In this article, we explore the insights of production designer Greg Grande as he discusses his Emmy nomination for the Hulu series Mid-Century Modern. Grande shares his thoughts on the challenges and unique aspects of multi-camera production design.
Production Designer Greg Grande Discusses Emmy Nomination for Mid-Century Modern
“It’s always an honor to be nominated,” Emmy-contending production designer Greg Grande states regarding his sixth career Emmy nomination, this time for Mid-Century Modern. In Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts: TV Production Designers panel, he shared his surprise upon hearing the nominations were announced. “This format, the multi-cam format, up against these beautiful single-camera half-hour shows — it’s tough to compete. My first reaction was, ‘Wow, I’m glad it holds its own, but in a completely different format; a completely different situation in how we build the sets and how we shoot them and our budgets.’” (Watch our full interview above.)
About Mid-Century Modern
Hulu’s gay homage to The Golden Girls, Mid-Century Modern, transports viewers to sun-drenched Palm Springs, where three older friends; Bunny Schneiderman (Nathan Lane), Jerry Frank (Matt Bomer), and Arthur Broussard (Nathan Lee Graham) move in together following a sudden loss. Created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, veterans of Will & Grace, and directed by sitcom legend James Burrows, the show blends classic multi-camera charm with bold modern humor and tender reflections on chosen family, featuring the late Linda Lavin as Bunny’s mother Sybil in her final role.
Production Design Challenges
Grande is nominated for Best Narrative (Half Hour) Production Design alongside art director Sam Kramer and set decorator Peter Gurski for their work on the second episode of the show’s freshman season, “Working Girls,” directed by TV icon Burrows and written by Suzanne Martin. The episode follows Jerry’s quest to see Donny Osmond perform and Arthur’s misadventures in the Schneiderman family’s quirky clothing business, all while weaving in the show’s signature blend of humor and heart.
Mid-Century Modern stands out as the only multi-camera series in the category, alongside single-camera comedies like Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, The Studio, and What We Do in the Shadows. Grande comments, “This format is so different with having an audience. You have to leave room on stage for swing sets every week, two or three spaces for swing sets. So you can’t make the set too large, but you want to give it enough depth and interest. David and Max are very particular about the look of the show. It takes on its own character, which is what most creators want.”
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Grande elaborates, “The challenge, having spent much time in Palm Springs, is to bring that outdoor feel inside. The windows are always tricky due to reflections from four cameras. I had to be very careful in creating the floor-to-ceiling mid-century look, bringing in texture and movement into the design, whether through organic wallpapers or bold color choices. The kitchen and the backyard grotto spa area are the main sets, where we return multiple times, focusing on making it feel versatile.”
This article and video are presented by Disney/Hulu.
