About
"I always try to pay close attention to the needs of the show as far as what type of show it is. My style is not to overwhelm the performer or whoever is in front of us."
In his one-hour interview, Dick Stiles (1933-2008) speaks about his early years and his interest in art, as well as his first foray into television at the University of Texas at Houston's station, KUHT. He recalls moving to Los Angeles and working as a CBS page until he was promoted to draftsman on The Red Skelton Show. He speaks about working at CBS' Television City and the introduction of color technology, as well as about the craft of drafting and art direction. He details his work on various other productions, culminating in a 27-year career as the art director of Wheel of Fortune. He also speaks about his contributions in the selection of artists and the creation of sculptures in the plaza of the Television Academy's headquarters. Karen Herman conducted the interview on June 21, 2003 in North Hollywood, CA.
Highlights
Dick Stiles on the Wheel of Fortune puzzle board and wheel
Dick Stiles on his sculpture of Carol Burnett that resides as part of the Television Academy Plaza
Dick Stiles on becoming involved with the sculptures at Television Academy Plaza
Dick Stiles on the hosts of Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on creating the Rod Serling sculpture in the Television Academy Plaza
Dick Stiles on the biggest challenge of doing art direction for Wheel of Fortune
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his early life and influences; on participating in theater in high school and college; on the first time he saw television and on getting involved with stage design
On getting into radio and television production and his first paying job in television; on working at CBS Television City as a page in the early '60s and on becoming a draftsman for The Red Skelton Show; on doing production design for The Wizard of Odds
On acting as assistant art director for The Don Knotts Show; on acting as assistant art director for Peyton Place
Chapter 2
On doing art direction for Scarecrow with Jan Scott; on doing art direction for Awake and Sing; on doing art direction for Toy Pony
On doing art direction for Wheel of Fortune; on the prizes of Wheel of Fortune and on working with Merv Griffin; on the puzzle board and wheel on the show
On a typical Wheel of Fortune production schedule and on the direction of the show; on the hosts of Wheel of Fortune and on the biggest challenge of the show; on the popularity of Wheel of Fortune and on leaving the show
On becoming involved with the sculptures at Television Academy Plaza; on creating the Rod Serling sculpture in the Television Academy Plaza
Chapter 3
On being a member of the Television Academy and on the artists chosen to make the sculptures for the Television Academy Plaza; on the fountain and layout of the Television Academy Plaza; on advice to an aspiring art director, his style, and how he'd like to be remembered
Dick Stiles on his sculpture of Carol Burnett that resides as part of the Television Academy Plaza
Shows
Carol Burnett Show, The (1967-78)
Dick Stiles on his sculpture of Carol Burnett that resides as part of the Television Academy Plaza
Don Knotts Show, The
Dick Stiles on acting as assistant art director for The Don Knotts Show
Peyton Place
Dick Stiles on acting as assistant art director for Peyton Place
Red Skelton Show, The
Dick Stiles on working at CBS Television City as a page in the early '60s and on becoming a draftsman for The Red Skelton Show
Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on doing art direction for Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on the prizes of Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on working with Merv Griffin on Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on the Wheel of Fortune puzzle board and wheel
Dick Stiles on a typical Wheel of Fortune production schedule and on the direction of the show
Dick Stiles on the hosts of Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on the biggest challenge of doing art direction for Wheel of Fortune
Dick Stiles on the popularity of Wheel of Fortune and on being on set during filming
Dick Stiles on leaving Wheel of Fortune
Topics
Advice
Dick Stiles on advice to an aspiring art director
Television Industry
Dick Stiles on advice to an aspiring art director
Professions
Art Director/Set Decorator
Dick Stiles on advice to an aspiring art director
Dick Stiles on his style as an art director and sculptor and on how he'd like to be remembered
Designers
Dick Stiles on advice to an aspiring art director
Dick Stiles on his style as an art director and sculptor and on how he'd like to be remembered
Genres
Children's Programming
Dick Stiles on doing art direction for Toy Pony
Comedy Series
Dick Stiles on acting as assistant art director for The Don Knotts Show
Daytime/Primetime Serials
Dick Stiles on acting as assistant art director for Peyton Place
Game Shows
Dick Stiles on doing production design for The Wizard of Odds
Dick Stiles on doing art direction for Wheel of Fortune
Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
Dick Stiles on working at CBS Television City as a page in the early '60s and on becoming a draftsman for The Red Skelton Show
TV Movies/Miniseries/Dramatic Specials
Dick Stiles on doing art direction for Scarecrow with Jan Scott
Dick Stiles on doing art direction for Awake and Sing
People
Carol Burnett
Dick Stiles on his sculpture of Carol Burnett that resides as part of the Television Academy Plaza
Merv Griffin
Dick Stiles on working with Merv Griffin on Wheel of Fortune
Pat Sajak
Dick Stiles on the hosts of Wheel of Fortune: Pat Sajak
Jan Scott
Dick Stiles on doing art direction for Scarecrow with Jan Scott
Rod Serling
Dick Stiles on creating the Rod Serling sculpture in the Television Academy Plaza
Red Skelton
Dick Stiles on working at CBS Television City as a page in the early '60s and on becoming a draftsman for The Red Skelton Show
Susan Stafford
Dick Stiles on the hosts of Wheel of Fortune: Susan Stafford
Vanna White
Dick Stiles on the hosts of Wheel of Fortune:Vanna White