Such an insightful podcast chat with tv production designer Richard Drew this week – a real treat to spend some discussing the psychology and inspiration behind some of the shows in Richard’s career so far which started in 1988 and is the busiest is is has ever been as we almost enter 2022.
When did it strike him that tv was the right path for him and how did Richard get his very first design assignment after qualifying ?
Just to mention a few programmes Richard has worked on to date … Bergerac, One Foot in the Grave, Smith and Jones, Big Train, EastEnders, Crystal Maze, Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Top of the Pops, Game on, Billionaire Boy, RatBurger, Stath Lets Flats, Intelligence for Sky One, This Time with Alan Partridge and Ricky Gervais’ After Life.
It it hadn’t been for Richard kindly taking some time out of a rare day off to talk about the ins and outs of a Production Designer, I probably would have grilled him all day about the design process on After Life on which they have just recently wrapped the third series.
Why did he use the colours and how did they create the atmosphere ? I found the ideas Ricky and Richard based the sets and location on really fascinating and love how much intricate character detail was involved to make it all so cohesive.
Billionaire Boy seemed like a really good programme to focus on with the fantastical scenes and grand home. If you’ve seen this family film then you many have wondered how Charlie had a shoot from his bedroom in to a huge swimming pool downstairs ? Was glad to clear that one up. Lovely to know that it was a ‘ homage ‘ to one of his all time favourite films.
With sit – coms, dramas, commercial and comedies, all on his cv, it is really interesting to hear how he approaches each project as a Production Designer and whether it is possible to focus on more than one at a time ? I love Richard’s statement on commitment to colour when he mentions This Time with Alan Partridge – and heartily agree. You will have to have a listen to find out more. He also offers a very generous amount of insight and advice is also given for anyone looking to go down a similar route in the industry. Very much worth listening to.
We talk about his own home too and it’s lovely history. A natural question to ask also – are the rooms full of past show memorabilia – and if not, why not ?
I felt very inspired myself after recording the Podcast – hope you enjoy it and don’t forget to subscribe for all future episodes. You can listen on all channels below – and find more on Richard’s work over on his website here.
Find all my other episodes here.
All images © Richard Drew.
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