Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1485934
One of the biggest interior builds on the film was the Gladney family house interior. The production found a closed-down Kmart that we were able to use as a stage for all three floors of the house. The home—as most houses are—needed to be a hub of activity for a family of six centered around the kitchen. The flow and circulation were particularly important to map out. With all the moving dialog spoken, it had to allow for energy and movement. We would have preferred to build a three-level set, but the stage ceiling was too low. Instead, we built the first floor, the second floor and the attic on three platforms next to each other. Adam Mull, Set Designer, took the lead on the Gladney house and did an amazing job. I really loved the stairs and spindles in the mail foyer. The production found an old Victorian house, the home of a college professor, in Oberlin, Ohio, which served as the exterior for the Gladney home. It fit perfectly because Oberlin itself is a college town that seemed like it could be Blacksmith, our fictional college on the hill town. Wellington, Ohio, served as the exterior college on the hill town. This was my favorite set—it was A. GLADNEY HOUSE EXTERIOR. LOCATION PHOTO. B. GLADNEY HOUSE LIVING ROOM. SET PHOTO. C. GLADNEY HOUSE KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM. SET PHOTO. D. GLADNEY HOUSE BEDROOM. SET PHOTO. E. GLADNEY HOUSE FIRST- FLOOR ELEVATIONS BY ADAM MULL. A B C D E