Task Production Designer Keith P. Cunningham Discusses Creating a World That Feels Natural and Undesigned

      The story unfolds in the down-to-earth setting of Delco, or Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the suburbs near Philadelphia, characterized by a blend of blue-collar and white-collar workers, with many locals who pronounce "water" with a d.

      Keith P. Cunningham, the show's production designer, aimed to reflect the essence of the area without making it look overly elaborate.

      “We absorbed the surroundings and the people—the smells, the food, and, of course, the accents,” Cunningham explains. “We ended up selecting our favorite elements that resonate with the scripts.”

      This show, produced by Brad Ingelsby, who grew up near Delco and previously created the Emmy-winning mini-series Mare of Easttown, is set outside Philadelphia. Mark Ruffalo stars as Tom Brandis, a priest-turned-FBI agent leading a task force investigating a series of robberies, while Tom Pelphrey plays Robbie Prendergrast, a garbage collector who heads a crew that robs trap houses, leading to chaotic situations.

      Set in one of the oldest regions in the United States, the show showcases homes and furnishings that have been handed down through generations.

      “One of our main thematic approaches for the show is to locate places that feel a bit frozen in time,” Cunningham remarks. “So while it’s not exactly historical, it definitely feels like the environment we experienced.”

      Having been renewed for a second season, Task utilized over 100 locations for its first season. Much of the filming takes place inside residences, and Cunningham keeps a list of potential spaces to fulfill the script's requirements.

      “We enjoy gathering elements as we progress,” Cunningham notes. “Think of it as a puzzle piece.”

      The primary characters' environments were recreated on sets, which posed a challenge for the cameras but contributed to establishing the desired tone. Both characters live in spaces that mirror their personalities: Pelphrey’s character, being physical and energetic, has an untidy area with open drawers, while Ruffalo’s more reserved character has a muted gray space where everything is neatly organized.

      Throughout the process, the production designer ensured that nothing diverted attention from the characters.

      “Nothing ever appears too deliberate,” Cunningham states. “We strive for authenticity, so we don’t want anything to feel insincere.”

      Cunningham explains that creating within these design parameters spans across departments. Everyone relies on initial presentations where they compare references and agree on tone, followed by ongoing communication for adjustments.

      “Everyone has a little flexibility within the overall guidelines to navigate,” he shares. “By the conclusion, it feels as if we’ve crafted something that integrates well across all departments.”

      Task is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. You can read more of our Emmy contender interviews here.

      Main image: Task production designer Keith P. Cunningham (depicted) aimed for the show's locations to evoke a feeling of being “a little stuck in time.” HBO.