The 1990s are not merely a period to be told about, but a state of mind. For those who lived through them, and for those who weren’t there but remain drawn to them even today, this golden era comes back to life in Nord South West East – The Legendary Story of the 883, the second chapter of Sky Original’s dramedy by Sydney Sibilia about the ascent of the Pavia duo formed by Max Pezzali and Mauro Repetto. Watching the series, which continues exclusively on Sky and streaming only on NOW on Friday, October 16 with the third episode and then proceeds with a new episode each week until November 20, you realize that just one song, a historically meaningful TV program, or a cassette can take you back in time. Yet nothing is left to chance. Reproducing that magic on screen means caring for every detail, even those the viewer might not consciously notice. In Nord South West East – The Legendary Story of the 883 nostalgia also passes through colors, outfits, environments, and places capable of returning us directly to 1992 and 1993. Here are five curiosities that recount how that imagery was recreated, which in turn is one of the elements that makes this series a true gem.
Nord South West East – The Legendary Story of the 883: 5 Curiosities to Better Appreciate the Series on Sky and NOW
The Colors Trace Max and Mauro’s Growth
In the first season, the Pavese province was defined by beige, yellow, and ochre tones, while the protagonists stood out visually against the surroundings. With success, though, everything changes: colors become more saturated, contrasts sharper, and lights more dynamic. The photography by Valerio Azzali tracks this evolution precisely. If initially the shift from the everyday light of Pavia to the glow of the stages signified the discovery of a new world, in the second season the protagonists learn to inhabit it. The lighting, in short, helps convey the energy of their ascent. The result is a transformation that you perceive almost without noticing: the image becomes more spectacular just as Max and Mauro discover what it means to be true pop stars.
Mauro’s Clothes Grow Darker, While Max Changes Almost Without Notice
Even the costumes tell a parallel story to the protagonists’ journey. The costume designer Valentina Taviani chose to depict their growth through gradual changes, initially almost imperceptible. In the first two episodes, some garments from the previous season reappear and are progressively replaced with new pieces. It’s a way to maintain continuity with the past while signaling that something is shifting. For Mauro, the change is more evident: the cheerful, almost rainbow hues give way to deeper tones, such as petrol blue, and to more refined fabrics, with silk taking the place of cotton. You’ll notice his wardrobe grows darker just as his restlessness about the future increases. Max, on the other hand, remains recognizable. His iconic look isn’t dramatically overhauled, but small adjustments make him less awkward and a bit more self-assured.
Recreating 1990s Television Even Through Directing
Anyone who grew up in the nineties remembers the era’s television image: vivid colors, strong contrasts, and that unmistakable texture of CRT screens. To recreate that atmosphere, the cinematography goes beyond reproducing sets and costumes. When the series reconstructs period programs and formats, such as Non è la Rai and Karaoke, it deliberately changes the visual language as well. Thus the camera abandons its typical cinematic look and mimics the feel of television broadcasts. The color grading becomes less controlled, the grain shifts, and the image adopts traits that evoke the videos of that era.
The American Dream… But in Spain
Max and Mauro have always dreamed of America through songs and films. In the second season, that dream becomes a genuine journey, but to bring it to the screen the production moved to Spain. As director Alice Filippi (who helmed episodes 6, 7, and 8) explained, for the episode dedicated to the making of the Nord South West East video, extensive research was conducted to identify Almería in Andalusia as the perfect landscapes to recreate the American imagery. These are the same locations that hosted Sergio Leone’s famous Westerns.
Some Places Stay the Same While Everything Changes
The success of the 883 takes Max and Mauro far from the provincial setting and launches them into a new universe of television, concerts, photo shoots, and the music industry. The second season’s set design, crafted by Luisa Iemma, reflects the shift with livelier environments and bolder colors. In this season, even spaces tied to the music world, such as Radio Deejay, become more spectacular. Yet not everything changes. The Pezzali family home remains essentially the same, while the tavern—the place where Max and Mauro’s music is born—is updated without losing its soul. It’s a small but meaningful detail that sends a clear message: while the outside world expands and becomes ever more extraordinary, certain places continue to represent our roots. And this holds true not only for the 883.
Nord South West East – The Legendary Story of the 883 awaits you exclusively on Sky and streaming only on NOW every Friday with a new episode.
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