Set design is an often-overlooked aspect of production, but at Jennifer Diehl Production + Talent, we know that creating the perfect environment is crucial to the success of any shoot. One of our most memorable projects was building a dog park set for a Subaru commercial, where the attention to detail was so precise that even the locals were fooled.
Our task was to transform a city neighborhood park into a fully functioning dog park. With a permit in hand, our talented prop team, led by Brent Diehl and Pat Lee, got to work. They constructed a set that was so realistic, some of the neighbors believed it was a permanent addition to the community. Their surprise and eventual disappointment when they learned it was only temporary is a testament to the quality of our work.
Creating a believable set requires more than just technical skill; it demands creativity, vision, and a deep understanding of the story we’re trying to tell. In this case, the dog park needed to evoke a sense of community, fun, and connection—all values that Subaru holds dear. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail, from the fencing to the landscaping, contributed to this narrative.
By the time the sun set, the dog park was gone, leaving no trace of the day’s work. But for those involved, the magic of that moment lingered. It was a reminder of the power of set design and the importance of creating environments that enhance the story we’re telling.
