A Conversation with Emmy Winner Halina Siwolop
With four previous Emmy Nominations and a win for “Pushing Daisies” Sister Siwolop is in familiar territory with her latest Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program for HBO’s “Perry Mason”. Her long body of work includes: “Pushing Daisies”, “Masters of Sex”, “Legion”, “Agent Carter”, “CHIPS”, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, “Chuck”.
How did you get your start in show business?
I went back to school for Interior Design and as I was finishing my program, I had the opportunity to work as an Art Dept production assistant on a commercial and a small UCLA student film. Those experiences fascinated me and I realized that I wanted to pursue Set Decoration rather than Interior Design. From there, I started networking with a few leads that I had and started as a commercial buyer. Eventually, I left the commercial world, worked on really small movies and then moved into television.
When you read the script, were you excited about working on a period show?
I was so captivated by the period. There was something about the grittiness of the Depression and Prohibition, mixed with the elegance of 1930’s interior and architectural design, that was so beautiful and textural. I also love LA history, so for me to do the research and try to accurately recreate Los Angeles during that period was an amazing experience.
How did you approach the set decoration for the show?
We tried to stay true to what Los Angeles really looked like during 1932 and to accurately depict how people decorated during that time. From there, we made design and decorating decisions which supported the characters and the story lines.
Describe some of the challenges in decorating the main sets?
When you do period work, you often have multiples of furniture, or the pieces need to look new. That’s usually hard to find, so then you have to get creative… do I substitute something new and make it look old? Do I build it? How do I recreate vintage fabrics and wallpapers? And anytime a retail or grocery store was scripted, I realized the volume of product that we needed to create. Thankfully, we have amazing vendors, construction crews and craftsmen to help us get the job done.
Which of the productions you worked on was the most challenging?
They all have their challenges, but I have to say that “Perry Mason” was the most ambitious show, with massive set lists and locations throughout LA County. I really couldn’t have done it without my awesome leadman, Tommy Samona and my core buyers: Eva Firshein, Ethan Goodwin and Amanda Bromberg. And thanks also to all the other decorators and buyers who jumped in to help. It definitely took a small army of talented people to get the project done.
Which production is your fondest memory and why?
I have a really soft spot for “Pushing Daisies”. It was the first time that I could create fantastical and quirky sets and really push the envelope, design wise. We were a small show and not a lot of people saw it, but it was fresh for the time and so much fun to work on.
Wish you had worked on which classic movie or show if you had the chance?
Well, I have to say “Blade Runner”, without a doubt. That movie was a visual feast for me and opened up the possibilities of what worlds you could create.
Local 44 congratulates Sister Siwolop on her latest Emmy nomination and thanks her for taking the time from her busy schedule to chat with Newsreel.
“Perry Mason” has been renewed for Season 2 and will start production this fall.
Set Decorator Halina Siwolop - Nominee for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program for HBO’s “Perry Mason”
Photos courtesy of Merrick Morton/HBO
