Decorating Pages: TV and Film Design

On this episode I speak with Vice President of Front Row Media (https://frontrowmedia.com/product-placement/), Mimi Clarke. Product placement seamlessly integrates a product, brand or service into a realistic context in a TV show, film, video game or webisode. Front Row actively promotes and secures opportunities for their client’s various products, brands and services. Mimi and I talk about the p...

On this episode I speak with Production Designer, Terry Watson, who’s film “War Pony” won the prestigious Camera D’Or in Cannes 2022. Terry’s challenge of taking over the design helm during filming happens more often than we plan. We talk about challenges of coming into an established look and continuing the project. “War Pony” follows the interlocking stories of two young Oglala Lakota men growin...

On this episode I speak with the director of Warner Brothers Prop house Robert Greenfield. Robert started out as a Leadman with Set Decorator Nancy Haigh, on films like “Mars Attacks”, “Waterworld”, “Forrest Gump”, “The Hudsucker Proxy”, “Bugsy”, “The Grifters” and more. He then transitioned into Set Decorating on some of my favorite films like “Slums of Beverly Hills”, “Almost Famous”, Confession...

On this podcast I speak with Production Designer Liz Bischof who’s work on the period series “Son of a Critch '' is based on the award-winning bestselling memoir from Mark Critch. The coming of age story is set in Newfoundland in the 1980’s and they shot the series there for the authentic look and feel of his story. Liz started her career in prop making and costume design in theater and transition...

On this episode I speak with Shayne Fox the Production Designer of the Emmy nominated “What We Do in the Shadows”. Shayne has been with the show since the first season as the Set Decorator and in this nominated 4th season she moved to Production Designer. With the sets being so rich in patterns and textures we discuss how she helped create the mood with furniture and design. Shanye talks about the...

Listen today to Production Designer Mark Scurton talk about his Emmy Nominated series "Wednesday". We talk about his collaboration with Tim Burton, pushing the Addams Family design into a new era and how shooting on location in Romania gave them some freedom.https://www.markscruton.com (https://www.markscruton.com/#top)Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-...

On this episode I speak with the Creator, Writer, Director of “Only Murders in the Building”, John Hoffman. With the show having 12 Emmy nominations, John is nominated for two Emmys including outstanding writing and outstanding comedy series. This brilliant comedy series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomaz revolves around murders happening in an iconic Gothic Revival style buildin...

In this episode I speak with Production Designer Jessica Kender. Known for her exceptional work on projects like “Little Fires Everywhere”, “Tiny Beautiful Things”, “Future Man”, “Dexter” and now nominated work on the period series "Daisy Jones and the Six" for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More).  Her attention to detail truly transported aud...

This week I'm talking to production Designers Cabot McMullen and Brandon Mendez about their film "Flamin’ Hot"! Directed by Eva Longoria, "Flamin’ Hot" tells the true story of Richard Montañez’s incredible journey from working as a janitor at a Frito Lay plant to creating the massive success of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Their designs are rich with culture in this period piece. Designing not only the ba...

On today's podcast I speak with Production Designer Tracey Collins. Tracey’s latest project “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always” celebrates the 30th anniversary of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the Power Rangers franchise. Tracey aimed to maintain the essence of the original production design while infusing contemporary set pieces. Tracey had worked with the show in cost...

This episode I talk with my dear friend Adam Rowe who’s new show “Glamorous” on Netflix shows off his talents as a Production Designer. The series is a story of a young trans person who lands a dream job at one of the most prestigious make-up companies in the world. The design of his sets are not only colorful and modern but also personal and detailed. We also talk about how he proposed sets for h...

On today’s podcast I speak with Production Designer Judy Rhee and Set Decorator Cathy Marshall about their first season Peacock series “Poker Face”.  With the series storyline being of a girl on the run, the Art Department and Set Dec teams were sprinting to create incredibly detailed sets that lead the character from a Reno casino to southern BBQ, truck stops, dinner theaters, and ending up in At...

Set Decorator Halina Siwolop joins me today to talk about the HBO period series "Perry Mason". Halina has decorated both seasons of “Perry Mason ''and her decorating of depression era Los Angeles is phenomenal. Halina’s use of vintage fabric and period-correct furniture and fixtures gives the feeling of all the different classes in LA in the 1930’s. We talk about finding vintage pieces, old but ne...

On this episode I speak with Jonah Markowitz, the Production Designer behind the critically-acclaimed limited series "George & Tammy" airing on Showtime. The series follows the tumultuous relationship between country music legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette, and Jonah's stunning production design transports us to the heart of the country music scene from the 60’s through the 90’s. We dive into...

In another FYC episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Production Designer Patrick Howe and Set Decorator Rich Murray for their work on the second season of Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building". We got to chat about the architectural aspect of the design that was integrated into the story this season with passages through the building. All the lovely wallpaper choices and those dressing detai...

On today's episode I speak with Production Designer Jamie McCall. Jamie recently designed the second season of the Apple+ show “Schmigadoon!”. The second season takes on Broadway musicals like “Chicago”, “Cabaret,” “Hair,” “Dreamgirls,” “Oliver!” “Sweeney Todd”. A huge amount of design for her to integrate these sets for the comedic story. We also talk about her project last year “Candy”, the Hulu...

In this episode of the podcast, I interview Production Designer Erin Magill about her latest project, "Dead Ringers". This remake of the 80's film features a unique approach to the theme of duplicity, with a focus on feminine palettes and shapes to create sets that enhance the story. The show's look is a bold character with stunning sets ranging from high-end Manhattan apartments to modern hospita...

In this episode I speak with The Frank Rich. Rich, a renowned American writer who has made an indelible mark in both the theatrical and political spheres. He has been a celebrated theater critic for The New York Times, where he covered Broadway productions with witty reviews that lended to his nickname of the “Butcher of Broadway”. Making a pivot in his career he turned to contributing to the New...

In this episode I speak with Production Designer Rocco Matteo and his current project “Rabbit Role”. Rocco focuses on designs of the high-end tech world to a run down childhood home hide out in an endless game of double-cross. Rocco and I discuss his design process and his love of sketching to develop his sets, which I encourage you to check out on his website https://www.cineroc.ca/ (https://www....

On today's episode I speak with the super talented Set Decorator Regina Graves. Regina's career has bounced back and forth from film to TV and last year she won an Emmy for her gorgeous decorating on “The Gilded Age”. We'll also hear about her experience working with legendary director Martin Scorsese on “The Irishman”. We talk about her working with Production Designers like Kristian Zea, Bob Sha...

In this episode, I chat with the Production Designer Clarence Major, his designs on the Amazon show, "The Consultant." Clarence shares his creative process and the inspiration behind his use of color and the dramatic staircase design that captivates the main set of the show. Clarence also discusses his journey as art director to Production Designer and an amazing story of starting out designing ra...

James Bartol is a Production Designer in NYC who has made a name for himself in the world of Short Films and Independent Films. He has worked on numerous projects, including the recent Indie film "Late Bloomers," which is set in Brooklyn about a young girl who is entangled with an elderly Polish woman and a special relationship occurs. Bartol's talents also extend with a gift for drawing beautiful...

In this episode I speak with Production Designer Kathrin Eder. Originally from Austria, Kathrin started out as an artist assistant and stumbled into working on a commercial and fell in love with the art department. Hustling her way up in positions in the art department and the set dec department she is now Production Designing film and tv series. Kathrin's work on the reboot of Clive Barker's 1987...

Jordan Ninkovich is a production designer who has worked on various projects, including Hallmark movies and the true crime Lifetime movie "Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini." In his work on Hallmark movies, Ninkovich has brought to life the romantic and magical settings. From quaint small towns to opulent mansions, his designs have helped audiences become fully immersed in the stories being to...

In this episode I speak with Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glasner are the creators of the SYFY network show "The Ark,", a drama that explores a post-apocalyptic world in space. Devlin is an accomplished filmmaker with experience producing movies like "Independence Day" and "Godzilla," while Glasner has produced and written for popular sci-fi shows like "Stargate SG-1" and "The Outer Limits." Together,...