A Conversation with Emmy Nominee Set Decorator Matt Callahan
Celebrating his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Production Design for A Narrative Contemporary Program for “The Flight Attendant” is a dream come true for brother Callahan whose “show biz” roots started at an early age. Some of his credits include “Animal Kingdom”, “Shameless”, “House of Lies”, “The Descendants” and “The Family Stone”.
How and when did you get your start in show business?
I started in “show business” when I was a kid. I was always into theater, acting and directing. Out of college I got into Actors Equity and worked as an actor and director. For sixteen years I worked for the producers of a theatrical show called “Shear Madness”. I acted and directed for them all over North America. When I came to LA to do a production I fell in love with California and decided to stay. My first job in production was as a PA on “Volcano”. I think I was the oldest PA ever! But that only lasted a few weeks before they bumped me up to coordinator. On that first show I met two people who would be pivotal in my career: KC Fox, Set Decorator, who was my mentor, and Nina Ruscio, Production Designer, who got me my first decorating gig in 1998 on a little indie called “The Annihilation of Fish”. And she was the Production Designer on Season 2 of “Flight Attendant”, of course!
How did you approach the set decoration for the show?
Well, “The Flight Attendant” has an aspirational quality so we knew we wanted beautiful sets. At the same time both Nina and I are very character driven. We like to the tell the story of a character’s everyday life as a foundation for the scenes. On top of that there were a lot of technical considerations because of the way the hotel set becomes Cassie’s “mind palace”, not just a metaphor for her mind but a portal into her mind. Then, of course, there were all the challenges that Covid-19 brought, not the least of which was sourcing high end furnishings. Essentially, we had to jump in with both feet and run, run, run for the finish line!
What was your most challenging set to decorate?
The most challenging set by far was the Hotel lobby and bar. It was a blast to work with Nina to design those lovely interiors but sourcing high end furnishings on a limited timeline during Covid was a nightmare. Another challenge was collecting a wide array of gorgeous liquor bottles for the back bar. That was handled by my awesome leadman, Chris Littleford and our crew. They came through in a big way - and that wall of liquor shimmering against Nina’s luminous marble is a huge part of what makes that set tell a story and sparkle at that the same time.
Which production from your resume is your fondest memory and why?
Well, this is a no brainer: it would have to be “The Descendants”. Primarily because I spent five glorious months living in - and falling in love with - Hawaii. Being in paradise takes the edge off the challenges of production - and there were plenty of challenges, of course. But we had a ball working there, it’s kind of hard not to. I am also deeply proud of the work I did on that show in collaboration with Jane Stewart, the Production Designer.
Wish you had worked on which classic movie or show if you had the chance?
Great question. I love the sets from the musicals and stylish comedies of the late 50’s and 60’s. “Auntie Mame”, “Singing in the Rain”, “How to Steal a Million”, “Pillow Talk”, to name a few. Love the color, the style, the theatricality!
Local 44 congratulates Brother Callahan on his Emmy nomination and thanks him for taking the time from his busy schedule to chat with NewsReel.
Emmy Nominee Matt Callahan
Photos from "The Flight Attendant"
