“Every show is about telling a story,” reflects Julio Himede in an exclusive conversation with STIR. As a production designer, his craft lies in transforming abstract narratives into spectacular visuals that captivate audiences whether immersed in the venue or watching from afar. His designs transcend mere backdrops; they are integral characters in the story, embodying the spirit of each production. Over the years, Himede has crafted environments for some of the most iconic global events, from the glittering stages of the BAFTA awards to the multifaceted spectacle of Eurovision and beyond. His New York-based practice, Yellow Studio operates at the intersection of art and technology, transforming concepts into physical realities that blend identity, culture and functionality.

After graduating from Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Himede began his journey by delving into set design and costume design, gaining valuable experience through collaborations with industry professionals. “We had the chance to work on real projects, from operas to plays, under the guidance of production designers who were actively working in the industry,” he recalls. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for his successful career.

Winning a BAFTA for his work on Eurovision 2023 in London marked a significant milestone. The design challenges for the event were unique and layered. "Eurovision is about celebrating talent and diversity through music," Himede explains. “Each host country requires a design that reflects its identity and culture while also accommodating up to 40 performances, each with its own visual and cultural narrative. The set must simultaneously make a bold statement and transform seamlessly to support individual performance.”

The designer’s portfolio extends across projects like the BAFTA Awards, where the emphasis shifts to celebrating film and television. "The BAFTA mask is a globally recognised symbol. Each year, the challenge is to reimagine the stage design to match the celebratory tone of the evening while keeping it elegant and entertaining for both live and at-home audiences."

For Himede, tailoring his design approach to different genres is fundamentally about storytelling. "Whether it’s a musical, a music competition, or an award show, the goal is the same; to convey a message," he says. Research plays a pivotal role in his process, whether it's diving into the script of a musical or studying the cultural significance of a global event like Eurovision. "We aim to understand the essence of the story or event and use that as our starting point."

This extensive research often takes Himede and his team beyond the studio to explore their artistic vision. “We draw inspiration from everything, whether it is galleries, architecture, music or films. Being in New York helps, as it’s a cultural melting pot, but we also travel extensively. A building in Seoul or an art installation in Paris can spark ideas that transform a stage.”

Reflecting on his career, the designer points to defining moments like working on the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). “Growing up, the VMAs were the highlight of my television year. Designing that show was like fulfilling a childhood dream,” he recalls. Similarly, working on Eurovision, too, holds a special place in his heart, having watched it religiously as a child in Australia. “It’s surreal to now be part of something I admired from afar,” he admits.

However, one of the earliest and most impactful moments in his career came during the 2000 Sydney Olympics where his love for live design was born, shaping the path of his future projects. “That was my introduction to the thrill of live events,” Himede says. “Knowing you have just one chance to get it right; it’s terrifying but exhilarating.”

The production designer’s ethos thrives on striking a balance between respecting traditional sensibilities such as the elegance and grandeur associated with iconic events while crafting something fresh and memorable. When asked about designing for time-honoured events like the BAFTAs, Himede shared that his approach remains rooted in his signature minimalistic style.

I believe in the power of a minimal brushstroke approach. I focus on telling a story through simplicity, allowing the elegance of the event to shine through without overwhelming it. – Julio Himede

Designing for live broadcasts presents another unique challenge; crafting a sense of scale that resonates both on-site and through screens of varying sizes. Himede emphasises the importance of creating relatable environments that work efficiently for cameras. Collaborating closely with directors and producers, he ensures the designs allow the cameras to navigate freely, capturing every emotion and detail to narrate the story effectively.

For Himede, the emotional connection between the audience and the performer is paramount. “We always ask how we can bring the audience closer to the protagonist, whether it’s a musician, an actor, or a host,” he explains. This approach was evident in a TikTok Music Festival his studio designed, where artists engaged with audiences directly through their phones. “The intimacy created by those moments is powerful,” he says. “It’s about capturing emotions and making them resonate, whether you’re in the venue or watching on a screen.”

For Himede, collaboration is as crucial as sustaining a cohesive aesthetic, forming a core element of his practice. Whether working with creative directors, artists, or producers, the designer sees partnerships as opportunities to elevate his creations. Reflecting on his recent projects, he cites his collaboration on a show for fashion designer Elie Saab in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh as a perfect example. By teaming up with French production company Obo Global, Himede combined his expertise in live productions with their refined understanding of fashion.

This collaborative spirit also played a vital role in his design for the 30th anniversary celebration of Beauty and the Beast. Partnering with Walt Disney and other artists, Himede had access to original hand sketches from the animated classic, which he integrated into an operatic live production. For the Grammys, his partnerships extended into the digital realm, bringing in visual artist Refik Anadol to develop mesmerising screen graphics. “He really kind of listened to our brief and took our design to another level,” he shares.

Looking to the future, Himede’s imagination is as ambitious as his portfolio. He envisions integrating technology like drones into performance environments in more immersive ways. “Imagine an artist performing around a sea of drones,” he muses, intertwining the distinctions between reality and virtuality in groundbreaking ways. His studio is also embarking on its first musical, marking an exciting new chapter. “We’re still in the romantic period of designing,” he says with enthusiasm for the possibilities ahead.