The Catacombs

Our work on Catacombs was rooted in building a fully immersive visual world – one that felt both historically grounded and emotionally charged. As production designers, we approached every element as an opportunity to deepen the narrative, crafting a space that reflects the tension between refuge and reality. From the lino-lined, coffin-shaped tables to the deliberately kitsch 1960s South African wallpaper patterns and crude, imperfect mural work, each detail was designed to feel authentic to the time while echoing the layered identities within the club itself. Beyond the physical set, we extended this thinking into the film’s visual identity. The poster draws inspiration from the expressive, painterly tradition of Drew Struzan – rich in atmosphere, character, and drama – reimagined through the lens of this story. In parallel, the typographic identity nods to the playful yet bold sensibilities of classic Hanna-Barbera-era design, grounding the film in a subtle nostalgia while maintaining a distinct, contemporary edge.