Ch. 24: David Miller, Director of Photography | Kim Wannop, Set Decorator
Sep 14, 2018
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Director of Photography David Miller and Set Decorator Kim Wannop discuss their roles in creating the visual appearance of scenes and sets. They talk about the importance of being memorable, the challenges of working on 'The Good Place', and their positive experiences with the show's creator Mike Schur. They also delve into the art deco and steampunk styles, sourcing props, and the process of finding the right props for the show. Additionally, they highlight the significance of reminders and communication behind the camera, the use of balloons as a recurring theme, and their excitement for the upcoming season three.
The collaboration between the production designer and director of photography is essential in creating visually compelling and functional sets for a TV show.
The attention to detail in prop design is crucial for creating a believable and immersive environment.
Different filtration techniques and lighting choices are used to differentiate between different locations in the show, enhancing the storytelling.
Deep dives
Summary of Chapter 24, Season 2, Episode 10 (Ronda Diana, Jake and Trent)
Jason, Chidi, Tahani, and Eleanor disguise themselves as demons in the Bad Place to blend in at a party. When the party is revealed to be an exhibit showcasing the torture of humans, Jason uses his Molotov cocktail skills to escape. Meanwhile, Michael searches for travel pins in Sean's Situation Room to help the group reach the judge. Michael steals the pins and sacrifices himself by pushing Eleanor through the portal, solving the trolley problem.
David Miller and Kim Wannup's Career Paths
David Miller, director of photography, started in pharmacy school before pursuing a career in film. His experience working with British cameramen and shooting commercials contributed to his success. Kim Wannup, set decorator, transitioned from interior design to film and TV production. She started as a PA and worked her way up, learned on the job, and became a set decorator.
Overview of Set Decoration Challenges
Kim Wannup discusses challenges she faced in set decoration, showcasing her work on Bones and Hoarder's apartment. She explains the importance of detail in creating a character's space and the collaboration involved in set designing.
Importance of Realistic Set Design and Lighting
The podcast episode discusses the importance of realistic set design and lighting in creating the desired aesthetic and atmosphere for different scenes. The production designer and director of photography collaborate to create visually compelling and functional sets that enhance the storytelling. They mention using practical elements and real fire effects when possible to achieve the desired look. They also explain how different filtration techniques and lighting choices are used to differentiate between different locations in the show, such as the good place and the bad place.
Creating Authentic Props for the Museum of Human Misery
The podcast episode highlights the process of creating authentic and visually compelling props for the Museum of Human Misery. The production designer and props team discuss how they carefully curated specific torture tools and curiosities to fill the display cases in the museum. They rented and repurposed various items such as a bees nest, a George Foreman grill for a penis flattener, and a cheese grater for a canker sore grater. The attention to detail and authenticity in the props help create a believable and immersive environment for the audience.
Director of Photography David Miller and Set Decorator Kim Wannop shoot the shirt with host Marc Evan Jackson. They talk about veteran actors like Ted Danson and Kristen Bell making David’s job easier, how David’s career switched from pharmacy to filmmaking, where Kim gets all the amazing props we see on the show and a shirt-ton more funny anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories.