In the dynamic world of television, set design plays a crucial role in storytelling. Rob Tokarz, the production designer for ‘Hacks’, shares insights into the creative process behind the show’s latest season.
Rob Tokarz Discusses the Unique Design of ‘Hacks’
The setting for Hacks evolves dramatically each season, transitioning from Las Vegas to a tour bus and now to a late-night talk show. For production designer Rob Tokarz, these changes provided a unique opportunity to honor Deborah’s journey throughout the series with the latest set.
Deborah Vance’s Late Night Dream
Season 4 of Hacks opens with Deborah Vance (played by Jean Smart) finally realizing her dream of hosting a late-night talk show. Tokarz aimed to incorporate elements of late-night talk shows into the design while also drawing inspiration from Deborah’s roots in Las Vegas.
Design Choices and Inspirations
DEADLINE: What were some of your major design choices for the late-night set?
ROB TOKARZ: The primary design challenge was to define what Deborah Vance’s version of late-night looks like and how it fits into the broader late-night landscape. We wanted to ensure it felt authentic, featuring the band, the desk, and the monologue, while also reflecting her unique personality. We incorporated elements from her past, such as a star drop reminiscent of her residency at the Palmetto, Chevron floors inspired by her tour bus, and silhouettes of buildings symbolizing her journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
Vegas Elements and Lighting
We infused the set with a lot of Vegas flair, as late-night embodies her Vegas experience. The marquee bulbs were programmed to twinkle, creating an engaging atmosphere. We integrated nearly a thousand feet of LED lighting throughout the set to enhance the ambiance. When Deborah enters, the curtain opens to reveal her sequined attire, with the wall behind her designed to reflect the sparkle of her performances.
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Creating a Unique Office Space
To connect the show with the production world, we designed each office starting as a white box. For Ava’s office, we aimed for a quirky feel. One detail included a coaxial cable running from an unusually high socket in the ceiling, inspired by a producer’s office. This ‘weirdness’ was a recurring theme across five different sets, each reconfigured and repainted to suit different purposes.
Maintaining the Quirkiness
DEADLINE: How did you keep the offices from looking too polished?
TOKARZ: Much of the quirkiness emerged from the dressing rather than the architecture. We aimed for symmetry in our shots, but also embraced real details from the offices. The writer’s bullpen featured quirky items, like rubber chickens that added character and life to the set. Overall, design is about accumulating details that work together harmoniously.
