How ‘Only Kills in the Building’ production design told characters’ stories – The Hollywood Reporter

Hulu’s Comedy Antics Only murders in the building follows a trio of amateur detectives who live in the fictional Arconia, a classic New York apartment building, where they are surrounded by suspects. Each unit offers the opportunity to reveal backstories and crucial character details.

Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), a semi-retired actor, bought his unit on the 14th floor in the 90s during a hit crime series. Production designer Curt Beech notes that this set “got a newer kitchen and some renovated spaces. It made him look a lot smarter with his money. We gave him art showing that he’s a smart collector.” [with] a good eye.”

Martin Short’s Oliver Putnam, a hapless Broadway director, lives in a department that’s all about theatricality; young artist Mabel Mora, portrayed by Selena Gomez, is a ‘work in progress’ as she is renovating her aunt’s unit while she lives there.

The sets also provide character development for their suspects. Howard’s (Michael Cyril Creighton) residence “is meant to look like it’s been taken over by” [his] cat and passes alone [his] cat,” says Beech, referring to a huge cat portrait in the living room. “What we were aiming for in his apartment was that it was his mother’s place. He added a few things here and there – primarily for the cat.” Sting, who plays himself, lives in a penthouse whose rock star details consist of road tour boxes and vintage guitar cases. “We have the XOXO neon [sign] in red, that’s a nod to [The Police’s] “Roxanne”: ‘You don’t have to turn on the red light,’ says Beech.

For Tim Kono’s house, who dies in the pilot, Beech says, “It had to be a bit mysterious. We deliberately gave him less character in his apartment.” The important Hardy Boys books on the shelves had to be visible.

This story first appeared in a standalone July issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.