Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1539634
Key Ingredients: -Prep weeks are crucial. If you want to save, you have to spend upfront. Tell your producers outright—The design ideas and savings implemented in the original set can pay off. This was because we had adequate prep time for Good Sam. -Teamwork on both ends. The producers and studio must be on board, along with support for the strike team and the rebuild team. Ever take an old electronic apart and put it back together? There are always missing pieces. -Clear documentation. The thoroughness of Team Toronto was key to the resurrection of the set. This proved to be crucial and paved the way for savings on the installation. -Someone needs to know which shows are ending and which shows are starting. In an industry surrounded in secrecy—it is imperative that someone (most likely a producer) sees that one show's ending can be another show's beginning. To strike or to demo? We found demolition and disassembly to be an apples-to-apples comparison. By the time you include hauling trash and separating materials compared to labeling and packing, the process by default is saving on materials, so spending on labor is part of the process. You can choose to fill a landfill or a semi- trailer. These experiences reinforced a key lesson: With smart planning and a unified vision to reuse, permanent sets can have new life. Theatres, backlots and historic locations get reused with fresh dressing—so why not stage sets? This idea is not new and I am aware it is not the invention of a new concept. But it is a rare one. This isn't just about being eco-friendly; it's about maximizing value. The Matlock set is bigger for it, it shows in the scope on camera and I hope to continue pushing this approach, proving that with intention, adaptability and persistence, design can outlive a single use. ADG 6" 13'-11 1/2" 4'-10" 24'-2 1/2" 19'-9 1/2" 12'-10" 23'-1 1/2 31'-8 1/2" 17'-9 1/2" 16'-4 1/2" 31'-2 1/2" 128'-4" RESERVED FOR SWING SETS COURTROOM HOLD H 94'-11 1/2" DOORS 1 1 3 4 60'-8" 40'-8 1/4" 5 65'-11" COURTHOUSE HALLWAY A. FATAL ATTRACTION. B. MATLOCK. C. FATAL ATTRACTION COURTHOUSE. SET PHOTO. NINA RUSCIO, PRODUCTION DESIGNER. D. FATAL ATTRACTION COURTHOUSE. FLOOR PLAN. E. MATLOCK COURTHOUSE. FLOOR PLAN. F. MATLOCK COURTHOUSE. SET PHOTO. A B C D