How we choose to present ourselves to others can communicate both who we think we are and who we want to be. The clothes we wear create a psychological space that effects so many aspects of our daily life. A new unscripted Paramount+ series titled Undressed with Kathryn Eisman explores this idea through the experiences of people from different walks of life. Far from sensationalist, the show is a catalyst for introspection via the various participants featured. Showrunner and Executive Producer Jane Cho oversaw this “social experience” for Australia’s Made Up Stories production company and Mother Media Group.
While Ms. Cho brings an impressive list of producing credits with her such as Wolf Like Me (starring SAG Award–nominee Isla Fisher and Grammy Award–winner Josh Gad), Force of Nature (starring AACTA Award-winner Eric Bana and Logie Award–winner Anna Torv), and others, Undressed with Kathryn Eisman is her initial foray into the realm of unscripted productions. This proves to be an extraordinary circumstance as the show’s look and tone are vastly different from the status quo of shows of this genre. Cho, Made Up Stories, and Mother Media Group have brought a cinematic aesthetic to this production which intensifies the feelings and catharsis of the people whom we follow in each episode.
“With ‘Undressed with Kathryn Eisman’, we decided to keep the stories of the participants the focus of the show. Their stories are genuine and their journeys of transformation are really heartwarming and inspiring. In order to be more compassionate in the story-telling, we created a much softer look for the show in contrast to the very stark ‘real’ look of most reality shows and we avoided using time-old sound and editing tricks to create shock or tension where it wasn’t genuine.
We wanted simply to tell each story as beautifully as possible and let the audience engage emotionally at their own will as opposed to telling them what to think and feel at every turn.” communicates Jane Cho. From the first moments of Undressed with Kathryn Eisman it’s clear that the show wants to project uplifting ideas and sentiments. Ms. Cho was adamant in bringing a positive and unique tone to this production beginning with those outside the camera’s view such as the show’s incredibly talented director Marcelle Lunam and London-based clinical psychologist Professor Carolyn Mair.
Jane informs, “I reached out to Professor Mair who specializes in the psychology of fashion, explaining the series and our reasons for wanting to make the show. Professor Mair had previously turned down all other offers to work with fashion reality shows in the past but agreed to work on ‘Undressed with Kathryn Eisman’ as our psychology consultant because she believed that our show aligned with the very reason that she became interested in teaching on this topic in the first place, to help people lead better lives.”
Streaming services have uplifted television to a golden age where the stories are more diverse and creative than ever before. It’s obvious that “uplifting” was the primary intention of the professionals involved in creating Undressed with Kathryn Eisman. There’s no explanation needed as this concept permeates every aspect of each episode. The visual presentation is as remarkable as any big budget feature film while still possessing an intimate quality. The manner in which the stories and struggles of those featured throughout the show is a presentation style imbued with thoughtful attention. It’s not likely that you’ll find any other production which leaves you feeling the way Undressed with Kathryn Eisman does. This is completely by intention.
Jane Cho is prideful in what she and the team have created AND the fact that they achieved this under Covid safety protocols. This production is substantive and aspires to making lasting impressions. Ms. Cho notes, “We continue to receive messages and emails from some of our participants to keep us up to date with their progress or to let us know of the positive influence that being on the show and the transformation from Kathryn has had on their lives.
It’s nice seeing that the impact made on these people wasn’t just in the immediate make-over/transformation that they went through during the making of the show but that the lessons they learnt from Kathryn have carried through and continue to positively impact their lives and future.”
Writer: Coleman Haan