TRANSPARENT Creator Jill Soloway offers...
“What we’re doing is attempting to find the truth in any one emotional moment…
We’re trying to create space for people to feel things and know how these feelings unfold over beats.”
 
Production Designer Cat Smith and Set Decorator Susan Eschelbach SDSA took that literally and created some amazing new spaces for the second season that offered numerous possibilities for the directors, actors and Cinematographer Jim Frohna to visually take us on the characters’ emotional journeys.
 
Check the gallery above to see the depth of one set, Syd’s Loft, that presents myriad moods and expressions before the actors even begin!
 










 

Syd’s loft, day… The entire set is a build… Set Decorator Susan Eschelbach SDSA points out the unusual features PD Cat Smith has designed into the set: multiple rooflines and ceilings, skylight, corners and niches, the slatted steel grid loft walkway… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… In spite of being part of a huge open space, the bedroom area feels intimate… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… Speaking of intimacy, this sophisticated corner offers a private space, even though it’s across from the entry… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… Smith’s use of salvage and Eschelbach’s décor make for an impressive entry… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… Creative loft living can be cozy and yet still cool… Again, note both the design and decor… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, day… By day, the space is open and fresh… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, day… There’s even a workspace niche, complete with drafting table, unique chairs and filing cabinet, not to mention the art! Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… The same space becomes atmospheric at night… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… Another masterful contemplative space… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, night… View from the “library”…note the painted “rug” under the dining table and the au courante Smeg refrigerator…and the curated but realistic details! Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft, day… Myriad spaces for the characters to deepen their continuing search for self… Photo by Ken Haber. © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Syd’s loft… Filming a key family scene… Gaby Hoffmann, Jay Duplass, Judith Light, Richard Masur, Jeffrey Tambor. Photo courtesy © Amazon 2016.