PRODUCTION DESIGNER    /    DESIGN CONSULTANT

Doug is passionate about transforming narrative into inspirational and aspirational new visual worlds.  He considers himself blessed to live a life in collaboration with a diverse and talented community of fellow storytellers.   

 

While growing up in the Midwest, art and film chose Doug at an early age.  Making movies with friends on his 8mm camera, and building elaborate forts in his backyard led to his pursuit of degrees in architecture and environmental design.

 

After completing studies in Washington, DC, Doug was drawn to Los Angeles with a sense that his passion and skills might find a home in the film industry.  His instincts soon manifested into work as a set designer and art director, first on low budget films and television, then breaking into large scale feature films beginning as a specialty set designer on James Cameron’s “Titanic.”  This led to more than two decades of work  both domestically and internationally as an art director and supervising art director on such films as “Contact,” “Armageddon,” “Jurassic Park 3,” “The Italian Job,” “War of the Worlds,” “Ocean’s 13,” “Jurassic World,” “Skull Island,” “The Kings Man,” “Pinocchio,” and many more.

 

In 2008, Doug made his production design feature debut on Steven Soderbergh’s “The Informant,” starring Matt Damon. This led to collaborations with such directors as Miguel Arteta, Julius Onah, and Charles Stone, across a wide array of genres.

 

Doug believes that successful production design is about assembling, cultivating, and inspiring a creative team with the collective goal of supporting a foundational story.  With script in hand, the designer endeavors to build a visual language that can serve as a communal creative touchstone—nourishing and empowering all fellow storytellers across all departments.  Great design stands confidently on its own with no need for explanation or elaboration—ready to share its magic and wonder with the audience.

 

As a Design Consultant, Doug has applied his years and breadth of design experience to a variety of dynamic entertainment endeavors.  He has collaborated with diverse client partners including Universal Studios, Dreamworks, Industrial Light & Magic, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences to conceptualize fresh visual opportunities, to optimize and enrich user experiences, and to elevate and advocate for brand integrity.

 

Doug Meerdink resides with his family in Los Angeles, works near and afar, and is honored to serve on the Executive Board of the Design Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.