What Is A Set Decorator?
Set Decorators are a key member 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 Creative Process
Over the course of preparation and shooting, Set Decorators:

• 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 & 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 how 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
• Design: We 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.

A Unique Professional Network
The Set Decorators Society of America, founded in 1993, is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of the past, present and future of our profession. Members include qualified Set Decorators of Motion Pictures and Television, including commercials and music videos, as well as Business Members who provide furnishings, materials, and professional services to our trade.

We offer fellowship and networking opportunities for set decorators, crew members and vendors within our craft, and a bridge to other design and technical professions in the entertainment industry. For students and apprentices hoping to enter our field, we have Associate and Student Memberships as well as internships and other educational opportunities.

Our many activities preserve the past, provide businesses with strategies for success, and pave the way for an ever more professional group of Set Decorators in the future.

SDSA 2010 EXECUTIVE BOARD

The SDSA is a 501-C6 Not for Profit Corporation

To support these ventures, we rely on membership dues, donations from Corporate Sponsors, magazine and website advertising revenues, activity fees, and grants from those concerned with small business development and educational support.
The SDSA is separate and apart from any labor union and the organization does not represent Set Decorators in negotiations regarding wages or working conditions, leaving this function to our local unions, including IATSE Local 44 in Los Angeles and Local 52 in New York.