Ed Weinberger hired Production Designer Gene Callahan and his Set Decorator Lee Poll to design the television comedy pilot for NBCTV's 1983 season. Set Decorator Lee Poll purchased desks and tables which were "doubled" on set; one set of the tables and desks had to have the tops cut with holes for the animated puppet (effects men off camera) orangutan Mr. Smith so the puppet could match the live animal actor Mr. Smith's filming position for close-ups.