Nancy Goodman Iland has worked on everything from 'Murder She Wrote' to 'Lessons in Chemistry' and shares a few tips and tricks (hint: sometimes ice cream is really mashed potatoes!), plus 2 recipes!
What an interesting article, Ruth! I've heard of food stylists before, but I didn't know much about their work. You have shined a spotlight on a fascinating, little known aspect of Hollywood.
What an interesting job! My grandmother used to have the same pie bird which she used religiously. I always thought the blackbird was used because of the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence which has the line “four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”, but I could be completely wrong!
Thanks for your comment, Julia! I never heard of a pie bird until my sister-in-law sent me one one Christmas. I misplaced it and after looking at Nancy's beautiful pies with the little birds in the center, I had to order another one. I never thought about the nursery rhyme, but it's so perfect! The one I ordered is black with a bright yellow beak. I can't wait to use it! Nancy sent me a picture of a vintage pie bird she owns that's powder blue with white breast, pink cheeks, a yellow beak and eyelashes! Obviously there are collectors!
When I first read the title, I immediately thought of the type of food styling done for commercials where the food is rarely edible – having to use real ingredients and somehow make it tasty is a whole different ball game. So interesting, thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your comment, Anna! I always assumed the food on sets was mostly inedible, but apparently it varies. But one thing I didn’t mention was that sometimes the actors do so many takes they get full or sick of the dish they’re eating. Buckets are provided for that, I was told!
Thanks, Jolene! I’ve never used a pie bird, but I just ordered one and plan to give it try! I looked on line and found all kinds of vintage ones—not only birds, but goats, cats and humans!
Wow, Ruth! This was such an interesting window into the life of a food stylist. I lack the patience and skills for this type of work and greatly admire those who can pull it off.
Interesting article.i loved the book and now I want to see the show. So much goes on behind the scenes for TV shows and movies. Nice that you wrote about an unsung hero.
Super interesting, Ruth! I enjoyed the book 'Lessons in Chemistry' and now I want to check out the series. I have that same little blackbird, it belonged to my mom, and I downloaded Nancy's chicken pot pie recipe as I mine begins to taste a bit tired. The number of shows and movies Nancy Goodman has worked on is remarkable! Thank you!!
Thanks so much, Vicki! I think Nancy’s website said she’d worked on more than 200 sets—not sure if that’s different shows and films or not, but it is an astonishing number. Everyone pays attention to the stars, but often it’s those behind the scenes that are more interesting.
Oh my goodness, Ruth. I enjoyed this so much. Absolutely fascinating!
Thanks, Marg! So glad you enjoyed the piece!
What an interesting article, Ruth! I've heard of food stylists before, but I didn't know much about their work. You have shined a spotlight on a fascinating, little known aspect of Hollywood.
Thanks so much, Clarice, and thanks for sharing too!😘
What an interesting job! My grandmother used to have the same pie bird which she used religiously. I always thought the blackbird was used because of the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence which has the line “four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”, but I could be completely wrong!
Thanks for your comment, Julia! I never heard of a pie bird until my sister-in-law sent me one one Christmas. I misplaced it and after looking at Nancy's beautiful pies with the little birds in the center, I had to order another one. I never thought about the nursery rhyme, but it's so perfect! The one I ordered is black with a bright yellow beak. I can't wait to use it! Nancy sent me a picture of a vintage pie bird she owns that's powder blue with white breast, pink cheeks, a yellow beak and eyelashes! Obviously there are collectors!
That's the sort of collection I could get on board with!
What a fascinating occupation, person and interview! Well done, Ruth.
I agree! Thanks so much, Amie!💕
When I first read the title, I immediately thought of the type of food styling done for commercials where the food is rarely edible – having to use real ingredients and somehow make it tasty is a whole different ball game. So interesting, thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your comment, Anna! I always assumed the food on sets was mostly inedible, but apparently it varies. But one thing I didn’t mention was that sometimes the actors do so many takes they get full or sick of the dish they’re eating. Buckets are provided for that, I was told!
This is so interesting and a fabulously creative career, what a list of shows/movies, etc! Loved this, Ruth! (I use a pie bird, too, so retro!) 🐦
Clearly we need. a pie bitd in our lives, Ruth!
Thanks, Jolene! I’ve never used a pie bird, but I just ordered one and plan to give it try! I looked on line and found all kinds of vintage ones—not only birds, but goats, cats and humans!
Wow, Ruth! This was such an interesting window into the life of a food stylist. I lack the patience and skills for this type of work and greatly admire those who can pull it off.
Thanks, Domenica! I can’t imagine this career for myself either, but it’s fun to peek behind the curtain.
Ruth, you always come up with The Most Fascinating Food Topics! This one is at the top of the heap! Loved it.
Oh, thanks so much, Lolly! This one kind of fell in my lap, but it was fun to learn about this interesting world I knew nothing about.
Interesting article.i loved the book and now I want to see the show. So much goes on behind the scenes for TV shows and movies. Nice that you wrote about an unsung hero.
Thanks, Judy! I think maybe you should be next, another unsung hero! You know this world as well as anyone! And Mike too!❤️
Yeah. But my involvement didn't include food except for once when there was a food fight and they needed multiple sweaters for the scenr.
Wow! Now that’s a good story!🤣
Great article Ruth. I always fantasized about doing this. Sounds really stressful.
Super interesting, Ruth! I enjoyed the book 'Lessons in Chemistry' and now I want to check out the series. I have that same little blackbird, it belonged to my mom, and I downloaded Nancy's chicken pot pie recipe as I mine begins to taste a bit tired. The number of shows and movies Nancy Goodman has worked on is remarkable! Thank you!!
Thanks so much, Vicki! I think Nancy’s website said she’d worked on more than 200 sets—not sure if that’s different shows and films or not, but it is an astonishing number. Everyone pays attention to the stars, but often it’s those behind the scenes that are more interesting.