Newsgroup: it.fan.tv.friends
Titolo: [XXL] Inside the "Friends" Set [spoiler free]

l'intervista [interessantissima], la trovate [con spoiler in chiaro,
ovvio] anche sul sito NBC corredata di qualche foto:
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Friends/bts/bts.html
+++
Ever wonder who fluffs Monica's pillows or stocks Joey's fridge? Meet
Greg Grande! NBC.com went from set to set with Greg as he talked about
how each character's space has evolved over the past nine seasons, as
well as his own personal design philosophy. 
First Greg, tell us about what you do.
I'm the set decorator for Friends. My duties include taking the shell
or the walls with color on them and filling in the blanks. Furniture,
lighting, coffee tables, rugs, tchotchkies (small little detail
items), dishes, food product etc. Making it look like it's been lived
in for 15 or 20 years.
What is your background?
I went to University of Arizona and got a Bachelor of Fine Arts
degree. I actually wanted to be a cameraman. Freshman year I got into
the TV program and was a cameraman for a show called "Arizona
Illustrated." Then I got involved in news and sports. I basically
worked all four years, then when I graduated I moved back to L.A. and
everything was union. To get into the union, you have move through the
ranks and somebody asked if I wanted to work in the Art Department. I
drove the truck, became the set dresser lead man and worked for a few
people. Next thing I knew, I was itching to decorate. I kind of came
in the back way and am not traditionally trained. I'm trained in the
eye, but I never knew I'd end up being a set decorator. I'm not your
typical designer. I have a completely different style. 
How would you define your personal style? 
My favorite style is Italian Renaissance. So for me, it's been
interesting to mix styles. I feel like that's always been my forte to
mix classic and modern pieces. That's been what happened in Monica's
apartment. I feel like, in a lot of ways, we've changed the way
television is being decorated.
"Friends" was definitely the first show where I saw a space that I
would actually live in.
And then came Dharma & Greg and Will & Grace. Before then it wasn't
about color or filling the space. It was completely different. If I'm
proud of one thing, it's definitely that.
You've worked on "Friends" since day one. What did you initially know
about the characters? Did you have any direction on how to "dress" the
apartments or Central Perk? 
The first meeting we had was a quick hour about the character Monica.
We talked about how she was to live in her grandmother's apartment and
that these were young, struggling Generation X-type characters who had
to struggle to make a dime. Their furnishings came from swap meets,
thrift stores. They didn't have designers decorating...but they had a
lot of taste, a lot of style. They were described specifically as
Generation X. So, what I did with that was basically create this
eclectic feeling where each piece is interesting in its own right, but
that doesn't necessarily mean it came from a showroom. It came from
the swap meet, the thrift store, Pottery Barn. I mixed everything to
create this incredible space. The ironic thing is that when people
watch the show, their first response is "How can they afford a space
like that?" But if you look at each piece, you truly could've gone and
found each one of those pieces at an [affordable] place. That's how
Monica's came about.
Joey and Chandler's, way back then, was the typical bachelor pad with
a weight set, a beat-up sofa that was ripped and torn and the high-low
carpet. Really just basic, monochromatic tones. In truth, I think that
set really set the tone for people to really relate to them. It was
all about beer and pizza for those guys.
It seems like that apartment has changed the most as well.
It has. It's come the longest way because Joey wound up moving out for
a while and decorating with the Italian, lacquer stuff. Then he
redecorated this place when he moved back. Then they swapped
apartments with the girls. So, it's had the most opportunity for
growth; whereas, Monica hasn't progressed in a way that we can justify
new furniture. It would be nice to, but there's also some comfort in
seeing that place stay the same. Some of the throw pillows have
changed, the drapery, pictures, slipcovers. We've had very subtle
changes over the years. We've introduced a few different things.
Explain how it works for you and your team each week.
I usually get a script on Friday morning or afternoon and have to
prepare for the next week. I shop the sets and I have a lead man who's
in charge of the crew, plus two guys that help put it all together.
Monday or Tuesday we'll have a meeting and I'll shop Monday and
Tuesday. If I'm lucky I'll get out Friday a little bit. That means
going to retail stores, prop houses, fabric stores, flooring stores
for carpet or linoleum and compiling all the pieces. I'll take the
fabric to the drapery department on the [Warner Bros.] lot and get the
flooring delivered on Tuesday morning. By end of the day Tuesday or
early Wednesday, we've got the entire set pretty much placed as far as
big pieces. It's crazy. On Thursday, it's detail stuff: the VCR, the
lamps, picture frames, coffee table books, and flowers.
Help differentiate between you and the Prop Department. If it's
pivotal in a scene and an actor is holding it, it's a prop. But if
it's in the background, or part of the set, it's you? 
Right. A good example of a prop is a telephone, but the type of
telephone is up to me. The plates are mine, but Props will put food on
the plates. A purse is either a prop or wardrobe, depending on how
influential it is to a scene. 
For example, Rachel's office. You would decide what it looks like as
far as furniture and style, and they would add the paperclips and
pencils.
Right, and then we'd collaborate on whether she'd have a Coach or
Louis Vuitton briefcase.
You must have to be in constant communication with each other.
That's why it's so nice to have such a good Prop team, because we kind
of read each other's minds. It's almost like we're all on the same
team.
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[/mini-SPOILER 10a stagione]
What about Ross' wedding?
Ross' wedding was great for me. I got to go to London and spend a few
weeks there before anyone else got there. That was fun. What was
probably the most interesting twist was when the girls and guys
swapped apartments. It was fun to see how Monica's space became so
intimate in Joey's apartment. Joey rode in on his (white, lacquer) dog
- which is now out on the balcony. 
Let's start with Joey's apartment. All these little details like cds
etc come from you?
The cd rack was introduced a few years ago. We got new speakers this
year. We had some really high-end speakers and I got a lot of phone
calls asking how Joey could afford them. 
He's on Days of our Lives, people!
Exactly, and you know when you're a bachelor you want the best in
technology. Obviously, the Barcaloungers were a big deal. Everyone
remembers that episode. This year, we've added new side-table
lighting. If you look really closely, there are some other new
additions: Dishes, glassware, etc. Basically for me, the beauty is to
be able to freshen it up. Every week we change the food product in
both Joey and Monica's to make it feel like someone's actually living
there. Some weeks it doesn't get moved as much as others. Actually, 
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[/SPOILER 10a stagione]
What about Monica's apartment?
I think the interesting thing about this particular apartment is that
it feels like the same place every week, except there will be certain
weeks when you tune in and go "hmmm, I never noticed that piece
before." Which I think is great. 
Are these the original kitchen chairs?
No, they've been replaced due to wear and tear. Also, the kitchen
drapes changed a little. They were a little more Hawaiian originally.
The plates [above the sink] have changed over the years. Little pieces
like the blender have changed. All the food rotates. The coffee maker
is new this year. The clock [above the kitchen window] has always been
there.
And it's always been 5:10?
Yes, it has.
Whose child is this on the refrigerator?
That's actually the daughter of one my guys. Her name's Jade.
Do you rotate family photos?
Yep. I have my daughter and family in here too. 
What else is new in Monica's apartment?
The slipcover on the big chair. If you remember it used to be white
pinstripe in seasons one, two and three. Now it's this gold color,
which was a big deal to the producers. They felt like it was such a
shock of color. I let it sit for a while and then they liked it. 
How about these leather, monogrammed pillows on Monica's couch? 
Those are new. I do a lot of little things because they won't let me
change the big things. I've changed the rugs [in the back of the
apartment]. I have a great rug place called Ariana on Melrose Place.
Other little tchotchkies are new, like the colored glass [vases]. The
picture frames are new this year. I felt like Monica owns a restaurant
now so she's got to be making some money. 
Are those balcony drapes new as well? 
They aren't new, but we originally didn't have any drapes. In season
three there was a gag so we added the swag and roman shades. In season
five or six, we added the drapes. 
Didn't there used to be a ton of pillows on the window seat?
There were. This is the first time I'm trying to simplify Monica's
life. It was so cluttered. 
Does the cast notice when you swap things out?
Sometimes. There are times when they take some of the throws and use
them in their dressing rooms!
Do you ever consult with them on their personal spaces? I know
Courteney's got her own design show coming up this Fall on WE. 
I did an episode of her show, but generally this is character stuff.
She's pretty good about not getting too involved in Monica's stuff.
Do you have favorite places that you like to shop?
There are a few spots in Los Angeles that have been great for the
show. One of them is Civilization. A lot of fabric shopping happens at
Diamond Fabric and Silk Trading Company. I like to do American Rag for
tablecloths and Williams-Sonoma [for Monica's kitchen]. Obviously,
Pottery Barn has played a big part on the show at one time. A lot of
the detail stuff comes from little places like Freehand, which is a
cool store on 3rd Street with a lot of hand-done pottery from artists.
I'm big on finding little artists and introducing their pieces.
You also manage the art in Central Perk, right? 
Yes. That comes from everywhere from Paris to Pittsburgh, New York to
Venice, California. I've met some really cool artists and am thinking
about putting together a gallery showing once the show ends.
Speaking of Central Perk...any good stories to tell?
We've had a lot of mishaps in here. The couch had to be remade because
the middle of it collapsed. There was a scene where Chandler or Ross
fell over the back of it and we had to put an apple box under the
middle of it so you couldn't tell it collapsed.
I love Monica's apartment, but this [Central Perk] set to me is so
toasty and warm and comfy I could actually come and hang out here.
This set has not changed very much at all. I've done very little to
change it other than some chairs that had to be replaced. Every two or
three weeks I put in new art and the flowers change, but that's it.
At one point, I thought about making the cappuccino maker and stuff
real. It does work, but it's too much upkeep. We always add new
product [to the display case].
People don't realize how much detail work goes into each set. Things
they may never really notice, but that you're always thinking about.
The great thing is that [the Friends sets] for the most part are set.
You don't have to do much but maintenance. Every week we really clean
it because when they are building on set it gets caked with dust and
stuff. For the most part, it's just like walking into a real space.
You just make sure it's clean and occasionally you want to change the
calendar or a picture or a coffee cup.
Like, the Central Perk chalkboard/menu hasn't changed.
Nope. Actually, one of my lead men came up with that. I sat with an
artist and came up with the coffee logos/brands, then he took them and
made up the descriptions/lingo. He went in a corner for like an hour
and half and came back with some of the most amazing, funny
descriptions. It was cool. We introduced a line of coffee! 
And you don't have a say over wall color, you just have to work with
what you're given?
Yes. John Shaffner, who is our production designer, conceives the
layouts. He basically gives me the walls and the color and then we
fill it. That's the transformation. When I first got these sets, it
was basically this layout and I had to figure out where to put the
furniture. For Central Perk, we just tried to find every fun piece
imaginable. Like, who would put those torchiere sconces on any set?
With the flicker bulbs!
This sofa [in the rear of Central Perk], with its original fabric, I
found in the Warner Bros. prop shop. The character in these pieces is
unbelievable, but it's real. The same with the chair with the lion's
heads.
I had to reupholster the main sofa early on. The network came down
here and said it was looking too shabby. If you look at the first few,
early episodes, there was a runner along the back edge. It was really
old, mohair fabric in this orangish color and the network didn't want
to see the rips and tears, so I put a runner back there. During our
first hiatus, like after show four or five, I had the sofa redone
completely.
Our whole first year we were in a different sound stage and we never
had an exterior street [outside Central Perk]. So, when we moved over
here, we built the street.
You dress the street as well?
Yeah, we've done the record store, the deli. We've got David's flower
shop. 
Do you have a specific florist you like to use?
We've been through a lot, but the one I'm using now is called
Hollywood Vines. 
How about these wild postings in the "alley" - where do those come
from?
We get these sent in from New York every couple of weeks. So, actually
the bands, dates and venues are real and current. 
You have to make sure there's street trash too?
Yeah, the crew helps out a lot with that. [laughs] But the trees come
in and out, seasons change. One thing that's never changed is the
chalkboard sign in front of Central Perk.
We didn't see Ross's apartment for a long time, then when he got into
the new building across from Monica it became a big deal.
It was a big deal, but not much has changed since then. Artwork has
changed. 
[mini-SPOILER 10 stagione]
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[/mini-SPOILER 10a stagione]
For the most part, I've got the typical Pottery Barn coffee table.
There is a designer chair from In House on Beverly Blvd. [The
apartment] has a good blend of culture because of Ross's background. I
thought I'd introduce some interesting textures and fabrics.
It's manly without being too masculine, if that makes any sense.
Yeah. I tend to lean towards earth tones. For me, it was nice that we
went with dark walls. [Executive Producer] David [Crane] actually had
a lot to do with that color. It's like a rich mauve. 
What do you think about all these design shows on TV today?
Well, Queer Eye is great. I think they've captured the humor in
decorating and style. I think we're way over-killed on all these
shows. Truth of the matter is that they aren't realistic anyway. They
want you to believe that it happens in a day, but it doesn't. It's
been great to raise awareness of style and décor, but it's also been
difficult because now everyone has an opinion. I think more people are
realizing how important your vibe or being is to your personal space.
They appreciate it more.
Now, a few people can actually reach out and admit that they have no
clue and can ask for help. I love watching them.
Do you have a favorite designer?
Yeah, his name's Greg Grande. [laughs] Actually, Ettore Sottsass. He's
an Italian furniture designer. He's the guy that way back when
introduced the Memphis line with all the polka dots. I had the
opportunity to meet him early in my career and that was great. But I
tend now to lean towards more the mid-century modern, clean lines.
More of a Zen feeling. It seems to be where we're heading.
I appreciate minimalist, but at the same time, you've gotta have
stuff.
It's hard, especially if you a have kids. If you live by yourself,
it's a little easier, but even still you need some clutter to feel
comfy.
Do you have any plans yet for life after "Friends"?
Not yet, got a job for me? [laughs] I've designed some stuff and am
doing a lot of interior design with my own company, Grande Designs.
That's been fun, because it's permanent. But I actually enjoy the
camaraderie of crew and creating something you can watch week after
week, see it come to life in three or four days. It's an amazing job.
It's been an incredible experience to be on a show like this. To not
only get a hit show, but to get a show that's become a cultural icon
if you will. They can't take that away from me! If I'm serving coffee
at Diedrich's next year, I can always tell stories about "Friends." 
+++
qui alcune foto: 
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Friends/bts/1.html
-- 
j./La tazza del mondo di FIFA avviene ogni quattro anni.
http://www.soccer2k2.com/italian/aboutworldcup.asp
Babelfish powered.
Still alive (very alive) on Saturday at 23:41:12 - 
http://www.iftf.it

qui alcune foto: 
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Friends/bts/1.html
ho dato uno sguardo alle nuove casse di joey: sono orribili. [ma non
sono la cosa peggiore che ho notato tra i dettagli, forse era meglio
limitarsi alla visione d'insieme :)]
-- 
'I'm not going to worry about my fertility 
until cartier start making a biological clock.'
http://www.iftf.it/yellowblog/yellowblog.asp