Series:

The Crafts in Hollywood: Production Design

Topic:

Film and Television

COVID-19 Pandemic

Biographical Note:

Scenic artist and Art Directors Guild member.

Interviewer:

Collings, Jane

Interviewee:

Maturo, Guy

Persons Present:

Maturo and Collings.

Place Conducted:

Session one occurred a the Art Directors Guild Archives in Studio City, California. Because of the necessity of restricting personal contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, the second session was conducted by phone.

Supporting Documents:

Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library’s Center for Oral History Research.

Interviewer Background and Preparation:

The interview was conducted by Jane Collings, principal editor and interviewer, UCLA Center for Oral History Research; Ph.D., Critical Studies in Film and Television, UCLA.

Processing of Interview:

The interviewer prepared a timed log of the audio recording of the interview. Maturo was given the opportunity to review the log in order to supply missing or misspelled names and to verify the accuracy of the content but made no changes.Some months after the oral history interview was completed, the UCLA Center for Oral History Research recontacted Maturo to invite him to participate in another interview session documenting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film and television industry. The final session thus focuses primarily on the personal, professional, and industry-wide effects of the pandemic. Maturo reviewed this transcript.

Length:

2.75 hrs.

Language:

English

Copyright:

Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.

Audio:

Series Statement:

This series of interviews was undertaken in collaboration with the Art Directors Guild. Its aim is to document the lives and work of Guild members and staff who have made a significant contribution to film and television history. Interviews capture the work of title artists, set designers, art directors, production designers, and many other categories. The contribution of labor unions in shaping the conditions of the work is also addressed.

Early life—Early arts education—Studies at American Academy of Art in Chicago--First jobs in Los Angeles—Assembles a portfolio—Grueling work schedule in television—Works at NBC—Becomes journeyman—Works on Academy Awards—Safety on set--Works on One from the Heart—Shift toward computer work in industry—Work for Boy Scouts as a father.

First news about pandemic—Early precautions—Work with Boy Scouts—Keeps in touch with family throughout country—Union puts a pause on dues—Frustration with government response—Supports plan of Medicare for All despite excellent union health plan-Sees examples of people working together in the face of the pandemic.