Production designer Marcus Rowland is known for crafting visually stunning worlds that blur the line between reality and fantasy. A frequent collaborator of visionary director Edgar Wright on films like Last Night in Soho and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (15-year anniversary!), and with credits that include Rocketman, Rowland has a proven track record of creating immersive environments that serve both story and spectacle.
Now, he’s bringing his distinctive vision to Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian thriller, The Running Man, which is set to open in theatres this November. The film’s world is built on a unique blend of gritty, near-future realism, and the heightened spectacle of a deadly televised game show.
Join us for an engaging conversation with Rowland as he takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, revealing how he builds these unforgettable worlds and navigates the collaborative art of bringing impossible visions to life on screen.
Presented by
Marcus Rowland
Oct 11
4:00 pm
Annex Theatre
Book Tickets
Saturday October 11
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
See More Talks at VIFF
Breaking the Rules: Janicza Bravo on Unconventional Narratives and Fearless Filmmaking
From her Sundance winner Gregory Go Boom to the acclaimed Zola, Janicza Bravo transforms chaos into surrealist cinema gold. Her bold vision has elevated episodes of Atlanta, The Bear, and Poker Face. Join us for a talk with this fearless storyteller.
Visual Architect: Frederick Elmes on Four Decades of Cinematic Collaboration
Legendary cinematographer Frederick Elmes has spent decades helping to define the visual language of directors like David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about the craft behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
Image: © Vague Notion
From Intimate to Infinite With Writer, Creator Jenny Lumet
From Rachel Getting Married to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Jenny Lumet is a master storyteller. She's forged a unique path, building a career that champions diverse voices and crafts deeply human stories. Join us as she shares her journey.
Choreographed Chaos: Ramon and Silvan Zürcher on Domestic Surrealism and Cinematic Precision
Employing collaboration and a shared vision, Ramon and Silvan Zürcher create meticulously observed, drolly absurd dramas that transform domestic spaces into surreal landscapes.
Image: © Iris Janke
Making It Happen With Jeremy Dawson, Producer: From Aronofsky to Anderson
From title designer to award-winning producer, Jeremy Dawson has played a role in some of your favourite movies. Join us to hear about his journey through cinema and his collaborations with filmmaking giants like Wes Anderson and Darren Aronofsky.
Reshaping Storytelling With Zacharias Kunuk, Director
Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, whose masterpiece Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner won the Caméra d'Or at Cannes and helped pave the way for more authentic voices in cinema.
Building the Extraordinary With Marcus Rowland, Production Designer, The Running Man
An engaging conversation with Marcus Rowland as he takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, revealing how he builds these unforgettable worlds and navigates the collaborative art of bringing impossible visions to life on screen.
Bringing Monsters to Life With VFX Supervisor Dennis Berardi, Frankenstein
While classic creatures remain timeless, modern audiences demand something that feels authentically alive. VFX supervisor Dennis Berardi is a master of balancing practical artistry with digital innovation.