Dancing with the Stars Production Designer James Yarnell | Wicked Night, Live TV Set Design, and the Mirrorball Trophy

Dancing with the Stars has to deliver a brand-new world every week — live — with choreography, cameras, lighting, and set changes happening at full speed. In this episode of Decorating Pages, Emmy-winning set decorator and host Kim Wannop talks with Production Designer James Yarnell, a 20-year DWTS veteran and ADG-nominated for the show’s “Wicked” episode.

James breaks down how the DWTS ballroom is designed around the true priority: the dance floor — including how camera movement is choreographed alongside the dancers, how theme weeks are executed on a brutal weekly timeline, and how scenic builds, props, screens, and projection all have to work together without slowing down a live broadcast.

Plus: the iconic detail you didn’t know you needed — James literally designed the Mirrorball trophy, and later redesigned it into the Len Goodman Trophy.

If you love production design, set decoration, live television, and behind-the-scenes craft stories, this one’s a must.

👉 Get the FREE Quick Reference Set Decorating Template: www.decoratingpagespodcast.com

Discover the Art of TV & Film Design with Decorating Pages Podcast

Hosted by Emmy-winning Set Decorator Kim Wannop, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of your favorite shows and movies. Each episode features in-depth conversations with the industry’s top production designers, set decorators, prop masters, and art department professionals, offering rare insight into the creative process of visual storytelling.

Whether you’re a film and TV fan, aspiring designer, or entertainment industry pro, Decorating Pages Podcast is your backstage pass to the world of production design. Learn how sets are built, stories are shaped visually, and characters come to life—one episode at a time.

🔔 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.

📲 Follow for daily design contentInstagram: @decoratingpagesTikTok: @decoratingpagespodcastYouTube: Decorating Pages Podcast

🎬 Explore More from Decorating PagesLove the behind-the-scenes world of TV + film design? Check out these exclusive resources curated by Kim Wannop, Emmy-winning Set Decorator and host of Decorating Pages Podcast:

🎓 Learn Set DecoratingTake my Set Decorating Masterclass—15 audio lessons packed with insider tips for breaking into the film & TV industry. Includes FREE Quick Reference Template. Start here: https://www.decoratingpagespodcast.com/masterclass