Build a set or adapt a location?
| Aspect | Set | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Walls come out and lights hang easily, so shooting is flexible | Real texture and a real view out the window |
| Challenges | Build cost and time, stage rental | Limited hours, noise and how much you can change |
| Best for | Main spaces shot over many days, scenes that wreck or burn the room | Spaces shot in a day or two, scenes where the outside is visible |
In practice, productions often mix the two. You might shoot the outside and front door of a house on location and the living room on a stage, then cut them together. In that case, match the doors, window frames and wall colors in advance so the two spaces read as one. Either way, make the call with the cinematographer and the lighting team so there is room for camera and lights.
Dressing order
- 01Record the original stateOn a location, photograph and film every room before you touch anything. Capture furniture positions, what hangs on the walls and the condition of the floor so you can put it all back.
- 02Clear and protectAgree with the owner on moving out belongings you won’t use, and cover floors and walls with protection. Note where each moved item went.
- 03Start bigSet the base first, wallpaper, curtains and practical lights, then large furniture like sofas and beds, to give the space its structure.
- 04Add small things and lived-in detailFill in books, cups, clothes and sticky notes that show the character’s habits. As story time passes, these items need to change too.
- 05Check through the cameraAt rehearsal, watch the monitor and fix spots that look empty, colors that pop too much and objects with large text or visible brands.
Start with what’s in frame
- 1In frame — dress it most carefully and keep it in continuity.
- 2Edge — it shows up with a small change of angle, so dress it reasonably well.
- 3Off-frame — where gear and crew stand. When you shoot the reverse, this becomes in frame.
Time and money always run short, so dress the direction the camera faces first. Get the storyboard or shot list and the shooting order early, and you’ll know which wall is in frame when. If you’ll shoot the reverse the same day, prepare that side so you can finish it while the gear moves, and don’t move anything already filmed until coverage in that direction is done.
- Mirrors and glass — reflections bring off-frame areas into the shot. Angle the mirror slightly, or dress whatever shows in the reflection.
- Windows — even in an interior scene, a visible window tells the time and place. On a set, hang a backdrop or fabric outside the window.
- Text — check that signs, newspapers, calendars and on-screen text match the story’s period and date, and that brands are not prominent. Broadcasters and countries have their own rules on visible brands.
Restoring the space and safety
- Restore — use your first photos to put furniture and objects back where they were. Remove anything stuck to the walls without leaving marks, and if something is damaged, don’t hide it: report it right away through the production office.
- Flame-retardant materials — set pieces and dressing fabric should be non-combustible or flame-retardant treated as standard. Keep fabric and paper away from hot lights.
- Walkways and exits — never block fire extinguishers, emergency exits or escape routes with dressing or gear.
- Heights and heavy items — secure frames and shelves hung up high, and test any furniture an actor will lean on or grab.
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