How to hire a Freelance Set Decorator?

Last updated: 1 year ago
How to hire a Freelance Set Decorator?

The duty of a set decorator is to create background scenery for film productions. They work in collaboration with the production designer and director with the use of artwork, furnishings and other props to design rooms for production. They set the space so that it feels authentic, believable and lived in. They must read the script and conduct adequate research so as to make the set geographically or historically accurate. They work closely with other production specialists such as lighting coordinators when they are considering the plans.

What to look for when hiring

Excellent research skills

As a decorator, one of the duties is to conduct intense research as you source for ideas from paintings, photographs, books and more.

Attention to detail

The decorator must be meticulous and pay keen attention to details. The finer details in a set make the set feel believable and lived in.

Creativity and imagination

A great deal of imagination and creativity goes into constructing a successful set.

Know what you need

Decorations budget

The amount that is set aside for decorations in the film budget will make a difference on the quality of the final set. The set decorator will want to know the amount in relation to the set needs before they can agree to take the job.

Analysis of the script

Only by analyzing the script will you be capable of identifying the props and other items that will be needed for the film set. It is, therefore, critical to analyze each scene and identify what is needed.

Contacts for prop hire companies

Chances are that each scene will need different props. Purchasing the props can be quite expensive hence making hiring the next viable option.

Questions to ask a potential candidate

What challenge are you looking for in this job?

This question helps you determine what the candidate is looking for in their next job and whether they will make a good fit once they are hired. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The answer simply helps you determine if they fit.

Why do you want this job?

The answer the candidate gives for this question will help you gauge how passionate they are about their job. Having a passion for what they do is critical for a set decorator to make sure everything is right.

What have you learned from your mistakes in previous jobs?

As a human being, it is inevitable to make mistakes. A candidate who does not have a specific example could be a sign that he is not honest and therefore not a credible candidate.

Have you ever turned down a job offer because you felt the decorations budget was not enough?

This question helps you evaluate if the candidate is willing to compromise the quality of their work by trying to fit in the set budget.

What is your favorite set flub in a movie that most people would not notice?

This question is aimed at testing the candidate’s attention to details not only in their work but in the work of others.

Popular articles

  • What is an Underwater Camera?

    An underwater camera is basically a camera that can be used to capture images and videos under water. It can be used for shoots as one is swimming, snorkeling, or with a remotely operated underwater vehicle. Some of these cameras are even automated and can be easily lowered from ...
    Read more
  • What is a Film Director?

    What is a director? Also called a film director or video director, the director is the person who controls the overall artistic and dramatic feel of a presentation – whether it is a five minute infomercial or a feature film. They instruct and guide both the technical crew and ...
    Read more
  • What is a Video Editor?

    A video editor is the person who makes production and/or post-production changes to a film. The video editor works closely with the director to achieve the best final film outcome, with the goal of telling the story in the most effective and compelling way. Work heavily involves ...
    Read more
  • How to rent a 360 Camera?

    The term “360 camera” seems straightforward, referring to a camera that films and photographs from every angle. In fact, there is a wide variation in what such cameras can do, and you must be aware of this before renting. Some cameras have an effective viewing angle of only ...
    Read more
  • What is a Camera Operator?

    Camera operators work in the television, music and film industry and are usually employed by television and cable companies or by video production houses. They are responsible for capturing different scenes during production and operating a wide variety of technical ...
    Read more
  • What is a 360 Camera?

    A 360 camera, also known as an omnidirectional camera, has a 360-degree field of view so that it captures just about everything around the sphere. 360 cameras are needed when large visual fields need to be covered, such as shooting panoramas. As virtual and augmented reality (A ...
    Read more
  • What is a Visual Effects Editor?

    A visual effects editor, also known as VFX editor, is the person who is overseeing, and responsible for all the visual effects in a production. The VFX editor must have excellent communication skills, as the job requires the VFX editor to communicate effectively between VFX staf ...
    Read more
  • How to become a Camera Operator?

    A camera operator for video is the person who literally shoots the video or the still photographs during the planning stage. A Freelance Camera Operator is someone who a director hires to handle either a single camera or to manage a team of camera operators. This is a supporting ...
    Read more
  • What is a Script Writer?

    If you’ve ever watched a movie or television show and cringed at the clunky dialogue or poor plot development, thinking to yourself “I could do better than that,” script writing or screenwriting may be a viable career path. This primarily freelance role can provide you wit ...
    Read more
  • What is a 3D Graphics Artist?

    A three-dimensional (3D) graphics artist designs digital animation or footage that is used for characters, landscapes, backgrounds and other elements in film, television or video game production. The still or moving creations have the appearance of depth in addition to height an ...
    Read more
  • What is a Director of Photography?

    A Director of Photography (DOP) also known as Cinematographer is a creative leader during a video production. It’s a position full of responsibility, and the Director of Photography must have camera skills, lighting knowledge and the ability to work with the entire camera crew ...
    Read more
  • What is an On-screen Talent?

    The film industry is filled with hundreds of interesting and rewarding career paths, but none is as sought after or as idolized as that of the on-screen talent. Known as “actors,” these positions can make or break any production, as even the most well written script will be ...
    Read more
  • What is a Stunt Coordinator?

    Just about every dangerous or unbelievable act of skill you see on television or in the theaters has been coordinated and sometimes even performed by a stunt coordinator. Every good production requires a stunt coordinator to pull off the extraordinary scenes seen in television o ...
    Read more
  • How to become a Pro TikTok Creator?

    A Pro TikTok Creator produces short-form video content that is to be published on TikTok. They would typically be involved from the pre-production to post-production process, should there be required edits and additional animations to make.  Pro TikTok Creators should id ...
    Read more
  • What is a Slow Motion Camera?

    Slow motion refers to an effect that is common in the film-making industry where motion pictures appear to be moving slower than normal. Previously, the effect had only been applied more in films, commercials and television. But with major advancements in phone technology, one c ...
    Read more
  • How to become a Voice Over Talent?

    Becoming a freelance voice over talent is a popular career option for many in the entertainment business — and for good reason. Voice over artists enjoy relative anonymity — a big perk for those with day jobs — and a huge amount of flexibility. It’s also quick work with l ...
    Read more
  • What is a Producer?

    Film producers are the people who keep the film’s quality up while ensuring that its production is on time and stays within budget. Producers can manage hundreds of individuals in any one production, in addition to dealing with the film studio and distributors. The producer’ ...
    Read more
  • What is a Costume Designer?

    A costume designer is someone who designs costumes and wardrobe items for use in film, stage productions and television. The main role of the costume designer is to create the styling for each of the film’s characters and balance each of the actor’s appearance in a specific s ...
    Read more
  • What is a Green Screen?

    A green screen is a green background that video production teams use to place visual effects later during the post-production phase. The technology of using a green screen (or Chroma key) has been around since the 19th century. Entertainment and Hollywood have become legendary fo ...
    Read more
  • How to become a Director of Photography?

    A film director of photography (DoP) is the person who provides a film with its unique visual identity, feel and look. They help to tell the story of the film by making artistic and technical decisions regarding lighting, shot selection, camera operations, film stock, and other ...
    Read more