This week on Decorating Pages, we welcome Production Designer Michael Fitzgerald to explore the stunning visuals behind Out of My Mind. Adapted from Sharon Draper’s bestselling novel, the film required Michael to create a world that captures the heart and imagination of both readers and new audiences. From designing Melody’s intimate spaces to the broader school environment, Michael shares his creative approach, inspirations, and the challenges of bringing this empowering story to life. 🎧...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of television’s most iconic moments. In 1975, a young producer named Lorne Michaels was about to debut a show that would become a cultural phenomenon: *Saturday Night Live.* The new film *Saturday Night* takes us back to that electrifying night when the first episode aired. Production Designer Jess Gonchor masterfully recreated the vibe of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in the 1970s with impeccable attention to detail. Jess...

In this episode, I sit down with Set Decorator Shane Vieau and Production Designer Patrice Vermette to dive into the extraordinary design feats behind *Dune: Part Two*. They take us through the challenges and triumphs of building complex, immersive sets that merge seamlessly with natural landscapes like the harsh desert environment and extensive visual effects of even shooting with an infrared camera. From the ingenious fabric choices that withstand intense desert climates to the striking...

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly talented Production Designer, Roberto Bonelli, about his work on Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, "Blink Twice." Join us as we dive into the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how Roberto and his crew transformed Channing Tatum’s tech billionaire character’s private island into a captivating hacienda, packed with Victorian colors and intricate design elements. Roberto shares his journey of researching Yucatan architecture to...

Welcome back to Decorating Pages! Today, we're diving into the dark and intricate world of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Set in 1980 and 90’s Los Angeles, this season tells the haunting story of the Menendez family, whose polished, wealthy image masked a far more complicated and troubled reality. Joining me are Production Designer Matthew Flood Ferguson and Set Decorator Melissa Licht, whose work on this series brings the hidden turmoil of the Menendez family to life. Matthew...

Welcome to another episode Production Design Film Study where we dive deep into the art of Production Design in Oscar-nominated films. I'm your host, Kim Wannop, and today we have a special treat as we explore the cinematic landscapes of 1950 with my guest, assistant set decorator Ethan Goodwin. Join us as we critique films like “Sunset Boulevard,” “All About Eve,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Samson and Delilah,” and “Destination Moon.” analyzing everything from their narrative choices and visual...

Dive deep into the fascinating world of film production design with our latest episode: Production Design Film Study - 1992 - Bram Stoker's Dracula, Chaplin, Howard's End, Toys, and Unforgiven. Join host Kim Wannop and guest Howard Warman as they unravel the intricate details behind the Oscar-nominated films of 1992. Discover the artistry and stories from behind the scenes, featuring insights on legendary production designers and set decorators like Stuart Craig, Lucia Aretti, and Chris...

In this episode, I’m diving into the world of must-read books for film school students and cinema enthusiasts alike. We'll be exploring memoirs and insights from some of the industry's most influential figures. I’ve read a huge range of books, covering everything from the intricacies and history of Hollywood to the personal journeys of famed directors, Golden Era Hollywood mysteries, and more. Whether you're a film student looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned professional seeking deeper...

In this episode, I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome back the brilliant production designer Mark Scruton. We dive deep into his phenomenal work on "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," as Mark gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how he brought Tim Burton's whimsical yet eerie world to life. From rebuilding the iconic Maitlands' house to the outlandish and vibrant atmosphere of the Neitherworld, Mark shares the challenges, inspirations, and design philosophies that I'm sure will turn this...

Welcome to another episode of the "Decorating Pages" podcast. This week, I’m talking to Production Designer Debbie De Villa, who skillfully brought the suspenseful film of "Trap" to vivid life. In this M. Night Shyamalan thriller, Cooper (Josh Hartnett) and his daughter Riley attend a concert that turns out to be a trap for a notorious serial killer. Debbie takes us behind the scenes, unraveling the meticulous thought and creativity that went into contrasting Cooper’s wicked  nature with an...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 j...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...