What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

“Being present and willing to learn. You learn something on every show.”

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

“That probably differs greatly person to person, but probably a misconception of how quickly you may get results and the expectation that at a certain point, every job will begin to look similar and function the same.”

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

“How much does your job differ from others and how important are those differences in practice? The answer to both is greatly.”

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

“Showing up is 80% of life.”

What does a Set Dresser do?

A Set Dresser implements the set decorating needs for each set of a film. This means they’ll be the individuals tasked with putting together the set walls, floors, furniture, and other scene-specific items.

What does it mean to be a Set Dresser?

A Set Dresser is very much part of the creative team that brings to life the vision of the Director, Production Designer, and Art Director as it pertains to how each scene of a film should look.

What is the difference between a Set Decorator and Set Dresser?

The Set Dressers on a film work with the Set Decorator and take instruction from them in terms of being assigned specific sets to decorate and dress for a film.

Set Dresser

Expert Sources: Alex Gabel

Last updated: Feb 15, 2023

Career Overview

Set Dressers work on film sets to arrange set dressing items such as pictures and furniture before the camera. They may be responsible for the pickup, transport, and all organization of set dressing items to and from set. This job is essential in bringing a set to life.

Alternate Titles

None

Avg. Salary

$75,000¹

Salary Range

$30 – $35/hr²

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