Joe DeTullio - Set Design & Construction Saturday Night Live

I'm an enthusiastic admirer of my upcoming guest, and I promise you're in for an extraordinary experience! This talented individual, along with his dedicated team, possesses a remarkable ability to transport audiences to diverse places, which all help to tell a story!  

His artistry entails the intricate design process and the profound responsibility of its creation. You have all seen his work, but today, we'll pull back the curtain and shine a light on the magic he creates! 

He's one of the masterminds responsible for conceptualizing and constructing the legendary sets featured on "Saturday Night Live."

He played a pivotal role in shaping the current rendition of the "Saturday Night Live" set, with its captivating Grand Central theme and the iconic Opal Timeclock that greets you at the start of every episode.

We are going to delve into the intricate, painstaking, and high-pressure process of designing and building these sets for the broadcast live every Saturday night at 11:30. Trust me; it's a conversation you won't want to miss; you will be fascinated at this glimpse into the world of production design and the wizardry that unfolds behind the scenes of this legendary television program.

He will also share insights into his journey from starting as an NBC Page to forging a thrilling and fulfilling career in the industry.

Furthermore, our conversation will touch upon the iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on "Saturday Night Live," such as the legendary announcer Don Pardo and the influential music producer Hal Willner, who contributed to the unforgettable soundtracks of many beloved sketches and more!

We'll explore the inner workings of the film unit, the dedicated crew responsible for creating the pre-recorded videos and commercials that grace the show.

And you'll have to stay tuned to discover if there are any exciting plans or tantalizing secrets he can share about the forthcoming 50th-anniversary show!

Plus, he's got a treasure trove of many other thrilling stories to share, including his intriguing experiences at CNBC, his stint in NBC's Press & Publicity, and the diverse Page Assignments he took on; plus, you'll hear about his fascinating encounters with legendary talent like Conan and Jay Leno.

He'll also take us on a journey through his upbringing in Connecticut and his academic pursuits in architecture, design, and theater. And he'll talk about his involvement with Ragtime and Seussical the Musical! 

Moreover, you'll hear about his current passion – a deep and enduring love for crafting and bringing unique puppets to life, which has become a central focus in his creative endeavors.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is both an honor and an absolute delight to introduce our distinguished guest. He is a true artisan and a recipient of multiple Emmy© Awards. Please enjoy this conversation with Saturday Night Live's Production Designer, Mr. Joe DeTullio!