Behind the Scenes: Lauri Gaffin's Visual Memoir of Hollywood Set Design
Lauri Gaffin, a veteran set decorator and photographer with a 35-year career in feature films, has published a photographic memoir titled Moving Still through Damiani Books. The book serves as a visual diary that explores behind-the-scenes aspects of film production, showcasing Gaffin's work on projects ranging from indie classics to major blockbusters.
Moving Still highlights numerous detailed production-design achievements and locations, illustrating the care and creativity involved in filmmaking. One example includes sourcing a 30-foot cockpit from Aviation Warehouse, which was subsequently distributed across dunes as on-set effects. Another standout is the reconstruction of the iconic Chemosphere House, designed by John Lautner in 1960, which was rebuilt as a stage set with a specially engineered tilt to avoid camera reflections, complete with a Los Angeles backdrop.
The book also reveals the use of reproduction animal and fantasy props, such as wolf penis bones procured from Bone Clones and Valley Anatomical Preparations for films like Land of the Lost. Filming of the Fargo pilot took place in Edmonton, Alberta, featuring memorable set pieces like the ice-cream stand Babe's topped with a blue cow. For Thor's Asgard banquet scenes, the production staged an elaborate feast including 94 brass goblets, 200 golden apples of Idunn, large loaves, gourds, honeycomb, cornucopias, and haunches of meat.
Additionally, filming occurred at the remote Trona Pinnacles in California, where stark geological towers rise from a dry lakebed. The isolated location required all services to be trucked in, demonstrating the logistical challenges faced by production teams.
Throughout the book, the collaborative efforts of directors, actors, production designers, and crew are underscored. Gaffin recalls the emotional impact of seeing a set destroyed, sharing how she cried when her beautiful set lay in ruins, reflecting the deep personal connections formed through the art of filmmaking.
