36 years after the original, Set Decorator David Morison SDSA and Production Designer Mark Scruton, in a fascinating video conversation with John Sparano SDSA, take us back...and forward... into the world of Tim Burton’s smash hit sequel BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE.
As John notes, they bring us “a glimpse into the artistry and struggles of imagining and building the multi-layered sets, from a small town in New England to the pits of doom in the Afterlife, and everywhere between. A true combination of directorial vision and production design/set decoration craftsmanship that pays homage to and expands upon the visual storytelling of the original film.”
Click on the video here, or just say BEETLEJUICE twice...but never 3 times!
Boiler Room: Afterlife call center...
We couldn’t not at least give a peek of the purgatorial assignment Betelgeuse has been dealing with all this time, especially with its skewed perspective. Mark and David took the “boiler room” concept literally, and then stretched it, as they did with most of the film’s sets, grounding them with basics that actually exist, and flying from there.
Afterlife Call Center. Betelgeuse’s desk, from whence he lords over the call center for ghosts having problems with hauntings and other phantasmagoric complications. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Afterlife Crimes Unit, Wolf Jackson’s office...
Head of the ACU, Wolf Jackson was a B-movie action star, who died doing his own stunts when a grenade exploded nearby. Thus, he’s now a part of the Netherworld’s police force – a major crimes detective. His office has an angularity reflecting both his wound and the world in which he is now permanently ensconced.
Afterlife Crimes Unit, Wolf Jackson’s office. Jackson played detectives and cops in B-movies, so his office reflects his past, which he can’t escape. The horn ashtray is one of Set Decorator David Morison’s favorite pieces, “A nice silhouette, I knew it'd be dark in there, so this becomes a bit sculptural.” Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Afterlife Crimes Unit, Wolf Jackson’s office, reverse. Wilhem Dafoe, who plays Wolf Jackson, literally picked up on the Old Spice bottle and used it. Production Designer Mark Scruton points out, “Your desk dressing is impeccable, David, you always get little details on those desks. Every one you did on the show, I thought was fantastic.” Hear more of what Mark has to say on the video above! Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Afterlife Crimes Unit
More offices for the overworked crimes unit, in contrast to Detective Jackson’s elite space, but all carrying the attention to detail Mark mentioned. One of the biggest challenges throughout the ACU sets were the blinds. Note all the windows are angled and different shapes, often wider at the bottom than the top, with the blinds meant to not only fit, but also have crooked & bent parts as well. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Jeremy’s bedroom...
A teenager’s room in the ‘90s, the room is somewhat frozen in time...and yet seems as if today...until you look closely. Watch the video above to find out so much more!
Jeremy’s bedroom. A teenager’s haunt. Details abound, including Monopoly money on the walls, as Moderator John Sparano SDSA notes. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Jeremy’s bedroom. David loved doing this set, “I had a room like that when I was his age. It was fun to revisit and reinterpret.” Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Jeremy’s bedroom. David credits the graphics team for their phenomenal work for this set. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Jeremy’s bedroom. Alan Ginsberg and the lava lamp are great touches, but the standouts are the fabulous ceramics by David’s wife Genevieve. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. All Rights Reserved.
Editor's note:
A shoutout to Lori Mazuer SDSA
who assisted David & Mark as Set Decorator for the NY Unit
