Props, Set Dressing, and Scenery

Surfaces

-Beware of shiny surfaces that will cause light reflection -To dull shiny surfaces: Spray area with inexpensive hair spray Spray with photographic dulling spray

Colors and Patterns on Set

-Choose colors complementary to costumes worn by talent Be wary of patterns of fabrics and wallpapers that may cause moiré

Curtains

-Curtains hang loosely in attractive folds, creating interesting texture and shadow pattern, or -They can be pulled and stretched tight to form a featureless background. This is called a cyclorama (cyc).

Furniture Placement

-Don't put furniture talent will sit on against set wall It will be impossible to backlight Many distracting shadows will occur -Place furniture at least six feet from set wall -Furniture not used by talent is considered set dressing and may be placed wherever set decorator likes

Furniture

-Needs to be solid and not too soft -Sofas and chairs must be firm enough for talent to sit down and stand up gracefully -Cushions—seat of talent should be above knees -Avoid swivel or rocking chairs

Backdrop

-Painted with scenery, unlike curtains, which are one color *Skyline of London *Polynesian island *The Alps *Grand ballroom

Creating 3-D

-Set dressing should be arranged so that there are items in foreground, middle ground, and background of shot -Creates depth in three dimensions for 2-D TV screen

Set Design

-Sketch of a set, usually from above, drawn to scale -May also be sketch from camera's point of view -Director uses design to mark walls, doors, and furniture on rehearsal floor

Striking the Set

-When set is no longer needed -Large set pieces often saved for use on future sets

Props

Any item handled by the performers during a production, other than furniture, is a prop. -Furniture is normally set dressing—not props—even though it is handled by talent -Furniture is only considered a prop when it is used in a way for which it does not appear to be designed *Chair that traps someone who sits on it *Bookcase that swings open to reveal secret room

Colors

Avoid the colors red, orange, pink and busy backgrounds - contrast ratio

Rigid Cyc

Cyc can also be made of rigid material. Corners where walls meet each other and meet floor become curves, so set is completely featureless

Scenery

Flats Curtains Backdrops

Discussion

Scenario: Set has chair, lamp, end table with newspaper, drink coaster, reading glasses, and TV remote control on table. Action: Man walks in, sits, turns on lamp, opens newspaper to crossword puzzle, puts on reading glasses, takes pencil out of shirt pocket and begins working puzzle. -Identify which items are props and which are set dressing.

Set dressing

rugs, lamps, wall coverings, curtains, and room accent accessories. Furniture is considered set dressing.

Set dresser

selects the furniture, wall and window coverings, accent accessories, and all the other design elements that complete a program's set. Also called a set decorator.