PODCAST:The Documentary Podcast
TITLE:In the Studio: Maria Djurkovic
DATE:2024-01-22 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
The BBC World Service documentary podcast "In the Studio: Maria Djurkovic," aired on January 22, 2024, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of production designer Maria Djurkovic during the making of the film "My Policeman." The podcast is hosted by Antonia Quirk.
Key Points:
Maria Djurkovic's Background: Maria is an award-winning production designer known for her work in films like "Billy Elliot," "The Hours," "Mamma Mia!," "The Dig," "The Imitation Game," and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."
The Setting of 'My Policeman': The film, set partly in the 1950s, stars Harry Styles and involves a love triangle between his character (Tom, a police officer), his wife Marion (a school teacher), and Patrick (a museum curator).
COVID-19 Challenges: Filming during the pandemic in 2021, Maria faces unique challenges like social distancing on set, crew members falling ill, and difficulties in finding studio space and qualified staff.
Film Industry Boom: Despite the pandemic, the film industry experiences a surge in production, leading to increased demand for crews and studio space.
Creative Process: Maria details her process, including location scouting, designing sets, adapting historic buildings, constructing new ones, and ensuring legal clearance for artwork used on set.
Use of Studio vs. Location: Maria explains the advantages of studio work over location shooting, such as control over lighting and weather, and the creation of detailed environments, like the Greek village in "Mamma Mia!"
Challenges with Real Locations: She discusses the logistical difficulties of shooting in real locations, especially under pandemic-related restrictions.
Illusion Creation: Maria's role often involves creating illusions for film sets, such as using backings for windows in studios and addressing challenges with doors and windows.
Experience with 'My Policeman': The podcast chronicles the production's progress, from the initial challenges of adapting to COVID-19 restrictions to the completion of filming in Venice, where the team had to mask modern elements for historical accuracy.
Wrap-Up: The documentary concludes with the end of the UK shoot for "My Policeman," highlighting the camaraderie and satisfaction among the crew despite the project's challenges.
The episode offers a comprehensive insight into the role of a production designer, the complexities of filmmaking during a pandemic, and the creative and logistical processes involved in bringing a film to life.
