Paramount Plus viewers and theatre lovers are getting a glimpse of set designs by UC Riverside assistant professor Christopher Scott Murillo.
Murillo, assistant professor of teaching in production design for stage and screen with the Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production, served as art director and set decorator for Paramount Plus’s “Stargaze.” Stargaze “provides audiences with a front-row seat to gaze at conversations between the underrepresented stars on screen who bring diverse characters to life and behind the camera who shape their narratives,” according to Paramount Plus.
“Stargaze” launched in late February, featuring what Murillo defined as a “timeless meets modern Hollywood” look.
The first episode featured Sonequa Martin-Green and Tawny Newsome discussing the importance of Black narratives across various genres including sci-fi. They shared insights on their career paths, the influence of their roles on the image of Black women, and the ongoing quest for authentic representation in Hollywood.
Murillo also designed the set for the second season of “HALO the Series: Declassified,” a show that offers viewers an inside look at “Halo,” Paramount’s science fiction series. Murillo’s set is an expanded and enhanced version of his production design from the first season. “HALO the Series: Declassified” had a national launch party on Monday, February, 5 on all social media platforms.
Throughout February and early March, Murillo’s work was also central to the theatre production, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” performed at Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles.
Murillo was the set designer for the production. The play was part of the GreenwayREADS program which partners with local high schools to provide students with a copy of the novel and a field trip to see the stage adaptation.
“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” is a novel written by Erika L. Sanchez. The play was adapted by Isaac Gomez and directed by Sara Guerrero. The lead role was played by a UCR alumna, Gabriela (Gabby) Machuca.