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Set Decorator

Leads set dressing: furniture, softs and dressing props, working closely with Prop Master and PD on UK shows.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Source and hire dressing
• Lead set dressers
• Continuity of dressing

Reports to

Production Designer

Works with

Prop Master / dressing props, Buyer, Art Directors, Graphics, Standby Props

Career path

Dresser → Chargehand Dresser → Assistant Set Dec → Set Decorator

Day to day

Breakdown scripts for dressing; shop/hire; plan dress days; approve hero dressing with PD/Director; manage returns.

Call times

Prep is office/workshop-led. On shoot days, dress/reset cover is often pre-call; night dress and strike around stages is normal UK studio practice.

What to wear

Smart-casual in prep/office; blacks and boots on set/stage; PPE on construction liaison days.

Tools & kit

Laptop, measuring tools, sample bag, radio on set days; drawing tools for draughting grades.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• Excel budgets
• StudioBinder / Google Sheets
• Pinterest / PureRef boards
• Vectorworks / AutoCAD / SketchUp / Rhino
• Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign
• PureRef / Milanote moodboards
• Excel / Google Sheets budgets
• Midjourney / Firefly for early concepts only (IP/clearance)

Bectu rate cards for this role are in the app.

Related roles

Production Designer, Prop Master, Supervising Chargehand Dresser

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