Set Decorator Job Description

The set decorator's job is simple in that he must give the characters in a film or TV show a place in which to live. But the job is also complicated; the set decoration is partly responsible for helping to tell the story on the visual level. The set decorator works closely with the production designer to develop the look of a television or film set.

1. Characterization

   • According to the Set Decorators website, it's the set decorator's job to help move the story forward and also to create visual references for the actor. For example, in the movie "Iron Man" the set decorator had to convey main character Tony Stark's moral fiber and creative ingenuity through the set décor. Although he was trapped in a cave in the middle of the desert, the set decorator ultimately had to show that he used the few crude raw materials he had on hand to make the Iron Man suit. This helped to portray the character's genius to the audience in a way that the spoken word alone could not have done. (See Resources for information about props.)

   Research

   • The set decorator conducts a great deal of research in order to fulfill the requirements of her job. She may do historical research to capture just the right setting as well conduct research on types of props that the characters use in a setting. This may mean that the set decorator will travel to the location for a film ahead of time to conduct research. She may also gather up a local film crew, and from these hired professionals, the she'll glean information about the background of the place. She uses this information later when selecting or making props and furniture.

   Historical Background

   • In film and television, because of time constraints, there isn't always time to tell the audience verbally about the history that led up to the current moment in the story. This is another time in which the set decorator helps fill the gap and tell the story. For example, in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the set decorator along with the production designers needed to be able to convey the many cultures that existed in Middle Earth before the present characters inhabited the place. This sense of history conveyed itself through the different designs prevalent in each culture and through the props and furniture placed on the set by the set decorator. This type of information conveys itself through what is called cultural iconography.

   Making Props

   • Many times, the prop or furniture that a film or television show requires does not exist. It's up to the set decorator to see that it gets made. This type of prop may find its way into a historical film or a fantasy/science fiction film. The latter case, this type of prop making shows up in films like "Lord of the Rings" or "Iron Man." These props must add just the right detail to a set. They convey the history of the story visually, because in films especially, little time exists to explain that sort of detail in a narrative way.

Read more: Set Decorator Job Description | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6608196_set-decorator-job-description.html#ixzz1KoOIaNFT