What a Set Decorator Actually Does on Your Production
A Set Decorator works hand in hand with the Production Designer to bring every interior and exterior set to life. While the Production Designer establishes the overall visual concept, the Set Decorator is responsible for sourcing, renting, purchasing, and placing every object that appears within the frame, from furniture and rugs to books, lamps, and the personal items that make a space feel lived in and real.
On a practical level, this means managing a team that often includes a Leadman and a crew of Set Dressers. The Set Decorator tracks the budget for all dressing elements, builds relationships with prop houses and vendors, and coordinates with the Art Director to keep everything aligned with the director's vision. When a location looks believable, audiences never notice the work. That invisibility is the craft.
What to Look for When Hiring in Burbank
Burbank and the surrounding Los Angeles area have some of the most experienced Set Decorators in the industry, with credits ranging from network television to streaming features. When evaluating candidates, look for:
- A strong portfolio that shows range across genres and budgets
- Experience managing vendor relationships with local prop houses such as those concentrated in the greater LA area
- Familiarity with union and non-union workflows, depending on your production's structure
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work under tight prep schedules
- References from Production Designers or Art Directors they have worked with directly
Understanding Rates in the Burbank Area
Set Decorator rates in the Burbank and Los Angeles market vary depending on the scale of the production, union status, and the individual's experience level. On union productions covered by the IATSE Basic Agreement, rates are set by the applicable contract. On non-union independent projects, day rates and weekly rates are negotiated directly and typically reflect the competitive nature of the LA market. Budget realistically for prep days as well as shoot days, since a Set Decorator's workload is often heaviest before the camera rolls.
How NeedaCrew Makes Hiring Faster
NeedaCrew is built for exactly this situation. You describe your project, your dates, and what you need, and qualified Set Decorators in the Burbank area can respond directly. Every crew member on the platform has a verified profile with credits and experience listed, so you are not starting from scratch or relying on cold outreach through personal networks.
There is no subscription required to post. You share the details of your project and connect with crew who are available and interested. It is a straightforward way to staff up quickly without the back and forth that slows down pre-production.
Ready to find your Set Decorator? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start hearing from qualified Burbank-area crew today.
Are you a Set Decorator or Art Department professional based in Burbank or the greater LA area? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get discovered by producers actively hiring right now.