates visually captivating worlds for characters and products to exist in. Working closely with directors, Leigh designs the overall visual style of a campaign, ensuring that it aligns with the brand identity or story. Her meticulous approach emphasizes cohesiveness and aims to leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

“There’s something so satisfying about completing a very large project in such a small amount of time. I must be quick on my feet, come up with practical solutions rapidly, always staying sharp and rolling with the many changes that come up along the way. I feel with all the experience I’ve had, there is almost nothing I cannot build, source, or create with little to no time at this point in my career” says Leigh.

Throughout her career, Leigh has developed a diverse portfolio of work, ranging from minimalistic and graphic designs to period-themed projects. Her versatility allows her to constantly learn new skills and adapt to the unique requirements of each campaign. This adaptability has been a key factor in her success as a production designer.

One highlight of Leigh’s career was her involvement in the “Wood Milk” commercial campaign, featuring the hilarious Actress Aubrey Plaza and directed by Hannah Levy, a former Saturday Night Live Director.

“I really wanted to have the sets feel tangible and natural because it’s not until the end of the film that the joke is fully revealed and you realize it’s not a real product. Having things look authentic throughout the spot was important to keep the viewer guessing, trying to figure out if this is real. We also didn’t want it to feel too dated or too typical of a farm production facility, so we tried to keep things modern and clean,” Leigh describes.

The commercial, shot on a sprawling ranch in Thousand Oaks, transformed the location into the Wood Milk Orchard. Leigh’s expertise in designing sets that felt natural played a vital role in convincing viewers that Wood Milk was a real product. Her ability to balance authenticity with a touch of irony brought the script to life and contributed to the commercial’s success, which has amassed over 5.7 million views on YouTube alone and garnered international acclaim from many publications, including AdWeek and Mashed.com, to name a few.

Another notable project in Leigh’s portfolio is the Citibank campaign featuring Emmy Winning Actor Dan Levy and acclaimed Actress and Director Rashida Jones. For this campaign, Leigh designed multiple sets, including a pharmacy, a hardware store, a grocery store, and a gas station. Her attention to detail and ability to make each set feel real were essential in creating an immersive experience for the viewers. Leigh’s meticulous work not only complemented the performances of the actors but also contributed to the overall cohesiveness of the campaign.

“It was super important to make sure that each and every one of these sets felt real as they were supposed to represent everyday locations,” she says. “We even had Dan Levy lost in a Tuscan hillside complete with Italian street signs I designed and fabricated, an iconic Fiat Cinquecento, and a cow!”

Leigh’s work as a production designer goes beyond designing visually appealing sets. She also excels in managing large art departments, communicating with various stakeholders, and staying organized throughout the production process. Her skillset, which includes clear communication, decisive delegation, and attention to detail, has been crucial in the successful execution of projects with tight schedules and high demands.

The success of Leigh’s projects has led to continued recognition and opportunities in the industry. Her contributions to the Wood Milk and Citibank campaigns have not only left a mark on viewers but have also paved the way for future collaborations. Leigh’s ability to deliver exceptional results, regardless of the project’s scale or complexity, has solidified her position as an industry-leading production designer.

As she continues to push boundaries and tackle new challenges, Leigh remains dedicated to her craft. Her passion for storytelling and her unwavering commitment to excellence ensure that she will continue to thrive as a production designer.