Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/929567
This story took place in 1971—not 1973. Was there a difference? Further research showed that Redford and Hoffman's newsroom existed on 15th Street in Washington, DC, fresh and new in 1972, while the 1971 newsroom was actually located on L Street, and had been occupied since the fifties, with linotype machines and presses forming the foundation of the building. These were all very literal but necessary questions, there was continuous dialogue with director Steven Spielberg and the actors. These truths mattered to this team. There was a ton of visual material on the iconic 1973 newsroom, but there was very little to be found on the demolished L Street interiors. At this point, the Art Department had the good fortune of a real creative producer, Amy Pascal, being involved. She arranged a meeting in Washington, DC, with a few key figures. Rena DeAngelo, the set decorator, and myself went south to meet with Sally Quinn, journalist, author, friend of Katharine Graham and the widow of Ben Bradlee, as well as with Evelyn Small, Katharine DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG PRODUCTION DESIGNER RICK CARTER SET TITLE DRAWING LOCATION DATE SCALE SET NO: DRAWING NO: 122-129 DP INT WASHINGTON POST DIRECTOR'S PLAN 440 HAMILTON AVENUE; WHITE PLAINS NY NTS 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 FT A. The Washington Post newsroom showing the original pneumatic tube system for moving copy between floors. Photograph from Evelyn Small and the archives of Katharine Graham. B. Siting Ben Bradlee's office position in the White Plains location, C. Modo model lens study for Bradlee's office, designed by Set Designer Michael Auszura. D. Modo model of The Washington Post offices on location. Designed by Set Designer Michael Auszura. E. The Washington Post newsroom plan. Also showing placement of the executive floor on the newsroom floor. This was a "cheat" that required a redress of the elevator hallway, but allowed the company to stay on one floor, saving move time. Set Design by Michael Auszura. F. & G. The Washington Post newsroom set, built on location in White Plains, NY. F G E