Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1512164
1 0 6 P E R S P E C T I V E | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 have been a defining feature. They are typically built in place on our sets, and are created via collaboration between the art, set decoration, props, VFX, costumes and HMU teams. Whether embroidered on the back of a jacket, spelled out in locations or embedded in a news chyron, most of them originate from designs created by our talented Graphic Artist, Sarah M. Gonzalez, who has been with the show all four seasons. We ended the season shooting "WeMurk" and the Coral Reefs gang, who are beloved recurring characters. Being able to design for recurring characters is always exciting. The comedy driving any sketch that features the Coral Reefs is a collision of gang culture with office culture; they run a full slate of criminal activities under a very modern and caring, but strict corporate structure. For their appearance in season four, we took inspiration from tech co-working spaces and their hip lounge areas, plant-heavy decor and coffee bars (if you look closely, our long-running Easter egg for the Millstone Coffee brand makes another appearance). One of our favorite details is the graffiti-style motivational posters on the walls. When you see "Dream Big, Murk Hard" in pink graffiti letters, you can't help but laugh. This turned out to be the very last sketch we ever shot for A Black Lady Sketch Show. In hindsight, it was such a great sketch to end on. So many recurring guest stars were sharing space on the same set with core cast and crew members from every season. And as with the end of every final shoot day of a season, we closed with a lunchtime dance party and a speech from Robin Thede, where she thanked every single department for their hard work and dedication to the show. We had no idea yet that it would be our final season, or that this set would be our last for the series. Moments like that—where you get to have a moment together to appreciate a shared experience and feel valued for your part in it—are so rare. Both of us, along with our crew, will always have a special place in our hearts for A Black Lady Sketch Show. ADG A. "GLADYS AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE." TITLE CARD GRAPHIC BY SARAH M. GONZALEZ. B. "GLADYS AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE." PRODUCTION STILL. C. "GLADYS AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE." SET PHOTO. D. & E. "WEMURK." THIS HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY SET WAS TRANSFORMED INTO AN UPSCALE, MODERN CO-WORKING SPACE FOR RIVAL GANGS. SET PHOTOS. F. "WEMURK." DIRECTOR'S PLAN. G. "WEMURK." GRAPHICS BY SARAH M. GONZALEZ. H. "WEMURK." BTS SET PHOTO. A B C