Lindsey Kapitzke says working on the set of the HBO TV series 'The Last of Us' was "surreal," February 17, 2023. (Photo: University of Lethbridge)

By Emmanuel Point du Jour/LethbridgeNewsNow

University of Lethbridge graduate says working for TV series ‘The Last Of Us’ was surreal

Feb 19, 2023 | 8:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – University of Lethbridge graduate Lindsey Kapitzke says working on the production crew for the worldwide hit The Last Of Us marked a career milestone for her.

The HBO series The Last Of Us features many of Alberta’s landmarks, including the Alberta Legislature Building, Calgary’s 4th Avenue flyover and the iconic Lethbridge train bridge.

Kapitzke’s role in the production was as a costume-buyer, and she describes shopping as more of a job. “My job, as the buyer, is to meet with our designer and build the palette they’re going to use to paint the show,” Kapitzke says. “Thankfully, because the creators of the game (on which the show was based) were so heavily involved in the production, we had access to all their concept art. So, that was very valuable for us.”

She recalls how surreal it was working on the crew of such a major production, “It’s so surreal working on the production and just how big it was. Then seeing the reception of it and how big it actually is, is so strange,” she said.

Kaptizke graduated from the U of L in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in technical theatre and design. Since then, she has worked in dance and theatre in Calgary, in addition to working as a costume-buyer. She credits the U of L for preparing her and other students for success in the business.

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“ULethbridge drama graduates are really a different calibre,” she says. “Having worked in this industry for a number of years now, our grads just know how to do stuff and get stuff done. I feel like they’re set up with such a good mindset and toolbox to start making their career what they want.”

Kaptizke also assisted with the Calgary Stampede Grandstand show in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2017, where she had the opportunity to work with Canadian artist Jann Arden.

Kapitzke explains, “On the first season of her show Jann, she wears a dress I made for Stampede, which was my first time seeing anything I’d made on television. That was really surreal.”

Kapitzke says the Alberta film industry is booming and she has had numerous exciting opportunities to showcase her talents.

“The industry is massive and I’m really happy that it’s blown up so big,” she says. “I want the film industry in Alberta to grow because it is such a wonderful industry. Film is always so beneficial and I’m happy that it’s getting the support it needs.”