Decorating Pages

In this episode, I chat with the talented Production Designer Ruta Kiskyte about her work on the film "Sing Sing," which stars Colman Domingo as Divine G, an innocent man who was imprisoned for 25 years but finds purpose through a theater group in prison. Ruta's dedication to authenticity shines as she collaborates with previously incarcerated cast members to recreate spaces like cells, theater sets, and the clemency hearing room. She paid meticulous attention to detail, sourcing Divine G's exact prison typewriter, crafting butterflies from candy foil, and even recreating clemency documents. Her artistry evoked powerful emotions from those whose stories inspired the film, a testament to her commitment to authenticity. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and exp

In this episode, I chat with Production Designer Liz Toonkel about her captivating new film, "Skincare," a tale that intertwines ambition, rivalry, and the shimmering world of beauty. Liz shares her unique inspiration drawn from the beauty archives of 2013—a year immortalized by the glossy pages of Cosmopolitan and Glamour, and the opulent spreads of Architectural Digest. Shooting on location in the historic “Crossroads of the World" in Hollywood, she designed Hope Goldman’s (played by Elizabeth Banks) beauty studio that breathes life with its 2013 charm, while rival Angel Vergara's sanctuary exudes avant-garde sophistication. Liz also delves into the film's ambition to paint a vivid yet authentic portrait of Los Angeles. Rooted in a true tale of beauty, Liz unravels how "Skincare" beautifully traces the evolution of beauty culture, spotlighting the defining trends and influences that shaped the landscape of 2013 Los Angeles. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-

Happy Emmy voting day! Before casting your vote, treat yourself to one last listen. I'm thrilled to have spoken with Production Designers Steve Morden and James Yarnell, along with Set Decorator John Sparano, about their Emmy-nominated special, "Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic." They share their incredible experiences and stories of transforming a grand vision into reality, honoring the legendary Dick Van Dyke in this remarkable variety special. Celebrating the life of a legend like Dick Van Dyke was no small feat, especially within the tight time frame provided. Yet, this challenge offered a unique opportunity to recreate iconic sets and decor from Dick's illustrious career. From meticulously replicating the "Dick Van Dyke Show" set—right down to one of the original lamps—to creating a stage that splits down the center to accommodate various performances celebrating his storied career, the team went above and beyond. At 98 years old, Dick Van Dyke was visibly moved by the faithful recreation of his former w

Decorating Pages Podcast presents Emmy Nominated One-Hour Production Designer Roundtable. Joining in the discussion are Production: Designers Howard Cummings “Fallout”, Trevor Smith “Fargo”, Martyn John “ The Gentlemen”, David Gropman “ Ripley” and Helen Javis “ Shōgun”. This episode explores how Howard Cummings utilized virtual reality glasses and a virtual art department to execute Jonathan Nolan’s cinematic vision. Trevor Smith discusses the creative and logistical hurdles faced on the set of 'Fargo,' including building a gas station on an airstrip and battling a snowstorm. Helen Javis shares the meticulous process of recreating 17th-century Japan on location in Vancouver. Martyn John reveals the intricate details of designing a skunk farm set and adapting to last-minute dialogue changes by director Guy Ritchie. David Gropman reflects on the extensive location scouting and beautiful scenic details for the sets for New York apartment sets. Together, the guests discuss the complexities of creating these vas

Decorating Pages podcast presents the Set Decorator Half Hour Emmy Roundtable. This episode celebrated the Emmy nominated Set Decorators of Half Hour Series exploring the challenges, triumphs, and intricate details of creating memorable sets. I am joined by Emmy-nominated set decorators Kerri Wylie, Jennifer Lukehart, and Rich Murray to discuss their experiences on various shows, including sourcing materials, improvising techniques, and working under tight schedules. From fabric challenges and vintage inspirations to vampire basements and frantic last-minute scenes, this roundtable covers it all. Listen in as they share insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and the evolution of their roles in the industry while celebrating their significant achievements. Kerri Wylie takes us into the mesmerizing world of "What We Do In The Shadows," one of her favorite sets on the series was the Vampire Night Market set for Season 4. Her immersive sets are filled with a myriad of intricate details, from blood-dripping effects

In this special Emmy Nominee Roundtable episode I am joined by an illustrious panel of Emmy nominated Set Decorators: Regina Graves - “Fallout”, Ellen Reede - “Palm Royal”, Alessandra Querzola - “Ripley”, Lisa Lancaster - “Shōgun” and Jonathan Lancaster - “Shōgun”. Dive deep with us as our guests share their passion and intricate processes behind creating some of the most captivating and detailed sets in contemporary, period, and fantasy series this past year. During our conversation Regina recounts the challenges and creativity involved in bringing the retro-futuristic gaming world of Fallout to life, complete with oversized furniture and vibrant elements from different eras. Lisa and Jonathan explore the meticulous detail required for historical Japanese settings, emphasizing the cultural authenticity and extensive research behind their work. Alessandra takes us on a journey through the grand frescoes of Venice and the monochrome challenges of recreating Italian nuances in black and white. And Ellen expre

Decorating Pages Podcast presents Production Design Film Study 1968. This class is a a deep dive into the intricate world of Production Design and Set Decorating with a special focus on Oscar-nominated films from 1968. Host Kim Wannop welcomes Set Decorator Regina Graves as they unravel the magic behind some of the most impressive production designs of the year. This episode dives into the meticulous details of set creation, from the massive Victorian-era recreation in "Oliver Twist", “Shoes of a Fisherman”, “Star “, the futuristic splendor of "2001: A Space Odyssey." and the epic 4 part film “War and Peace”. Discover insights on sourcing and manufacturing set pieces, the evolution of set design methods. Kim and Regina also tackle the challenges of researching historical accuracy for sets and offer a thoughtful critique on what makes a film's design stand the test of time. Join us for a journey through the films that shaped the visual landscape of cinema in 1968. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do y

In this episode, I speak with Costume Designer Kirston Mann about her latest project, Apple TV+'s "LOOT." Kirston discusses the sophisticated wardrobe evolution of the lead character, Molly, played by Maya Rudolph, in the show's second season. Dressing a billionaire character provided her with unique stylistic opportunities, pushing the boundaries of pattern and color. Kirston also shares her lifelong passion for fashion and her approach to crafting characters' wardrobes as dynamic art pieces within each scene. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each episode, featuring interviews with some of the top names in the industry. From production designers to set decorators to prop masters, each guest offers a unique perspective on the art and craft

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant production designer Deborah Riley, the creative force behind Netflix's much-anticipated series, "The 3 Body Problem." Known for her breathtaking work on "Game of Thrones," Deborah dives into a new realm where historic and scientific realities collide with fantastical elements. From vividly recreating 1960s Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution China to orchestrating a jaw-dropping scene in which a ship is diced up in real time, Riley's work provides a visual feast. We also discuss the sleek VR helmet she designed, a potential key to saving the universe in the plot of the story. With painstaking research and stunningly intricate designs, Deborah lays a foundation of believability amidst an epic, existential planetary threat. The series has more than 3 billion minutes watched since its March release and spent seven weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating you

In this episode, I chat with set decorator Kimberly Leonard. You can hear a previous podcast about her wonderful work on “The Dropout” and now we dive into her latest work on Netflix's limited series "Griselda." Kimberly explores the vibrant period design of the 70s and 80s in this whirlwind crime story about “The Godmother” of drug lords, Griselda Blanco. With much of the show shot on location, Kimberly brings the decades to life—from the opening scene's sweeping house tour to intense gun battles in bars and deeply character-driven interiors. Get ready to be transported back in time! Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each episode, featuring interviews with some of the top names in the industry. From production designers to set decorators t

On this episode I speak with Set Decorator Alison Harvey about the epic Netflix series “The Crown” Having been on the project for over 8 years this final season holds a special place in telling the life of Queen Elizabeth. This final season included sets that depicted the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the deaths of Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles and more. We talk about the color pallant of the decor changing over the seasons, some of the hardest sets to decorate and giving this amazing series a glorious set to end on.

In this episode of the Decorating Pages I speak with one of my favorite Production Designers David Gropman. We speak about his captivating design of the limited series "Ripley." Based on Patricia Highsmith's dark, thrilling novel, the series spans eight episodes on Netflix, and dazzles with over 200 sets. We focus on the psychological impact of set design on character spaces like details in Tom's apartment and the meticulously crafted spaces in Dickie’s Villa and how they contribute to the story. And we praise Set Decorator, Alessandra Querzola’s set details from unfinished Caravaggio paintings to carefully chosen leather chairs. David also discusses the logistical hurdles they faced, especially those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and location scouting all over Italy. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decor

On this episode I speak with Production Designer Michael Wylie. His credits include Men in Black 2, Legion, Masters of Sex, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Pushing Daisies, (for which he won a Primetime Emmy) and, most recently, Avatar The Last Airbender. Avatar: The Last Airbender follows A young boy known as the Avatar who must master the four elemental powers to save the world. The show is regarded by many critics as one of the greatest animated television series of all time. Michael’s designs of this series has countless stunning sets that span Chinese culture and capture the fantasy of this beloved story. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each episode, featuring interviews with some of the top names in the industry. From production de

On this episode I speak with Production Designer Simon Elliott, the brilliant Production Designer, Simon Elliott. Join us as we discuss his latest project, a limited series adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "All the Light We Cannot See" on Netflix. Simon shares the fascinating details behind recreating World War II France, the use of real materials to authentically bring this captivating story to life including using wood from a nearby barn to construct the attic set. We'll also discuss the intricate city scaled model created, underwater sets, and explore Simon's stunning French color palette. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each episode, featuring interviews with some of the top names in the industry. From production designer

On this episode I speak with five time Emmy winner, Production Designer Glenda Rovello. Glenda recently had the opportunity to reinvent the iconic sets for the return of the comedy classic “Frasier”. We speak about bringing this character back to the screen with all new sets, giving detail to large swing sets, her process of designing and more. We also talk about her collaboration with Set Decorator Amy Feldman on “Frasier”, “Two Broke Girls” and more. Glenda’s career includes “How I met your Father”, “The Great Indoors”, “The Millers”, “Two Broke Girls”, “Will and Grace” and many more. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each episode, featuring interviews with some of the top names in the industry. From production designers to set decorato

In this episode I speak with Set Decorator Michael Nallan and Production Designer Gerald Sullivan about the thrilling challenges of designing and decorating the Amazon Prime series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”. The conversation covers designing a “To Die For” New York City Brownstone, dressing in countless NYC locations, reshoots, gunfights in the perm sets and working abroad in Italy. They describe how this action/comedy came to the screen with beautiful contemporary sets. Are you a fan of TV and film production? Do you love learning about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating your favorite shows and movies? Then you need to check out the Decorating Pages podcast! As an Emmy-winning set decorator, host Kim Wannop brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each episode, featuring interviews with some of the top names in the industry. From production designers to set decorators to prop masters, each guest offers a unique perspective on the art and craft of visual storytelling. Whether you're a

On this episode I speak with Graphic Designer Gina Alessi. Gina has been working in the industry on shows like "The OA", "American Horror Story" Season 10, "For All Mankind" season 3, "Black Lady Sketch Show", and her most recent work on the Apple+ limited series "Manhunt". In "Manhunt" Gina headed up the Graphics department that had to reproduce wallpaper-drenched interiors, dozens of antique maps, urgent telegrams, newspapers, custom carpets, hand-bound book props, painted canvas banners, police wagons, and store signage, every scrap of paper, ever painted sign, and every graphic detail in the show. “Manhunt” is a conspiracy thriller about one of the best known but least understood crimes in history, the astonishing story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Gina also has her own graphic designer course intended to mentor young designers as they venture towards a career in graphic design for film called #agraphicdesignermadethat. Are you a fan of TV and f

On this episode I speak with Production Designer Helen Jarvis about the amazing limited series Shögun. The series is a massive undertaking with intense research, diving into historical texts, paintings, and archival material. She discusses that the goal is to not just recreate 17th-century Japan in the “Shoin-Zukuri” style but also make it visually compelling for a modern audience. Filmed on location in Vancouver, Shögun enlisted expert consultants from Japan to work with the Canadian crew in what became a seamless collaboration between Eastern and Western talents in service of telling a truly authentic Japanese story. Committed to being authentic to the era, the sets, locations, décor, props and construction builds for Shögun were designed to make the viewer - and cast - believe they stepped into 1600 feudal Japan. Helen describes how the sets were spread across two expansive exterior backlots, a remote mountainside location and two massive sound stages, which housed all the interiors of Osaka Castle, garde

Welcome to the 1985 Production Design Film Study on the Decorating Pages Podcast. In this episode, we meticulously dissect the visual storytelling and set pieces that captivated audiences and garnered acclaim, earning their place among Oscar nominees. Our enlightening discussion features the expert opinions of host Kim Wannop, an accomplished set decorator, alongside the production designer, Adam Rowe. Together, they unpack the details that set these films apart, from sprawling African landscapes to the imaginative realms of "Brazil" and the detailed historical recreations in "Ran." Tune in as we explore how "Out of Africa" won over the Academy with its sweeping vistas and authentic set design despite stiff competition from visually stunning peers. Delve into the artful construction of "The Color Purple" that translates a poignant story into a tangible world, and understand why "Witness" captured the essence of a unique community through its meticulous production choices. Learn why the heart-wrenching authent

In this episode of the Decorating Pages Podcast, We discuss the Production Design film study of 1975 . Join host Kim Wannop and Production Designer Adam Rowe dissect the Oscar-nominated designs and the technological feats of that year. Our discussion highlights "The Hindenburg," where Kim Wannop reveals intriguing construction details and production challenges while Adam Rowe reflects on the film’s poor reception and technological marvels. The episode also shines a light on the film "The Man Who Would Be King," where both hosts share their appreciation for its impressive production and the gripping narrative that unfolds in the last 45 minutes, despite a slow pace. Segueing into "Shampoo," the duo discusses the intricately designed salon set and how the film encapsulates the essence of 1975 Los Angeles. From appreciating the nuances of production design to critiquing the narrative, Kim admits her personal struggles with enjoying the film despite its exquisite visuals. Tune in as Adam Rowe ignites a conversati