Setting the Stage
CFA Alumnus Bryan Lane Finds the Right Time and Place through Set Design
School of Drama
written by
Pam Wigley
Bryan Lane remembers attending a pre-admission meeting at Carnegie Mellon University, and he liked what he heard.
“The person conducting the meeting said to all of us, ‘When you’re accepted to CMU, we will support your journey here.’ And they did.”
It’s been a tremendous journey for the Washington County, Pa., native, who grew up as one of two sons in his Canonsburg family. Lane knew early on that he wanted to “do something creative” with his career. He said he found his inspiration, in part, through a visit to Disney World and by watching television. “Little House on the Prairie” was a particular influence, although he said he didn’t sit in front of the TV all day and night.
Instead, he absorbed not only the acting and the programs overall, but also the scenery and the sets on which shows were filmed. Lane took his inspiration and channeled it into designing and building a “Little House” set of his own. Years later, in 1987, he presented the work as part of his portfolio for admission to CMU.
“I had a cousin who went to Carnegie Mellon, and I visited him when I was 15,” Lane recalled. “I loved the campus; I felt like it was the place for me to be some day.”
Although he admitted that the curriculum was rigorous, he appreciated that the “very professional program” prepared him and his fellow alumni for gainful employment when they graduated. One of his first set designs was for the School of Drama’s production of “Merchant of Venice,” and the experience stood out as memorable for Lane. He said he’s also grateful for the education and insights he got from the late Cletus and Barbara Anderson, professors who inspired him to push himself and delve into research that would complement his designs.
In spring 1991, Lane accepted an internship at NBC in Burbank, Calif., working on “Days of Our Lives.” The experience and exposure to the West Coast helped him decide that the Los Angeles area was where he wanted to be. So, after graduating with his BFA in theatrical design from CMU, he headed west and began to work with fellow alumni John Shaffner and Joe Stewart designing sets. He worked in various TV genres, from live variety shows and commercials, to series — such as two seasons with CBS hit “Criminal Minds,” as well as “American Dreams,” where he had the opportunity to rebuild the American Bandstand set. He also recreated the set for “The Dick Van Dyke Show” when the cast reunited in 2004.
The latter two projects allowed Lane to showcase his fondness for working on period pieces, particularly those from the 1960s. One of his favorite set design film projects was “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” which highlighted his talent for researching the time period and applying what he learned to each set he designed.
Lane also designed video games; he earned his union membership in the Set Designers Union with “Wing Commander 4” and entry into the Art Directors Union through his work on “The Nanny.” Through his 33-year career, the diversity of his projects has helped him to interact with many different people in the industry, and new roles come to him because of networking and reputation. He moved successfully into the film industry some time ago, designing sets for some of the biggest blockbusters ever produced.
Most recently, he designed the house for lead character Mollie (played by Lily Gladstone) in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” He also worked on other set design within the production and said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“I got to explore the history of an entire town in Oklahoma and take it back to the 1920s through set design,” Lane said of his portion of the project, which began early in 2021 and ran through Labor Day of that year. “When I watch it now, I clearly remember what went into [creating] the actual scenes.”
Despite a clearly full schedule, Lane finds time for outside interests. He completely renovated his own home over a five-year period and said if he weren’t in the set design business, he might be flipping homes. He also gives back to Carnegie Mellon’s next generation of design professionals.
“CMU did me right,” Lane said. “I want to give back.”
He does so through student support, like campus visits to share his expertise; welcoming students to Los Angeles to learn on-site; and providing scholarships to School of Drama production students.
His advice to them is straightforward:
“Be strong and decisive in your work. You may eventually lead a department. Move around and meet new people. Learn new things and know the latest technology — stay on top of it. You’ll be fine.”
Bryan Lane
featuring the following:
image of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" set designed by Bryan Lane
image of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" set designed by Bryan Lane
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