aka: Set dec, Set dresser, Stylist (commercials)
The set decorator designs the background of each location, including the walls, floors, and furniture. Not to be confused with the prop master, who’s responsible for the objects the actors hold. Both positions are key creative members of the art department.
To be a set decorator, you need a strong imagination, teamwork, and planning skills. Many people work in this role before becoming a production designer. Keep reading to learn more about the set decorator, their job role, education, salary, and finding work.
What is a Set Decorator?
The set decorator, as their title suggests, decorates a film set. They focus on a range of background details such as drapery, prop lighting, wallpaper, and flooring. The sets they design must fit within the script story world and meet the director’s vision.
To do this, they follow orders from the production designer and create set concept art. The director approves the designs before they make the sets. In addition, they also lead a team of art department assistants and watch over the sets during filming.
Set Decorator Job Description
The producer or production designer will hire the set decorator for a film project. They start work early and take orders directly from the production designer. This prep stage will include research, budgeting, and presenting set concepts. It’s important that the set conveys the mood of the script, including time period, genre, and character.
Before filming, the set decorator buys and creates the sets. Their work includes light props, wall artwork, furniture, interior design, and exterior décor. In addition, they will work closely with the props master and other creatives to design the look of the story world.
Pre-production Duties
To begin with, the set decorator will complete a script breakdown and attend art department meetings. It’s important that everyone has the same vision for the art design. They will also make concept art, floor plans, and a list of props to find for each location. It’s important to follow a budget and keep track of what they buy and hire for the set.
- Script breakdown
- Attend meetings
- Design the sets
- Buy set props
Production Duties
During filming, the set decorator will prepare sets according to the schedule. Once the set is designed, they will stay on standby to adjust it during filming. For instance, the director might ask for a change to the scenery, or a set prop might need repair. At the end of the shoot, they strike the set and return, sell, or dispose of all the set props.
- Set decorating
- Oversee the set
- Remove set pieces
Education and Skills
You don’t need a degree to become a set decorator. But it can help to take a course in filmmaking or art design. The set decorator needs to be good at a variety of skills, including craft making, drawing concept art, research, and overall filmmaking knowledge.
In addition, the set designer must have admin skills such as budgeting, understanding script continuity, and scheduling. As such, you will likely start your career as an art assistant or props assistant and learn the whole process by watching others.
Importantly, the set designer is a team player who works in the art department. They excel at organization and keep track of all props, their locations, and their conditions. You also need to be able to work towards deadlines and work under pressure when required.
Set Decorator Skills:
- Artistic vision
- Craft making
- Teamwork
- Organization
Set Decorator Career Route
First, the set decorator starts their career as an art assistant or set assistant. You will need to learn how all roles work together, as well as the filmmaking process. It’s possible to work up the career ladder from art assistant to set assistant to set decorator.
Another route is to work on independent films and build a portfolio. By doing this, you can work in set design early and work up to higher budget sets. As with all film job roles, it’s essential to network and make contacts throughout the film industry.
It’s a freelance job, so you will work on many projects yearly. The set decorator can also work on TV shows and stage productions. For many people, the set decorator is a means to more responsibility in the art department, particularly the production designer role.
Set Decorator Salary
The set decorator is a below-the-line film crew job role. As such, you get paid per job depending on the project budget and your experience. You must negotiate with the producer before starting work and include extras such as travel expenses.
Another factor determining your salary is whether or not you are part of a union. If you work in America, being part of a union is integral to getting paid fairly. The main union in the US is IATSE or the Art Directors Guild.
For reference, the IATSE recommends that set designers have a going rate of $400 for budgets of $1 million and over. Of course, you can adjust this daily rate to fit your experience level and raise it for higher-budget film sets.
Finding Work
At the start of your career, you can find entry-level jobs on film job sites or film studio career pages. Other ways to find work are to join Facebook groups and assist with low-budget films. It’s typical to begin your career as a production or art dept assistant.
It will take many years to develop the skills needed to work as a set decorator. You will need plenty of experience to build up a portfolio, which you can use to find work. Many assistants take workshops to develop new skills such as drawing floor plans and interior design.
Alternatively, working on low-budget film projects can be a good way to progress to higher-budget sets. This way, you can start your career as a set decorator. However, it’s essential to learn professional practice and workflow directly from experienced crew.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, the set decorator designs film sets to blend into the story world. It’s an intermediate job in the art department that requires strong creative design and planning skills. It’s likely you will work many years in the art department before this role.
This job is a great career choice for someone who is highly creative, good at art design, and can lead a team. Before considering this role, gain some experience in the art department. We hope this guide has helped you learn about this role and if it’s for you.
