Industry Jobs | Set Decorator
/As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes. Still, they need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a set decorator.
At Broadway Stages, we understand the unique and vital role set decorators play in the film and TV industry. Their meticulous attention to detail and creative vision transform our stages into captivating worlds. On HBO's "The Gilded Age," set decorator Regina Graves recreates the opulence of 1880s New York, while Beth Kushnick's work on "The Good Wife" brought sophistication and style to every scene. These experts craft the distinctive environments that define each production. Here's a closer look at this essential and inspiring role.
What Is a Set Decorator?
A set decorator shapes the visual world of a film or TV show, working alongside the production designer and director. Their job is to select and arrange furniture, props, and décor that create an authentic environment for the story. After reading the script, the set decorator determines each scene's mood, setting, and tone. They then source or create the necessary items, considering everything from furniture to the placement of a picture frame.
Once on set, the decorator ensures every detail is in place before filming begins, collaborating with the lighting and costume departments to ensure the set works within the larger visual design. The decorator's job is not just about arranging objects, but it's a canvas for their creativity, flexibility, and keen eye for detail. They often make real-time adjustments to align with the director's evolving vision, a testament to their adaptability and inspiration.
While both the set decorator and props manager work with objects on set, their roles differ in scope. The set decorator is responsible for the overall design and aesthetic of the environment, selecting and arranging furniture, wall coverings, and decorative items to shape the space. In contrast, the props manager focuses specifically on the smaller, functional objects that characters interact with, such as books, dishes, or tools, ensuring they are available and handled correctly during filming. For more information on the role of props manager, check out our profile of that role here.
What Does a Set Decorator Do?
A set decorator's role is not just about crafting a detailed visual environment, but also about collaborating with the production designer, director, and other departments. Together, they select the right furniture, textures, and décor to bring the script's locations to life. While the production designer sets the overarching visual style, the set decorator fills in the space with items that align with the story's themes and characters, ensuring each object feels purposeful and authentic.
The process begins with script analysis, where the set decorator identifies the specific needs of each scene. This includes not only understanding the time period, location, and cultural context but also considering the story's emotional tone. Once the vision is set, the set decorator sources or creates the necessary items, ranging from large furniture pieces to smaller decorative details like vases, artwork, and books. Each piece is carefully chosen to reflect the world of the story and support the character's narrative.
On set, the set decorator arranges these elements meticulously, working alongside lighting and costume departments to ensure the set complements all other visual elements. Attention to detail is not just important, it's key — whether it's adjusting a chair's placement or swapping out a rug to match lighting shifts, the set decorator's eye for subtle changes can significantly enhance a scene's atmosphere. Throughout production, they remain flexible, making real-time adjustments as scenes evolve to ensure that every object aligns with the director's vision.
How Do I Become a Set Decorator?
Starting a career as a set decorator requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and networking. A good first step is to study the fundamentals of design, art, or theater. Many aspiring set decorators choose to pursue a degree in interior design, fine arts, or theater production, which can provide foundational knowledge about visual design, color theory, and spatial awareness. While formal education is helpful, many successful set decorators also have backgrounds in related fields such as architecture, fashion, or even history, as these can offer unique perspectives on design.
Gaining practical experience is crucial. Start by seeking entry-level positions on film and television sets, such as a production assistant or props assistant. These roles give you insight into how sets are created and allow you to observe the set decorator's role firsthand. Internships with production companies or design studios can also be invaluable, offering opportunities to build relationships within the industry while learning the technical aspects of set design.
Once you've gained experience on set, consider working as a set dresser or an assistant to a set decorator. These positions allow you to hone your practical skills in decorating and preparing sets, from placing furniture to maintaining the set during filming. As you gain experience, develop a portfolio of your work, documenting the sets you've decorated or assisted with. Building a strong network with directors, production designers, and other industry professionals will also help you land more significant opportunities, eventually leading to your own projects as a set decorator.
Resources for Aspiring Set Decorators
There are several online resources that provide valuable information about the role of a set decorator and how to break into the field. Here are a few to explore:
● American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): Offers career resources for set decorators.
● Film Independent: Provides educational content and career guides.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Explore the exciting opportunities in media production and start writing the next chapter of your career. Visit our website to access Broadway Stages' Film and TV Industry Resource Guide. From job postings and recruiting sites to education and training programs, we provide essential tools for career growth. Our guide also includes links to blogs that explore the diverse roles behind the scenes, offering insights into how productions come to life.
At Broadway Stages, we're grateful for set decorators whose artistry brings stories to life. Whether recreating historical grandeur as in "The Gilded Age" or the grim and unsettling space of the Silver Hill Psychiatric Facility as seen in the upcoming season 3 of "The Terror: Devil in Silver" (as filmed at our Arthur Kill facility), their work is essential to creating authentic, engaging productions. Their dedication transforms every set into a world that enhances the narrative, and we are proud to support them.
One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service studio production companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.
With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.
Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.
