How would you describe your role within the EMAs?
I’m the creative director of the show.
Is there a big difference in the approach that you have to take when designing a set during COVID-19? How is your approach different from non-pandemic times?
The difference is HUGE, pre-covid everything was about the live experience and how the stage physically worked within the venue. Now it’s all about the TV viewer experience and pushing the visual boundaries to create gravity and physics defying set designs that are larger than life.
Did you feel pressure to further improve on the innovations used during the VMAs?
Being across both shows it’s important to keep both unique and give each show its own identity. On EMAs me, the set designer and the producers always try to have a more fun and colourful experience for the viewer and this year was no different.
Are there any aspects of the design/performances/direction that you think would have been better without the restrictions?
I big thing we are obviously all missing at the moment is the live audience and the buzz that creates. Having a combination of ZOOM and CGI fans helps but nothing can beat the real thing.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when coming up with a plan for this years’ EMAs?
The Biggest challenge was a logistical one. EMAs is a global show and we try and pull together artists from all over the world. In a normal year you could just get them on a private jet but this year traveling wasn’t an option so we had to shoot in each of their home towns. From DaBaby in Atlanta, to Sam Smith in London, Maluma in Miami and Zara Larsson in Stockholm, trying to oversee each shoot meant a lot of long nights and early mornings.
How far do you feel the ability of entertainment industries to cope with the pandemic has come since the beginning? Do you feel it’s much easier than it was?
The entertainment industry is famous for its innovation and finding creative solutions to problems, dealing with a pandemic has been no different. I think when we finally have a vaccine and come out of this we will be better for it as an industry- as we will then have the best of both worlds.
What do you want the viewers of the EMAs to feel when they watch the show?
A sense of escapism. This year has been difficult for everybody so if for the two hours of the show you can make the viewer forget about what is going on around them and let them enjoy their favourite music, laugh and dance around their living rooms then it has been a success.
You can follow him on Instagram, @paulcaslin.
