Meet Erica Tenaglia | Production Designer, Art Director, Set Dresser, Prop Maker, SFX Make Up Artist, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Tenaglia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in La Boca in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I mainly grew up on the small suburban town of Jose Marmol (18 Kilometers from Buenos Aires City). It’s a little place with strong traditions. Shops open in the morning, there is siesta time and then open again in the late afternoon. Sundays a lot of the shops only open in the morning. I remember smelling the bread getting baked from the bakery in the corner. Most bakeries would close on Mondays when I was a child. There was a fruit/vegetable carriage that would pass on Tuesdays, the bottle collector guy would pass by on Thursday. Yelling away to get the attention of the neighbors.
Going to the movies was my favorite hobby. My mom and I would get dressed up and head to Adrogue. The movie would always be delay a bit, and then you would hear the voices of people complaining and then the stomping begun. The theatre full, and the whole audience in unison would stomp their feet on the floor, chanting “Que empiece, que empiece”. The previews would start and everyone was cheering and laughing, applauding away. I enjoyed that experience so much that the thought of it puts a smile in my face right away.
My mom was an artist at heart and she nourished my desire to paint and be creative since a very early age. Going to museums, taking me to classes, taking me to important architectural land marks, discussing special effects done in the movies, showing me how to sew, going to home decorating stores. I was a very curious child and had very supporting adults nourishing me. Looking back, all those things contribute to build me up and being able to look at a script and create the proper visual elements to make the set organic and relatable to the audience. Creating the world from the script to the screen. I love hearing someone from the crew telling another person how much they would love to have a patio like that or how cozy the living room is. I love creating a space to fit the character’s personality or do my own props. Always adding on little easter eggs, and an element that represent my mom and dad. My parents are the reason I am good at my job. They supported my passion and I am very thankful/honored that I had them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am truly in love with my career. It’s easy for me to work alone and as part of a team as well. I take in consideration other departments when planing sets and picking props. For example, when I did the feature Christmas film “Saint Nick” instead of getting the shiny tree ornaments (which we could see the reflection of everything behind the camera) I opted for glitter and mat ornaments instead, to prevent that eye sore. Also, when renting studios or houses, they have their own rules on what can be use or not. Some places won’t allow art in their walls or the use of any liquids except for water. Some places tell you in advance, some you find out the day off. Some places sometimes don’t look like the picture. I prefer going to see the space in advance when possible, so I can ask a million questions and get the just of it. From time to time, you are not allow real food, so I have to get creative and make some fun fake things.
Recently I created a character for Director Mike DeLano. I did the SFX make up, and the wardrobe based on the description he gave me, and communicated through out the week of the progress, to get approval and continue forward with the work. When he said it came out better than what he imagined, my heart was jumping with joy. I spent 7 days shopping and prepping the wardrobe. I stained/aged the clothing and boots, painted everything by hand and used so many different techniques to accomplished the perfect outcome. Burned and roughed up the cowboy hat, which I added a bullet hole as well. His zombie cowboy came alive with the SFX make up that took two and a half hours non stop. Seeing how happy he was, knowing I hit the mark, makes me work harder in my next project.
After each job, I take an intensive look on how I did, how can I be faster, how can I can collaborate better, etc. Then I rolled up my sleeves and continue bringing magic to every set I get the joy of working on.
It hasn’t been an easy road, it has been a fascinating adventure. I just motivate myself to conquer challenges that come along the way in the most positive light. Nothing in life is easy, and the only person I can control is myself. I have to have the discipline to keep going, and a positive mentality to conquer things along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had to take my friend out, I would go to Second Street in Belmont Shore. We would go to Super Mex, Saint and Second, or Nick’s on Second. They all have excellent food and drinks, and are very different from each other. There are also a few shopping spots like Cityology that features a lot of local artist’s products. Burn Out is another favorite of mine, their clothes and style are just fantastic. Vintage with a touch of rock and roll. Then we will go to Shara, more of a boho, romantic clothing store full of accessories and purses as well. And at the end, we probably stop at Sweet Jill’s to take some dessert home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Parents, Amelia and Oscar Tenaglia. They encouraged me to be fearless, follow my heart’s desire and that only person who could be in my way is myself. They gave me excellent advice and mold me to believe, to work hard, have a strong work ethic, and to keep on going until the job is done. They will forever have a special place in my heart and even tho they are no longer here, their love still guides me.
My friends and colleagues,Michael DeLano, Fabian Montes, Anthony De Las Alas, Chris Levine, Dave Fairman. I know them for a few years now and had work with them in multiple projects. Their work ethic, creativity, personality had brought so much to the production we were working at the moment. I love watching them shine, pick their creative brains, and create along with them. People like them make the entertainment industry a better place.

Instagram: ericalorenatenaglia

Other: IMDB:
Erica Tenaglia

Image Credits
All the photos were taking by me, behind the scenes
Fist picture is from the comedy holiday featured film “Saint Nick” showing actor Alex Lizzul on the left, and actor/producer/writer Chris Levine, on the right.
Second, sixth, seventh, eighth pictures are from the comedy “The Contract”.
Third picture is character development featuring actor Bart Voitilia.
Fourth picture is from the featured film “Censor Addiction” with actors Marnette Patterson, Daniel O’Reilly, and gaffer Bernie Tarin.
Fifth picture is from the short film “Luchando por la luz”.