WHAT DOES A ON-SET DRESSER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A On-Set Dresser Do?)

Set Dresser / Photo Credit: 90 Seconds

WHAT DOES A ON-SET DRESSER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A On-Set Dresser Do?)

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What Does A On-Set Dresser Do?

Set dressers arrange objects on a film set before shooting. They work under the direction of a leadman and the Set Decorator. Set dressers place furniture, hang pictures, and put out decorative items. They are also responsible for some light construction and assembly of small items, such as air-conditioning ducts. They also move items as necessary to make room for the filming equipment. During the shoot, the prop department works with an on-set dresser to ensure that the props and furnishing are in the proper location for the script and to maintain continuity, as scenes are often shot out of order.

In theater set dressers "dress" the set of a play. Set dressers specifically deal with items on stage that are not interacted with by actors. Often set dressers are in charge of finding and installing curtains, wallpaper, photos, bedspreads, rugs and other items onto the set. Set dressers are sometimes a part of the props department, construction department or their own department. Whether set dressing is its own department is often dependent on how much money a theater has. Set dressers also often have a lot of cross over work with the props department or construction department. The set dressing department works under the director, producer and scenic designer.

A set dresser in drama (theater, film etc.) prepares the set with props and furniture to give it correct appearance and make sure each item is in correct position for each performance.

Desk ornaments, family photos, and other knickknacks are not haphazardly strewn about a set; a crew of artists carefully designs the atmosphere of each space an actor occupies on screen before filming begins. The on-set dresser is charged with implementing that design during filming, and is supervised by the set decorator and lead dresser.

Duties

On film and television productions, the on-set dresser is responsible for the continuity of placement of props and set decoration—everything from tableware to tricorders. With that job comes the task of cleaning and maintaining these pieces, and of policing the set to ensure that props are not lost or damaged and don’t walk away in the pocket of a entrepreneurial production assistant looking to subsidize his salary on eBay. Watering plants and floral arrangements is also required; but only on set, not in the talent’s trailer. This person is also responsible for the department’s tools and hardware, as well as properly packing items for travel.

Continuity is a major concern for the on-set dresser. Working with the script supervisor, this person takes digital photos (or Polaroids) of each set to ensure that the decor stays the same from one scene to the next and resets props as needed after each shot. Detailed logs are kept listing every item used, its position, and any notes on distressing and movement that should occur through the progression of the shots. Depending on the production, the inventory of props and dressings may number in the hundreds or thousands. It takes a highly organized individual to keep track of it all and perfectly replicate a design plot to the smallest detail.

Skills & Education

No particular educational background is required, but studying art, film/TV production, or theater is helpful. Knowledge of interior design is a boon, whether you gain it through coursework or glean it from magazines and online; when the decorator tells you to set the table with the Franciscan Starburst, not the Fiestaware, you’d better know which is which. Attention to detail, the ability to think fast on your feet, and creative problem-solving are crucial. You should be handy with a drill and be able to exploit all 7,000 ways to defy gravity with gaff tape and fishing line. Experience in stagecraft, carpentry, and sewing are also valuable. You are expected to understand light, color, and how these elements affect different camera lenses, so courses in photography are encouraged. Most important is following directions and being reliable.

What to Expect

On production sets, shots rarely go exactly as planned. You could show up one morning prepared for an interior shot in the kitchen, then find out the director wants to move outside for the pool scene—that’s life. You’ve got to be flexible and organized enough to quickly pack up and make the switch. On location, weather and environment play a huge role in a dresser’s job. Photographing day for night, winter for autumn, and in artificially created (or real) rain provide unique challenges; the best advice is to be resourceful and prepared for anything. Work as a production assistant or in any area of the art department will position you in the right place with the right people to land a future gig as an on-set dresser. If you can prove you are diligent and trustworthy, you may find opportunities to progress to roles as a lead dresser, set buyer, or assistant set decorator.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures,

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Set Dresser / Photo Credit: 90 Seconds