Set Build Lecture

Set Building

Why are sets used?

• To support the story
• To put the story in an appropriate arena
• To create an believable environment for the audience
  

Why choose a studio?

• Controllable environment, meaning not having to worry about weather.
• Location work is impractical, not suitable for film crews etc.
• The real location does not exist.

Location

• Locations may not provide everything that is needed
• If you find something historically correct, a studio is going to be difficult to make the same.
• Set construction may be needed to hide modern details, like post-boxes and burglar alarms etc.
• Difficulties with access

Creating the illusion

Many roles are needed when set buildings, including:

• Carpenters
• Riggers
• Plasterers
• Painters
• Dressers
  
  

Part of the whole

• The Production department will supply drawings for consultation.
• These drawings are passed onto relevant depts. for costing.
• Once approved construction can begin.
  
  

Scale models

• Scale models are created before construction to show how the set will look to scale
• Models have also been used at sets themselves by using green- screen to add features.
  
  

Time is money

• Studios can be expensive to hire
• The crew is expensive to hire
• The equipment is expensive to hire
• Budgets are large so each department can avoid mistakes or shoddy workmanship, and make sets as real as possible
  

Deadlines

• It is very important to know the deadline and to try to complete the project before the deadline so there is time to fix anything that may need fixing
• Set building may involve work in a controlled environment or an uncontrolled environment, which can affect filming.