WHAT DOES A SET DRESSER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Set Dresser Do?)

Set Dresser / Photo Credit: 90 Seconds

WHAT DOES A SET DRESSER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Set Dresser Do?)             

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What does a Set Dresser do?              

Set Dresser

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.

No matter how impressive the set or visual effects, the scene does not feel organic without set dressings; these include tables, chairs, utensils, and anything else that occupies a scene (but the actor doesn’t touch) that makes a space feel lived in and realistic. To assist in bringing the set to life, set dressers are tasked with implementing the set decorator’s design.

Duties

The set dresser on a movie is responsible for making the location of every scene look convincing. This may sound easy, but in the magical (i.e. fake) world of movies, this can mean turning a dilapidated warehouse into a swinging 1960s nightclub, or a sunny California bungalow into a “snow”-covered French cottage. One of the set dresser’s primary responsibilities is to select the props that will decorate every scene. If it’s a period film, it’s especially important to be historically accurate, often down to the year that any given product came on the market. (Found a great vintage coffee pot that came out in 1965, but your movie takes place in 1964? Dump it–or face the online wrath of eagle-eyed movie-goers everywhere.)

Before any props are purchased, the set dresser will first often do research on the period and location in which the movie takes place. He or she will also confer with the director and others in the art department to understand the visual style and look of the film. It’s important that set dressers have an eye for style and design, as they will be selecting many of the objects that decorate the world of the film. (Because of this, it’s extremely important that the set dresser can keep to the budget.) Once the movie starts shooting, the set dresser will actually “dress” each set, placing the props in the right places. If there are any highly valuable props that have been borrowed, such an antiques or expensive jewelry, the set dresser is responsible for obtaining security to ensure they don’t get snagged.

The set dresser works under the supervision of the set decorator and lead dresser, and is responsible for the pickup and transportation of set décor, to ensure it arrives at the filming location, as well as the maintenance and repair of décor items. As per the instructions of the set decorator, the dresser will prepare and place dressings on set during principal photography. This position differs from that of the on-set dresser, who is tasked with moving decorations and props to accommodate the lighting and camera crews during shot coverage. The set dresser is only responsible for décor items in the initial setup of the scene. When production has concluded, the dresser will assist in returning rented items and clearing the inventory.

Skills & Education

A set dresser must have an artistic eye and also be knowledgeable about the production process. Specifically, it is important that the dresser understand how the décor and prop departments collaborate within the larger art department. Additionally, practical knowledge of researching and sourcing rental items is valuable. The dresser should know every prop house in town and quickly be able to recall where the decorator saw that rug she loved. In performance of the job, the set dresser must be attentive to instruction and highly organized. A particular college degree is not required, though majors in film and television production, theatrical design, or interior design are relevant and helpful in this career.

What to Expect

The cliché of “hurry up and wait,” is perhaps most apt to describe the pace of the décor department. Prior to filming, the dressers are in a rush to get the hundreds of items in place and camera-ready. Once the scene is set, there could be hours of sitting around to wait for the next setup. There isn’t much room for creative freedom in this role. On the job, set dressers put this here and move that there. However, rookies must put in the time in order to advance to senior-level roles. The good news is that a promotion may not be that far off.

Unlike the fields of camera operation and lighting, the art department tends to offer a faster track to the senior-level. What is most important in furthering your career is developing positive working relationships with your supervisors. Crew leads often recruit from their existing crews when preparing for a new project. Eventually, an opportunity will arise to take on a lead dresser or set decorator role. In fact, those gigs can be referred to you when a colleague can’t take the gig or the department head has to be replaced mid-production.

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, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, WGA, BBC, 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, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection,

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Set Dresser / Photo Credit: 90 Seconds