NBCBefore you even start reading this story, we'll give you a moment to go and set your DVR to record NBC's new comedy Marry Me, premiering Tuesday night, October 14 at 9/8c.
OK, all set? Cool. You'll thank us later, because you won't want to miss the new series staring the hilarious Casey Wilson (Happy Endings, anyone?) and Ken Marino (of Eastbound & Down fame).
There's so much that goes into the making of a new comedy: super funny actors and an awesome premise, for one. And Marry Me has that in spades. The show is inspired by series creator David Caspe's real-life marriage to actress Casey Wilson (who plays Annie in the show), so already our interest is piqued.
But then there are other major aspects that go into a new comedy, as well, like set design. So, we caught up with Marry Me's production designer Denise Pizzini, who schooled us on what it's like to work on a new comedy series. Keep reading to get the scoop!
You began as the production designer right after the pilot, so what type of changes did you make to Annie's apartment from the original pilot set?
As we move through the episodes, we've made many technical modifications without changing the general look or feeling of Annie's apartment from the pilot. We have enlarged the dining room and one of our bookcases goes up into the ceiling to open the set up for shooting. All the dressing is glued down on that bookcase. Our bathroom wall swings open for access, and we shortened the hallway at the door. It's all the stuff no one realizes needs to happen for ease of shooting.
What's the weirdest item you had to track down or get so far?
I can't say we've had one weird item, but we did design some owl wallpaper for their friend's baby room in episode three. It had to be creepy but not scary. So we ended up with a "toile owl wall."
Are there any objects you wish you could swipe for yourself from the set?
There is a chair in Kay's apartment I really like. She has a vibrant, colorful and eclectic style that appeals to me. Also the hardware/pulls on her kitchen cabinets are fun.
Can you talk a little bit about your thought process behind designing the set. What feelings/vibes did you want to evoke?
The design process is to first tell a story. We learn a little more about these characters every week. Any piece of information or history we get from the writers we like to try to use in their spaces. When I started the show, I created a specific style for each character. They are supposed to be in Chicago, so we built their go-to hangout spot, Mo and David's. It's like an old-school Chicago neighborhood establishment, much like a Musso and Franks or Canters [in Los Angeles]. We would like to create a world for them that feels very real. Not too trendy, not too hip, but maybe headed that way. Still a little rough around the edges.
How will the apartment set change with Annie and Jake move in together?
When Jake moves in with Annie the biggest change is the large TV and his favorite chair. In a later episode we go down to the apartment storage room and see where most of his stuff ended up.
What has been your contact with the cast so far?
I haven't had too much contact with the cast, since we have been going so fast and the art department is always an episode ahead. So far this has been a very ambitious show, and we are always on different schedules.
What are you looking forward to designing the most down the road on the series?
I'm most looking forward to doing the Kevins' wedding—played by Tim Meadows and Dan Bucantinsky.
Where are some places where we can find cool pieces in real life to decorate our apartment?
Good design is available everywhere now. One of my favorite new sites for design is Domain and Houzz. Houzz has some of their items tagged with information on where to purchase. Everyone has a story. I find what works best is what matches your personality. It could be from a thrift store or an antique store or Target. If it makes you feel happy or says something about you, that is what makes it special.
NBC's new comedy Marry Me, premieres Tuesday, October 14 at 9/8c. NBC and E! are part of the NBCUniversal family.