Vision and Execution

Leonhard Studio is a premier design and fabrication resource for film, television, and commercial productions. With over 18 years of experience as development producer and production designer, we deliver sophisticated creative leadership for one-of-a-kind productions.

What Sets Us Apart Mattheus Leonhard combines traditional design education with hands-on fabrication expertise—a rare pairing in an industry where concept and construction often exist separately. Our comprehensive understanding of building methods allows us to develop accurate designs, schedules, and budgets from initial concept through completion, making us a fast, efficient partner when time and precision matter most.

From Vision to Reality Whether building entire worlds from scripts, designing large-scale practical sets, or crafting sophisticated props, Leonhard Studio serves as both creative leader and problem solver. We deliver beautiful, professional projects on time and on budget.

Creative Leadership Our fluency in design and cinematography, plus our ability to produce concept art, technical drawings, and schedules, allows us to seamlessly manage multiple creative departments. We execute with precision, eliminating shoot-day surprises while elevating productions through thoughtful design.

Services Available:

Production Designer/Development Producer
Art Director for detailed execution
Consulting for development or creative challenges

When complex, beautiful projects demand both creative vision and flawless execution, Leonhard Studio delivers.

Case Studies

Shop drawings-production drawings. Film design-TV design-production design

Illustration of props for film. Illustration-design-concept art.

Leonhard Studio is equipped to work with directors, DPs, producers and writers to flesh out concepts and create concept art, story boards and practical drawings.

work in progress epoxy sculpture. Props for telivision-props for film. production design

Epoxy sculpture-fiberglass sculpture. prop design-set design

Technical skill and accurate builds means specialty props and sets can be built to exacting needs. In this case a small prop needed to contain a lot of detail and action, from rolling eyes, to reservoirs for liquids and other practical effects. Working with other creative departments to ensure we get the most out of the prop in every scene.

Set design for film- scenic design- set dressing- costume design. Production design- art direction.

Film still of custom prop and set design-prop design-wardrobe-costume design

Bringing it home on set. Working with cinematography and lighting to get the right mood, assisting in casting and creating wardrobe for the perfect feel, meticulous set dressing and attention to continuity. We are striving to make the vision of the director and writers come to life, to elevate and give the best possible environment for our performers and to work closely and professionally with all the trades on set.

Pictured Actors- Nina Martins and Michael Kunicki

DP- Kevin Veselka

prop design-set design. Shop drawings for film and telivision. Production design

BTS image of prop for telivision. scenic paint- prop building- prop design

Here we are working with Fred Rogers and Spiffy Pictures to execute a complex practical set piece for the children’s show Donkey Hodie. “Trolly” needed to be a large articulating prop that could hold multiple puppeteers on a cart beneath, so Trolly and its passengers could move seamlessly on set.

fiberglass props-fiberglass sets. prop design- set design. In progress sculpture. BTS image. Prop building

Video still- prop design- scenic design- production design. Custom props- special effects.

Detailed shop drawings allowed directors, cinematographers and performers to weigh in on design challenges and approve final aesthetic choices. They also helped in making sure construction was seamless and efficient with no surprises when it was delivered on set. Considerations like weight and modularity led us to do an all foam and fiberglass construction for the body of Trolly. Removable front, back and top allowed for camera access and lighting adjustments. A steel welded cart allowed for a strong and safe platform for puppeteers to be out of frame. Functioning head lights and foam pads for fine movement brought this prop to life.

Video still. Scenic paint- scenic design- prop design

The final effect was a beautiful tribute to a classic design from Fred Rogers. Removable openings in the seats and floorboards allowed puppets to play inside, in front of or behind Trolly. All the effort and collaboration from multiple departments came together for a memorable episode.

Donkey Hodie - Trolly Visits Someplace Else.

PBS Kids

Film still featuring an actor on set. costume design- set design- production design- art director- scenic design

BTS shot of a film. Production design- set design- scenic dressing- scenic paint.

BTS shot of a set for film. special effects- scenic design- set design- production design. film- feature film

Film still featuring special effects. set design- scenic design- scenic paint- special effects

BTS shot of set. set design- special effects- scenic paint- set building- film construction

Often times productions are under tight time and budget constraints. In this case we had only a couple of weeks to create two sets for a feature film. Both sets had many practical considerations including a functioning merry go round, safe and functioning swing. Picnic tables that were light enough to carry with exact duplicates strong enough to stand on. At one point in the script a bright colorful playground had to change in to a burned desolate landscape.

Years of experience with building materials and design methods allowed us to get this multifaceted project delivered on time and under budget. Our attention to details and strong communication skills made the use of our practical sets efficient and predictable.

Pictured Actor - Michael Gilio

DP - Kevin Veselka

Projects

Donkey Hodie

2 Seasons (3rd Announced)
Fred Rogers Productions
Spiffy Pictures
Created By Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman and David Rodman
Stars: Haley Jenkins, Frankie Cordero

PBS Kids
Joey Nebulous - Joey's Tour

Directed by Chris Tuttle
Director of Photography/Editing by Kevin Veselka
Puppets by Jackie Smook & Frank Cesario

You Tube
Dilly's World

Written, Directed and Starring

Jackie Smook

You Tube
Duolingo ABC

Music by Josh Tangney
Lyrics by Joey Mazzarino
Produced by Spiffy Pictures
Audio Post Production by Big Yellow Duck
CAST
Frankie Cordero as Duo
Melvin Campbell as FoFo

YouTube
Duolingo ABC

Music by Josh Tangney
Lyrics by Joey Mazzarino
Produced by Spiffy Pictures
Audio Post Production by Big Yellow Duck
CAST
Frankie Cordero as Duo
Melvin Campbell as FoFo

You Tube
Duolingo ABC

Produced by Spiffy Pictures
Music by JP Rende and Kathryn Raio
Lyrics by Joey Mazzarino
Audio Post Production by Big Yellow Duck
CAST
Frankie Cordero as Duo
Melvin Campbell as FoFo

You Tube
Fruit Medley

Created By CampHouse Puppets
Mel Campbell

You Tube