Liz Toonkel is a multifaceted creative force who harnesses the storytelling potential of design to captivate audiences in film, television, theater, and advertising. With an impressive track record of contributing to over 40 projects, her recent credits include the suspenseful thriller "Emily the Criminal" for Roadside Attractions, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and the stop-motion comedy "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" for A24, starring Jenny Slate.
As a production designer, Liz has a remarkable ability to craft immersive worlds that encourage audiences to reflect on their own experiences and question societal norms. Her passion lies in designing films where the production design is subtle yet impactful, allowing viewers to feel the atmosphere without necessarily seeing it. Through her work, Liz strives to wield her creative power to advocate for the LGBTQIA community, BIPOC, and womxn.
Beyond her production design credits, Liz is a talented performance artist and filmmaker whose work has been showcased at esteemed institutions such as Honor Fraser gallery, the 2016 Los Angeles Queer Biennial, Indie Memphis, and the Portland Women's Film Festival. She is also an accomplished magician, currently developing and touring a one-woman magic show titled "Magic for Animals". Liz seamlessly integrates her magical skills into her on-screen designs, infusing them with a touch of theatricality.
Liz is an active member of the Art Director's Guild, United Scenic Artists, and the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle. Born in Chappaqua, New York, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production with a minor in Gender & Sexuality from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Liz later pursued a dual Master of Fine Arts degree in Art & Technology and Scenic Design from the California Institute of the Arts.
