The truth behind what made 'Mad Men' so authentic
What's the story
Mad Men, the critically acclaimed series, took the world by storm with its depiction of the advertising world in the 1960s. While fans were hooked to the drama and style of the show, there were many interesting behind-the-scenes factors that made the show a success. From casting decisions to set designs, these lesser-known facts give you a peek into what made Mad Men special.
Casting challenges
Jon Hamm's audition struggles
Don Draper, aka Jon Hamm, had a difficult time auditioning for the iconic role. Initially, he was not even on the radar as he was not a well-known name back then. However, his perseverance and talent eventually convinced the producers. It was an important decision as Hamm's portrayal became the face of the series and its success.
Attention to detail
Authentic set designs
The set designers of Mad Men were so concerned about authenticity that they went to extreme lengths to achieve it in every scene. They painstakingly sourced period-appropriate furniture and decor items from antique shops and auctions. This commitment did wonders for the show, creating an immersive experience for the viewers and transporting them back to the 1960s with incredible accuracy.
Creative influences
Real-life advertising inspirations
Many storylines in Mad Men were based on real-life events from advertising history. The writers used actual campaigns and industry anecdotes as a basis to write the episodes. This made the narrative richer and more believable, and gave viewers a glimpse into the world of advertising back in the day.
Wardrobe accuracy
Hamm needed multiple shaves a day for Mad Men
Hamm's role as Don Draper on Mad Men came with a unique challenge—his fast-growing facial hair. Makeup artist Lana Horochowski had to shave his face up to three times a day during filming to keep him clean-shaven on camera. However, dermatologists later warned that shaving so often could be harmful to the skin if done by others.
Writing process
Secretive script development
The script development of Mad Men was extremely top secret; only key personnel were privy to it before filming. It kept the suspense among the cast alive, as they were unaware of plot twists and character developments. It also kept viewers engaged by avoiding pre-leaks and maintaining surprises till each episode aired.