Although Dominic Dawson had no initial plans to become a costume designer, he found that this allowed him to get more in touch with the story and the characters. “I actually went to NYU to direct,” says Dawson, “and while I was directing, I was so obsessed with the history of clothing.”
Based on the comic of the same name, ZDM Follows Z (Rosario Dawson), an ambulance who travels to the DMZ, or demilitarized zone, to look for her son. Eight years ago, Z divorced her son when he fled Manhattan before it became a war zone. While searching for him, Z meets an old friend in Wilson (Hun Lee) and must fight an old enemy, Parko (Benjamin Bratt), his (Freddie Myres) muscular skeleton.
Dawson worked closely ZDM Showrunner Roberto Patino to create the DMZ style. Dawson says they decided the most important thing was to “get into the heart of New York.” We wanted to be able to show the melting pot of all these different cultures and classes and keep it as raw and real as possible. “
“Everyone has to be very creative,” he says, “and the ingenuity to establish that cult look … They take it seriously because you represent your team wherever you go.” “They paint their identities, so it’s clear when they go to the DMZ who they belong to and who is behind them.”
Another important aspect of the DMZ was the struggle for political power that ignited a “new idea of what politicians are like” between Chinatown Wilson and Harlem Kings Park. “It was all subtle,” Dawson said.
“I really wanted to show Z the evolution of his character,” he says. . Within a day and a half he realizes that “oh, not only is my son here, but he could really earn a grade here” and he realizes what his position will be. This opening, a real awakening, I showed him to change the wardrobe to more earthy tones and get rid of the layers, and finally he ends up in an ivory dress, down to the legs, that’s when he really, really comes to his senses and played the main role. “
Click on the video above to see the full interview.
Source: Deadline
