As Emmy voting kicks off, the spotlight often shines brightest on actors and directors. However, the artisans working behind the scenes are equally deserving of recognition. For the second year running, IndieWire’s Craft Roundtables is set to honor these creative professionals, offering an intimate look at their processes and contributions to some of the season’s standout shows.
The series, which premiered on PBS SoCal on Thursday, June 11 at 7pm PTfeatures six in-depth conversations. Each episode focuses on a different craft: cinematographycomposingproduction designeditingcostume designand visual effects. All episodes are also available for streaming on the PBS Appensuring that viewers can enjoy these insightful discussions at their leisure.
The Art of Cinematography
The cinematography roundtable brings together a diverse group of talented directors of photography. Jason McCormick (“Love Story”), Ashley Connor (“The Chair Company”), Greta Zozula (“The Testaments”), Tommy Maddox-Upshaw (“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy”), and John Brawley (“Shrinking”) share their unique approaches to capturing the essence of their respective shows. This panel offers a fascinating glimpse into the technical and creative challenges of bringing a script to life through the lens.
Composing the Soundtrack of Success
Music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and mood of a television series. The composers roundtable features Breton Vivian (“The Madison”), John Paesano (“The Boroughs”), Jeff Russo (“Alien: Earth”), Amanda Jones (“Muderbot”), Kris Bowers & Michael Dean Parsons (“Spider-Noir”), and Mac Quayle (“Monster: The Ed Gein Story”). These composers discuss the intricate process of creating scores that enhance storytelling and evoke emotion, making their work an indispensable part of the viewing experience.
Designing the World of Television
The production designers roundtable highlights the creative visionaries who craft the visual landscapes of our favorite shows. Merje Veske (“The Bear”), Matthew Flood Ferguson (“Monster: The Ed Gein Story”), Francois Audouy (“Euphoria”), Roger Fires (“Scrubs”), Susie Mancini (“The ‘Burbs”), Jen Chu (RuPaul’s Drag Race), and Claire Bennett (“Nobody Wants This”) share their insights on transforming scripts into immersive environments. This panel underscores the importance of production design in creating believable and captivating worlds.
Editing the Perfect Story
Editing is the invisible art that shapes the narrative flow of a television series. The editing panel features Shane Reid (“John Candy: I Like Me”), Christian Hoffman (“Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat”), Laura Zempel & Lauren Connelly (“Beef”), James Renfroe (“Shrinking”), Mark Strand (“The Pitt”), and Jon Philpot (“Hacks”). These editors discuss the meticulous process of assembling footage to create a cohesive and engaging story, highlighting the critical role editing plays in the final product.
Costume Design: Dressing the Characters
Costume design is a crucial element in bringing characters to life on screen. The costume design roundtable includes Sarah Evelyn (“The Beauty”), Trayce Gigi Field (“Spider-Noir”), Rudy Mance (“Love Story”), Kathleen Felix-Hager (“Hacks” and “The Paper”), and Natasha Newman-Thomas (“Euphoria”). These designers share their creative processes and the challenges of dressing characters in a way that reflects their personalities and the show’s aesthetic.
In a particularly engaging moment, Rudy Mancecostume designer for FX’s “Love Story,” discussed the meticulous research and attention to detail that went into recreating the iconic looks of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Mance’s team went to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy, even setting up a fitting room that resembled a “crazy, obsessive serial killer’s” lair, filled with photographs of the couple. Mance praised the show’s actors, Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeonfor their willingness to participate in the costuming process, noting that they were both committed to achieving the same level of accuracy. “They were both incredible,” Mance said. “They wanted to get it just as right and just as accurate as I did.”
Visual Effects: Bringing the Impossible to Life
The visual effects roundtable features Betsy Paterson (“Stranger Things”), Hnedel Maximore (“Spider-Noir”), Hoyt Yeatman (“Ted”), Tara DeMarco (“The Boroughs”), and Daryl Sawchuk (“IT: Welcome to Derry”). These artists discuss the technical and creative challenges of creating visual effects that enhance the storytelling experience. From creating fantastical worlds to bringing imaginary creatures to life, visual effects play a vital role in modern television production.
IndieWire’s Craft Roundtables offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and dedication of the talented individuals who work behind the scenes. By highlighting their contributions, these roundtables provide a deeper understanding of the creative processes that bring our favorite shows to life. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the unsung heroes of television.
