Image Credit : Nicole England Photography
Project Overview
The Family Feud set project began in late November 2013. The initial program for the whole exercise would see it completed in a six week period including Christmas / New Year! The ensuing scramble was slightly chaotic to say the least. It became quite a challenge to assemble a project team to deal with this expectation.
The design was influenced by the numerous local and overseas iterations of this show, and how various producers/designers had approached the relatively simple concept and imposed their own styles. From the very early discussions with the creative producers at FremantleMedia, we had determined to pay homage to the history of the show by giving it a ‘retro’ look. We felt that it had to be visually familiar, but at the same time – engaging and ‘fresh’.
The first visual concepts were presented early December 2013, and were instantly well received. A brief delay in production to lock in a host – allowed us to refine and thoroughly document the design, and produce a detailed visual representation of the set for Network Approval.
The physical fulfilment of the design / build process really pays homage to the talented contribution of the entire project team.
Project Commissioner
FremantleMedia Australia for Network Ten
Project Creator
Team
Emmanuel Matsos – Group Production Manager FremantleMedia Australia
Pam Barnes – Executive Producer - FremantleMedia Australia
Mark Gibson – Studio Producer – FremantleMedia Australia
Margaret Chong – Production Manager – FremantleMedia Australia.
Lachlan Sinclair – Lighting Director.
Tim Costello – Set Pre Renders
Tom Hogan – Project Manager AV Screens – Mediatec Australia
Rod Morris – Games Graphics - Interactive Originals Pty Ltd
Peter Disney – Project Manager Set Constructions - Peter Disney Design
Grant Slotboom – Constructor – Illusions Studios
Project Brief
Although not known for games shows, the creative producers at Network Ten, felt that a revitalised “Family Feud” would bolster their early evening viewing schedule. This iconic game show has had a long history both in Australia and overseas. It was this history and ‘familiarity’ that we tapped into in our design ethos. We looked at creating a set that was both technically current, and visually ‘retro’. We enlisted substantial RGB LED technology and applied contemporary surface finishes to the ‘sculpted’ shapes of the set. This approach has made the set identifiable to the viewing public, while at the same time giving the concept a fresh new look.
Project Innovation/Need
The set for Family Feud provided some challenges when it came to the build. The individual ‘wall’ components were 7200mm and 8000mm long x 5300mm high, and they each had to be mobile to allow for an overnight reset. Within these units we housed the ‘game screens’ – consisting of 4mm pitch LED AV modules. These in turn were mounted on a metal frame that allowed these screens to ‘float’ in a ‘window void’. A substructure was devised to achieve the stability and rigidity that this required. To clad these large wall components, we chose a Laminex splashback material as it provided a high level of finish and large sheet sizes for coverage. We then devised a series of horizontal wall breaks to deal with the material sheet sizes and viable individual component sizes for handling. These horizontal wall break details provided an opportunity to also introduce RGB LED coved lighting at the same time. The curved wall ends presented another challenge for this material. The final method of curving was developed by our builder to achieve a smooth and even curved surface.
Design Challenge
The set for Family Feud provided a couple of unique challenges:
Timeframes in television design are normally short, but this one was doubly so. To make things more difficult, the build originally was to occur over the Christmas and New Year period. Fortunately, with the delays in signing a host, we were able to spend the required time to finalise our documentation and finesse the construction and installation.
The second real challenge this project posed, was to convince the Network Ten heads of department of both the concept and treatment of colour and light. It was only after several attempts of modelling the set in Cad and accurately rendering it, that we were able to convince them to proceed.
Sustainability
There was a concerted effort during the construction of Family Feud, to not only source as many of the materials locally, but to be able to use those materials in a way not necessarily originally intended for their use.
The set module walls have been clad in Laminex Metaline – essentially a kitchen splashback material. Similarly the entire floor is clad in an off white alucobond material – chosen for material sheet size, as well as level of finish.
The RGB LED wall wash fittings were not only chosen for their performance and cost, but they also are made locally in Port Melbourne.
The set was built well on time and within budget and has been warmly received.
Installation, Display, Exhibit & Set Design
This award celebrates innovative and creative design for a temporary building, interior, exhibition, fixture or interactive element. Consideration given to materials, finishes, signage and experience.
More Details