Set decorators are key members of the design team for
film, television and commercials. Working closely with the production
designer and the director, the set decorator must research, resource,
and acquire all the objects required to dress the sets. Typical examples
of this set dressing may include furniture, drapery, lighting fixtures,
art and other decorative objects. However, the set decorator is also
charged with large scale items, which could include machinery or robots,
sidewalk window dressing, street items (such as street lamps and
mailboxes), even rubble and debris!
The Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA)
What kind of training will I
receive at College of the Canyons?
Students can earn a low-unit “Certificate of Specialization” in Interior
Design: Set Decorator for TV and Film program. The training consists of
completing a series of courses in interior design, production design,
and trade resources related to the set decorator industry.
Curriculum
Curriculum changes as technology and industry standards transform.
Please refer to the counseling website as requirements may have changed
since the printing of this
publication.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
| ID 091 | Art and Accessories in Interior Design | 1 |
| ID 101A | Introduction to Interior Design | 3 |
| ID 101B | Introduction to Interior Design Lab | 1 |
| ID 102 | Applied Color for Designers | 3 |
| ID 105 | Introduction to Production Design | 3 |
| ID 106 | Trade Resources for TV, Film and Theatre | 2 |
| ID 114 | Architecture and Interiors History: Antiquity - Classical Revival | 3 |
| OR | ||
| ID 115 | Architecture and Interiors History: Classical Revival - Post Modern | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
What would I do as a set decorator?
Over the course of preparation and shooting, set decorators will;
• Collaborate: Meet with the production designer,
director, producers, costume designer, construction coordinator,
cinematographer and other filmmakers regarding the design, decoration,
lighting, and look of the project.
• Budget: Negotiate for production approval and monitor on a daily basis
the set dressing purchases and rentals budget, and the set dressing
labor budget.
• Hire: Bring together the set dressing crew and support contractors,
set the tone for the work to be done, supervise the process, and be
available to answer questions.
• Organize: Break down the script, identify sets and practical
locations, plan the objects to be acquired for each set, and schedule
all deadlines for acquisition.
• Research: Present period and style inspiration appropriate for each
project. Prepare presentation boards with research, swatches, colors,
and examples of objects.
• Imagine: With the production designer and art director, show
characters and environments are to be portrayed and reflected within the
layers of the set.
• Shop: For all set dressing needed: furniture, fabrics, decorative
objects, industrial items, lighting fixtures, etc.
• Design: Set directors are responsible for the design and fabrication
of objects unavailable in the marketplace. This may include organizing
alterations and upholstery, creating window treatments, painting and
aging of set dressing, working with illustrators, set designers, scenic
artists, sculptors, prop makers, metal smiths and other specialty
craftspeople to achieve a finished product.
• Dress: Oversee the dressing of the sets with the set dressers to the
satisfaction and agreement of the production designer.
• Present: Open each new set with the director, making any adjustments
needed.
How do I get more information
about set decorators and this program?
Set Decorators of
America
Set Decorator for TV and Film Certificate of Specialization
Contact Dorothy Minarsch, Department Chair
Dorothy.minarsch@canyons.edu or 661-362-3989