CMU School of Drama


Thursday, September 17, 2020

Cynthia Nixon on HBO's 'The Gilded Age' Resuming Production

Variety: Production on HBO’s “The Gilded Age” shut down three days before it was slated to begin back in March, and actor Cynthia Nixon has finally had her first fitting as the industry begins to ramp back up.

3 comments:

Elizabeth P said...

It was really strange to read that for all the work that wardrobe does, there will only be about two personnel working on such a difficult costume show. It’s not surprising that they’ve cut back in this way (and it’s also interesting to hear that they’re planning on replacing extras with CGI), but just thinking about the amount of people it takes to run a film set normally - and how timelines will need to be adjusted for this. In the opera I’m currently working on we are struggling to get even one wardrobe member - if we don’t obtain that personnel, it becomes heavy work for the costume designer to simplify and possibly cut elements, and then on the performers to have to learn how to “suit up.” I know that everyone is itching to get back to work and begin the process again but my goodness, it seems like less people for a lot of work. I guess this also comes with my opinion that we are beginning to open up too early. These industries are suffering from the shut down, but it will be interesting to see if they can make these limitations work enough that they become the new standard.

Sarah Bauch said...

It almost seems unreal that some films are going back into production. While it warms my heart to know that somewhere out in the world a group of artists have quarantined together and have risked so much to make their art, it also makes me incredibly nervous for them. When I saw the news that the new Batman movie had to shut down due to their lead contracting COVID, I thought it might be a wakeup call for other films or productions in progress. However, it seems that every production is determined that they will be able to function safely and for their sakes I really hope and pray they can. Productions starting back up reminds me of how all of the NFL players are back and playing every week and seemingly have had a lot of success with their safety precautions. The important difference I see between the two; the players could technically wear masks behind their helmets, Cynthia Nixon in early 19th century clothing cannot.

Evan Riley said...

I found this article a very interesting look into what the film and television studios are doing during this time. I clicked on the article for Cynthia Nixon but I realize that I have another connection to the article. I was supposed to intern at a NYC costume shop this summer and I was able to go and visit in January. While I was there I was able to see the different shows they were working on at the time, I remember one of them being this show! I sadly had to cancel my internship.But the shop had told me that television and film would start up again before broadway would. Cynthia Nixon has been very busy lately. She has a netflix show with Ryan Murphy that just came out and I am happy to hear that she is working on The Gilded Age with HBO. Also it must be hard for the actors to get into those period costume without much help.