Network is a production based off a movie from 1976. I had the movie itself as a visual resource for my design. One scenic challenge of a play based off a movie is how do we manage all the different locations that come and go quickly. In a movie, you can zip from one place to another easily, but in Harvey theater that is more challenging.
Our solution for this production, was to create a neutral space with the essence of a TV studio. We go back to the “studio” space often and we can use it for the Newsroom and the Howard Beale show. Before I started my design process, I knew we had to use a projection screen, which impacted where scenery could go. In my first sketch, I didn’t know the size and location of where the screen needed to go, so I presented a general idea for the group. We decided the projection screen would be a part of a large back wall and to have a raised platform in front to use as acting space. The floor space in the thrust needed to be open to accommodate camera’s, lighting equipment, and the news desk.
Different sections of the platform and the news desk will be mobile, and the cast will create different locations from these units. We wanted to make our scenic shifts as efficient as possible to match the fast pace of the show. When the desk is not in use, it can nest up to the front platform and become part of it, along with the other moving units.
In the ground plan, the moving units are represented with dotted lines. We will also have two 6’ tech tables that will become the tech area for the news studio and Howard Beale show, along with two studio cameras and two roving light units. Cast members will control these units and help create specific spaces during the show.
When the audience first comes into the space the back wall will look like our 1970s newsroom space. The green fabric panels are light boxes, that will be a fun reveal and used during specific moments, such as the Howard Beale show. This will help give the back wall some flexibility in its look.
During the show, when the back wall is lit from behind, we start to see the Giger influences and the true essence of the Network is revealed.
Our main platform has the same look as the back wall and the gloss black floor.
For camera shooting purposes, we needed a mobile curtain that can come and go from the space. This will allow us to shoot scenes without the full set completed. The mobile units have the same treatment as the wall and platform, so all elements are unified in their look.
