Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533577
T H E R E S I D E N C E | P E R S P E C T I V E 3 1 unseen realities of their lives while uncovering the humanity behind the grandeur. Writer and showrunner Paul William Davies meticulously researched and crafted a mystery layered to maximize misdirection. Aware of the complexity, Davies cleverly inserted a map into the script to guide readers, envisioning the camera pulling back into a "cool 3D model or cutout of the White House." He noted this was something the "Production Designer will figure out—or better yet, we'll figure out together." It was a refreshing surprise to see the Art Department invited so directly into shaping his vision. This was an exhilarating challenge! Tasking us with reimagining something as iconic and familiar as the White House, yet in a fresh, entertaining way. Production Designer François Audouy drew inspiration from films like The Ladies Man (1961) and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), which used dollhouse-style cutaway shots to give audiences a playful, contextual understanding of their spaces. Additionally, Robert W. Nicholson's famous 1968 White House cutaway illustration for National Geographic was touchstone. These visual moments, while undeniably charming, were essential for helping viewers navigate the sprawling and intricate layout of the mansion. In short, the production built the largest White House set ever constructed—over seventy thousand square feet of scenery spread across eight stages and parking lots at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood Though most rooms were constructed at a 7/8 scale, each required ingeniously stretching the proportions to maximize every square foot of stage space. (No two White House sets are ever the same, as they all need to be customized to fit on whatever stage is used.) This monumental feat showcased B. GREEN ROOM, STAGE 11, DRAWN BY CLAUDIA ETHRIDGE. CUSTOM CARPET DESIGNED BY SAMARA EHKLE, PRINTED AT FLAGSHIP CARPET IN GEORGIA. SET PHOTO. C. BLUE ROOM, STAGE 11, DRAWN BY CLAUDIA ETHRIDGE. CUSTOM WALLPAPER DESIGNED BY MIGUEL ROSERO, PRINTED AT ASTEK. CUSTOM CARPET DESIGNED BY SAMARA EHLKE PRINTED AT FLAGSHIP CARPET IN GEORGIA. SET PHOTO. C B