HAPPY DEATH DAY 2 U
Directed By Chris Landon
Working a sequel is always difficult. Matching the tone and look of an existing production can be restrictive and kind of a bummer really. This movie was not like that. Landon wanted to create an alternate reality to the original and gave us room to play. We had to adhere to the established looks, but were encouraged to create probable variations. There were new locations in 2 , such as the Lab and the Gymnasium. The Lab had alot going on so we really wanted to make it memorable. The blue sprialing mural blended into the sci-fi, time-bending elements of the film and really came to life when the Dean gets blown across the room.
The gymnasium was a huge set. We wanted it to be lousy with school spirit. As they are the Bayfield Babies I named it The Cradle. I teamed up with our costumer for the team uniforms, and also for creating a custom pattern for the Dean's tie.
Production Designed by Bill Boes
The alternate reality angle of this film turned out to be quite fun. Tree's shirt matches the original, but the bands are different. Landon wanted to pay homage to Back to the Future in the set dressing, so we added an alternate movie poster on the dorm wall. We took it to the next level by replacing Michael J Fox on the title block with Eric Stoltz, the original Marty McFly.
Tree's death montage was like a candy store for me. She chugs my Liquid Python Drain Cleaner in one scene... which has appeared in other films since. As well as it's parent company... Pluggo. She dives out of a skydiving plane with Like a Leaf in the background (her name is Tree...) The corrugated bulkhead wall and door are all part of the graphic. In another B2F nod, and another pun, Tree leaps into a shredder belonging to Biff's Tree service. Make like a Tree, and get out of here.
Bayfield University became a character of it's own after a while. And as such it needed a little history. When Tree and her gang raid the Faculty Lounge a large tapestry with the school Crest is ripped from the wall to reveal an old version of the crest. It has the appearance of inlaid wood. It also has a motto written in latin which roughly translates to If at First You Don't Succeed, Try Again...
The campus and lab are littered with posters and flyers. Upcoming events, PSAs and the campus nightlife magazine Bayfield Nights. One issue that appears several times is the Best of Bayfield edition, featuring Fatlees Burgers & Low Mein.
DARPA appeared in the script and we collectively decided the actual logo was a little stale. We amped it up and made it clean and slick. It ended being the largest scale film graphic I have done to date. Some 30 feet tall on the wall of the facility.
As a Graphic Designer for film, I try to add depth and authenticity to every arrangement. If the director and actors believe their environment and enjoy being there, you finish with a better performance and ultimately a better film.
NWC