Behind the scenes of ‘The Voice’: Crafting a seamless live show
The magic of live television
Creating NBC’s “The Voice” is a monumental task that requires a finely tuned team working in perfect harmony. Now in its 13th year, the show’s success hinges on the dedication and expertise of its crew, who ensure that every live performance is delivered flawlessly to millions of viewers each week. While the judges and contestants may change, the core team behind the scenes remains steadfast, driving the show’s success with their unwavering commitment and skill.
The unpredictability of live performances
Executive producer Audrey Morrissey highlights the inherent uncertainty of live performances. Unlike pre-recorded shows, the only constant element Morrissey and her team can rely on is the list of songs to be performed. They don’t know which contestant will sing which song or who will advance each week. This unpredictability adds a layer of excitement and challenge to the production process.
“We start to think about the creative moving forward, and often that night, we’re already rehearsing with a team, with a coach, rehearsing their song on the stage, getting that out of the way,” Morrissey explains.
The synchronized efforts of the production team
From costuming and choreography to coaching and staging, every aspect of the show is meticulously planned and executed. By Wednesday, all elements are handed over to Robert Malachowski Jr., the supervising editor, who begins crafting the show’s packages. The seamless coordination between departments is crucial to the show’s success.
Production mixer Michael Abbott, who has been with the show since its inception, credits the consistency of the team for their ability to meet high expectations. “When ‘The Voice’ started, the expectations were so high that we knew we were going to bring the best we could to the business,” Abbott says.
The role of top-tier vendors and technology
Abbott emphasizes the importance of working with top-tier vendors and manufacturers to secure the latest audio equipment. This collaboration ensures that the show maintains its high production standards. Malachowski and Abbott frequently collaborate during the editing process, ensuring that the audio and visual elements are perfectly synchronized.
“I’ll say, ‘Where’s this?’ or ‘Are we hearing this correctly?’” Malachowski shares. His goal is to find the story within the hours of footage and bring the artists’ stories to life on screen.
The artistry of makeup and costume design
Makeup artist and department head Darcy Gilmore praises her team of dedicated artisans who return season after season because of the respect and fair treatment they receive. Gilmore and her team often start their day at 7 a.m., creating looks that need to last for hours. The key to their success is teamwork and collaboration with other departments.
“We don’t want to compete with wardrobe or hair,” Gilmore explains. “It’s a complicated, nuanced position because you have to be professional yourself, but you are also aware of every other person that you’re working with and trying to fit into that position with everybody and become one.”
The impact of technology on makeup artistry
With the advent of technology, audiences can now screenshot and zoom in on images, making it imperative for Gilmore and her team to avoid any mistakes. Staying ahead of trends and maintaining a focus on the show’s aesthetic is crucial to their work.
“There can’t be a smudge or any problems with the makeup,” Gilmore says. She remains laser-focused on “The Voice”, ensuring that the looks are both trendy and appropriate for the show.
Elevating the show each season
Malachowski acknowledges the challenge of elevating the show each season. From technical to creative aspects, every season brings new artists and stories, providing an opportunity to create something fresh and showcase new talent.
“It’s a challenge to elevate. From technical to creative, it’s different every season. Every artist brings something new; every story is something new, and it’s a chance to create something new and showcase people,” Malachowski admits.
A well-oiled machine
The success of “The Voice” is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its behind-the-scenes team. Their ability to adapt to the unpredictability of live performances, collaborate seamlessly, and stay ahead of trends ensures that the show continues to captivate audiences year after year. The magic of “The Voice” lies not just in the talent on stage, but in the meticulous craftsmanship and passion of the team working tirelessly behind the scenes.