Shooting Design in Motion: Rick Tegelaar’s Meshmatics for Moooi
Back in 2018, I was commissioned by Dezeen to film a series of short designer profiles for Dutch furniture brand Moooi, highlighting the process and inspiration behind some of their standout pieces. The first of these took me to the Netherlands, where I spent a day with Rick Tegelaar, the mind behind the now-iconic Meshmatics chandelier.
This was a time when I was still shooting on the Sony FS5, a camera that, while not as refined as what I use today, offered a solid combination of portability and image quality that served me well in this kind of documentary-meets-design space. On that shoot, it gave me the flexibility to work fast while still delivering a cinematic result.
Profiling Process and Materials
Rick’s Meshmatics chandelier is deceptively complex. It’s made from three concentric, inverted wire-mesh domes, each with its own diameter and height. The layering of these mesh structures creates a soft, diffuse glow that feels both industrial and delicate, a contrast that reflects much of Rick’s design thinking.
What made the piece so visually engaging to film was its interplay of light and structure. As the chandelier catches and reflects light through its mesh, it creates dynamic shadows and patterns that shift with even subtle movements. Perfect for camera work that plays with depth, focus, and movement.
I approached the shoot with a focus on structured visual storytelling. Rick had a few potential sequences in mind from the start, moments in his process that would translate well on camera, and we worked collaboratively to shape those into coverage that would hold up in the edit. I directed him through each action, ensuring we had the coverage necessary to craft a coherent visual narrative.
Rather than passively observing, I was actively guiding the camera and the subject to build scenes that reflected the rhythm and precision of his work. This approach gave us the flexibility to keep things feeling natural while still ensuring we captured a strong cinematic structure.
A Glimpse Inside Design Thinking
One of the best parts of this shoot, and the wider Moooi/Dezeen collaboration, was getting access to the quiet corners of these designers’ creative worlds. Rick’s space in Arnhem was filled with prototypes, experiments, and physical sketches; all tangible traces of his thinking. The Meshmatics Chandelier wasn’t just a product; it was the result of years of exploration into form, light diffusion, and industrial material use.
As a filmmaker, I’m always looking for ways to visualise ideas and product design offers a unique chance to do that. You’re not just showing an object; you’re showing why it looks the way it does. And if done right, that story can be just as compelling as the finished piece.
Looking Back with New Tools
Since 2018, my kit and shooting style have evolved, I now shoot primarily on Canon cinema bodies and favour handheld more for speed, but this shoot with Rick Tegelaar remains a favourite. It reminded me that even with limited tools, the right subject and a thoughtful approach can deliver something timeless.
You can see Rick’s Meshmatics chandelier as part of Moooi’s permanent lighting collection and if you ever get the chance to view it in person, I’d highly recommend it. Like all good design, it holds your attention long after the first glance.
If you’re introducing a new design and want a videographer who understands how to film objects, materials, and intent without overstatement, you can get in touch here.
