How did Netflix’s East of Eden recreate early-1900s California almost entirely in New Zealand?
Set Decorator Amber Richards returns to Decorating Pages to break down the extraordinary period world of Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden, starring Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist.
Amber was previously on the podcast discussing The Power of the Dog and Mulan. She was nominated for an Academy Award with Production Designer Grant Major for The Power of the Dog, and the two collaborated again on East of Eden.
Amber takes us behind the scenes of the production’s enormous set-decoration challenge: shopping Los Angeles prop houses in just four and a half days, shipping two 40-foot containers of dressing back to New Zealand and creating 82 full period sets during a 96-day shoot.
We discuss the Trask homes, Faye and Kate’s brothel, Cathy’s nearly black interiors, custom furniture and textiles, historic New Zealand filming locations, artwork, practical builds and the small details that make a period environment feel authentic.
It’s a detailed look at how production design and set decoration helped transform New Zealand into John Steinbeck’s America.
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Discover the Art of TV & Film Design with Decorating Pages Podcast
Hosted by Emmy-winning Set Decorator Kim Wannop, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of your favorite shows and movies. Each episode features in-depth conversations with the industry’s top production designers, set decorators, prop masters, and art department professionals, offering rare insight into the creative process of visual storytelling.
Whether you’re a film and TV fan, aspiring designer, or entertainment industry pro, Decorating Pages Podcast is your backstage pass to the world of production design. Learn how sets are built, stories are shaped visually, and characters come to life—one episode at a time.
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