Decorating Pages

Today’s episode centers on the powerful and deeply moving design work behind the film *Nickel Boys*, the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Joining me are two incredible talents: Production Designer Nora Mendis and Set Decorator Monique Champagne, who brought the harrowing yet human story of the Dozier School for Boys to life.   Led by director RaMell Ross the innovative POV shooting style takes audiences deep into the protagonist’s experience. With the camera primarily showing what the protagonist sees, the set dressing had to authentically reflect this subjective perspective. Nora and Monique meticulously chose items that would naturally populate the protagonist's world while conveying historical accuracy and thematic depth. They sourced authentic materials from places like Etsy and eBay, including 1970s subway coins, bus schedules, refrigerator magnets, fabrics, and more, ensuring each detail felt genuine. They overcame budget constraints and transformed unconventional locations