If you were paying close attention to the second and third episodes of “Only Murders in the Building” Season 3, you may have noticed a few Easter eggs paying homage to its high-profile murder victim Paul Rudd.
Production designer Patrick Howe spoke with TheWrap about the fun but challenging task of decorating Ben Glenroy’s (Rudd) lavish penthouse apartment at the Arconia, as well as his stalker’s apartment in Episode 2, with objects celebrating both Glenroy’s and Rudd’s storied career in Hollywood.
“99% of the credit goes to decorator Rich Murray… He really did come up with this long laundry list of Easter egg opportunities that were attributed to Paul’s career up to this point,” Howe said. “The directives we had from the script was that he was going to move into the penthouse apartment, it was going to be sublet from Amy Schumer which would be said in dialogue.
Production designer Patrick Howe spoke with TheWrap about the fun but challenging task of decorating Ben Glenroy’s (Rudd) lavish penthouse apartment at the Arconia, as well as his stalker’s apartment in Episode 2, with objects celebrating both Glenroy’s and Rudd’s storied career in Hollywood.
“99% of the credit goes to decorator Rich Murray… He really did come up with this long laundry list of Easter egg opportunities that were attributed to Paul’s career up to this point,” Howe said. “The directives we had from the script was that he was going to move into the penthouse apartment, it was going to be sublet from Amy Schumer which would be said in dialogue.
- 8/22/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The 1950s can inspire various forms of nostalgia. Three films this Oscar season give life to that bygone era in three very different ways. Till gives a historically accurate representation of the period, heavily based on newsreels and photos documenting the Emmett Till case. The decade gets a rose-colored perspective with Don’t Worry Darling, taking a more opulent and luxurious lens to the Golden Age in America, while Living takes on 1950s London, showing a more restrained aesthetic and color palette than its American counterparts.
Related Story ‘The Son’ Star Hugh Jackman On Why Love Is “Not Always Enough” & Bringing Back Wolverine In ‘Deadpool 3’: "This Idea Was Lurking" Related Story 'Till' Team On The 29-Year Struggle To Bring The Film To The Screen – Contenders L.A. Related Story 'Living' Star Bill Nighy Finds Inspiration And Humor In His Role As A Dying Man – Contenders L.A.
Related Story ‘The Son’ Star Hugh Jackman On Why Love Is “Not Always Enough” & Bringing Back Wolverine In ‘Deadpool 3’: "This Idea Was Lurking" Related Story 'Till' Team On The 29-Year Struggle To Bring The Film To The Screen – Contenders L.A. Related Story 'Living' Star Bill Nighy Finds Inspiration And Humor In His Role As A Dying Man – Contenders L.A.
- 11/30/2022
- by Ryan Fleming
- Deadline Film + TV
How do you ensure authenticity so that your designs don’t look like sets and props? What film of TV series do you hold up as a gold standard in production design?
These were some of the secrets revealed by four top film production designers when they joined Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022/2023 awards contenders: Molly Hughes (“Thirteen Lives”), Curt Beech (“Till”), Jess Gonchor (“White Noise”) and Peter Cosco (“Women Talking”). Watch our fascinating full group roundtable panel above and click on each name above to view each nominee’s individual interview.
See dozens of interviews with 2022/2023 awards contenders
“What I’m trying to find in the middle of my Venn diagram is authenticity, story and visual content and trying to serve all aspects of that for the design for the film, and try to find that sweet spot,” Beech declares about the tightrope between artifice and authenticity.
These were some of the secrets revealed by four top film production designers when they joined Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022/2023 awards contenders: Molly Hughes (“Thirteen Lives”), Curt Beech (“Till”), Jess Gonchor (“White Noise”) and Peter Cosco (“Women Talking”). Watch our fascinating full group roundtable panel above and click on each name above to view each nominee’s individual interview.
See dozens of interviews with 2022/2023 awards contenders
“What I’m trying to find in the middle of my Venn diagram is authenticity, story and visual content and trying to serve all aspects of that for the design for the film, and try to find that sweet spot,” Beech declares about the tightrope between artifice and authenticity.
- 11/22/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
“How do we make a film that begins and ends in a place of joy?” recalls production designer Curt Beech about embarking on creating the look and feel of true-story drama “Till.” For our recent webchat he adds, “I was told that we were going to do something totally different, which is great. It’s the best thing to hear at the beginning, to have your initial impulses completely flipped upside down. That is engaging and exciting and really keeps you on your toes.” We talked with Beech as part of Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022/2023 awards contenders. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
See dozens of interviews with 2022/2023 awards contenders
“Till” is directed by Chinonye Chukwu, written by Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp and Chukwu, and produced by Beauchamp, Reilly and Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg. It is based on the true story of Mamie Till-Bradley,...
See dozens of interviews with 2022/2023 awards contenders
“Till” is directed by Chinonye Chukwu, written by Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp and Chukwu, and produced by Beauchamp, Reilly and Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg. It is based on the true story of Mamie Till-Bradley,...
- 11/22/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
The story of Emmett Till continues to stir emotions in our collective hearts and minds nearly 70 years after his 1955 murder in Mississippi. Chinonye Chukwu’s acclaimed film “Till,” in theaters now, follows the inspirational plight of Emmett’s mother Mamie Till (played by Danielle Deadwyler) to advocate, educate and bring attention to the vicious hatred that led to her son’s violent death when he was 14 years old.
At The Wrap’s recent in-person screening of “Till,” the emotional experience of making the film resonated deeply among the department heads present for the post-screening Q&a. During a conversation moderated by The Wrap’s Elija Gil, the on-stage participants included the film’s production designer Curt Beech, makeup department head Denise Tunnell, hair department head Deaundra Metzger, composer Abel Korzeniowski and cinematographer Bobby Bukowski.
Also Read:
‘Till’ Review: Danielle Deadwyler Delivers a Riveting Performance as Mourning Mother Turned Civil-Rights Legend
In a particularly poignant exchange,...
At The Wrap’s recent in-person screening of “Till,” the emotional experience of making the film resonated deeply among the department heads present for the post-screening Q&a. During a conversation moderated by The Wrap’s Elija Gil, the on-stage participants included the film’s production designer Curt Beech, makeup department head Denise Tunnell, hair department head Deaundra Metzger, composer Abel Korzeniowski and cinematographer Bobby Bukowski.
Also Read:
‘Till’ Review: Danielle Deadwyler Delivers a Riveting Performance as Mourning Mother Turned Civil-Rights Legend
In a particularly poignant exchange,...
- 11/21/2022
- by Joe McGovern
- The Wrap
Four top film production designers will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022/2023 awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Thursday, November 17, at 6:00 p.m. Pt; 9:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Rob Licuria and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following Oscar and guild contenders:
Thirteen Lives (Amazon Prime)
Synopsis: A rescue mission is assembled in Thailand where a group of young boys and their soccer coach are trapped in a system of underground caves that are flooding.
Bio: Molly Hughes won...
RSVP today to our entire ongoing contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following Oscar and guild contenders:
Thirteen Lives (Amazon Prime)
Synopsis: A rescue mission is assembled in Thailand where a group of young boys and their soccer coach are trapped in a system of underground caves that are flooding.
Bio: Molly Hughes won...
- 11/10/2022
- by Chris Beachum and Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Welcome to Emmy Experts Typing, a weekly column in which Gold Derby editors and Experts Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen discuss the Emmy race — via Slack, of course. This week, we wonder if there are only Emmys for “Only Murders in the Building.”
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! It’s Friday and I have but one question for you: Does anybody remember laughter? I ask because we’re typing about the Emmys comedy categories today — all of which feel decidedly ripe for unexpected results despite what the odds may have you believe. Emmys voting is now underway and the conventional wisdom has previous winners “Ted Lasso,” Bill Hader, Jean Smart, Brett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham pegged to add additional Emmys to their respective tallies. But I could sit here and make a strong case for alternate winners in every single category. Best Comedy Series feels most ripe for an upset, at least to my eyes.
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! It’s Friday and I have but one question for you: Does anybody remember laughter? I ask because we’re typing about the Emmys comedy categories today — all of which feel decidedly ripe for unexpected results despite what the odds may have you believe. Emmys voting is now underway and the conventional wisdom has previous winners “Ted Lasso,” Bill Hader, Jean Smart, Brett Goldstein and Hannah Waddingham pegged to add additional Emmys to their respective tallies. But I could sit here and make a strong case for alternate winners in every single category. Best Comedy Series feels most ripe for an upset, at least to my eyes.
- 8/12/2022
- by Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Curt Beech is a first-time Emmy nominee for his production design on “Only Murders in the Building,” which arguably is the ideal show for which to receive your maiden bid. “The Arconia and its environs are definitely a major character in the show because it is a contained environment. It kind of makes it a bit like theater that way, which is why this show is unique and special,” Beech tells Gold Derby (watch above). “It’s all taking place in one very important place.”
Beech and his team created a visually rich fictional New York City building, where one glance at the apartments of Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) told you everything you needed to know about them. Charles’ is meticulously curated, neat and orderly like the cautious former TV star he is; Oliver’s is ostentatious and theatrical like the over-the-top theater director...
Beech and his team created a visually rich fictional New York City building, where one glance at the apartments of Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short) and Mabel (Selena Gomez) told you everything you needed to know about them. Charles’ is meticulously curated, neat and orderly like the cautious former TV star he is; Oliver’s is ostentatious and theatrical like the over-the-top theater director...
- 8/9/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Click here to read the full article.
Hulu’s comedic caper Only Murders in the Building follows a trio of amateur sleuths residing in the fictional Arconia, a classic New York apartment building, where they are surrounded by suspects. Each unit provides the opportunity to reveal backstories and crucial character details.
Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), a semi-retired actor, bought his 14th-floor unit in the ’90s while on a successful crime series. Production designer Curt Beech notes this set was given “a newer kitchen and some renovated spaces. It made him look much smarter with his money. We gave him art that shows he’s a shrewd collector [with] a good eye.”
Charles’ kitchen includes “an amazing orange wallpaper that became a pop of color in his place,” says production designer Curt Beech. “Next to it are four album covers from a series called Persuasive Percussion from the ’60s, designed by Josef Albers...
Hulu’s comedic caper Only Murders in the Building follows a trio of amateur sleuths residing in the fictional Arconia, a classic New York apartment building, where they are surrounded by suspects. Each unit provides the opportunity to reveal backstories and crucial character details.
Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), a semi-retired actor, bought his 14th-floor unit in the ’90s while on a successful crime series. Production designer Curt Beech notes this set was given “a newer kitchen and some renovated spaces. It made him look much smarter with his money. We gave him art that shows he’s a shrewd collector [with] a good eye.”
Charles’ kitchen includes “an amazing orange wallpaper that became a pop of color in his place,” says production designer Curt Beech. “Next to it are four album covers from a series called Persuasive Percussion from the ’60s, designed by Josef Albers...
- 7/30/2022
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Composer Siddhartha Khosla landed three Emmy nominations, this year, including one for original main title theme for “Only Murders in the Building.”
The catchy earworm, Khosla says, happened with ease. “I got on my piano, and just sang it over.”
The quirky, emotional tune is backed by Khosla’s humming and upside-down buckets, which are used as drums. Says Khosla, “That begins the piece, and they’re the driving momentum.”
The drummer is James McAlister, who plays with Sufjan Stevens and the National. “I called James and asked if it would be weird to put Home Depot buckets on this piece of music,” Khosla adds. “He went out and bought five buckets to create a drum set. He put microphones on top and it looked like he was a street musician.” The theme music was the perfect love letter to New York City. Barely running at under a minute, the...
The catchy earworm, Khosla says, happened with ease. “I got on my piano, and just sang it over.”
The quirky, emotional tune is backed by Khosla’s humming and upside-down buckets, which are used as drums. Says Khosla, “That begins the piece, and they’re the driving momentum.”
The drummer is James McAlister, who plays with Sufjan Stevens and the National. “I called James and asked if it would be weird to put Home Depot buckets on this piece of music,” Khosla adds. “He went out and bought five buckets to create a drum set. He put microphones on top and it looked like he was a street musician.” The theme music was the perfect love letter to New York City. Barely running at under a minute, the...
- 7/29/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Image Source: Hulu
New York City living can be luxurious for some, and Hulu's murder-mystery comedy series "Only Murders in the Building" is no exception to this rule. Starring Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short, the show takes place at the fictional Arconia luxury condominium, situated in NYC's elite neighborhood, the Upper West Side. The series follows residents-turned-true-crime-podcasters Mabel (Gomez), Charles (Martin), and Oliver (Short), who - in the first season - take it upon themselves to track down a killer who murdered their neighbor, Tim Kono.
In season two, which premiered on June 28, the trio finds themselves at the center of another murder investigation set in the Arconia. As it turns out, the massive NYC condo which their fictional residence is based on has a storied history of its own.
While "Only Murders in the Building" was indeed filmed on the Upper West Side and near surrounding NYC landmarks like Central Park,...
New York City living can be luxurious for some, and Hulu's murder-mystery comedy series "Only Murders in the Building" is no exception to this rule. Starring Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short, the show takes place at the fictional Arconia luxury condominium, situated in NYC's elite neighborhood, the Upper West Side. The series follows residents-turned-true-crime-podcasters Mabel (Gomez), Charles (Martin), and Oliver (Short), who - in the first season - take it upon themselves to track down a killer who murdered their neighbor, Tim Kono.
In season two, which premiered on June 28, the trio finds themselves at the center of another murder investigation set in the Arconia. As it turns out, the massive NYC condo which their fictional residence is based on has a storied history of its own.
While "Only Murders in the Building" was indeed filmed on the Upper West Side and near surrounding NYC landmarks like Central Park,...
- 6/28/2022
- by Emily Weaver
- Popsugar.com
Curated by the IndieWire Crafts team, Craft Considerations is a platform for filmmakers to talk about recent work we believe is worthy of awards consideration. In partnership with Hulu, for this edition we look at how production designer Curt Beech, composer Siddhartha Khosla, and costume designer Dana Covarrubias created the world of “Only Murders in the Building.”
A huge part of the success of “Only Murders in the Building” is its ability to nail a distinct tone and world. It’s a comedy mixed with a murder mystery. It’s in some respects a throwback, but with a self-referential “let’s make a podcast” edge. It’s grounded in specific physical architecture and culture of New York City, but it’s also a self-contained story world with its own internal logic and fictional addition to the covetable real estate of the Upper West Side: the Arconia. It’s part Steve Martin,...
A huge part of the success of “Only Murders in the Building” is its ability to nail a distinct tone and world. It’s a comedy mixed with a murder mystery. It’s in some respects a throwback, but with a self-referential “let’s make a podcast” edge. It’s grounded in specific physical architecture and culture of New York City, but it’s also a self-contained story world with its own internal logic and fictional addition to the covetable real estate of the Upper West Side: the Arconia. It’s part Steve Martin,...
- 6/16/2022
- by Jim Hemphill and Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
Production designer Curt Beech was tasked with building the Arconia for Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” a luxurious apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side with each residence an envious luxurious design reflecting its owners.
Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) are crime-obsessed neighbors who put that obsession to the test when a real death happens inside their building.
Beech breaks down the key sets below and how each interior came together.
Charles’ Living Room
“The palette was built around the Paul Smith fabric we sourced for the sofa. This one swatch had everything we needed: masculinity, sophistication, playfulness and a wealth of color options for the team to work with.
“We popped the orange in the kitchen, the blue in the bookshelves, the green in the chairs and the gold in the geometric wallpaper in the foyer.
“Once we...
Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) are crime-obsessed neighbors who put that obsession to the test when a real death happens inside their building.
Beech breaks down the key sets below and how each interior came together.
Charles’ Living Room
“The palette was built around the Paul Smith fabric we sourced for the sofa. This one swatch had everything we needed: masculinity, sophistication, playfulness and a wealth of color options for the team to work with.
“We popped the orange in the kitchen, the blue in the bookshelves, the green in the chairs and the gold in the geometric wallpaper in the foyer.
“Once we...
- 6/3/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” is a contemporary murder mystery that makes the most of its modern day New York setting, but what really brings it to life is the sense of history that informs every frame. When we meet new characters — be they protagonists Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) or day players who only appear in a scene or two — their surroundings instantly give a sense of who they are and where they’ve been as the stories of their lives are told through carefully chosen visual details. Oliver, for example, is a down on his luck stage director whose career arc can be traced in the posters on his walls, and whose timeline of success is indicated by the décor — we can see that at one point he had the money to upgrade his apartment, but the dated furnishings indicate...
- 5/17/2022
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
The Art Directors Guild has announced nominations for the 26th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animation features, with nominees in the top categories including Licorice Pizza, Cruella, Dune, In The Heights, The White Lotus and Encanto.
Winners will be announced at the Adg Awards ceremony, which returns to a live-in person event at the InterContinental Hotel Los Angeles Downtown Hotel on Saturday, March 5. Today’s announcement was made by Adg President Nelson Coates, Adg, and Awards Producer Michael Allen Glover, Adg.
As previously announced, director Denis Villeneuve (Dune) will receive the William Cameron Menzies Award. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) will receive the Cinematic Imagery Award. The Adg Awards honor excellence in Production Design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animated feature films.
The producer of the 2022 Adg Awards is Art Director Michael Allen Glover,...
Winners will be announced at the Adg Awards ceremony, which returns to a live-in person event at the InterContinental Hotel Los Angeles Downtown Hotel on Saturday, March 5. Today’s announcement was made by Adg President Nelson Coates, Adg, and Awards Producer Michael Allen Glover, Adg.
As previously announced, director Denis Villeneuve (Dune) will receive the William Cameron Menzies Award. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) will receive the Cinematic Imagery Award. The Adg Awards honor excellence in Production Design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animated feature films.
The producer of the 2022 Adg Awards is Art Director Michael Allen Glover,...
- 1/24/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Nightmare Alley,” “Cruella,” “No Time to Die” and “In The Heights” are among the top films recognized for excellence in production design in the 26th annual Art Directors Guild nominations.
On Monday, the Adg announced nominations for this year’s awards show, which will return to a live ceremony on March 5 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
“The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza,” “West Side Story” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” landed nominations in the period feature film category alongside “Nightmare Alley.” “Dune,” “Cruella,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “The Green Knight” earned recognition in fantasy feature film.
Missing out were Oscar contenders “Spencer,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Belfast” and “Cyrano.”
As previously announced, director Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”) will receive the William Cameron Menzies award. Jane Campion “(The Power of the Dog”) will receive the cinematic imagery award.
The Adg Awards honor...
On Monday, the Adg announced nominations for this year’s awards show, which will return to a live ceremony on March 5 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
“The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza,” “West Side Story” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” landed nominations in the period feature film category alongside “Nightmare Alley.” “Dune,” “Cruella,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “The Green Knight” earned recognition in fantasy feature film.
Missing out were Oscar contenders “Spencer,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Belfast” and “Cyrano.”
As previously announced, director Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”) will receive the William Cameron Menzies award. Jane Campion “(The Power of the Dog”) will receive the cinematic imagery award.
The Adg Awards honor...
- 1/24/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“The French Dispatch,” “Nightmare Alley,” “West Side Story,” “Dune,” “The Green Knight” and “Don’t Look Up” are among the feature-film nominees for the 26th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, which are given out by the Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800).
Kicking off a four-day period in which 10 different Hollywood guilds and societies will announce their nominations, the Adg honorees were announced by guild president Nelson Coates and Adg Awards producer Michael Allen Glover.
In the period-film category, the Adg category that most closely matches the Oscar for Best Production Design, the nominees were “The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza,” “Nightmare Alley,” “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “West Side Story.”
In the fantasy category, nominations went to “Cruella,” “Dune,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “The Green Knight” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
And in the contemporary category, the nominees were “Candyman,” “Don’t Look Up,” “In the Heights,” “The Lost Daughter” and “No Time to Die.
Kicking off a four-day period in which 10 different Hollywood guilds and societies will announce their nominations, the Adg honorees were announced by guild president Nelson Coates and Adg Awards producer Michael Allen Glover.
In the period-film category, the Adg category that most closely matches the Oscar for Best Production Design, the nominees were “The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza,” “Nightmare Alley,” “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “West Side Story.”
In the fantasy category, nominations went to “Cruella,” “Dune,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “The Green Knight” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
And in the contemporary category, the nominees were “Candyman,” “Don’t Look Up,” “In the Heights,” “The Lost Daughter” and “No Time to Die.
- 1/24/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Claiming a show’s location is a character unto itself is, by itself, a cliché. But appreciating how a fully realized city or setting can make or break a series sure isn’t. While period tales and flashy action pieces garner specific analysis during awards season for their accuracy and ambition, far more “traditional” TV shows utilize sets, costumes, lighting, and more to enhance their story’s hospitality factor. Television is an intimate medium, after all, and earning a repeat invitation is everyone’s job. For as much (rightful) attention as “Mare of Easttown” gets for the verisimilitude evoked by its naturalistic Pennsylvania setting, “Only Murders in the Building” merits equal praise for its inventive, welcoming, and altogether immaculate design. Without such critical touches, the comic murder-mystery could’ve easily fallen apart.
After all, Hulu’s 10-episode limited series — created by John Hoffman and Steve Martin — tackles its various genres in unconventional fashion.
After all, Hulu’s 10-episode limited series — created by John Hoffman and Steve Martin — tackles its various genres in unconventional fashion.
- 8/31/2021
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
One of EnergaCamerimage Film Festival’s most closely watched sections in a world where streaming shows rule the roost is the First Look TV Pilots Competition and this year’s winner, the Amazon Original “Hunters,” kept veteran cinematographer Frederick Elmes on his toes, he says.
Elmes, with more than 60 director of photography credits spanning five decades, brought to the job a wealth of expertise, ranging from his early days capturing the haunting monochrome shadows of “Eraserhead” to Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York” via “Blue Velvet” – a film that shares some of the hyper-reality qualities of “Hunters.”
The 90-minute opening episode of the show, “In the Belly of the Whale,” sets up eight characters who form a crack team of Nazi hunters in 1970s-era New York – led in the chase by a wise-cracking Al Pacino. It kept Elmes busy capturing distinctive performances, he says.
“We had to establish these characters quickly,...
Elmes, with more than 60 director of photography credits spanning five decades, brought to the job a wealth of expertise, ranging from his early days capturing the haunting monochrome shadows of “Eraserhead” to Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York” via “Blue Velvet” – a film that shares some of the hyper-reality qualities of “Hunters.”
The 90-minute opening episode of the show, “In the Belly of the Whale,” sets up eight characters who form a crack team of Nazi hunters in 1970s-era New York – led in the chase by a wise-cracking Al Pacino. It kept Elmes busy capturing distinctive performances, he says.
“We had to establish these characters quickly,...
- 11/27/2020
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
The revenge thriller “Hunters” premiered its 10-episode first season on Amazon Prime Video on February 21, 2020. It was created by David Weil and executive produced by Oscar winner Jordan Peele, and it’s the first regular TV series role for Oscar winner Al Pacino. Now they could be contenders for Emmys. Scroll down for our exclusive video interviews with top awards contenders from the show.
“Hunters” is set in 1970s New York and stars Pacino as Meyer Offerman, a Holocaust survivor who has become a wealthy man and devotes his time, energy and resources to searching for fugitive Nazis living in the United States and killing them. He’s aided by a rag-tag group including a washed-up actor (Josh Radnor), a Vietnam War veteran (Louis Ozawa) and a former MI6 agent (Kate Mulvany), as well as a young math whiz (Logan Lerman) who joins the team while trying to get to...
“Hunters” is set in 1970s New York and stars Pacino as Meyer Offerman, a Holocaust survivor who has become a wealthy man and devotes his time, energy and resources to searching for fugitive Nazis living in the United States and killing them. He’s aided by a rag-tag group including a washed-up actor (Josh Radnor), a Vietnam War veteran (Louis Ozawa) and a former MI6 agent (Kate Mulvany), as well as a young math whiz (Logan Lerman) who joins the team while trying to get to...
- 7/1/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“I’m really just trying to nail a tone and a vibe more than any specific set or look,” reveals Curt Beech, the production designer on the drama “Hunters.” The Amazon Prime series follows a group of vigilantes hunting expat Nazi’s who are trying to start a “Fourth Reich” in 1970’s America. In our exclusive video interview (watch above), Beech describes his process for creating everything from a 1970’s recording studio to a concentration camp.
SEEDavid Weil Interview: ‘Hunters’ creator
Beech began his pitch for “Hunters” by focusing on the contrasting homes the two main characters: Meyer Offerman (Al Pacino), the uber-wealthy leader of the vigilante group, and Jonah (Logan Lerman) the Brooklyn teenager who stumbles into the vigilantes’ ranks. “We’re talking about the Upper East Side in 1977 versus Jonah’s Brooklyn in 1977,” Beech explains. “That’s a nice place to start because thematically they’re covering two...
SEEDavid Weil Interview: ‘Hunters’ creator
Beech began his pitch for “Hunters” by focusing on the contrasting homes the two main characters: Meyer Offerman (Al Pacino), the uber-wealthy leader of the vigilante group, and Jonah (Logan Lerman) the Brooklyn teenager who stumbles into the vigilantes’ ranks. “We’re talking about the Upper East Side in 1977 versus Jonah’s Brooklyn in 1977,” Beech explains. “That’s a nice place to start because thematically they’re covering two...
- 4/9/2020
- by Tony Ruiz
- Gold Derby
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon ultimately decided to join Amazon Prime Video’s new drama “Hunters” as an executive producer and pilot director because of a personal connection to the material.
“I got a letter from David [Weil, the series creator] and I was really moved by that. The letter told me stories of his grandmother and how personal this story was to him. It was a beautiful script and was also very personal to me because it’s a story that belongs to anyone that feels like ‘an other,'” Gomez-Rejon tells Variety. The story of “immigrants in existence and justice,” he continues, “is a world that is very close to me because I’m from the Mexican border. He and I talked about the plight of the outsider and discovering their place in the world, or a world they could create that becomes a place of their own.”
Premiering Feb. 21 on Amazon, “Hunters” is set...
“I got a letter from David [Weil, the series creator] and I was really moved by that. The letter told me stories of his grandmother and how personal this story was to him. It was a beautiful script and was also very personal to me because it’s a story that belongs to anyone that feels like ‘an other,'” Gomez-Rejon tells Variety. The story of “immigrants in existence and justice,” he continues, “is a world that is very close to me because I’m from the Mexican border. He and I talked about the plight of the outsider and discovering their place in the world, or a world they could create that becomes a place of their own.”
Premiering Feb. 21 on Amazon, “Hunters” is set...
- 2/20/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
After snagging nominations at the Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Awards, SAG Awards, BAFTAs and more, Spike Lee‘s “BlacKkKlansman” has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the Oscar race for Best Picture. It tells the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), a black police detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s with the help of a Jewish officer (Adam Driver). Gold Derby recently spoke with Driver, screenwriters Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz, cinematographer Chayse Irvin, production designer Curt Beech, film editor Barry Alexander Brown, composer Terence Blanchard and hair stylist Lawanda M. Pierre about their work.
See Will ‘BlacKkKlansman’ win Spike Lee his long overdue Oscar?
“There’s obviously an importance to the story overall that you want to get right,” says Driver. Though it’s set in the late 1970s, Lee makes direct references to both our past and present, from D.W. Griffith...
See Will ‘BlacKkKlansman’ win Spike Lee his long overdue Oscar?
“There’s obviously an importance to the story overall that you want to get right,” says Driver. Though it’s set in the late 1970s, Lee makes direct references to both our past and present, from D.W. Griffith...
- 1/18/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Production designers spend months and months creating authentic, immersive worlds for the characters of their films, but the last thing they want is for anybody to immediately notice their work.
“I think if you’re doing it properly, it’s in support of the story and the characters and works subliminally on the audience,” “BlacKkKlansman” production designer Curt Beech said at Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: Production Designers panel, moderated by this author (watch the exclusive video above). “And hopefully [it] does not draw attention to itself unless there’s a scripted moment where there’s something very specific that will happen scenically that is a ‘wow’ moment or something.”
“Destroyer” production designer Kay Lee said she’d be “mortified” if her work ever unintentionally distracted moviegoers from the action onscreen. “I would never want my work to take away from the story itself,” she said. “What I try to...
“I think if you’re doing it properly, it’s in support of the story and the characters and works subliminally on the audience,” “BlacKkKlansman” production designer Curt Beech said at Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: Production Designers panel, moderated by this author (watch the exclusive video above). “And hopefully [it] does not draw attention to itself unless there’s a scripted moment where there’s something very specific that will happen scenically that is a ‘wow’ moment or something.”
“Destroyer” production designer Kay Lee said she’d be “mortified” if her work ever unintentionally distracted moviegoers from the action onscreen. “I would never want my work to take away from the story itself,” she said. “What I try to...
- 12/11/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
“BlacKkKlansman” tells the true story of how Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs, Co., police department, infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. But the latest Spike Lee joint filmed nowhere near the Centennial State.
“Spike called and said, ‘I’ve got this project. Where should we do it?’ I said, ‘We gotta do it in New York,’” production designer Curt Beech said at Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: Production Designers panel, moderated by this author (watch the exclusive video interview above). “So I called Tim [Stacker], the location manager, immediately afterwards, like, ‘Tim, how are we gonna do this?’ We figured it out.”
Beech and Stacker made a scouting trip to Colorado Springs to get a general feel of the area before heading to upstate New York to find the right town to sub for 1972 Colorado Springs. They saw eight towns and finally settled on Ossining.
“Spike called and said, ‘I’ve got this project. Where should we do it?’ I said, ‘We gotta do it in New York,’” production designer Curt Beech said at Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: Production Designers panel, moderated by this author (watch the exclusive video interview above). “So I called Tim [Stacker], the location manager, immediately afterwards, like, ‘Tim, how are we gonna do this?’ We figured it out.”
Beech and Stacker made a scouting trip to Colorado Springs to get a general feel of the area before heading to upstate New York to find the right town to sub for 1972 Colorado Springs. They saw eight towns and finally settled on Ossining.
- 12/11/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Don’t miss our upcoming special Q&A panel as Gold Derby welcomes four of the greatest production designers in the world on Thursday, December 6. Join us at the Landmark Theater on Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles for the event at 7:00 Pt. It’s free to anyone who wants to attend, but top priority in getting one of the limited seats is to be a guild member or Oscar voter.
Click the following link to register: https://meettheexpertsproductiondesign.splashthat.com/
Our senior editor Joyce Eng will moderate the Q&A with the following contenders for 2019 awards consideration:
Curt Beech represents Focus Features for “BlacKkKlansman”
Beech is an Art Directors Guild nominee for his films “Star Trek” (2009), “The Social Network” (2010), “The Help” (2011) and “Lincoln” (2012).
Eugenio Caballero represents Netflix for “Roma”
Caballero is an Oscar winner for “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006). He also won for that film with the Adg and was...
Click the following link to register: https://meettheexpertsproductiondesign.splashthat.com/
Our senior editor Joyce Eng will moderate the Q&A with the following contenders for 2019 awards consideration:
Curt Beech represents Focus Features for “BlacKkKlansman”
Beech is an Art Directors Guild nominee for his films “Star Trek” (2009), “The Social Network” (2010), “The Help” (2011) and “Lincoln” (2012).
Eugenio Caballero represents Netflix for “Roma”
Caballero is an Oscar winner for “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006). He also won for that film with the Adg and was...
- 11/25/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Spike Lee, who co-wrote and directed Focus Features’ “BlacKkKlansman,” says it was not an easy movie to make, but that everybody worked together. “We were all making the same film,” he explains, “which doesn’t always happen.”
The fact-based story centers on Ron Stallworth, a black cop who went undercover in Colorado Springs in the 1970s to expose local Ku Klux Klan activities. Lee pays tribute to some of his below-the-line colleagues as well as to such respected performers as Harry Belafonte, who co-stars in the film.
Barry Alexander Brown, Editor
“He’s cut almost everything for me; we go way, way back. For the sequence involving Mr. Belafonte, who brings such weight and gravitas — he was in the trenches with Dr. King — Kevin [Willmott, a co-writer] and I wanted him to talk about a real-life incident of lynching, which is the legacy of the Ku Klux Klan. There was an incident in Waco,...
The fact-based story centers on Ron Stallworth, a black cop who went undercover in Colorado Springs in the 1970s to expose local Ku Klux Klan activities. Lee pays tribute to some of his below-the-line colleagues as well as to such respected performers as Harry Belafonte, who co-stars in the film.
Barry Alexander Brown, Editor
“He’s cut almost everything for me; we go way, way back. For the sequence involving Mr. Belafonte, who brings such weight and gravitas — he was in the trenches with Dr. King — Kevin [Willmott, a co-writer] and I wanted him to talk about a real-life incident of lynching, which is the legacy of the Ku Klux Klan. There was an incident in Waco,...
- 10/31/2018
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Warning: The following contains an Abby-normal level of spoilers from this Thursday’s episode of Wayward Pines.
This week on Wayward Pines, midway through the Fox drama’s 10-episode run, Ben Burke as well as viewers learned that the question we should have been asking all along was not “What is Wayward Pines?” but “When?”
RelatedWayward Pines Ep: Learning the ‘Gargantuan’ Twist Is Only Half the Fun
Because the year that Ben, his folks and the other last remainders of humanity are living in is 4028. Yes, more than 2,000 years into the future. This is where you join me in bellowing:
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?...
This week on Wayward Pines, midway through the Fox drama’s 10-episode run, Ben Burke as well as viewers learned that the question we should have been asking all along was not “What is Wayward Pines?” but “When?”
RelatedWayward Pines Ep: Learning the ‘Gargantuan’ Twist Is Only Half the Fun
Because the year that Ben, his folks and the other last remainders of humanity are living in is 4028. Yes, more than 2,000 years into the future. This is where you join me in bellowing:
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?...
- 6/12/2015
- TVLine.com
David O. Russell’s dramedy Silver Linings Playbook took home top honors last night at the 17th annual Satellite Awards, presented by the International Press Academy.
The film received five awards: best motion picture, best director for Russell, best actor and actress for stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, and best editing for Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers.
Anne Hathaway won best actress in a supporting role for her portrayal of Fantine in Les Misérables, while Javier Bardem won best actor in a supporting role for his Bond baddie in Skyfall. In the writing categories, Mark Boal received the best...
The film received five awards: best motion picture, best director for Russell, best actor and actress for stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, and best editing for Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers.
Anne Hathaway won best actress in a supporting role for her portrayal of Fantine in Les Misérables, while Javier Bardem won best actor in a supporting role for his Bond baddie in Skyfall. In the writing categories, Mark Boal received the best...
- 12/17/2012
- by Maane Khatchatourian
- EW - Inside Movies
David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" danced atop the 17th Annual Satellite Awards winning Best Picture, Editing, Director, Actor (Bradley Cooper), and Actress (Jennifer Lawrence). In the supporting acting categories, Anne Hathaway took home the Best Supporting Actress award for "Les Miserables," while Javier Bardem won Best Supporting Actor for playing the big bad in "Skyfall."
Winners were announced Sunday, Dec. 16, at the InterContinental Hotel at Century City in Los Angeles.
Here's the complete winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 17th Annual Satellite Awards (for a complete list of Awards Season winners/nominees, click here):
Motion Picture
Argo .
*** Silver Linings Playbook
Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Les MISÉRABLES
Skyfall
Moonrise Kingdom
The Sessions
Lincoln Dreamworks/Touchstone
Life Of Pi
Zero Dark Thirty
Director
*** David O. Russell -- Silver Linings Playbook
Ben Affleck -- Argo
Kim Ki-duk -- Pieta Drafthouse Films
Ben Lewin -- The Sessions
Steven Spielberg --...
Winners were announced Sunday, Dec. 16, at the InterContinental Hotel at Century City in Los Angeles.
Here's the complete winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 17th Annual Satellite Awards (for a complete list of Awards Season winners/nominees, click here):
Motion Picture
Argo .
*** Silver Linings Playbook
Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Les MISÉRABLES
Skyfall
Moonrise Kingdom
The Sessions
Lincoln Dreamworks/Touchstone
Life Of Pi
Zero Dark Thirty
Director
*** David O. Russell -- Silver Linings Playbook
Ben Affleck -- Argo
Kim Ki-duk -- Pieta Drafthouse Films
Ben Lewin -- The Sessions
Steven Spielberg --...
- 12/17/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The International Press Academy has announced the nominees of the 17th Annual Satellite Awards. "Les Miserables" led the pack with 10 nominations including Best Picture.
Winners will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the InterContinental at Century City in Los Angeles.
17th Annual Satellite Awards Nominees:
Motion Picture
Argo .
Silver Linings Playbook
Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Les MISÉRABLES
Skyfall
Moonrise Kingdom
The Sessions
Lincoln Dreamworks/Touchstone
Life Of Pi
Zero Dark Thirty
Director
David O. Russell -- Silver Linings Playbook
Ben Affleck -- Argo
Kim Ki-duk -- Pieta Drafthouse Films
Ben Lewin -- The Sessions
Steven Spielberg -- Lincoln
Kathryn Bigelow -- Zero Dark Thirty
Actress in a Motion Picture Name
Jennifer Lawrence Silver Linings Playbook
Emilie Dequenne Our Children
Keira Knightley Anna Karenina
Emmanuelle Riva Amour
Laura Birn Purge
Laura Linney Hyde Park On Hudson
Jessica Chastain Zero Dark Thirty
Actor in a Motion Picture
John Hawkes The Sessions...
Winners will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the InterContinental at Century City in Los Angeles.
17th Annual Satellite Awards Nominees:
Motion Picture
Argo .
Silver Linings Playbook
Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Les MISÉRABLES
Skyfall
Moonrise Kingdom
The Sessions
Lincoln Dreamworks/Touchstone
Life Of Pi
Zero Dark Thirty
Director
David O. Russell -- Silver Linings Playbook
Ben Affleck -- Argo
Kim Ki-duk -- Pieta Drafthouse Films
Ben Lewin -- The Sessions
Steven Spielberg -- Lincoln
Kathryn Bigelow -- Zero Dark Thirty
Actress in a Motion Picture Name
Jennifer Lawrence Silver Linings Playbook
Emilie Dequenne Our Children
Keira Knightley Anna Karenina
Emmanuelle Riva Amour
Laura Birn Purge
Laura Linney Hyde Park On Hudson
Jessica Chastain Zero Dark Thirty
Actor in a Motion Picture
John Hawkes The Sessions...
- 12/3/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Genre: Reality | Sci-Fi | Competition
Air Date/Time: Tuesdays at 10/9c
Network: Syfy
Synopsis:
From the producers of Syfy’s top-rated Face Off comes a visually stunning new competition series Hot Set. Each week, two Hollywood production designers and their teams will compete in an extreme design challenge to create original movie sets inspired by the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres. Each episode is one complete competition, with new production designers introduced each week. The episode’s winning designer will be the one who creates the ultimate movie set that is able to transport the viewer into an immersive world based on creativity, technique and overall presentation.
A member of an American movie family dynasty, radio and television personality Ben Mankiewicz hosts the series. Ben’s grandfather, Herman Mankiewicz, is an Oscar-winning screenwriter for Citizen Kane and his great uncle, Joseph Mankiewicz, is an Oscar-Winning writer and director for All About Eve...
Air Date/Time: Tuesdays at 10/9c
Network: Syfy
Synopsis:
From the producers of Syfy’s top-rated Face Off comes a visually stunning new competition series Hot Set. Each week, two Hollywood production designers and their teams will compete in an extreme design challenge to create original movie sets inspired by the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres. Each episode is one complete competition, with new production designers introduced each week. The episode’s winning designer will be the one who creates the ultimate movie set that is able to transport the viewer into an immersive world based on creativity, technique and overall presentation.
A member of an American movie family dynasty, radio and television personality Ben Mankiewicz hosts the series. Ben’s grandfather, Herman Mankiewicz, is an Oscar-winning screenwriter for Citizen Kane and his great uncle, Joseph Mankiewicz, is an Oscar-Winning writer and director for All About Eve...
- 9/18/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
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