Meet Angelmari Lising: Aspiring Production Designer and Gorilla Creative Film Scholarship Recipient

Angelmari Lising didn’t enter college with a film background, but she did bring a creative spirit, a deep appreciation for hands-on work, and a curiosity about the art behind the camera. Now a Digital Cinema major at Southern Oregon University, she’s quickly finding her place in the world of set decoration and prop making, using every opportunity to experiment, learn, and grow.

Her introduction to film came through theater, where she found joy in building props and decorating sets. “I always loved art: drawing, painting, and sculpting. In theater, I realized how much I enjoyed transforming a space,” she says. “I like the idea that someone could view whatever I make multiple times on their own rather than a scheduled show. That led me to pursue film, even though I started the program at SOU with no experience.”

One of Angelmari’s most meaningful early film experiences came while working as a production assistant on Lives of Likho, a senior capstone film. She supported the art department and learned the ropes from production designer Vanessa Hellums. “Vanessa taught me so much, like how to use liquid latex, paint for texture, make fake food, even edible organs,” she says. “I learned more than I ever expected.”

Two moments stand out from that experience. The first: a full-day prop-making session at the apartment of the designer and director. “We made fake organs, edible ones too—a heart and an intestine. We even tested them ourselves to make sure they'd work on camera,” she laughs. “Let’s just say sausage skin is really hard to chew!” The second: a late night with just her and Vanessa distressing clothes and painting body props. “I got a better understanding of paint, latex, and even duct tape,” she says. “It was one of those moments where I realized how much I love this work.”

Angelmari draws inspiration from prop master Scott Reeder, whose behind-the-scenes YouTube videos break down not just prop-making techniques, but the full collaboration across art departments. “I watched his videos before I even decided to major in film. I always thought that what he did was cool and he also inspired me.”

Now, she dreams of designing for horror or thriller films, especially worlds overrun with monsters or nature gone wild. “I’d love to build a set that’s been overtaken by plants or tendrils, like the fungi in The Last of Us or the Upside Down in Stranger Things,” she says. “

In the long run, Angelmari hopes to work her way up to become a prop master or production designer, and maybe one day run her own art warehouse to support other creatives. But what drives her most is the idea of creating inclusive, welcoming learning environments like the one she was welcomed into. “Everyone I’ve worked with so far has been so encouraging and helpful. I want to do that for others someday and make them feel like they belong here, too.”

We’re proud to support Angelmari Lising as a Gorilla Creative Film Scholarship recipient. Her talent, imagination, and collaborative spirit are exactly what the future of filmmaking needs. Aside from the scholarship funds she has received to support her, we will be conducting a personal AMA where she can spend time talking with the team at Gorilla Creative to learn more about video production from working professionals. Congratulations, Angelmari!