How ‘Wicked’ Built Immersive Real-Life Sets, From Shiz To Emerald City | Architectural Digest

[@olivlivlivliv]

He is snatching that Best Production Design Oscar

[@JoaoFederle]

nope, dune will win

[@dummyphill1621]

i dont belive it should but it probably will

[@stevenwatson2871]

wicked or dune would be a deserving winner for this category (I lean towards wicked because the world interests me more but dune was spectacular)

[@joshua7734]

Absolutely not. The production design is awful.

[@shadysorkin9214]

​@@joshua7734 You know nothing Jon Snow.

[@olivlivlivliv]

When I heard the tulips were all planted it reminded me of the cornfield planted in interstellar so it’s cool to know it’s the same guy

[@beyonceknowlescarter9576]

same!!!!!!!!!

[@pepperedwithlegacy]

No for real when he said interstellar I literally said “YOU’RE THE CORN GUY?”

[@domob17]

Ikr! And I hope they get to sell those tulips just like they did with all the corn in interstellar!

[@lmsmith015]

I started telling my husband how this guy planted 9 million tulips, and he started telling me the story about how they planted corn on Interstellar. Hilarious that it's the same person!

[@ptona3287]

Bro just like planting stuff

[@audreylynn2128]

I appreciate that the promotion of Wicked seems to include acknowledge the crew members in addition to the cast much more than I’ve seen for other films!

[@wally2786]

Yes

[@biazacha]

Costume, sound and set designers clearly put their soul into this project is so nice to see they having to spotlight to breakdown their craft. I suspect the director is a big part of it, he always gives lots of room for cast and crew.

[@Vanessa-uo6lt]

I really hope studios get motivated by the success of wicked and take more chances with practical effects

[@HigherQualityUploads]

They probably only did this because of the substantial built in audience.

[@abbeyBominable123]

​@@HigherQualityUploadsthere had to be practical sets because it's a musical movie with lots of big dance numbers. They needed to have a real space to do dance choreographies.

[@judiciousjayel]

Yeah. It's so much superior than cgi!!

[@msdenise1234567]

It really adds to the liking of a movie when they put that much love into it. Just like how I love that Disney/ Pixar does such extensive research for their animations.

[@chxtman]

this movie was guaranteed to make a bag so they had less risk & its ultimately why they split it into two parts so they can double dip on the return

[@jessicathejedi35]

Holy cow that was RIVETING. And THANK YOU for convincing executives to not go full CGI all the time. Nothing beats practical

[@TheVeeBeast]

So true ! I wonder how they got the real animals to talk !

[@wally2786]

I had no idea, I couldn’t figure out why it was so seamless! I wish every movie maker today cared as much as these guys did.

[@jaybeetv5808]

IMO, Marvel really showed people how lazy you can get with it 😂😂

[@SO-ym3zs]

"We take things out rather than add them." Thank goodness someone is still thinking like this. Less CG and more practical is always the best.

[@CallMeMrX]

@@SO-ym3zs But they used a lot of CGI..

[@gyuatuttle]

@@CallMeMrX are u dumb???!?!?!?

[@SO-ym3zs]

@CallMeMrX True, but almost the entire environments could have been CGI. Thankfully they didn't go that route.

[@CallMeMrX]

@@SO-ym3zs Well in some cases they did, as you can see in the broomstick flying sequence which was shot entirely on bluscreen. Almost every film I have worked on has had some form of practical set, we basically extend or augment them with CGI, or in a lot of cases entirely replace the set because the director wants more control over the lighting, or to remove or add entire buildings and props etc. While there is definitely more emphasis on practical sets in this film, which is great to see, I don't agree with the way this film has been marketed as basically all practical, and treating the CGI as some kind of dirty word, when it too is hand crafted piece by piece by hundreds of talented artists just like the practical set builders.

[@gyuatuttle]

@@CallMeMrX i agree

[@cardiffst]

I could happily have watched Nathan scribbling away for two hours plus. What an absolutely fascinating video.

[@cathygreene3549]

How he thinks is mind blowing!

[@OhEstefano1]

Couldn’t agree more! Really incredible watching his intellect and creative brilliance

[@marisadeo3903]

My sister is in school for architecture I’m going to look into something that has to do with directing because I have such a passion for movies & art. I see he has a passion for bringing a vision to life as well. I love it. Very inspiring & interesting ❤️

[@futurekingjay]

The production value of this film goes HARD.

[@OhEstefano1]

Well said

[@a.m4863]

It is so nice to see real extravagant sets like this and not just CGI. It makes the film more magical in my opinion

[@CallMeMrX]

Let's be honest, if it were full CGI and done well, it would have looked the same, and you wouldn't have even known the difference.

[@Slay.On.Me.R.E]

@@CallMeMrX yes but knowing it's real makes it 100x times better

[@cac1504]

Tired of those blue screen effects.

[@CallMeMrX]

@cac1504 Let's be honest, you wouldn't notice them unless someone told you. Also, the entire broom flight sequence was entirely shot on a bluescreen and replaced with a CG background, did you dislike that part of the movie, or did it blend seamlessly with the rest of it?

[@sadie8165]

@@Slay.On.Me.R.Ea lot of the time the practically filmed things are used as reference which allows the VFX to achieve a realism that is impossible to distinguish as “not real”. Lighting, camera angles, etc.

[@kuumih0]

Everything I'm hearing about this movie makes me feel like a kid again watching the behind the scenes and being mesmerized by the set building and practical effects like Lord of the Rings

[@starbucksmocha88]

Same! I watched ALL the behind the scenes of LOTR movies that they had in the box sets it was fascinating. In comparison the way they moved so much more to CGI in the Hobbit trilogy was disappointing esp in comparison to LOTR.

[@TheWiseGrif]

In defense of The Hobbit Trilogy...Peter Jackson was brought on well after Guillermo del Toro had been working on the film, so he had MONTHS to adapt things compared to the several years of preproduction he had going into LOTR, which is why it was so heavily reliant on CGI

[@ThatMartianArt]

@@starbucksmocha88 Was the CGI at fault? or was it the short development, bad scripts, bloated story with characters that where never there? na most but the CGI people.

[@starbucksmocha88]

@@ThatMartianArt yes I didn't mention those things in my comment but I agree with that, there were many many issues with it. But the way there were so many long battle scenes with lots of cgi especially in the third movie really made it even more of a slog to get through imo.

[@socialsheen91]

There should be a Wicked Tour on their set!!!! I would gladly buy a ticket for this.

[@joshuacoldwater]

The set was overseas, and most of it was destroyed because the Strike occurred 5/6ths of the way through filming. A new Munchkinland was built and everything that could be saved post-strike was saved (it will be in Universal Studios FL and California) but there isn’t much.

[@Istrianprincess]

​@@joshuacoldwateryes bc people just dont live in the uk its just a random overseas remote island

[@jonasbotsinka8947]

HE SAID SOUTH OF ENGLAND, I LIVE SOUTHWEST , DID THEY BREAKDOWN ALL WHAT THEY BUILT AFTER FILMING?

[@aureliengwabana2049]

Absolutely yes!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@samuelcrawford1611]

@@jonasbotsinka8947they can’t just leave movie sets lying around, they are built to be taken apart

[@fyorarules]

The video ended so suddenly? I could have easily watched 20 more minutes of whatever design magic he wanted to explain! That was so fun!

[@ta21l]

After Barbie, Agatha All Along, and Wicked which uses about 90% of practical effects, I hope studios will start doing more of this. Practical effects looks so much better. VFX is fine but should not be the main ingredient. It should help tune up practical effects/ make up, not take over it.

[@judiciousjayel]

The way those three are Masterpieces. Practical Effects Supremacy!!!

[@oxiphy]

Those are great and all, but what happens to those sets then after the movie is done? Have they thought about the ecological implication of those 9 million tulips?

[@alessiokeiv]

This is not true! 90% of practical effects? this is not true at all!

[@Luischocolatier]

Don't forget Dungeons & Dragons!

[@JackCYO]

@@oxiphywell it’s a field full of flowers. Not causing any harm.

[@sadie8165]

Props to the over 300 visual effects artists listed on IMDB, y’all made this movie fantastic.

[@DarMar106]

The film is a visual feast for the eyes. It took me a few scenes to realize how many physical sets and locations are in the movie. Such a breath of fresh air with so many films relying on CG. Crowley and his team absolutely deserve whatever awards they have coming to them. As well as costume design

[@Specklezz]

You actually don't realize there is TONS of CGI on these sets he is drawing. So much of the set you are seeing that he shows gets fully replaced. And people are always diminishing the VFX, yet what you are seeing in the film has way more VFX than these guys are giving credit. It's so sad that hidden VFX gets no appreciation and they try and convince people with these videos that there isn't CGI used.

[@OhEstefano1]

Well said

[@AliasA1]

HALF of the sets you see in the final movie ARE cgi replacements. You're not SEEING practical sets in the final movie. You're being tricked by fake marketing that is throwing the hard working CGI artists under the bus

[@sadie8165]

There were more than 300 VFX artists on this film. They make art.

[@paulschacht9777]

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! !! !!! As an engineer, I was expecting stuffy engineering commentary (and would have loved it), but this guy is amazingly incredible to be able to understand what's likely possible (within time & budget) and push his teams to deliver - WOW! !! !!!

[@Toonksbell43]

Any production designer that says “ I want to do as much practically” has my respect it always comes out wonderful

[@redchristianpalustre1222]

Give Wicked the Best Production Design and Costume Design Oscar already!!

[@sarahmitchell4455]

And MAKEUP

[@donna_irene]

I thought watching the film that the majority of the sets had to be CGI due to their larger than life of complexity, I had no idea how much of it was real! Nathan Crowley is an artistic genius, one of the greatest gifts to modern cinema ❤

[@victoriadougall1180]

The circular bookshelves were incredible!

[@rohan68842]

I need a concept art book yesterday.

[@jessicathejedi35]

1,000

[@rachellochmann7871]

I was thinking EXACTLY the same. Fascinating

[@OhEstefano1]

Would make for a phenomenal coffee table book

[@rebeccaelliot6586]

@@OhEstefano1 yes please! @architectural digest @rizzoli make it happen!

[@ThatCrazyBookWyrm]

I would love it to include the concept art of the costumes as well! Watching all the love and care that was put into every single aspect of the film warms my heart. It really is a masterpiece 💚

[@stingray1740]

0:46 omg! The tulips are ALL REAL! That is truly incredible, such a beautiful touch to make the world building of Oz so much more real!

[@shadyjoanneboots]

This is how movies that are grand spectacles should be. The sets in this movie are astounding

[@slchld.]

I swear I don’t get tired of these behind the scenes. We need a Wicked: Behind the Scenes documentary 😂

[@joytato]

jon m chu really matched his freak and i love to see it

[@k700i]

THANK YOU!!! CGI is only to be used as an assistant but real props, takes the feeling to another level, makes it so much more magical!

[@AliasA1]

Not they're not. Most of this was replaced by CGI In the final film. You're not seeing this when you're watching it in the cinema. That feeling you're having was induced by CGI, not practical sets. It's time to give CGI artists the recognition they deserve.

[@k700i]

@ Oh don’t get me wrong, as a designer myself I understand deadlines have to be met, and budget has a lot to do with it as well. I appreciate when CGI is meshed well with practical design. If the film itself is just mostly CGI, like how the set designer had mentioned, it lacks dimension; to which most films these days had done. Whilst I see the use of CGI in all formats, overusing them and only relying of them instead of working with set designers can truly enhance the film the same way they did in this movie.

[@krys1075]

I can’t wait to purchase this movie once it gets released. Saw it in theater already and cried three times

[@OhEstefano1]

😢😢😢👏

[@josephgomez2249]

Which parts did you cry on?

[@sarahmitchell4455]

Saaaaammme. Especially when ariana says Don't be afraid 😢

[@bassboy14110]

I hope this guy does many more movies. The practical set design was a major reason this movie worked.

[@msdenise1234567]

I felt ridiculously Dutch when he explained the Tulip harvesting stuff and I already knew that, haha.

[@josephgomez2249]

Hahaha! Meanwhile as an American the only thing I know about tulips is that they are a flower.

[@dylanm8204]

Thank you AD for continuing to highlight production design! I appreciate videos like this so much as it’s so fascinating to see the real world architectural influences these fabulous productions are inspired by.

[@PaddleboardingFL]

I’m begging Universal to either make these sets a tourist spot or to turn their Lost Continent land in the islands of adventure park into the WICKED sets lol

[@noaofwoodsbeyond]

Oh yes they really need to!

[@BDRIGZ]

How is he not talked about more? This approach is beautiful and carefully implemented! ❤

[@scottsummers4234]

This better win the Oscar for Production Design!

[@Useernaamee]

That's a dedicated genius speaking. I want the whole Industry to quiet down and digest the Wisdom and finesse he is sharing here! Wow.

[@MisturMonster]

their dedication is UNMATCHED.

[@catalinaledermann]

i could easily have a whole hour of this. it’s incredibly interesting!

[@sldbb]

I'm in awe of Nathan Crowley's vision and creativity. The breadth of his imagination is amazing, and kudos to the talent of everyone else involved in this project. They took world building to a whole new level

[@JamesFluker]

Goodness. This is some incredibly detailed and meticulous production design. I smell an Academy Award!

[@chloelitchfield7089]

The circular book cases are a masterpiece 👌

[@lesliephung7317]

what an inspiration. His immaculate vision really gave the movie its wonder and whimsy. He deserves every award.

[@lavender2533]

The level of detail and craftsmanship put into this film was absolutely next level and certainly the secret sauce that made this movie not just enjoyable but spectacular. Well done!!!

[@Simproved]

This is stunning! Interesting to see what thoughts and planning went into the production and design. The engineering and craftmanship is amazing. Thank you so much for this very detailed look. Love videos like this.

[@OhEstefano1]

This was so eloquent! Feels like something I would say

[@electricvizion]

I could have watched 3 more hours of this. The talent is beyond impressive and I love his explanation of how all skill sets worked together

[@lmsmith015]

Not to be dramatic but this is one of the best videos I've ever seen on KZbin

[@privatehand]

In this world of computer graphics I'm astonished there's the time and money for practical effects.

[@cwg73160]

Tf? Did you forget the name of the movie? Time is money, and there’s no shortage of money.

[@CallMeMrX]

​@@cwg73160There's plenty of money, they just don't want to spend it.

[@laurenbendik2006]

I agree, the budget for this to be practical is astronomical.

[@laurenbendik2006]

There is a shortage…he said he was running out of money when he got to emerald city and had to reuse.

[@6diaryz]

This gives extremely Dutch Netherlands vibes! The tulip field the rivers, the greenery and even the village looks like the farmland in the Netherlands 😍

[@BecauseCreative]

I walked past the set as it’s nearby to where I live and heard them filming the opening scene in munchkinland- so cool to hear and see the rooftops!

[@GrungeGalactica]

Wasn’t planning on watching this film, but the more videos I see of the costumes & design that went into it, the more curious I become…

[@BATgirl57]

Such an AMAZING movie!!! I loved it!!!❤

[@zlatkajupe]

Not a huge fan of musicals but wow. The sets for this movie were amazing and to hear they were practical is sooooooooooooooooooooooo heartwarming and makes me realize why I love them so much!

[@meemeeps]

architects, engineers, concept artists, mockup artisans, set builders… it’s so cool how all these experts come together to make REAL MAGIC

[@thevikingbear2343]

Very important thing to get into consideration: They are not rejecting CGI. They are embracing CGI as a tool to addto the practical effeects and sets, instead of replacing everything with CGI.

[@cyncat]

omg yes! As an architecture student and huge theatre kid this is EVERYTHING 💫

[@TravelWithNi]

I love watching these videos. I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in the behind the scenes on a movie set ever. Everything was so intentional.

[@viniciusmachado8791]

When I saw the movie, I didn't get the idea that the bookshelves would write OZ. Brilliant!

[@colonylaser4860]

This movie better get an Oscar for sets and costumes and so many behind the scene things. That said, I wish we can put that kind of energy and perseverance and nothing is impossible attitude into helping our country's poor, Global Warming, wealth distribution, and infrastructure.

[@moonchopped]

having to consider all the points around cameras and filming practicalities, the limitations of Wicked universe on top of all the design considerations is soooo impressive

[@loveangel999]

i LOVED looking at all the details watching wicked, it all felt so real! i hope everyone who worked on these sets knows how appreciated their efforts are

[@lukenatewilson989]

IT. ALL. PAID. OFF! Boy was this movie fantastical, magical, and wonderful through and through. It truly sucked you into the world of Oz.

[@themissitalk5208]

Agatha all along, wicked, all used practical effects and it turned out amazing we need more of that

[@pattid7998]

This movie is incredible... mesmerizing. It's so beautiful to watch, to listen. I was lost for 2.5 hours. Perfection.

[@DawnDavidson]

I was wondering how they were going to pull off TWO movies that long, when the musical isn’t 4-5 hours itself. Was concerned it might be like the Hobbit, which most assuredly should not have been three films. Fortunately, it was more like LOTR, using lots of practical effects with CGI as an adjunct, not the main event. It never dragged, not even a tiny bit. Truly magical. These movies are going to be classics for sure. Whatever awards they win for sets, costumes, and design will be totally deserved. I saw it this afternoon, and I literally clapped at the end. It’s been a long time since an audience spontaneously clapped for a film, in my experience. Really amazing film, and an excellent adaptation of both the book and the stage musical. I think we will see more musicals after this, as well. They’ve set the bar really high with this movie.

[@tobymilo8625]

I absolutely loved this! Who knew that a lot of this was not CGI. Master minds to make all this happen

[@jonasbotsinka8947]

What is CGI?😊

[@PurrrKatunze1728]

@@jonasbotsinka8947I think it stands for Compuer generated image

[@AliasA1]

A lot of this WAS replaced with cgi in the final movie, and you didn't notice. Which makes it all the sadder that those artists are thrown under the bus and lied about, with credit going only to those who worked in practical sets.

[@tobymilo8625]

@@AliasA1 yes when I saw it I was totally shocked. I expected very little cgi.

[@IriPazTrejo]

THIS IS AMAZING! As a designer and fan of the musical/ now movie... look at this is like a dream come true

[@kiaraknight5380]

I love his point of view regarding cgi! I hope more people in the industry take note

[@CallMeMrX]

@@kiaraknight5380 He relied on a huge amount of CGI, he just said he didn't because it's a dumb Hollywood marketing trend to sell films to people who can't tell the difference unless someone tells them.

[@PenPalJohn]

so basically this guy directed the movie... he is a genius - incredible creativity and leadership! this is so much harder than it looks!

[@politereminder6284]

Totally sweeping the awards for this. The sets were phenomenal! They dont make em like this anymore!

[@phantomskier1]

This is amazing in every aspect. Huge talent and unbelievable execution. Should win an Oscar.

[@srnamil]

What a talented human! Big bravo! I was immersed in this universe and can’t wait to rewatch it until Part 2! AMAZING

[@a_yanki]

Absolutely incredible. I noticed the practical effects when I was watching the film but this is far beyond what I thought they were doing. Bravo!

[@asirus]

Absolutely incredible! I hope you win all the awards! 🙌🏾🤯

[@cinemanuggets24]

one of the best of our time. hope this time around you win the oscar when u get nominated

[@VictoriaBlendsYT]

@2:42 😍 Immediately hums Optimistic Voices “You're out of the woods, you're out of the dark, you're out of the night. Step into the sun, step into the light.” 💛

[@bluboy4ver2]

This film is a perfect example of why CGI should be used as a tool and not a crutch. Film making like this is starting to go extinct because studios have become so reliant on overworked VFX artists who can hardly meet the deadlines they give them.

[@tulipthorn]

I started watching this on a small screen - and had to pause and cast it to my TV. I needed to enjoy this THOROUGHLY. Such detail and passion. Thank you so much for doing this, Nathan and team & AD.

[@skypup77]

I would have loved to have seen the head of the greens department's face when they were asked to plant 9,000,000,000 tulips.

[@TheLegendaryMovieCritic]

Munchkinland & The Emerald City looked incredible!

[@UnsusViolet]

this is one of the coolest sets to ever exist!

[@tracyx11]

This is INSANE!!!! Mad respect to everyone who had a hand in creating the wicked set, I love this film so so so much!!

[@akirebara]

this is the same guy who had his team plant all the corn you see in Interstellar. bravo, sir.

[@CallMeMrX]

@@akirebara Yeah but at least they didn't use that film as some cheap anti-CGI marketing tool.

[@Lrkkk]

The best production designer with all the helpers he had Bravo!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@_Petrichor]

I'm so glad they're giving attention and a spotlight to all aspects of filmaking, it's so awe-inspiring

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

It's truly marvelous and magical! The engineering and artistry is stunning and thoughtful. Beautiful! 💖💕

[@xFolkmore]

7:25 I love that Hogwarts was the first thought and then Oxford, Cambridge etc. 😂🥹

[@artjackson8360]

I hope Wicked wins all the Oscars! Such an amazing film experience. I'm about to go see it for the 3rd time and I'm sure I'll see it again before the end of the year.

[@soko889]

I’m born I’m England and never knew such stunning landscapes and architecture existed.

[@carolineh8713]

This is a truly fascinating interview - thank you so much for this, AD! The Oz head is currently handing in Liberty in central London, it is truly enormous and detailed in person. Love Nathan's attention to every detail across the film's world.

[@Jake_5693]

Done the UK and the British film industry proud! And this is why the UK is ok track to overtake Hollywood for filming come 2030

[@LAchyM3]

Watching the scenes in the Emerald City I instantly thought of the Großes schauspielhaus in Berlin. Watching this incredible designer speak and hearing more about his references is absolute bliss. His commitment to creating real sets pays off - I am about to see Wicked for the third time in the cinema and a huge part of what is drawing me back is the quality of production design.

[@morganelizabeth480]

this guy’s a genius 😭 i loved this video im so happy to put a face and name to the film 🙏🏽 interstellar was fantastic as well

[@Hexadecimal_QueenofChaos]

He deserves more than an Oscar….

[@franciscomata6612]

This is crazy, for real... PURE ART

[@megatronskneecap]

All of this for just a movie that runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes is incredible.

[@hayleyhawkins]

My brain is overwhelmed with respect and admiration

[@katie-7972]

Fascinating video. Love when AD has these movie/tv and architecture/design videos. 2 of my favorite things!

[@MasterBlaster27]

The movie was so immersive.. thanks to the architecture and design

[@denisesunga8155]

Practical. You’re gonna be practical 🎵❤

[@voelpelannika]

What a creative genius. Love this AD.

[@CellarDoor1970]

Practical effects and set building on location is always the way to go with timeless cinema magic.

[@ktmrrsnn]

this is INCREDIBLE I would love for a whole book on the production of Wicked

[@melindabarrett8887]

this is beyond fascinating, thank you for sharing!

[@CafeFantasia]

Let's not forget, Nathan Crowley was ALSO the production designer for Wonka! 🤯