Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1381679
1 0 6 P E R S P E C T I V E | M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 1 I thought I knew who Aretha Franklin was—the legendary diva who invented soul music, whose classic songs are ubiquitous. Then I read Suzan- Lori Parks' script for the third season of National Geographic's anthology series Genius and realized there was so much more to her. Genius: Aretha, produced and directed by Anthony Hemingway, aimed to capture all the glory of the Queen of Soul literally from birth, presenting a thrilling opportunity and challenge for any designer… including yours truly. Aretha's genius is revealed by exploring her musical gifts. Her astonishing variety of expression, originality and innate skill combined it te inenes tat saed er grnded in church and family, fueled her life and career. To penetrate the Queen's façade, the series uses themes of public vs. private, ambition vs. obligation and control vs. love. Told in a world of performances and studios, homes and churches, lovers and causes, this epic story follows Aretha from humble beginnings to superstardom while surrounded by family, musicians and producers regnied srted and rfited rm Aretha's immense talent. All in eight episodes! Not as obvious but just as vital to understanding Aretha is her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin. A domineering Baptist preacher of great skill and ambition, his creed of self-empowerment, church and gospel, social justice and personal reward was the soil that Aretha grew in. These intertwined worlds anchored the story and its design. DESIGN TEAM AND PLAN I was starting from scratch in Atlanta since previous seasons of Genius were shot in Europe. Aretha required a new locale and crew, and for the studios (Nat Geo, Imagine and Fox 21/Disney), ergia fit te ill. arl n nit rdtin manager Ed Cathell, location manager Caleb Hinshaw and I met to strategize and begin the search for locations and crew. Luckily, I recruited Dann rn as rt Diretr ristie Seld as set decorator, Molly O'Donnell as Art Department coordinator and Kevin Ladson as prop master. A few weeks in, I had a solid team. A D e s i g n i n g G e n i u s : A r e t h a F O R G I N G A S T R O N G D R A M A B Y T I M G A L V I N , P R O D U C T I O N D E S I G N E R A. NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH. PRODUCTION STILL. B. ARETHA FRANKLIN, PLAYED BY CYNTHIA ERIVO, PERFORMING AT THE ALADDIN THEATER IN LAS VEGAS, 1974. SHOT ON LOCATION AT COBB COUNTY CIVIC CENTER. PHOTO BY RICHARD DUCREE. C. GENIUS: ARETHA DESIGN SCHEME. DRAWN BY TIM GALVIN.