Designing the drama behind the scenes

The Collaborative Scene Shop craftsmanship that shaped the world of “Drag.”

Last fall in Voorheesville, the team at the Collaborative Scene Shop had the privilege of collaborating on the feature film “Drag,” which will be making its thrilling world premiere this March at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.

“Drag” tells the story of two sisters with a contentious relationship who attempt to rob a rural home in upstate New York. What begins as a simple break-in quickly unravels into a nightmare when one sister throws her back out and becomes immobilized on the second floor. As the homeowner’s return looms, the night spirals into a tense, claustrophobic fight for survival.

To bring that tension to life, the Scene Shop partnered closely with the production team to transform a real home in Voorheesville into a cinematic pressure cooker. Their work began with comprehensive site measurements, allowing them to carefully augment the house’s layout and subtly alter the flow of spaces to support the film’s pacing and camera movement. Every adjustment was designed to heighten suspense while maintaining the authenticity of a lived-in rural home.

The expert team built and installed a custom geometric sculpture featured prominently in the film, crafting it to feel organically integrated into the space while meeting the visual demands of the camera. For the film’s stunt sequences, they engineered multiple break-away canvas frames to help prevent injury and be durable for repeated takes, yet precise enough to perform safely and convincingly on cue.

They also constructed false walls to mimic existing flooring and conceal windows, giving the director greater flexibility in blocking and lighting. A new door was added to improve narrative flow and create dynamic entrances and exits that amplify the story’s escalating stakes.

Lead Carpenter Bryan Drossel said, “This project allowed us to showcase our versatility in delivering a quality product under very specific needs and timeframes. Taking an artistic concept of a sculpture and making what others may deem impossible a physical reality, while also being able to build to precise on-site measurements demonstrates that we are able to serve clients outside of live theatre.”

Every element — structural modifications, scenic builds, and on-site installation — was executed with a balance of craftsmanship, safety, and cinematic intention. The result is a seamless environment that supports the film’s emotional intensity without ever distracting from it.

The Scene Shop is proud to have collaborated on “Drag” and to see the film heading to SXSW for its world premiere. It’s a testament to what’s possible when creative vision and technical expertise come together.