Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529668
B E E T L E J U I C E B E E T L E J U I C E | P E R S P E C T I V E 5 5 When I received the first draft for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, my initial excitement was quickly tempered by the realization of the tremendous weight of expectation this project carried. The original film, released in 1988, was an unexpected hit that evolved into a massive cult phenomenon. It not only solidified Tim Burton's reputation as a visionary filmmaker, but also became a cultural touchstone of his unique blend of gothic whimsy and surreal humor. For decades, rumor of a sequel swirled, with various attempts almost coming to fruition. But now, it was finally happening, and with it came the immense responsibility to honor a film that had left such an indelible mark on both audiences and cinema history. From the outset, it was clear this wouldn't be a reboot or a reimagining, but rather a continuation of the original film. The challenge lay in recapturing the handmade, in-camera magic that made the original so special, while resisting the temptation to rely too heavily on modern visual effects. This film had to feel as though it belonged in the same ingenious world that had been created in the 1980s by Production Designer Bo Welch. It's an understatement to say I had big shoes to fill, honoring Bo's work while at the same time expanding the universe that audiences had come to love. Every detail needed to be meticulously crafted to capture the spirit of the original, while allowing the story to explore new heights. I began work on the project in October 2022, with two Concept Artists, Thomas Du Crest and Dermot Power: Our initial goal, to develop early ideas for key set pieces, such as the Shrinkers' boiler room, the dry cleaners and the soul train. These early designs were crucial in ensuring that my creative vision aligned with Tim's. We knew these sets would be instrumental in setting the film's tone, so it was vital to capture the quirky, surreal essence that fans expect from the world of Beetlejuice. Collaborating closely with Thomas and Dermot, we infused each concept with the darkly mischievous elements that define Tim's aesthetic, ensuring every design choice echoed the original film's distinct visual language. A. BOILER ROOM ILLUSTRATION MODELED IN BLENDER BY THOMAS DU CREST. B. BOILER ROOM. FIRST NOTEBOOK THUMBNAIL BY MARK SCRUTON. C. BOILER ROOM. BUILT ON M STAGE AT WARNER BROS. STUDIOS LEAVESDEN. SET PHOTO. B C