Podcast Summary: All Of It – Nathan Crowley on Designing the 'Wicked' Sets (The Big Picture)

Episode Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Nathan Crowley, Oscar-Nominated Production Designer
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

1. Introduction to Nathan Crowley and His Work on "Wicked"

In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Nathan Crowley, an esteemed production designer nominated for an Oscar for his work on the film adaptation of Wicked. Nathan brings a wealth of experience from his previous projects, including The Greatest Showman, The Dark Knight, Interstellar, and Dunkirk. Alison sets the stage by highlighting Crowley's commitment to practical set designs over relying solely on CGI, emphasizing the authentic and nostalgic feel he aims to instill in his work.

Notable Quote:
Nathan Crowley reflects on his design philosophy:
"We have to intertwine practical sets with CGI to achieve that old-school feeling and ensure the audience feels the originality." ([00:50])

2. Practical Sets vs. CGI: The Design Philosophy

Crowley elaborates on his preference for practical sets, explaining that tangible environments allow for a more immersive and believable experience for the audience. He argues that while CGI offers flexibility, it can sometimes disconnect viewers from the narrative. By blending practical constructions with digital effects, Crowley ensures that the sets feel real and engaging.

Notable Quote:
"The balance between practical sets and CGI was essential to keep the audience immersed without being jarred by too much digital intervention." ([01:59])

3. Impact on Actors and Audience Experience

Nathan discusses how practical sets enhance the performance of actors, particularly younger ones who may not be accustomed to acting in entirely digital environments. The physical presence of elaborate sets, like animatronic figures, allows actors to interact more naturally with their surroundings, resulting in more authentic performances.

Notable Quote:
"With practical sets, actors can experience a fully realized environment, which helps them deliver more genuine performances." ([02:49])

4. Collaboration with Director John Chu

The conversation shifts to Crowley's collaboration with director John Chu. Nathan emphasizes the importance of spending extensive time together to merge their visions for the film. This collaborative process involves deeply understanding the narrative and translating it into visual elements that complement the story.

Notable Quote:
"Spending days or weeks together is crucial to find the visual language of the film and ensure our visions align seamlessly." ([04:32])

5. Challenges in Designing "Wicked's" Sets

Designing the expansive worlds of Wicked posed significant challenges. Crowley recounts the complexities of creating Shiz University and Emerald City, highlighting the logistical hurdles of building such large-scale sets. He candidly shares the difficulties of maintaining budget constraints while striving for elaborate and innovative designs.

Notable Quote:
"Building Shiz was the most challenging both design-wise and logistically, especially with the sheer scale we were aiming for." ([06:37])

6. The Tulip Project: 9 Million Tulips for the Meadows

One of the standout segments of the episode delves into the ambitious project of planting 9 million tulips to bring the Meadows to life. Crowley explains the logistical nightmare and creative process behind sourcing the bulbs from Holland and planting them in time for the shoot. This initiative demonstrates his dedication to creating visually stunning and authentic landscapes without solely relying on digital enhancements.

Notable Quote:
"We needed to buy 9 million bulbs to fill the fields, which was a monumental task, but it brought the vibrant visuals we envisioned." ([17:45])

7. Designing Glinda and Elphaba's Dorm Room

Nathan discusses the intricate design of the dorm room shared by Glinda and Elphaba, aiming to reflect their contrasting personalities while cohabitating. He describes the decision to make the room circular to avoid feeling restrictive and the use of practical effects to support choreography and stage movements during performances.

Notable Quote:
"Making the room circular allowed us to frame the space dynamically, accommodating both the actors' performances and the set's aesthetic." ([21:02])

8. Nathan Crowley's Background and Design Approach

Crowley shares insights into his career trajectory, from his early days as a set designer and art director to his pivotal role in films like Hook and Braveheart. He attributes much of his problem-solving skills and positive approach to Barry Levinson, who mentored him on An Everlasting Peace. Nathan emphasizes the importance of a designer's voice in collaborative environments and the necessity of fluid thinking to overcome challenges.

Notable Quote:
"Design is about fluid thinking and solving problems positively, turning challenges into creative opportunities." ([14:56])

9. Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the interview, Nathan Crowley provides a comprehensive look into the meticulous and passionate approach required in production design. From balancing practical sets with CGI to managing large-scale projects like the tulip fields, Crowley's expertise shines through. His dedication to authenticity and immersive storytelling underscores the critical role of production design in enriching the cinematic experience.

Notable Quote:
"Cinema is about losing yourself in the film. If our sets help the audience get lost in Oz for over two hours, we've done our job." ([03:45])

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of production design through the eyes of Nathan Crowley. His commitment to creating believable and enchanting environments for Wicked not only enhances the visual storytelling but also deepens the audience's emotional connection to the narrative. For anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes artistry of filmmaking, this conversation is both enlightening and inspiring.