Dark Shadows In Their Own Words: Sets and Special Effects

While drawn to the interviews by the cast members (see more detail on the videos below), I found that some of the production staff members shared great information. Sy Tomashoff as the Scenic Designer gives insights in how the sets really made the show work. Dan Curtis tells of feeling like a little boy when he saw the completed sets the night before filming was to begin. Production staff members explain how some of their special effects were used beyond Dark Shadows in this era of analog before the digital world took over and effects are now done much differently.
With the release of Dark Shadows on videotape and DVD, MPI Video included a series of about 120 interviews that were recorded over a period of years. One of these 5-10 minute interviews would play at the end of each DVD. Those interviewed included Dan Curtis, the Creator/Executive Producer, as well as Directors, Cameramen, and many other crew members. There were also a number of interviews of some of our favorite cast members.
I found these interviews fascinating. As I viewed them, I found that themes emerged, likely because those being interviewed were asked the same questions. These themes included: how did you come to Dark Shadows, who were some of your favorite cast members (asked of production and crew members as well), what was it like to be a part of, and why do you think it lasted. Many other questions were geared to the person being interviewed that created some great content. These themes led me to the videos that I have put together. I have a long list so expect more to come. I call the series In Their Own Words because the people being interviewed are telling the whole story. There is the sadness that some of our favorite cast members: Joel Crothers, Grayson Hall, Thayer David, and Joan Bennett passed away before the series of interviews was started.

[@karentarr8930]

The special effects were great, way ahead of your time ty for giving us this wonderful story of Dark Shadows🐾🐈‍⬛🦇

[@capturedangel139]

Very fascinating how some of the special effects were done before digital.

[@darkshadowsfansunite8140]

Thank you. It is amazing and there is an innocence about that era in TV. I also replied to your commenting about enjoying a number of my videos. Working on David Selby/Lara Parker right now.

[@capturedangel139]

@@darkshadowsfansunite8140 Thank you for your responses! I used to watch Dark Shadows when I was in junior high school, and now at 68 years of age I am rediscovering it and loving it!

[@darkshadowsfansunite8140]

@@capturedangel139 We have some similarities. I, too, watch it when it was first on, left it for a while, and am back. I should have the David Selby, Kate Jackson, Lara Parker piece ready to post sometime Tuesday (1-18)

[@andiorl]

Thank you I enjoyed this

[@melaniew4354]

I enjoyed this, I've been looking for discussion about the sets. Would love to know more about where they got all those antiques and where some of them ended up. Did they just throw all the sets away once the show was over?

[@darkshadowsfansunite8140]

I just posted the full interviews for Sy Tomashoff. There were two. You should find more detail about the sets and effects. Try searching Sy Tomashoff part 1 (watch the spelling). I just tried the search and it popped up!