PRODUCTION. THE DROPOUT
some of which posed challenges for the production team. “We constructed a lot of sets,” Lawler admits. “The Beijing street, for example, was built in downtown Los Angeles. We just took over a street and sourced all these cars that were period appropriate for Beijing.” Creating an authentic street scene is one matter, but the production took to the seas when Holmes met with Larry Ellison (Hart Bochner). Although this could have been shot with a green screen, the natural sea air and expansive horizon were true to the grandeur and opulent wealth present. However, this did not come without difficulties. “We had one
small crew on the boat, with the rest of the team on another boat, due to Covid-19 restrictions,” Lawler tells us. “So, when we had to change batteries or transfer footage, someone would have to board. That was challenging, but we eventually figured it out.” Back on dry land, the approach to movement and grip took a few iterations throughout the series. The crew always wanted the camera following Holmes as she rushed through the office, but grip choice changed during shooting. “Director Michael Showalter originally wanted the beginning of the show to be handheld, but something about it just
explains. Whether they’re aware of it or not, viewers aren’t used to seeing this blank space between the actors. Making a different choice, though still understated and unimposing, drives home the subtext between the lines of the screenplay. EXPANSIVE HORIZONS We follow Holmes to a plethora of locations throughout the early episodes, CONTEMPORARY TALE From sterile labs and shiny lobbies to billionaire playgrounds, there’s an array of modern settings
“Director Michael Showalter originally wanted the beginning of the show to be handheld, but something about it just didn’t feel right. So, we pivoted, and used dollies and Steadicams”
Production Fact File
BEHIND THE SCENES Amanda Seyfried
hired a different food truck every Monday, so that the cast and crew could sample various cuisines
LOCATION Although Holmes famously attended Stanford University, the scenes were shot at UCLA
PLOT Some scenes are conjecture: Holmes is depicted as putting on her deep voice, which has been speculated, but not confirmed
36. DEFINITIONMAGAZINE.COM
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