Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521244
The interior of the Astro Diner reflects the "temperature" of these Polaroids. We didn't have to think twice about this location; it was spot on. Of course, not every design was driven by the choice of a specific architect. One of the significant locations of this show is the Mutiny Hotel and its notorious nightclub. This was the place to be, the place where it all happened. When we decided to shoot everything in Los Angeles, the original Mutiny had been closed for more than fourteen years, so we started to scout possible Los Angeles nightclubs, but nothing came close to what we wanted it to be. The nightclub was scripted in three episodes. I designed a rather large nightclub set that would have to be built on stage, provided we had a stage that was big enough because we wanted a double-height ceiling and a minimum of four thousand square feet. The scripts contained many scenes with many different challenges, including stunts and shootouts, a VIP area and dance floor, long hallways and exterior drive-ups where the supercars needed to be staged. One day, I was driving down Vincent Thomas Bridge in Long Beach with the location manager. I saw the Queen Mary in the distance on the way to scout a vintage yacht for the boat party. I have loved ocean liners since I did the Laconia for the BBC. Out of curiosity, I asked whether we could go and see the ship. Kris knew the site rep who was in charge of the landmark, and one hour later, we were scanning the interior of the stunningly beautiful Queen Mary, which was closed to the public. I was taken aback once we entered the grand ballroom: This is what we were looking for. It is not mid-century modern style, it is not even a building or a nightclub. But it was BIG, the ceiling was as high as a cathedral, and there were these beautiful art deco details, which I wanted to avoid by any means. Immediately, I changed gears and started scribbling ideas into my notepad; how could we turn this into a proper nightclub that feels like 1975? Studio 54, Palladium and MK in New York immediately crossed my mind. The next step was to persuade Andy and Armando that this was the best option. A A. MUTINY HOTEL NIGHTCLUB. QUEEN MARY LOCATION. DIRECTOR'S PLAN DRAWN BY ADRIANA DARDAS. B. MUTINY HOTEL NIGHTCLUB. PRODUCTION STILL. C. & D. MUTINY HOTEL NIGHTCLUB. SHOT IN THE GRAND BALLROOM OF THE QUEEN MARY. LONG BEACH. SET PHOTO. B C D