Movies are huge extravagant productions that require the efforts of tons of people to make possible. One of the biggest elements of what makes a movie realistic is the set and background. Without a set a movie is nothing more than people standing in front of a camera acting out a scene. Movie sets are vitally important.
Instructions
1. Read the script. Break it down into scenes or obtain the broken down script from the production coordinator or production manager. Circle or highlight any specific references to the background and set. You're looking for specific mentions of color, material types, sizes, props and relative distance from one place or object to another.
2. Meet with the director. Get the director's notes on elements he/she would like to see or does not want to see. Ask about the specific items you came across in the script. Make sure he/she wants these or how important they are. Get a budget sheet from him/her that lists what your budget is for either the entire film or a specific area used for different scenes.
3. Draw out your design. Create one large sketch which encompasses everything as well as several supporting designs of specific elements or segments of the set as a whole. Sketch in pencil first then fill in with full color. Present these sketches to the director and supervising producers for approval. If they want changes make the changes then submit the sketches and ask for a signature of approval.
4. Break down your budget. So some comparison shopping to find the best deals and figure out where it is okay to spend more money for quality and where you need to cut back. Purchase all your materials. Begin constructing the items that require the most time to make so you are sure to finish them in time and don't have any problems. Do all the construction elements first. Research architectural elements if necessary to keep up the appearance of a specific time era or location.
5. Paint and decorate all the constructed sets. Take photos of each set piece and send them or take them to the director and supervising producers. Put all the elements together on the sound stage or other location. Photograph everything each day before shooting begins as well as during (on breaks) and after. This provides an accurate record of the different looks and makes it easy to reset in the event of re-shoots.
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