The Art of Television Production and Design - part 2

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of budget management in set design, suggesting negotiating for lower prices and designing for both camera and audience perspectives. They discuss the adaptability and creativity required in set design, sharing examples of overcoming challenges like floating sets and using unconventional materials. The talk highlights the value of thinking outside the box, the impact of small design changes, and the use of technology like LED screens to enhance sets for various shows.

Takeaways

• 💡 Smart budgeting: Always ask for a discount, even if it seems small. It can help create room in your budget for other things.
• 📸 Design for both camera and client: Create a set that looks good on camera but also impresses the person paying for it.
• 🔄 Dual-purpose design: Design the set twice—once for the camera angles and once for the client’s experience.
• ✂️ Creative set construction: Use unconventional materials like foam and CNC cutting to create textures and designs on a budget.
• 🚢 Problem-solving on set: When things go wrong, such as failing to land a boat, find alternative solutions like using a trash truck to transport scenery.
• 🔧 Outside-the-box thinking: Sourcing materials from unexpected places, such as using scrap lumber for a much cheaper solution, can lead to significant cost savings.
• 📐 Small details matter: Even small adjustments in design, such as shifting elements by an inch, can make a big difference in the final look.
• 🎬 Versatile set design: Sets should be adaptable, especially for shows using the same stage for multiple productions.
• 🖥️ Using technology: Modern tech like LED screens and large-scale printouts can transform a set affordably and with flexibility.
• 👍 Flexibility and creativity: No request is impossible—always say 'Sure, no problem' and then figure out how to make it happen.

Q & A

What is the speaker's approach when negotiating prices with vendors?

The speaker often asks for an additional $300 off a price, citing a personal superstition, and notes that 99% of the time, the vendor agrees, creating a budget cushion.

Why does the speaker design a set twice, and for whom?

The speaker designs a set twice: once for the camera to capture key shots, and once for the client who is paying for everything. The client expects the set to look impressive in person, while the camera shots focus on the visual story.

What example does the speaker give of problem-solving in set design?

The speaker discusses a challenge during the show 'Endurance,' where they had to transport a large set to a remote location. When the landing craft couldn't reach the beach, they cross-loaded the set into dumpsters and used a 4-wheel drive trash truck to deliver it to the site.

How does the speaker approach cost-saving in set design?

The speaker finds creative ways to cut costs, such as using flotation foam and trust structures to build large sets or sourcing cheap, unwanted lumber from a supplier for a fraction of the cost, as seen in their work for the show 'Endurance.'

What does the speaker say about achieving seemingly impossible tasks?

The speaker emphasizes that nothing is impossible and encourages finding alternative possibilities when faced with challenges. This mindset is applied to various scenarios, like floating a set on the Sea of Cortez or building huts in pine trees.

How does the speaker use texture in set design?

The speaker frequently incorporates texture into their designs, such as creating wavy textures using foam cut on a CNC machine or replicating textures from paper models in full-scale sets. These textures add depth to the design and enhance visual appeal.

What example does the speaker provide about making two different sets using the same parts?

For the shows 'Catch Phrase' and another unnamed show, the speaker designed both sets on the same stage using the same parts. By making small changes, such as swapping out wood tones or textures, they created distinct visual environments for each show.

How does the speaker balance the needs of a musical show set?

In designing a set for a music show, the speaker balanced the needs of the bandleader, who wanted camera visibility, with the director’s focus on the main performer. The set allowed the band to be seen from specific angles without detracting from the central performance.

What is the speaker's philosophy when responding to absurd requests?

The speaker’s first response to any absurd request is always 'Sure, No problem. Right away.' They adopt a proactive attitude, figuring out how to execute the request afterward, as seen when designing a beer tap in the shape of Venus' breasts for 'The Man Show.'

How does set design contribute to storytelling in reality shows, according to the speaker?

The speaker explains that in reality shows, set design can generate storylines. For example, placing a twin bed next to a queen bed can create tension between cast members as they compete for the better sleeping arrangement, adding drama to the show.