Christian W. Snell is an ADG 800 Production Designer and Art Director who has developed his design sensibility working in the film and entertainment industry for over 15 years.
A childhood spent volunteering for the local history museum and teenage summers spent restoring tired furniture and bicycles was an early indicator of his love for breathing life and renewed purpose into objects that had long-been deemed retired. Later, his History degree from Kent State and his successful solo venture restoring condemned historic Cleveland, Ohio, properties would further fuel his passion for history, architecture, and design.
After moving to Los Angeles, Christian built the framework for his film career working in the art department on hundreds of print and advertising campaigns—eventually transitioning to Production Designing his own commercial and narrative projects.
As a hands on Production Designer who is fervent about historical accuracy within artistic license, his forte includes extensive period and architectural research. He digs into the roots of the characters to cultivate the world around them with purposeful colors, textures, shapes, and style components. The goal with his design elements is to never distract with his art, but to enhance and strengthen the emotional connection viewers feel to the characters and their world.
When he’s not traveling designing, you will find Christian in the mountains around Lake Arrowhead, California, stand-up paddle boarding the lake and searching the forest for owl-houses with his young sons.
➸ Especially experienced and passionate about historical and period projects, with a strong track record of meticulously researched, historically authentic worlds that support story, character, and the director’s vision.
➸ Proven green screen and volume stage expertise, adept at designing environments with VFX in mind, creating flexible, photorealistic virtual worlds, and collaborating closely with post-production, LED stage, and camera teams to ensure seamless integration of physical and digital elements.
➸ Forward-thinking in integrating AI into the design workflow, using AI tools for rapid concept exploration, visual research, and previs while maintaining a strong authorial vision and clear creative control over final design decisions.
➸ Hands-on and personable production designer, equally comfortable on set and in the studio—personally involved in drafting, model-making, set dressing, and overseeing construction to ensure the design vision is realized down to the smallest detail.
Claire Best & Associates.
736 Seward Street Los Angeles, CA 90038. Phone +1 (323) 601-5001.
Representatives. Meg Olsen | meg@clairebest.net
- California, Los Angeles – Corp
- Ohio, Cleveland – Corp
- Montana, Butte – Corp
- Louisiana, New Orleans, Shreveport – Corp
- Georgia, Atlanta, Madison, Macon, Augusta – Corp
- Oklahoma, Oklahoma City – Corp
- Arkansas, Bentonville
- Alabama, Birmingham
- Kentucky, Cave City
- Tennessee, Nashville
- Connecticut, Hartford
- North Carolina, Charlotte
- Oregon, Portland
- Utah, Salt Lake City, Park City
- Nevada, Las Vegas
- New Mexico, Las Vegas
- Wisconsin, Elkhorn
- Illinois, Chicago