This two-part discussion with Production Designer Shayne Fox explores how production design defines tone, character, atmosphere, and reference across two acclaimed comedic worlds — FX’s hit series What We Do in the Shadows (Season 6) and Overcompensating, Amazon’s #1 comedy of the summer, created by Benito Skinner.
In the first half, Fox delves into the gothic absurdity of What We Do in the Shadows, where richly detailed sets balance supernatural world-building with sharp comedic timing and subtle visual parody. The second half turns to Overcompensating, a grounded, character-driven comedy set within the realism of college life — a stark contrast that underscores how authenticity and restraint can still support humour and emotional depth.
Throughout both conversations, Fox reflects on the influences that shape comedic design — from classic films and television to the cultural references woven into every space — revealing how production design can both honour and reinvent the visual language of comedy.
PLEASE NOTE: Purchase of the CPD Week 2025 Toronto Event Pass tickets are for attending in person in Toronto. Purchase of the Virtual Event Pass gives you access to our Virtual Only events, plus a private video portal to access recorded in person sessions as they become available, in addition to bonus access to all of our CPD Week 2023 sessions.
This talk is ticketed and will be recorded and uploaded to the video portal once ready if you can not make it in person.
About the Organizer:
The Canadian Production Design Association (CPD) is dedicated to elevating the art and craft of production design, uniting and empowering production designers, art directors, set decorators, and their art departments to shape the visual stories that captivate the world.
