What Does a Set Dresser Do on a Film Set?
There’s a lot of different roles and responsibilities that come together to make a film set operate in a smooth, and efficient manner. The film set is certainly a busy place with a lot of key crew members. Like set dressers and production designers. Actively working to ensure the production is a success. But what does a set dresser do on a film set?
What is a Set Dresser?
The set dresser works closely with the production designer and set decorator to ensure that the scene of every set has a lived-in appearance that is convincing to the audience.
They’re responsible for a lot of tasks including the preparation of props and decor items, picking up various materials for the set, securing and arranging delivery of furniture for the set and ensuring that the entire set looks, and feels, the tone of the location for which it is set.
What Does a Set Dresser Do on a Film Set?
Set dressers have a lot of responsibility when it comes to working the film set. Because they’re poised with the position of ensuring the location of each scene appears as convincing as possible to the audience, they end up wearing a lot of different hats on the set.
As we look at answering the question, “What does a set dresser do on a film set?” it’s important to understand that the set dresser’s job starts long before they arrive on the film set.
Research and Procurement
Before props are purchased, the set dresser can often be found researching details about the location that their film is to take place in as well as the period for which the story is set.
They need these details to help them find and secure period specific decor for the set including props, furniture, and other details.
When the cast and crew are on set, the set dresser can be found dressing the set. Carefully choosing and placing props and other decor to ensure the location feels “just right” for each scene.
If valuable props are used, the set dresser takes responsibility in arranging security. To ensure the safety of valuables that have been rented or otherwise purchased. And they follow through with appropriate arrangements to return items at the end of the production.
Set Dresser Responsibilities on the Film Set
Set dressers have a lot of different responsibilities on the film set. They actively work to ensure each scene is set just right. In accordance with ideas from the production designer and set decorator.
They’re also responsible for maintaining all of their purchases within the predefined budget that is set for props and other set designs.
Set dressers will basically rip a room down to nothing but bare walls and floor. And then recreate the desired scene. Adding everything from the carpeting to the furniture. Wall coverings and paintings.
To small pieces like ashtrays and cigarette butts or silverware and water glasses if that’s what the scene details call for.
Appropriate Arrangements
And since they’re responsible for outwardly appearance of the set design that will appear on screen? Set dressers are also responsible for ensuring props and decorations are on the appropriate set. And in their proper locations for each shoot day.
They keep track of continuity ensuring appropriate placement and rearrangement as needed throughout the shoot. And when the production has wrapped the set dresser returns or resells props and other set dressings.