inside stories
Betty
a behind the scenes look at the — not so ugly — sitcom
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l
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By Leann Harms
ABC’s hit television show, “Ugly Betty,” is known for its bold set
designs. Archie D’Amico, the original set decorator, spoke to DTM to
discuss how they managed to create such visually stunning sets.
What was your first impression of the Ugly Betty set concept?
My first impression of Ugly Betty was from the set designs that the
production designer Mark Worthington had created for the original
pilot. I watched it on DVD several times then worked with Mark to
expand on his ideas once the sets were built on the stages at Raleigh
Studios in Hollywood.
Can you walk us through the creative process from conceptual-
ization to realization of the set?
It all starts with reading what is written in the script and then sets
are discussed briefly. The production designer will do a floor plan and
maybe an overall drawing of what the set will look like. Then con-
struction, paint and decorating budgets are submitted and discussed
until approval. While the sets are being built and painted, the deco-
rator and buyer are shopping for all of the furniture, lamps, carpet,
artwork and accessories. Meanwhile, the film crew is shooting the
current episode around you and preparing for the following episode.
The individual homes of the characters on Ugly Betty, includ-
ing ilhelmina’W s apartment and the Suarez home, seem to truly
reflect who they are. How do you get to know fictional characters?
www
A decorator should just know what certain things look like through
experience, imagination or research. I felt I knew the upscale style
.designtrade.net
of Wilhelmina’s world from seeing glam offices in New York and
Los Angeles, researching in magazines and books with Mark and the
buyers, Derrick Hinman and Nathan Smith, and exploring shops in
Los Angeles. For Wilhelmina’s office, we were influenced by an ex-
hibit featuring the style of the legendary interior designer Dorothy
Draper, which the museum in New York just happened to be hosting
117
© ABC, Inc.
Ugly Betty revise.indd 2-3 Form 4.indd 117 7/6/09 10:57 AM7/1/09 12:16 PM
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