Even as Yellowstone reaches its conclusion, Taylor Sheridan’s latest series, Landman, is further establishing his reputation as a masterful showrunner. Both series unfold in contemporary settings but delve into distinct narratives: Yellowstone portrays the intricate dynamics within a ranching family, the Broken Rock Indian reservation, and encroaching land developers, while Landman takes viewers into the ruthless oil industry of West Texas. Despite these disparate storylines, Sheridan’s signature approach to authentic storytelling and gritty characters creates a sense of continuity across his television oeuvre.
Part of this coherence stems from his consistent collaboration with a select group of industry professionals, including hair department head Tim Muir. Having contributed to Yellowstone, its spinoffs 1883 and 1923, as well as Landman, Muir has honed his craft, even styling for the climactic finale of Yellowstone. He also brings experience from high-profile films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home.
In an insightful dialogue with ScreenRant, Muir shares his experiences working on both series, touching on his favorite character looks, his collaboration methods, and strategies for maintaining continuity despite extended shooting breaks. Muir also discusses how his personal ties to Texas influence his creative decisions regarding character appearances throughout Landman.
Tim Muir Discusses Character Influence on His Work in Landman and Yellowstone
Collaboration with Taylor Sheridan and Drawing from Personal Experience
ScreenRant: You have collaborated on numerous projects with Taylor Sheridan. How is that partnership, and how much input does he have regarding your work?
Tim Muir: Taylor is involved in every aspect of production. I truly appreciate our collaborative process. It’s vital to brainstorm ideas with the creator, writer, and director. Without a doubt, he contributes thoughts for every department.
When you receive a screenplay, how do you approach the hairstyles, given they are typically not specified?
Tim Muir: The design of a character’s hairstyle hinges on their identity. I consider factors like skin tone, face shape, and hair color, but ultimately, the character’s essence drives the hairstyle choices. Collaboration with the costume and makeup teams, along with our writer and showrunner, is essential in crafting a cohesive character look.
Are there any looks or characters across Landman and Yellowstone that posed significant challenges for you?
Tim Muir: Most looks in both series are contemporary, which simplifies the process. In Landman, my experiences in Texas offer me insights into local fashion trends across different social strata. For instance, I’m familiar with both affluent styles and everyday Texan looks.
In Yellowstone, every character possesses a unique appearance. Take Beth, for example: her intentionally messy, frizzy hairstyle symbolizes her troubled upbringing and challenges in expressing vulnerability. Conversely, Jamie’s meticulously styled hair represents his desire for perfection, while Kacey reflects a blend of cultural influences.
Do personal connections influence your designs for the Texas characters?
Tim Muir: Absolutely. My daughter’s experiences in high school provide me with insights into teen trends. Texas is a rich tapestry of cultural influences, which also informs my character creations. Notably, I draw inspiration from influential local figures, ensuring that our portrayals remain authentic to Texas’s social landscape.
Navigating Audience Expectations in Character Design
Balancing Familiarity and Freshness in Celebrity Hairstyles
Working with iconic actors like Jon Hamm and Demi Moore, do preconceptions about their looks pose challenges for you?
Tim Muir: They do present challenges. For instance, we used a wig for Demi in Landman to create a different aesthetic since she typically has long hair. With Jon Hamm, he carries a clean-cut persona as well. However, since our series are contemporary, we rely on the actors to embody their characters fully. Billy Bob’s recent Golden Globe nomination is exciting, especially with this incredible cast!
Unique Continuity Challenges Faced by Yellowstone and Landman
Creative Solutions for Continuity in Yellowstone’s Season 5
While Landman presents a shorter narrative span, filming took months. What does it take to preserve character looks throughout production?
Tim Muir: I handle most hair colors and styles. With stars like Ali and Michelle, maintaining their blonde hues requires weekly treatments to preserve hair health. It demands patience and continuous effort to uphold the integrity of their looks throughout filming.
Considering the filming hiatus due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes during Yellowstone, how did you manage continuity when production resumed?
Tim Muir: Resuming filming for season 5B was seamless, but we navigated some challenges due to long breaks. For example, we had to refresh Kelly’s auburn to strawberry blonde while dealing with varying hair lengths. Our talented team maintains a rigorous focus on continuity, documenting different looks and ensuring accuracy for each character.
Muir Highlights His Favorite Looks from Landman and Yellowstone
Standout Styles: Ali Larter in Landman and Cole Hauser in Yellowstone
What are some of your standout looks from Landman?
Tim Muir: I am proud of each character’s look, especially Angela’s extravagant styles. During her scene with the Italian dinner, we crafted a ‘mob wife’ aesthetic that resonates with over-the-top Texas glamour while feeling authentic. Collaborating with her character’s design has been particularly rewarding.
Are there looks from Yellowstone that especially resonate with you as well?
Tim Muir: I cherish all the looks in Yellowstone, especially Cole Hauser’s transformation from a light blonde to a dark character, showcasing our versatility. Beth’s style captivates me, reflecting beauty in its chaotic form, while Teeter’s pink hair exhibits a fun and spontaneous flair. After seven years, my appreciation for these characters’ looks only continues to grow.
Discover More About Landman
Created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, Landman delves into the intriguing dynamics of roughnecks and billionaires within the modern Texas oil landscape. Starring an impressive cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Michelle Randolph, Ali Larter, Demi Moore, and Jon Hamm, the series explores the highs and lows of this unique world.
Catch new episodes of Landman airing Sundays on Paramount+.
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