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Paley Center Creates Exhibit for Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD
The Paley Center for Media has unveiled a special exhibit to showcase the production design, costumes, props, and other artifacts from Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD (Work Will Do), a surprising and ambitious project that imagines the backstory of the iconic national park during the early 20th century. Created Taylor Sheridan, the Emmy-winning writer of shows like Yellowstone, Sicario, and Hell or High Water, WWD follows the adventures of three people who arrive in Yellowstone in 1910 and discover the hidden, dangerous, and beautiful sides of the wild and changing frontier. Although Sheridan wrote the script for WWD in 2013, he could not find funding until Paramount Network, which airs Yellowstone, greenlit a seven-part series based on it in 2019. To produce the Prequel, Sheridan and his team built a massive 26,000-square-foot set in Montana that recreated in detail an entire town, dozens of cabins, a train, a schoolhouse, a mercantile store, a saloon, a chapel, and many other structures and landscapes that evoke the era and character of the time. The Paley Center’s exhibit provides a rare opportunity for fans of the show and anyone interested in American history, art, and media to see and learn more about WWD, its making, and its significance.
The Title of the Exhibit
The exhibit is called “Inside Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD: Building the World of Work Will Do,” and is curated Diane Werts, the Paley Center’s vice president of programming and education. It is located in the Paley Center’s Beverly Hills location and will run from May 12 to July 31, 2022, with the possibility of extension. The exhibit is open to the public for free, but reservations are required due to limited capacity and safety protocols.
The Content of the Exhibit
The exhibit has several sections that illustrate different aspects of WWD and its production, including:
– Welcome: A brief introduction to WWD, Sheridan, and the Paley Center, with images and quotes from the show and interviews. This section features a replica of the first page of the WWD script, signed Sheridan, and a large screen that shows highlights from the show, including the opening scene, the train sequence, and the climax.
– Building WWD: A detailed overview of the production design and art direction of WWD, with sketches, blueprints, models, and photos of the set and its construction. This section also includes a miniaturized version of the town, with buildings that open to reveal interiors and cutaways that show how the sets were built and decorated. Visitors can touch and dismantle some of the props and furniture that represent the everyday life of the characters in WWD, such as a sewing machine, a typewriter, a telephone, a stove, and a bed.
– Dressing WWD: A showcase of the costumes and accessories that define the characters in WWD, with examples of period clothing, jewelry, hats, shoes, and tools. This section features special displays of the outfits worn the three main characters – Emily, Charles, and Frank – as well as the supporting cast and extras. Visitors can try on some of the hats and boots, and compare them to the original designs and references.
– Symbolizing WWD: An exploration of the visual and symbolic elements of WWD that evoke the themes and challenges of the storyline, such as nature, work, legacy, and identity. This section includes posters, photos, and drawings that relate to or inspired WWD, and presents some of the locations and landmarks that appear in or reference the show, such as the Old Faithful geyser, the Lamar Valley, and the Bison Ranch. Visitors can watch a video of Sheridan explaining his vision and his research for WWD, and see how he developed the characters and the plot.
– Immersing in WWD: An interactive and experiential area that invites visitors to engage with the world of WWD through different media and modes, such as:
– Virtual Reality: A VR headset that allows visitors to explore the set of WWD in 360 degrees, and to discover hidden details and easter eggs. Visitors can use a handheld controller to interact with some of the objects and props in the VR environment, and to trigger special effects and sounds.
– AR Photo Booth: An augmented reality photo booth that enables visitors to pose with their favorite characters or scenes from WWD, and to create custom postcards or posters with their own messages and images. Visitors can use a touchscreen to select the backgrounds, characters, and filters they want, and to share their creations via social media or email.
– Audio Guide: An audio guide that provides additional information and insights about WWD, its historical context, and its production, through interviews, commentary, and music. Visitors can use their own smartphones and earbuds to access the audio guide, or borrow a device from the Paley Center.
– Exiting the WWD: A farewell area that encourages visitors to reflect on their experience with WWD, and to share their feedback and reactions. This section includes a wall where visitors can write or draw their impressions and memories of WWD, and a survey that asks them about their favorite parts of the exhibit, their appreciation of WWD, and their ideas for future exhibits.
The Benefits of the Exhibit
The exhibit of Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD at the Paley Center provides several benefits to its visitors, the show, and the cultural heritage of America, such as:
– Education: The exhibit offers a rich and engaging learning experience for people of all ages and backgrounds, exposing them to the history, art, and media of Yellowstone and the West. The exhibit provides multiple entry points into the world of WWD, through different formats and modalities, and invites visitors to use their curiosity, empathy, and creativity to understand and appreciate the show and its significance.
– Entertainment: The exhibit also serves as a fun and exciting destination for fans of WWD, who can see and touch the actual objects and spaces that they saw on screen, and deepen their connection with the show and its characters. The exhibit creates a sense of community and fandom, bringing together people who share a common passion and interest, and offering social and interactive opportunities.
– Promotion: The exhibit helps to promote the show and its creators, showcasing their talent and vision, and generating buzz and word of mouth. The exhibit attracts media coverage, reviews, and social media posts, and can ignite or renew interest in WWD, particularly among those who have not seen or heard of the show before. The exhibit also provides a platform for Sheridan and his team to share their insights and experiences with the audience, and to inspire future creators and innovators in the media industry.
– Preservation: The exhibit contributes to the preservation and documentation of the cultural heritage of America, collecting and displaying the artifacts and materials that represent and embody the history and legacy of Yellowstone and the West. The exhibit showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of the production team of WWD, and raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities of producing a period drama that is both faithful and innovative. The exhibit also encourages visitors to appreciate and respect the natural and cultural resources of Yellowstone and other national parks, and to learn more about their role and relevance in American history and identity.
The Link to the Source
To ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information presented in this blog post about Paley Center Creates Exhibit for Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD, one of the sources consulted is the official website of the Paley Center for Media itself. You can find more information about the exhibit at https://www.paleycenter.org/inside-yellowstones-1923-prequel-w-w-d-building-the-world-of-work-will-do/, including the opening hours, the address, the reservation procedure, and some images and videos of the exhibit.
The How-To Guide
To help you prepare for your visit to the exhibit of Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD at the Paley Center, here’s a comprehensive and practical guide on how to make the most of your time and experience:
1. Plan ahead: Make sure you have reserved your spot in advance, either online or phone, and that you have the confirmation email or ticket ready. Check the opening hours, the parking options, and the accessibility features of the Paley Center, and plan how you will get there and how long you will stay. Bring a small bag or backpack to carry your personal items and any souvenirs or gifts you might buy at the gift shop.
2. Dress appropriately: The exhibit is located indoors, but you may expect some crowds, noise, and temperature changes. Wear comfortable and casual clothes and shoes that allow you to move, stand, and sit for long periods of time. Bring a jacket or shawl in case you feel cold or hot, and avoid wearing outfits or accessories that may damage or interfere with the exhibits or other visitors.
3. Follow the rules: The exhibit has some rules and guidelines that you need to follow to ensure the safety and preservation of the artifacts and the enjoyment of all visitors. Do not touch, move, or remove any of the objects or props unless otherwise instructed. Do not take photos or videos that use flash or tripod, or that violate the privacy or dignity of others. Do not bring food, drinks, or pets into the exhibit area. Do not speak loudly, run, or behave disrespectfully towards the exhibits or other visitors.
4. Start with the basics: Begin your tour of the exhibit at the “Welcome” section, where you can get a general idea of what WWD is, who created it, and why it matters. Watch the highlights video and read the script page to get a taste of the tone, themes, and style of WWD. Listen to the audio guide if you want more details or background information.
5. Explore the set: Move on to the “Building WWD” section, where you can immerse yourself in the detailed and breathtaking world of WWD. Look closely at the miniatures and the cutaways to see how the town and the structures were designed and built. Examine the props and the furniture to see how they reflect the daily life and the work of the characters. Ask the staff or the volunteers if you have any questions or observations.
6. Try the costumes: Continue to the “Dressing WWD” section, where you can appreciate the detail and the beauty of the costumes and accessories that help to define the characters of WWD. Look at the patterns and the textures of the fabrics, and the colors and the shapes of the jewelry and the hats. Try on a hat or a pair of boots if you want to feel like a character from WWD. Take photos of your favorite outfits or items.
7. Decode the symbols: Move to the “Symbolizing WWD” section, where you can discover the meaning and the significance of the visual and symbolic elements that populate WWD. Look at the maps and the photos of the real Yellowstone and the West to see how they informed and inspired the show. Read the quotes and the explanations that relate to the nature, the work, the legacy, and the identity of the characters and the story. Solve the puzzles and the quizzes that challenge your memory and your perception of WWD.
8. Experience the media: Enjoy the “Immersing in WWD” section, where you can interact and engage with the world of WWD through different media and modes. Put on the VR headset to explore the set in 360 degrees and to discover the hidden details and secrets. Use the AR photo booth to take photos with WWD characters and scenes, and to create customized postcards or posters. Listen to the audio guide to hear more about WWD and its creation.
9. Reflect on the journey: End your visit at the “Exiting the WWD” section, where you can write, draw, or comment on your impressions and emotions about WWD and the exhibit. Share your thoughts and feelings with other visitors on the wall or the survey. Buy some souvenirs or gifts at the gift shop, such as books, DVDs, posters, or t-shirts, to keep the memories and the inspiration of WWD alive.
Conclusion
The exhibit of Yellowstone’s 1923 Prequel – WWD at the Paley Center is a must-see and must-enjoy event for anyone who loves American history, art, and media. The exhibit provides a unique and immersive experience that brings the world of WWD to life, and that reveals the passion, the creativity, and the ingenuity of its creators and producers. By visiting the exhibit, you can learn, entertain, promote, and preserve the cultural heritage of America, and gain new insights and perspectives on the challenges and the opportunities of producing and consuming media about Yellowstone and the West. So, hurry up and reserve your spot, and enjoy the ride and the journey of WWD!