Chris Van Dusen already knows how to produce a Shondaland show. The Bridgerton creator and showrunner previously worked with his executive producer on Scandal. But now it’s his turn to take the reins as he brings to life the iconic series by author Julia Quinn. The first season of the program, which aired on Netflix on Christmas Day and serves as the first series in the new giants of the streaming giant with Shona Rhimes and Shondaland productions, quickly became one of the most award-winning programs of the year and it is all thanks to the show’s sexy and futuristic nature, mixed with the environment of London’s high society.
Seventeen spoke to Chris Von Dusen about the merging of the past and present in the series, how the program continues and what fans of the series can expect.
17: This is not the first time you’re working with Shondaland, but it’s the first time you’re presenting the entire show from start to finish. How does it take that step?
Chris Von Dusen: It was amazing. It was so exciting. When Bridgerton premiere, it will take about three years since I first started working on the project. I just can not believe it’s finally here. Scandal, my previous show I was working on was coming to an end, and I was looking for something to do that was completely different from the current political intrigue in Washington, DC. With these books, after Shonda told me about them, I took them home, devoured them, and fell in love with them. It was escape, pure and simple, and it was something I was really looking for at the time. It was also a chance to re-imagine such an exciting time of abundance and beauty known as Regency in something new and fresh. Even though I like a good period show, I feel that it is often considered a bit traditional and conservative. So with Bridgerton, I wanted to show the period that I have always wanted to see and that I have not necessarily seen before.
17: You have much more freedom with Bridgerton due to the fact that it is on a streaming service. Has it changed things?
CVD: Netflix was amazing. They were nothing to me but to support me. Here is a real sense of creative freedom, which is just unmatched. I think one of the most exciting things for me is to really think about the fact that the program immediately goes to 190 countries around the world, I think it is. It’s so amazing to me, it’s amazing that the world sees it at the same time.
17: You mentioned that you wanted to create a period piece that you always wanted to see. What did you add or change to make it happen?
CVD: Everything on the program has a contemporary feel. Even though we are in the 19th century, you sometimes forget it and it is intentional. We wanted modern audiences to relate to the program and see themselves on screen. One of the first things you notice is our cast. We have the most amazing, expansive and diverse cast, not only in terms of ethnicity, but also in terms of the levels of recognition. We all have Phoebe Dynevor,
which is incredible for Regé-Jean Page that Shondalnad audience already knows him from here For the People. And of course, Julie Andrews [as the voice of Lady Whistledown]. It’s just amazing to have her and I’m so excited for the audiences to hear the words out of her mouth.
I think the tone of the show is also something you don’t get with your more traditional periods. It is very excited, daring, funny and sexy. The look of the show is lively and there is a youthfulness there. A little sparkle and effervescence to everything. This is true with everything from our set design to our costumes. Everything is rooted in the Regency period, but only slightly updated. And then of course the themes we explore on the program. We explore some very modern, related issues such as race and gender, and class and sexuality. All of these things were really part of this very interesting idea of the show marrying history and fantasy in a fascinating way.
17: Was there a moment during the making of this series that made you feel like you were making something special?
CVD: I think there’s a moment in the pilot episode, and I do not want to spoil too much, but it’s an important moment between Daphne and Simon and their love story for the season. I believe it was four o’clock in the morning. And we were in the middle of the English countryside, on this massive set with all these supporting artists, and our actors did this amazing choreographed dance under these sea fireworks in the air. Many of the fireworks were practical and done on set. I was just sitting in a video village and it was a moment for me, not only as the forerunner, but also [as a fan] of the show. Daphne and Simon – Phoebe and Regé – along with the chemistry they had, were electric and tangible. At that point, I think we all knew it was going to be something special.
17: Fans are always hesitant when looking at a book to adjust the screen. What do you want fans of the book series to know before diving?
CVD: I think with any adaptation there will always be differences with the source material. But fans of the books are going to see all the elements they love on screen. From the way the Bridgerton brothers and sisters skate to their love. I really wanted to capture the spirit of the Bridgerton family, just like the books. And of course, the story of Daphne and Simon is the foundation of the first season. It moves, sweeps and is full of twists. They are going to see all the elements. But there are also new elements. We have new characters like Queen Charlotte, who have really opened up the world quite a bit. We can also explore love stories for other characters that were not necessarily in the books. For me, it’s always been about opening up the world, because the program is not just about the Bridgertons, it’s about a society.
17: What is the biggest lesson you learned from delivering this series?
CVD: To be honest with you, there really was nothing easy about the show. But that made it all the more rewarding and challenging. As it all came together, it exceeded all expectations I had. You hire this amazing crew and you play these amazing actors, but you never really know how it’s going to turn out. When I look at the season, I’m incredibly proud of it and can not wait for the world to see it too.
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