Breaking Down Barriers: A Black Lady Sketch Show's Production Designers Revolutionize Representation & Foster Creative Collaboration at SDCC 2023

Summary

The fourth and final season of A Black Lady Sketch Show has received critical praise and garnered several Emmy nominations.

Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, the dynamic production design duo, have been integral to the show from its inaugural season, skillfully infusing every sketch with their distinctive charm.

Renowned for her collaborative approach, the show's creator, Robin Thede, has curated a team of exceptional talents who collectively enhance the show with their innovative ideas, resulting in an elevated viewing experience.

The fourth and final season of A Black Lady Sketch Show premiered this spring to critical acclaim, just like its predecessors. Alongside the main cast of Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, and Skye Townsend, the latest season featured notable guest stars including Yvette Nicole Brown and Sam Richardson. The show's exceptional production design, which has earned Emmy nominations in categories such as Outstanding Scripted Variety Series and Outstanding Production Design for a Variety, Reality or Competition Series, is spearheaded by the talented duo Cindy Chao and Michele Yu. Since the first season, Chao and Yu have been instrumental in bringing each sketch to life by finding locations, building sets, and creating captivating environments. Their collaboration extends beyond A Black Lady Sketch Show, as they have also brought their distinctive charm to American Born Chinese, a Disney+ series that premiered earlier this year.

Screen Rant had the opportunity to interview Cindy Chao and Michele Yu at San Diego Comic-Con. The discussion mainly revolved around their experiences working on Season 4 of A Black Lady Sketch Show, their career advancement in the industry, and their thoughts on the convention itself. It is important to note that this interview took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike, and it is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of the writers and actors in WGA and SAG-AFTRA, as the show wouldn't exist without them.

Cindy Chao & Michele Yu Talk A Black Lady Sktech Show

Screen Rant: Here at Comic-Con 2023, we have Cindy Chau and Michele Yu, the production designers of A Black Lady Sketch Show. As someone who previously worked as a PA, I have a deep appreciation for the challenges of production. How do you both collaborate and assign tasks when working on a show like this?

Michele Yu: Wow, it's incredible. With nearly two decades of experience working together as a team, our collaboration has become second nature. The way we work together is truly organic. When faced with a project of this magnitude, we establish the project's parameters and immediately dive in. There is little time for contemplation during the pre-production phase.

We prioritize planning and gauging our respective roles to ensure effective collaboration. Together, we delve into challenging tasks, providing support and synergy. During pre-production, we ideate and present concepts jointly in meetings. We both attend and actively participate in all meetings and scouting activities. Once shooting begins, we immediately jump into action, dividing and conquering tasks in a natural and efficient manner, just as Michele mentioned.

Speaking of collaboration, can you talk to me about the collaboration process of working with Robin on this show?

Cindy Chau: Yeah, it's amazing.

Robin Thede excels as a collaborative force, possessing an exceptional ability to assemble and nurture talented individuals. Without fail, she masterfully constructs an extraordinary team. As the showrunner, she effectively communicates her requirements and desires, allowing ample freedom for creative exploration. Regular check-ins and abundant discussions are integral, as effective communication is paramount in any successful production.

Have there been any ideas during the pre-production process that you guys have wanted to pursue but couldn't for this season or at this time?

And the times when we haven't been able to do something, it feels like there are external factors like budget constraints or unexpected issues with location that prevent us from proceeding. Circumstances that are beyond our control hinder our ability to execute.

Michele Yu: However, I'm unable to recall the details of those instances because typically, whenever something doesn't work out, the team behind Black Lady Sketch Show is exceptional at collaborating and swiftly adapting to an alternative approach.

And that's because Robin is in charge. Her mind works at lightning speed, thanks to her background in comedy, improv, and her ability to stay fully present in the moment. As the showrunner, she brings all of this into the production. Robin has a remarkable talent for identifying potential issues and quickly finding solutions. Even if there's something that initially seems like a significant obstacle, it's usually a minor concern in the grand scheme of things. However, it triggers a creative switch in her brain, leading her to generate another set of ideas that are even funnier than the original one. This constant ability to pivot and adapt greatly enhances the overall quality of the show.

It feels like a genuine collaborative process involving everyone. I believe that's when we achieve the best outcomes, as everyone steps up. How many sketches do you think are pitched compared to the ones we actually see?

Cindy Chau: We receive, approximately, more than 45 sketches.

Michele Yu: It feels like the temperature drops to around 45 by the time we enter. Initially, it seems closer to 60.

Cindy Chau: At the beginning, we receive a comprehensive compilation of all the sketches in a thick Bible comprising over 200 pages. Additionally, we also have the chance to engage in the table read, where we witness the actors' performances and hear them go through each sketch. This experience is truly remarkable because the comedic delivery on stage is much different from what we perceive while reading the script.

Around 8 to 10 sketches are typically eliminated, based on the season.

Michele Yu: Absolutely. There are different reasons for it. Occasionally, when the actors begin performing, the enthusiasm becomes so palpable. Everything seems hilarious, and we all end up laughing. However, the writers, Robin, and the producers may notice a couple of sections that don't quite resonate as they had envisioned once the lines are voiced by the actors. These sections are usually the first ones to be discarded.

For those aspiring to enter the field of production design, what single piece of advice would you offer?

Cindy Chau: I dislike admitting it, but I consistently advocate for the "Just do it" approach. It's exactly what we did when we built our department from scratch. We started small with independent features, and even before that, we worked on numerous short films and student projects. Initially, it was just the two of us, solely responsible for the art department.

Production design encompasses various avenues and departments that require comprehensive knowledge. I have to be familiar with all aspects. Moreover, I still encounter new experiences every day, which is incredibly thrilling. The constant challenges keep me engaged and enthusiastic.

Just start engaging in it, and you'll naturally discover your niche within the realm of production and design. Additionally, everyday experiences also contribute to your production design skills, regardless of the specifics.

I understand that you receive a comprehensive guideline to begin with. Could you guide me through the subsequent steps of the process?

Cindy Chau: We thoroughly review each sketch, reading them multiple times. We meticulously analyze and breakdown the content. Both Robin, the talented show writer, as well as the other writers, excellently incorporate film and cultural references into the sketches. We build upon these references and begin gathering more concepts and ideas. This sets the foundation for our collaborative meetings, and from there, we immediately begin searching for suitable filming locations.

Michele Yu: Absolutely. Initially, Cindy and I are solely responsible for the production design for about a week. We then gradually bring in other department heads. Within a few weeks, our set decorator, Lizzie Boyle, and prop master, Todd Daniels, join the team. They also conduct their own breakdowns, and we hold daily meetings with them. At the same time, we arrange and organize our offices. The pre-production process demands a significant amount of effort and dedication.

Cindy and I strive to stay ahead, if not more, by scouting locations and gathering information about the desired look of the sets. We frequently communicate with Lizzie, our set decorator, sharing photos and exchanging ideas. Additionally, we have regular check-ins with Robin, the whole team, and other department heads.

The importance of costumes cannot be underestimated. Michelle Collins, who has been a part of the costume department since the beginning, has consistently delivered exceptional work in season 4. We have a great working relationship with her and the entire creative team, fostering constant conversations and a fun-filled environment. This collaborative approach is the key to the success of Black Lady Sketch Show - a group of people who enjoy working together.

What did you learn, or what did you take from A Black Lady Sketch Show that you were able to apply to American Born Chinese? Which is phenomenal, by the way.

Cindy Chau expressed her gratitude for the importance of collaboration and effective communication, both within her department and among other departments. She emphasized the need for a highly collaborative and organized approach.

The challenges faced with the production of Black Lady were primarily related to finding suitable locations that could accommodate multiple sets and having to turn them around quickly. Although American Born also had location requirements, Black Lady posed greater demands in this regard. However, the techniques learned and applied during the production of American Born, despite having more preparation time, proved beneficial for dressing and transforming locations.

Michele Yu and Cindy, as a team, decided years ago that they wanted to work on projects that authentically represented their experiences. They made a conscious decision to focus on projects aligned with their values, which has ultimately led to their success. One of the projects they particularly love working on is Black Lady Sketch Show. This show is groundbreaking and unique, as it caters to an audience that has been previously overlooked.

Having the opportunity to book Black Lady Sketch Show and its first season was incredibly fortunate for us. We immediately knew that this show was a perfect fit for us and aligned with the kind of work we aspire to create. As women of color working together in this industry, having a supportive environment that recognizes and values our perspectives is crucial for our continued progress.

When the opportunity to work on American Born Chinese arose, it felt even more personal to us. We recognized that this project perfectly embodied the values we hold dear and wanted to share with the world. Additionally, as time goes by, we are getting older and our career trajectory has evolved. Although starting out with indie features and collaborating with friends was a wonderful and fulfilling experience, the challenges and demands of that space became increasingly demanding.

Not that working on a television series or a project funded by a studio isn't challenging, but it operates at a different level. However, at some point, consideration must be given to family and long-term career sustainability in the demanding world of film and TV, right? So, we actively sought out projects that not only provide financial support but also nourish our souls, giving us an additional motive beyond just earning a paycheck. This principle guided us in creating both Black Lady Sketch Show and American Born Chinese.

About A Black Lady Sketch Show

HBO’s fourth season of A Black Lady Sketch Show, starring Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, and Skye Townsend in the primary cast, along with featured performers DaMya Gurley, Tamara Jade, and Angel Laketa Moore, has garnered an Emmy nomination. The latest season also showcases an impressive lineup of guest performers, such as Yvette Nicole Brown, Sam Richardson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Kyla Pratt.

Check out our previous interview with Robin Thede as well.

A Black Lady Sketch Show is available to stream on Max.