Work of Columbia Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FX’s ‘The Bear’ 

Campus Communications Staff / Sep 19, 2024

PhotoLisa Korpan '19
Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan ’19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FX’s “The Bear,” the impact of her Columbia education, and how her experience informs her teaching.

In the heart of Chicago, Lisa Korpan ’19, an adjunct professor and Columbia College Chicago Photography alum, is experiencing a career milestone with the success of FX’s “The Bear,” which won 11 Emmys on Sept. 15. Korpan served as art director for seasons one to three and was part of the 2024 Emmy-nominated team for Outstanding Production Design for A Narrative Program (Half-Hour). 

Korpan, a seasoned professional with nine years in the industry, worked closely with Production Designer Merje Veski on creating “The Bear’s” sets and was thrilled to see the team’s work recognized for a show filmed in Chicago. “I have always been a proud Chicagoan, and I am privileged to work alongside our talented Chicago crew,” she says. 

Korpan’s journey began at Columbia College Chicago, where her studies in Photography shaped her unique perspective on space and lighting. “The rigorous study of lighting awakened my sense of how space and light shape each other,” Korpan explains. This insight proved invaluable in detailing the architectural lighting in the show’s kitchen set. “Linear lighting is integrated into the ceiling, the custom shelving, and the panoramic viewing window,” she adds, highlighting the intricate design work that adds depth to the show’s atmosphere. 

As an adjunct faculty member at Columbia, Korpan draws on her practical experience to enhance her teaching. “Before detailing a set, Merje and I work with the set designer and graphic designer to create visual presentations that clearly show our ideas,” she notes. She applies this approach to her classroom, guiding Interior Architecture students in mastering effective design presentations. “With so many software options and limited time, they must learn to use the quickest and most effective medium for each image on the presentation board. Every second counts,” Korpan explains.

Through her roles as an art director, set designer, and educator, Korpan continues to bridge the gap between professional practice and academic instruction, enriching both her own work and her students' learning experiences. 

 

 

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