Sherwood Television Show
Jason Sherwood is an Emmy-nominated production designer known for his innovative work in live performance, spanning theater, television, and concerts. His designs have graced prestigious events like the Oscars and live television musicals, as well as tours for renowned artists such as the Spice Girls and Sam Smith. Sherwood’s ability to blend artistic vision with technical expertise allows him to create immersive and memorable experiences for audiences across various platforms. His signature style often incorporates dynamic lighting, sculptural elements, and innovative use of video to enhance the emotional connection between performers and viewers.
A key aspect of Sherwood’s work is his understanding of the unique challenges presented by live productions. He embraces the “ephemeral nature” of live events, recognizing that each performance is a unique moment in time. This understanding drives him to create designs that not only enhance the story being told but also capture the energy and spontaneity of the live experience. Whether designing for a fixed theater audience or the multiple camera angles of a televised event, Sherwood carefully considers how the audience will perceive the space and how to guide their attention to the essential elements of the performance.
Sherwood’s design for the 2020 Oscars exemplifies his approach to live television production. The central swirling cyclone served as a unifying element throughout the evening, while individual sets for musical performances and award presentations were seamlessly integrated into the overall design. This cohesive approach allowed for both visual continuity and dynamic changes throughout the broadcast. The intricate stage elements, including a massive rotating spiral, were a testament to Sherwood’s ability to push the boundaries of engineering and technology in service of artistic expression.
The collaborative nature of production design is crucial to Sherwood’s process. He works closely with directors, lighting designers, and technical teams to ensure that every element of the design contributes to the overall narrative. For televised events, this collaboration extends to camera operators, as Sherwood understands the importance of creating a visually compelling experience for the home viewer. In theater productions, he collaborates extensively with lighting designers to shape the audience’s perception of the space and highlight key moments in the performance.
Sherwood’s experience designing for large-scale concert tours, such as those for the Spice Girls and Sam Smith, has honed his ability to create immersive environments in vast spaces. He understands the challenge of connecting with audiences spread across arenas and stadiums, utilizing innovative stage configurations, video projections, and strategically placed lighting to ensure that every seat feels engaged with the performance. For Sam Smith’s tour, he created an intimate environment within a large arena by extending a narrow stage into the audience, maximizing the number of “front row” seats and bringing the performer closer to the fans.
Beyond the technical aspects of his work, Sherwood emphasizes the importance of storytelling as the foundation of every design. He delves into the emotional core of each production, seeking to understand the underlying themes and messages that need to be conveyed. This understanding informs his choices of materials, colors, shapes, and spatial arrangements, ensuring that the design not only looks visually stunning but also resonates with the audience on a deeper level.
The ability to translate artistic concepts into tangible reality is a hallmark of Sherwood’s work. He possesses a deep knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and stage technology, allowing him to bring ambitious designs to life. Whether working with a large budget or facing constraints, Sherwood’s resourcefulness and creative problem-solving skills ensure that the final product is both visually impactful and technically sound. He views the design process as a continuous dialogue between artistic vision and practical considerations, with each informing and enriching the other.
