Production Designer Keith P. Cunningham Discusses Creating an Authentic World That Appears Unintentionally Crafted

      The story unfolds in the unassuming setting of Delco, or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a suburban area just outside Philadelphia characterized by a blend of blue-collar and white-collar residents, many of whom pronounce "water" with a distinct "d" sound.

      Keith P. Cunningham, the production designer for the series, aimed to portray the essence of the region while ensuring that the aesthetic remained straightforward.

      “We immersed ourselves in the surroundings and the community—the aromas, the cuisine, as well as the accents and various details,” Cunningham explains. “We ended up selecting some of our preferred elements that resonate with the scripts.”

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      The show is the brainchild of Brad Ingelsby, who was raised near Delco and previously developed "Mare of Easttown," the 2021 Emmy-winning miniseries also set in the Philadelphia area. Mark Ruffalo plays Tom Brandis, a priest-turned-FBI agent who oversees a task force investigating a string of robberies. Tom Pelphrey portrays Robbie Prendergrast, a garbage collector who leads a gang that robs trap houses, leading to tumultuous events.

      Set in one of the United States' oldest regions, the series showcases homes and furnishings that have often been in families for generations.

      “One of our main thematic approaches for the show is to discover locations that seem a bit frozen in time,” Cunningham remarks. “Though not strictly period pieces, they definitely reflect the environment we explored.”

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      "Task," which has already been renewed for a second season, utilized over 100 locations for its inaugural run. Much of the action occurs within homes, and Cunningham maintains a list of potential spaces to fit the needs of the scripts.

      “We enjoy collecting options as we progress,” Cunningham says. “Think of it as assembling puzzle pieces.”

      The primary characters’ living spaces were constructed on sets, which posed challenges for the camera work but ultimately contributed to the overall atmosphere. Their environments mirror their personalities: Pelphrey’s character, energetic and physical, has an unkempt space with open drawers and scattered items, whereas Ruffalo’s more reserved character has a tidy, muted gray area where everything is neatly put away.

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      Throughout the process, the production designer was committed to ensuring that the focus remained on the characters.

      “Nothing should ever feel overly deliberate,” Cunningham states. “We want to avoid anything that seems disingenuous.”

      He notes that working within these design parameters involves collaboration across departments. Team members reference early presentations to align on the tone and adjust as needed throughout production.

      “Everyone has some flexibility within the overarching guidelines to navigate,” he says. “In the end, it feels like we’ve fostered a cohesive creation across all our departments.”

      "Task" is currently streaming on HBO Max. You can find more of our interviews with Emmy contenders here.

      Main image: Keith P. Cunningham, production designer for "Task," aimed for the show’s locales to evoke a sense of being “a little stuck in time.” HBO.