Above: Randall’s Living Room Set Photo: Gary Frutkoff
The large black and white photograph of a tree in Randall’s living room provides a perfect symbol for the show which deals with various parts of the family’s ups and downs during different time periods.
I still have not found out anything about the artwork on the sets of This Is Us and I’m not the only one since a few fans have reached out to me for information about the tree photograph in Randall’s living room.
I did find this on a “Set Decor” interview with the Director & Executive Producer of This Is Us Ken Olin. Snippett:
SET DECOR: And then, this is what happens often…the set decorator having people ask where a piece of art came from, or a rug or a pillow, because they so have fallen in love with it or identify with it. That certainly has been happening with Beth, particularly about one of the key pieces in there, the huge framed photograph of the tree.
And, I’m sure you know the story, about Beth coming across that photograph and thinking it would be such a perfect representation of Randall, his search for his roots, trying to complete his family tree…
Olin: Oh, yes. I remember she talked about this with me, but that was when I first saw it, a long time ago, which is beautiful. It’s so subtle really, and it doesn’t matter if anyone ever knows that. But it’s there. That’s the kind of care that goes into the set.
https://www.setdecorators.org/?art=film_decor_features&SHOW=directors_chair_Ken_Olin
The home of Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and his wife, Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) in New Jersey is a contemporary contrast to the Pittsburgh set. “They have real good taste,” he says. “I think part of Randall is always trying to fight what he grew up in. From early on, he was after success and trying to define himself.”
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/this-is-us-set-design-slideshow
You know which tree. The tree. Hot tip: It’s located somewhere in Van Nuys’ sprawling Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park next to some water and a bench. Good luck!