Series:

The Crafts in Hollywood: Production Design

Topic:

COVID-19 Pandemic

Film and Television

Interviewer:

Collings, Jane

Interviewee:

Frazza, Lisa

Place Conducted:

Because of the necessity of restricting personal contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 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. The interviewee 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.

Length:

2.5 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.

Working at CBS Television City as lead journeyman scenic artist when everyone was sent home due to Covid shutdown—Very complicated to receive unemployment insurance pay—Returns to work under strict anti-infection protocols—Production was frequently shut down due to a Covid case—Coping strategies for social distancing and socializing—Maintained a self-care routine of relaxation techniques—Neighbors helped each other—Knew she could not refuse to return to work or risk being fired.

Began to study art at an early age—Joins the United Scenic Artist union in New York—Later joins the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees in Boston—Transfers to Local 816, Scenic, Title and Graphic artists, in Los Angeles—Begins work in LA area as assistant scenic artist—Learns from John Moffitt and Mike Denering as well as people at the CBS scene shop—Frequently one of few women on the floor—Works on The Bold and Beautiful at CBS—Production slowly starting back up under new Covid protocols.