Production designer Claire Bennett tackled a rare filmmaking constraint on Netflix's romantic comedy "Nobody Wants This." The entire production shot on location, without a single soundstage, forcing Bennett and her team to adapt their traditional approach to production design.
At IndieWire's Craft Roundtables, Bennett discussed the creative challenges and unexpected benefits that emerged from this location-only strategy. Working without controlled soundstage environments meant every set required scouting, securing, and adapting real spaces to fit the story's needs. The rom-com format typically relies on intimate interiors, domestic spaces, and quick scene transitions, all traditionally easier to control on a soundstage.
The constraint demanded resourcefulness. Bennett's team had to work within existing architecture, lighting conditions, and spatial limitations rather than building sets to specification. This approach mirrors the indie filmmaking philosophy, where budget constraints and creative problem-solving drive design choices. Yet Netflix's rom-com, which stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, maintains the polished production values audiences expect from the streaming giant.
The location-heavy approach offers genuine authenticity. Real spaces carry texture and history that constructed sets struggle to replicate. Natural light, authentic furnishings, and genuine architectural details create visual environments that read as lived-in and credible. For romantic comedies, where audiences connect emotionally with characters in their homes and favorite restaurants, this authenticity strengthens the storytelling.
Bennett's experience reflects a broader industry trend. More productions embrace location shooting as both a creative choice and logistical necessity. The approach requires production designers to shift from builders to curators, selecting and modifying existing spaces rather than constructing them from scratch. This demands different skill sets: understanding how to enhance spaces without overwhelming them, negotiating with location owners, and solving practical problems on the fly.
The IndieWire roundtable highlighted how constraints spark innovation. Bennett