Philip Messina (Production Designer) on 'Black Bag' | Interview Special Volume 2

Philip Messina Volume 2 - Black Bag

In Volume 2 of our conversation with renowned production designer Philip Messina (The Hunger Games, Ocean’s Eleven), we continue our deep dive into his work on the upcoming spy thriller Black Bag. Messina discusses the creative and technical process behind designing the film’s central house - a location that carries much of the story’s emotional and psychological weight.

He also breaks down the two major dinner table sequences, explaining how subtle choices in layout, props, and lighting helped build tension and support character dynamics. We also explore the fascinating story behind the film’s original opening scene - a sequence that was ultimately cut from the final film, but went on to become the main promotional image associated with Black Bag. Messina reflects on his long-running collaboratio ...