Happy Holidays and Art Directors Guild Voting
Welcome to the latest episode of Decorating Pages Podcast! Happy holidays to all. We're diving deep into the art of set design with our incredible guests, production designer Kalina Ivanoff and set decorator Rich Murray. As members of the Art Directors Guild, it's voting season, and we discuss some amazing projects up for consideration.
Meet Our Guests
This episode features Kalina Ivanoff and Rich Murray, the creative minds behind the visual masterpiece of "The Penguin" series. Both have played pivotal roles in shaping Gotham’s aesthetic, with Kalina responsible for production design and Rich handling set decoration. Together, they crafted a universe that’s both dark and immersive, capturing the unique perspective of the Penguin character.
Crafting the Aesthetic: From Script to Screen
When it comes to crafting Gotham, our guests faced exciting challenges. From the outset, they had the freedom to interpret the city from Oswald Cobblepot’s viewpoint, a unique perspective that contrasts the Batman's overarching view. The series dives into the criminal underbelly of Gotham, exploring its deception and dark beauty.
Overcoming Budget Constraints
Budget constraints are a staple in any production, and "The Penguin" was no different. However, Kalina and Rich found innovative ways to work within these limits, creating breathtaking sets that feel authentic. From building a large Falcone mansion to converting a real club into a jazz setting, their resourcefulness ensured the series never lost its visual appeal.
Street Dressing and Realism
One of the show’s standout features is its realistic set design. Ivanoff and Murray excelled in creating lived-in worlds that reflect Gotham’s decay post-Riddler’s floods. Their mastery of street dressing, coupled with immersive nighttime scenes, transports viewers directly into the heart of Gotham's chaos.
Detailed Design Process
Throughout the episode, the duo discusses the detailed design process. They reveal secrets to maintaining cohesion and richness in each set. From choosing color palettes to finding the right vintage pieces for Oswald’s penthouse, every detail contributes to the narrative and character development.
Building the Crown Jewel: The Trolley Depot
The set piece de resistance is undoubtedly the trolley depot, which Murray and Ivanoff highlight as a mammoth undertaking. This set served as a working men's cathedral, further emphasizing the power dynamics and socio-economic themes running throughout the series. Their passion for design shines through in their careful orchestration of this build.
The Heart of Collaboration
Kalina and Rich stress the importance of collaboration in achieving their grand vision. They praise the show's writers and producers for their support and guidance, which allowed the design team to push creative boundaries. This environment of mutual respect ensured that every detail on screen was crafted with purpose and care.
Conclusion
"The Penguin" series sets a new benchmark for detailed and thematic set design within a stylized universe. Ivanoff and Murray's ability to blend realism with the DC mythos gives the show its unique edge. For those who appreciate nuanced storytelling and visual detail, this series is a must-watch. Head over to YouTube or check out the Art Directors Guild site for more behind-the-scenes insights.
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