Case Study: Blackwalnut achieves accurate, on-time TV set fabrication for The Daily Show with VectorWorks Spotlight

Vectorworks Spotlight Helps The Daily Show Deliver on Cue

blackwalnut, a Valley Cottage, NY–based full-service fabrication shop that builds high-budget TV sets for networks like ABC, NBC, ESPN and Comedy Central, was tasked with engineering and installing a technology‑heavy new set for The Daily Show on an aggressive six‑week schedule. The project required up to 10,000 sq ft of scenery, integrated LED lighting and tickers, rear projection, and tight coordination with designer Jack Morton/PDG and multiple production crews during a one‑week blackout for installation.

Using Vectorworks Spotlight (and interoperating smoothly with AutoCAD), blackwalnut converted designers’ 2D drawings into precise 3D models, generated CNC-ready construction drawings accurate to 1/32", and organized assembly details with sheet layers and master drawings. The result was a seamless collaborative workflow, accurate fabrication and on‑site assembly under a tight timetable, allowing the set to be completed and the show returned to air without issues.

Blackwalnut

Jacob Gendelman

Managing Partner