In this Issue: In-person SDSA meetings and parties, Members in the News, founding members In Memorium and Editor Mimi Clarke hands-off The Buzz
The premiere issue of The Buzz was blasted to membership on September 11th, 2013.
It was created to be a central place for information sharing and community, as well as promoting and celebrating members to each other. Jan Pascale was the first to be featured in the Set Decorator Spotlight, while Practical Props and Advanced Liquidators Studio Rentals were the first in the Business Members Spotlight.
The SDSA has grown by leaps and bounds over these eleven years, with members now represented in 10 countries across the globe. We've seen the creation and success of the esteemed SDSA Film and Television Awards, now in their 5th season, and of the award winning video interview series, Inside the Set, the evolution of video versions of Day With The Set Decorator in both Atlanta and New York, the expansion of the SDSA website, and with video conferencing the new normal, the inclusion of Board of Directors representatives in the Northeast (New York), Southeast (Atlanta) and International (Canada) to name just a few of the impressive advancements the SDSA has made in that time.
Hopefully this newsletter has achieved those early goals and helped you to feel the intended sense of community and pride. I've always said, the best way to get the most from your SDSA membership is to participate, and I still wholeheartedly subscribe to that, but after 11 years, this Buzz-y Bee is in need of a nap. Its also time for a new look and a fresh voice. Jake Baer from Newel Props is taking the helm and will be your new editor-in-chief. He and his team have got some great ideas that I know you will enjoy.
It has been my pleasure to captain this ship called The Buzz. Now, jump on in and enjoy today's issue and I'll see you at the next SDSA get-together!
With gratitude, Mimi Mimi Clarke
SDSA Business Member, Front Row Media
HOLIDAY PARTY December 19th, 2024 The Alpha Companies
The Alpha Companies graciously hosted a holiday luncheon party in Los Angeles this year. The Mariachis played as guests mingled and visited with each other, enjoying festive crafted cocktails and a delicious catered Mexican lunch.
Sexy Santa was there for photo ops and several folks went home with some really great raffle prizes. And with the true meaning of the season, toys were collected for Spark of Love, and U-Frame-It Gallery continued the tradition of collecting blankets and donations for Adopt a Senior for the Holidays.
Thank you to Alpha Props and to Ron Franco SDSA and his team of merry elves for hosting and coordinating this gathering, and thank you also to the Business Members who contributed to the day as well.
General Membership Meeting November 14th, 2024 Jagoteq
New SDSA Business Member, Jagoteq, hosted a lovely membership meeting at
their North Hollywood location. It was amazing to see what they can do with
fiber optics and lasers!
With several of us winning a Jagoteq cap in the prize raffle, it looks like we have
a new lighting gang at the SDSA!
Thank you for hosting Jagoteq and welcome to the SDSA!
General Membership Meeting & Spring Get Together March 6th, 2024 prop N spoon
Business Member Prop N Spoon hosted the first official in person meeting of 2024.
It was the perfect opportunity to meet the new East Coast SDSA Board Members
and show off what's happening at the prop house!
Membership Meeting & Open House Friday. November 15th, 2024 Universal Studios - Atlanta Sign Shop
Food, drink, friends and fun were had by those who attended the SDSA member meeting and open house at Universal's sign shop at Assembly Studios in Atlanta. The studio, located on the repurposed GM Assembly plant in Doraville, opened last fall.
Attendees were able to see the vast array of capabilities from Universal's Sign Shop, and SDSA members also received a special discount offer on their first sign shop order!
Thank you to Universal for hosting a fun evening!
‘A Man on the Inside’ Built Subtle Clues Into Its Retirement Home Production Design IndieWire Article Set Decorator Kimberly Wannop SDSA
House of Horrors: The 1980s design and decor of 'Monsters: The Menendez Brothers Story' Film and Furniture Article
Set Decorator Melissa Licht SDSA
Production Designer Matthew Flood Ferguson SDSA
Interviews With “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” Production Designer, Set Decorator & The Hair/Makeup Team Next Best Picture Podcast Article
Set Decorator David Morison SDSA
For The Perfect Couple, Decorating the Perfect Nantucket Home AD Article
Set Decorator Claire Kaufman SDSA
‘Lady in the Lake’ Created a ’60s Department Store in an Under Armour Gym Indie Wire Article
Set Decorator Karuna Karmarkar SDSA
“MORE FRINGE”: PALM ROYALE's Iconic Sets with Ellen Reede Grandma's Silver Podcast
Set Decorator Ellen Reede SDSA
The Force Grows Stronger as Carrie Fisher artifacts go on Display Camarillo Acorn Article
Set Decorator Amanda Serino SDSA
Business Member Pam Elyea, History for Hire
The Set Decorator and Donald Sutherland Indie Wire Article Set Decorator Amber Haley SDSA
The look of ‘Palm Royale’? Think opulence, 7,000 yards of fabric and stuffed flamingos LA Times Article
Set Decorator Ellen Reede SDSA
‘Palm Royale,’ the TV Series That Looks Like “a Movie From 1969 That Broke the Studio” The Hollywood Reporter Article + Video Set Decorator Ellen Reede SDSA
We’re Enamored With the Design in Ripley—Here Are Our Top 5 Favorite Details From the Thrilling Netflix Series AD Article Set Decorator Alessandra Querzola SDSA
Decorating Sensation "Dr. Christmas" Bob Pranga Joins Cast of "Fathers of the Bride" KTLA 5 Article
Business Member Bob Pranga, Dr Christmas
1923 Set Decorator - Carla Curry SDSA ABBOTT ELEMENTARY Set Decorator - Cherie Day Ledwith SDSA BASED ON A TRUE STORY Set Decorator - Kristin Peterson SDSA BEFORE Set Decorator - Katie Bova SDSA BOOKIE Set Decorator - Andi Brittan SDSA ELSBETH Set Decorators - Susan Ogu SDSA, Sarah Ogu GEORGE & MANDY'S FIRST MARRIAGE Set Decorator - Richard C. Walker SDSA HAPPY'S PLACE Set Decorator - Amy Feldman SDSA THE LINCOLN LAWYER Set Decorator - Shauna Aronson SDSA THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER Set Decorator - Tina Jones SDSA A MAN ON THE INSIDE Set Decorator - Kimberly Wannop SDSA THE NEIGHBORHOOD Set Decorator - Ron Olsen SDSA NIGHT COURT Set Decorator - Peter M. Gurski SDSA NO GOOD DEED Set Decorator - Matt Callahan SDSA SHRINKING Set Decorator - Andrea Mae Fenton SDSA STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW Set Decorator - Gene Serdena SDSA TEACUP Set Decorator - Cindy Carr SDSA TRACKER Set Decorator - Denise Nadredre SDSA WIZARDS BEYOND WAVERLY PLACE Set Decorator - Emily Dawson SDSA THE YOUNG AND THE RECKLESS Set Decorators -
Jennifer Hayback SDSA, Justine Mercado SDSA, Maria Dirolf, Monica Lowe YELLOWSTONE Set Decorator - Suzanne Stover SDSA
And movies:
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN Set Decorator - Regina Graves SDSA BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Set Decorators - David Morison SDSA, Lori Mazuer SDSA THE BRUTALIST Set Decorator - Patricia Cuccia SDSA DEAR SANTA Set Decorator - Selina van den Brink SDSA THE EXORCISM Set Decorators - Carly Whitaker SDSA, Nicole Murtha FLY ME TO THE MOON Set Decorators -
Susan Benjamin SDSA, Laura Wallgren SDSA GOODRICH Set Decorator - Linette McCown SDSA HARD TRUTHS Set Decorator - Charlotte Diricks SDSA IT ENDS WITH US Set Decorators -
Alexandra Mazur SDSA, Elizabeth Nakane, Carrie Stewart SDSA JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Set Decorator - Karen O'Hara SDSA LONELY PLANET Set Decorator - Peter Lando SDSA, David Smith SDSA MAXXXINE Set Decorator - Kelsi Ephraim SDSA NICKEL BOYS Set Decorator - Monique Champagne SDSA THE ORDER Set Decorator - Ryan Watson SDSA QUEER Set Decorator - Lisa Scoppa SDSA SATURDAY NIGHT Set Decorator - Claudia Bonfe SDSA SMILE 2 Set Decorator - Keri Lederman SDSA TWISTERS Set Decorator - Missy Parker SDSA UNSTOPPABLE Set Decorator - Ellen Reede SDSA WOMAN OF THE HOUR Set Decorator - Zoe Jirik
Assistant Set Decorator - Raquel Tarbet SDSA
Don't see your show listed here?! Let us know what you're working on!
Please send the title of your show toInfoSubmit@setdecorators.org
Robert L. Zilliox SDSA
Bob Zilliox founded the Set Decorators Society of America in the summer of 1993. He gathered many committed colleagues to the cause, all equally concerned about providing support for the set decorating profession. Bob said that founding the Set Decorators Society was “the greatest thing that ever happened to me in the work environment.”
Zilliox witnessed many changes in the industry in the 1980’s and early ‘90’s. As more people got into the business, particularly from non-union production, and many of them women, the competition was perceived as a factor in driving down pay rates and eroding working conditions for established Set Decorators. This led to deteriorating relationships between factions.
Zilliox started working on a unifying concept. At that time, he served on the Board of IATSE Local 44, as a Set Decorator Representative. Zilliox reached out to the whole community of Set Decorators, no matter what their origins. Early SDSA meetings often provided the first opportunity for Set Decorators to meet one another. Common issues were discussed, and participants were delighted to find release from isolation and strength in unity.
At first, relations between the early SDSA and Local 44 were rocky, but tensions eased when the group agreed to a name change from “Set Decorators Guild” to “Set Decorators Society.” To resolve issues once and for all, a policy was established that the SDSA would remain a social and promotional organization, leaving the negotiation of contracts and legal resolution of workplace issues to the IATSE.
Kathe Klopp, a longtime member of the SDSA and Zilliox’s successor as Set Decorator representative to the IATSE Local 44 Board, said of him before her untimely death in 2003: “When I look back at what he went through, it’s incredible. Bob deserves huge credit for persistence. My hat’s off to him and always will be.”
Bob served as SDSA President for three years and subsequently as a board member. He then held the title of SDSA President Emeritus until he passed away, at the age of 80. Those who were involved with the SDSA in the early days clearly remember Zilliox’s intense vision for the future.
Zilliox was quoted in the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, stating his goals in forming the SDSA: “As a society, we now will be able to recognize achievements within our field by sponsoring award ceremonies; we can hold seminars that will present learning opportunities and set standards for the decorating profession; and we will reach out to the other societies and guilds to create a network that will attempt to increase the job market.”
Highlights of Bob Zilliox’ time as President of the SDSA include:
• The “Preamble”, a goals statement for the SDSA, written in collaboration with the
first Board of Directors
• First annual brunch at the Peninsula Hotel in 1994
• Administrative offices moved from borrowed space in Burbank to the
Pacific Design Center
• First ever museum exhibit on Set Decoration at the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
• Development of the first SDSA logo, graphic identity, and advertising campaign
• Regular newsletter published, starting as a one-sheet, and growing into a
revenue-generating publication of general interest
• Growth of membership: from a core of 30, then 85 Set Decorator members and
27 Business Member sponsors at the end of the first year.
SDSA now has over 450 members from all over the world.
Bob was awarded the first Earl Cooperman Lifetime Achievement Award by the Set Decorators Society in 2004. He was nominated many times for the Emmy Award, and has a long list of professional credits, in the 1970’s, ‘80’s and ‘90’s, including:
• “The Second Civil War” (1997) Feature
• “Quantum Leap” (1989) TV Series (4 Emmy nominations)
• “Bret Maverick” (1981) TV Series (Emmy nomination)
• “The Rockford Files” (1974) TV Series (Emmy nomination)
Bob’s daughter, Jennifer offered these words in tribute: “Dad taught us all the true
value of kindness, hard work, and how to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter the circumstance. We will forever miss his keen eye for beauty, his ability to light up any room, and his unmatched talent for using charm and humor to accomplish even the most impossible goals.
KC Fox SDSA
K.C. Fox SDSA, a founding member of the Set Decorators Society of America and 2024 recipient of the Earl Cooperman Lifetime Achievement Award, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on August 28, 2024.
A highly respected Set Decorator, K.C. was nominated for an Emmy Award for Gypsy,
and won two Art Directors Guild Awards for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Little Britain USA.
She worked in film, television, and commercials during her 40-year career. Notable credits include Fright Night, Criminal Minds, Doctor Doolittle, Breakfast of Champions, Bowfinger, Cheaper by the Dozen, He’s Just Not That Into You, Valentine's Day, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and Speed.
Known for her joie de vivre, keen artistic eye, belly laugh, and clever wit, she was beloved by her crew and colleagues. K.C. generously offered career advice, mentored through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and served on many Boards
and Committees at the SDSA and AMPAS.
K.C. was an inspiration and is deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues.
George DeTitta Sr.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George DeTitta Sr. on
December 23, 2024. We truly lost a legend in our industry, he and his lifelong work touched and inspired so many people.
George was a part of the motion picture industry for over 70 years. At the time of his
death he was the most senior member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 52. While a member of the property department, George worked as a set decorator during his career of nearly
40 years behind the camera before turning his attention to the union's front office
in various leadership roles.
George was an esteemed set decorator, working on films such as Death Wish,
Saturday Night Fever, Hair, Fame, The Verdict, Trading Places, A Chorus Line,
Fatal Attraction to name only a few. In 1982 he was nominated for an Academy Award
for his work on Ragtime.
He leaves behind a great legacy of filmmakers who learned their craft from the very best.
Please welcome the following Members:
Katie Bova SDSA (New York)
Ashley Campanella SDSA (Los Angeles)
Jonna Capehart SDSA (Atlanta)
Lucila Caro SDSA (Los Angeles)
Elise Clark-Johnson SDSA (NY)
Amber Humphries SDSA (Canada)
Jonathan Lancaster SDSA (Canada)
Lisa Lancaster SDSA (Canada)
Cherie "Cher" Ledwith SDSA (Los Angeles)
Sarah Maine SDSA (New York)
Mily Moreno SDSA (Atlanta)
David Morison SDSA (UK)
Brana Rosenfeld SDSA (Los Angeles)
Thomas Salpietro SDSA (Australia)
Rachel Schwartz Bartlett SDSA (Midwest) (moved up from Associate Membership)
Adrian Segura SDSA (Atlanta)
Carrie Stewart SDSA (New York)
Roberta Troncarelli SDSA (Los Angeles)
Kayla Bernie SDSA, Associate
Kimitha Cashin SDSA, Associate
Jessie Chaffin SDSA, Associate
Andrea Clark SDSA, Associate
J.D. Moran SDSA, Associate
Jaclyn Napoli SDSA, Associate
Caroline B. Scott SDSA, Associate
Carrell Shaw SDSA, Associate
Shelia Bock, Retiree
Andrew Cochetti, Friend
Syd Z, Friend
Val Bisherat, Student
Ben Bodle, Student
Jac Brooks, Student
Delani Darby, Student
Nsringa Devi Breathwaite, Student
Axell Garcia, Student
Emily Hemminger, Student
Christy Henry, Student
Tuesday Howarth, Student
Anya Jones, Student
Arusi Mathur, Student
Jennifer Ortega, Student
Fariha Pittman, Student
Sylvia Rinderle, Student
Camile Pons del Toro, Student
Brian Schilby, Student
Sahara Staciu, Student
Jessica Stewart, Student
Andreas Stogsdill, Student
Miguel Torres, Student
Daniel Sandoval, Student
Angela Simmons, Student
Riya Vaidya, Student
Elizabeth Vuckovich, Student
Nicholas Vuckovich, Student Alicia Whitaker, Student
Saina Wu, Student
The SDSA Set Decorator Resources section is a searchable database of all
SDSA Business Members, vendors who work with our trade. Don't forget to check frequently for NEW members!
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