Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/780285
The Seattle highrise Escala, identified in the books as the location of the Grey penthouse, features several specific exterior details which were incorporated into the redesign, including a large curved-glass living room wall and expansive curved exterior balconies. Portions of the penthouse were also designed to be repurposed as other penthouse rooms. pieces. A cantilevered angular mezzanine and removable railing overlooking the main penthouse space allowed Technocrane access for several scenes requiring actors to race up and down the stairs. A lighted onyx-paneled wine cellar was introduced behind the staircase to serve as a visual connection to the library and study sets located on another stage, and to showcase a more masculine conspicuous consumption. A pivotal scene in Darker required family and friends to be gathered in the penthouse to watch television news reports. Foley and I did not want a large television to dominate the other scenes in the main space, so in the rescaling and design of the new fireplace tracks were incorporated that allowed an LCD screen to slide from its viewing position up into the ceiling. "A photographic exhibition is featured in FIFTY SHADES DARKER, and the work is that of the film's stills photographer, Doane Gregory, whose Pacific Northwest landscape photography was reproduced on metallic- infused paper and mounted on stainless steel, floating off the wall, lighted in such a way as to appear to be glowing."