Series:

The Crafts in Hollywood: Production Design

Topic:

Film and Television

COVID-19 Pandemic

Biographical Note:

Scenic artist who worked at Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and many other companies. Founder of Hot Pepper Studios, a scenic art business that provides custom drawings, paintings, and murals.

Interviewer:

Collings, Jane

Interviewee:

Westall, Marian

Persons Present:

Westall and Collings.

Place Conducted:

Session one took place in Westall's home in Topanga, California. Because of the necessity of restricting personal contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, the second and third sessions were 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. Westall was given the opportunity to review the log in order to supply missing or misspelled names and to verify the accuracy of the content. The corrections made were entered into the text without further editing or review on the part of the Center for Oral History Research staff.Portions of Session 1 have been sealed per the Center for Oral History Research.

Length:

3.5 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.

Family background--Studies art as a youth and in college--Starts work at Sid and Marty Krofft--Work at CBS Television City--Works at Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Center Theatre Group simultaneously--Efforts to get hired at J.C. Backings--Working environment at Grosh Backdrop and Drapery--Paints billboards at Warner Bros--Scenic work in private homes--Starts own business.

Develops business Hot Pepper Studio--Work for private homes and cruise ships--Shift to digital printing in cruise ship business--Work on film sets and props--Murals for Cheesecake Factory in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Early sense that Covid-19 would not be a concern in the United states—Took precautions regardless, including stocking provisions—Spends time outdoors, enjoying empty roadways for biking—Precautions taken at home—The dire Covid infection rate in Italy was alarming—Concerned for both public health and the economy—Finds self on one side of a political divide—Pessimism about future in terms of being united around a leader for the country.