Set Decorator (1 years diploma)

Set Decorator click here

Brief Job Description: Individuals in this job need to mark-up the script for set
furnishings requirements. They need to procure these items, store them safely
during the shoot and ensure continuity.

Personal Attributes: This job requires the individual to decorate the set with
semi-permanent and moveable items. The individual should ideally have a
background in the interior design and a creative bent of mind. The individual must
also know available sources for hiring, purchasing or fabricating these items. The

individual must know how to manage items during the shoot and make them
available based on the script and continuity requirements. The individual must
have strong communication skills and must possess the ability to work
collaboratively. The individual must be flexible and able to make key decisions,
keeping in mind the impact on cost and timelines.

Description
Blueprint A technical drawing of an architecture or engineering design, typically
with measurements and angles of each component
Budget Budget is an estimate of the total cost of production that may include a
break-up of cost components

Construction Schedule A detailed breakdown of activities for a construction project, with the
duration of each activity and organized in sequential order
Continuity Continuity represents the seamless transition from one shot to another
Copyright Laws A legal framework linked to intellectual property and the rights given to
creators of original products/ concepts

Draftsman (1) A visual artist who specializesin artistic drawings. Or, (2) A person who
prepares technical drawings and plans under the direction of an architect
or engineer or designer.

Dress Set Decorating the set for aesthetic/ visual purposes
Labour Laws Legal norms governing the relationship between workers, employers,
trade unions and the government

Post-production Post-production is the final finishing phase of the production, where the
raw footage is edited, special effects are added, music and sound are
integrated, colour correction is done etc.

Props A property, commonly shortened to prop (plural: props), is an object used
on stage or on screen by actors during a performance or screen
production. In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything
movable or portable on a stage or a set.

Scale Drawings A drawing that depicts the accurate dimensions of an object, except they
have all been reduced or enlarged by a certain fixed percentage (called
the scale).

Screenplay Screenplay is the script coupled with key characteristics of the scene and
directions for acting
Script Script is a structured narrative of a story
Set The background/ scenery visible through the camera (for video
production) or directly to the spectator (for theatrical production)

Set Etiquette A set of guidelines that dictate how cast and crew should behave on set
and interact with each other

Strike Set Process of dismantling the set (including moveable items and semipermanent

fixtures), and storing, discarding or returning these items
Timelines Timelines is a listing of dates by which the production milestones/stages
need to be completed

Sector Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar
businesses and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the
economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests.
Sub-sector Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the
characteristics and interests of its components.

Vertical Vertical may exist within a sub-sector representing different domain
areas or the client industries served by the industry.

Qualifications Pack For Set Decorator

Occupation Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/related set of
functions in an industry
Function Function is an activity necessary for achieving the key purpose of the
sector, occupation, or area of work, which can be carried out by a person
or a group of persons. Functions are identified through functional analysis
and form the basis of OS.

Sub-functions Sub-functions are sub-activities essential to fulfill the achieving the
objectives of the function.
Job role Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
employment opportunity in an organization.

Occupational Standards
(OS)
OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when
carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the knowledge and
understanding they need to meet that standard consistently. Occupational
Standards are applicable both in the Indian and global contexts.

Performance Criteria Performance Criteria are statements that together specify the standard
of performance required when carrying out a task
National Occupational
Standards (NOS)

NOS are Occupational Standards which apply uniquely in the Indian
context.
Qualifications Pack
Code
Qualifications Pack Code is a unique reference code that identifies a
qualifications pack.

Qualifications Pack(QP) Qualifications Pack comprises the set of OS, together with the educational,
training and other criteria required to perform a job role. A Qualifications
Pack is assigned a unique qualification pack code.
Unit Code Unit Code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard, which is
denoted by an ‘N’.

Unit Title Unit Title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent should
be able to do.
Description Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be
helpful to anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the
appropriate OS they are looking for.

Scope Scope is the set of statements specifying the range of variables that an
individual may have to deal with in carrying out the function which have a
critical impact on the quality of performance required.
Knowledge and

Understanding
Knowledge and Understanding are statements which together specify the
technical, generic, professional and organizational specific knowledge that
an individual needs in order to perform to the required standard.

Organizational Context Organizational Context includes the way the organization is structured and
how it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge managers
have of their relevant areas of responsibility.
Technical Knowledge Technical Knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish
specific designated responsibilities.

Core Skills/Generic
Skills
Core Skills or Generic Skills are a group of skills that are key to learning and
working in today’s world. These skills are typically needed in any work
environment. In the context of the OS, these include communication
related skills that are applicable to most job roles.
Keywords /Terms Description

CAD Computer Aided Design
NOS National Occupational Standard(s)
QP Qualifications Pack
NVEQF National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework
NVQF National Vocational Qualifications Framework

Wrap-up set and return/ dispose off items
Description This OS unit is about packing up items on set after the shoot is over (striking the set)
and ensuring items are returned or disposed of correctly
Scope This unit/task covers the following:

 Packing-up various items and ensuring they are returned and disposed off
correctly
 Maintain documentation
Note: This task can be undertaken by different members of the Set Crafts
department, depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Eg: On large
projects, an Art Director may participate in a supervisory capacity, while Set
Decorators, Dressers, Assistants etc. could be responsible for the physical
return/disposal etc. of items.

Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Packing-up various
items and ensuring
they are returned and
disposed off correctly

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. based on the script and production schedule prepare a schedule/to-do list of
key activities relating to pack-up/ striking the set, as appropriate to the role
PC2. supervise, or assist, support staff in striking the set, which may include:
 Furniture

 Soft furnishings
 Wallpaper
 Lighting fixtures
 Decorative items
 Hand props and featured props
 Any other elements of the set that are not being struck by other teams
PC3. ensure, personally or in a supervisory capacity, that all set items are returned
or disposed of as planned
Maintain

documentation
PC4. ensure, personally or in a supervisory capacity, that necessary documentation,
records, refunds, payments etc. aremaintained

Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the key expectations from the shoot, specifics of the location and any key
limitations on budget, resources and time availability
KA2. relevant organizational processes for return of items, collecting security
refunds, disposal/ sale of items etc.

Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the requirement for different types of set furnishings and props and their
intended use

KB2. how to prepare a to-do-list/ schedule for striking the seat (based on the script
and production schedule)
KB3. how to determine whether items need to be (1) returned, (2) retained/ stored
for later, (3) disposed of/ discarded or (4) sold to other parties
KB4. how to ensure that any items required for continuity are correctly stored and
transported to the next set/ location

KB5. how to arrange for packing and moving staff to remove items from set and
transport them onward (to suppliers, disposal facilities, buyers etc.)
KB6. how to personally take down items and/ or supervise support staff in striking
the set
KB7. how to check the list of struck items against the original inventory list, and
account for items that are misplaced or damaged
KB8. how to correctly load and unload (or supervise loading and unloading) items to
ensure that items are not damaged

KB9. how to return, sell or dispose off items as planned, receive payments (e.g.
security deposit refunds, proceeds from sale) and submit documents and
payments to the Finance/ Production department
KB10. how to update the items list with details of return/ sale/ disposal and submit
this to the Finance/ Production department for closure

KB11. applicable health and safety guidelines, and ensuring that the removal and
dismantling of set furnishings and props from the location minimizes any risks
to the individual’s own health and safety as well as those of the production
cast and crew
Skills (S)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills

The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. prepare a to-do list/ schedule for striking the set
SA2. record details of return/ sale/ disposal against each item on the inventory list
Reading Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. read the script, production schedule and item lists
SA4. read receipts from vendors and buyers that take back set items to ensure
that the information captured is correct

Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA5. understand any constraints/ limitations that could affect the schedule for
striking the set (e.g. time, people, materials, budget)

SA6. communicate effectively with the head of department, propose alternatives
and agree on key decisions

Professional Skills Decision Making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make relevant decisions related to the area of work e.g. methods forremoval
and dismantling of items, choice of buyers etc.
Plan and Organize

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
SB2. plan his/her work according to the requirements and agreed timelines
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. identify any problems with successful execution of the task
SB4. communicate these to the head of department and identify solutions
Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. manage within the agreed budget and minimize overruns
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output

Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. re-use the set properties accordingly.

Dress set prior to shoot
Description This OS unit is about preparing all items required on set and ensuring that they are
correctly placed for the shoot
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
 Understanding set dressing requirements
 Dressing the set

Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understanding set
dressing
requirements
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. correctly interpret set drawings and the list of items required for the set PC2.
ensure that all items required to dress the set are available

Dressing the set PC2. arrange, or supervise Set Dressers / Set Assistants to arrange, items prior to
the shoot, which may involve installation of semi-permanent items (set
furnishings) and placement of moveable objects(props)

PC3. replenish, or supervise Set Dressers / Set Assistants to replenish, perishable
items between takes to ensure the set is fully dressed for the next take/ shot/
scene

Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the key expectations from the shoot, specifics of the location and any key
limitations on budget, resources and time availability

KA2. set etiquette (how to behave on set) and the role and contribution of other
related departments working on the set

B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the requirement for different types of items on set and their intended use
KB2. how to interpret set drawings/ designs and item lists to correctly identify

items that are required for a specific shoot and their location/ placement.
Rough drawings/ sketches may be used to mark location/ placement
KB3. how to correctly place and install semi-permanent items (set furnishings) as
per set drawings/ design

KB4. how to supervise the construction team/ other support staff to correctly
place and install semi-permanent items

KB5. how to correctly place moveable items as per set drawings/ design
KB6. how to supervise support staff to correctly place moveable items
KB7. the process for checking that all items are in place as per the plan (and
double-check item placement with script mark up)

KB8. how to replenish perishable items between takes (e.g. food items, beverages,
cigarettes, flowers etc.) and ensure that the set is fully dressed for the next take/
shot/ scene

KB9. how to propose substitutes/ alternatives to items that are misplaced or
damaged during shoot
KB10. applicable health and safety guidelines, and ensuring that the installation and
placement of set furnishings and props minimizes any risks to the individual’s

own health and safety as well as those of the production cast and crew
Skills (S)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills

The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. prepare basic to-do lists/ rough sketches to ensure that all elements of
dressing the set have been attended to
Reading Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA2. interpret set drawings/ designs
SA3. read item lists and script mark ups

Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. understand the creative vision of the Director and Producer, as appropriate to
the role

SA5. understand any constraints/ limitations that affect the installation and
placement of set furnishings and props (e.g. time, people, materials, budget)
SA6. communicate effectively with the head of department, propose alternatives
and agree on key decisions
B. Professional Skills Decision Making

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make relevant decisions related to the area of work e.g. installation methods,
placement of items etc.
Plan and Organize

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
SB2. plan his/her work according to the requirements and agreed timelines
SB3. supervise construction team and support staff on installation and placement
Problem Solving

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. identify any problems with successful execution of the task
SB5. communicate these to the head of department and identify solutions
Analytical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output
Customer Centricity

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. check that props designed or procured meets project requirements
Critical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB8. appraise the quality of the items used to ensure they are in line with initial
concept and quality standards

Manage continuity of items on set
Description This OS unit is about maintaining continuity between takes/ shots/ scenes and ensuring
the availability of items that are key to continuity
Scope This unit/task covers the following:

 Understanding and noting continuity requirements
 Maintaining continuity and consistency
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria

Understanding and
noting continuity
requirements
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. read the script and identify continuity requirements
PC2. mark up the script to record continuity-related details e.g. position,
placement, direction etc., using rough notes, sketches, photographs etc.
Maintaining

continuity and
consistency
PC3. maintain continuity between takes/ shots/ scenes and across locations for the
following types of items:
• Furniture
• Soft furnishings
• Wallpaper
• Lighting fixtures
• Decorative items

• Hand props and featured props (i.e. props that are used by actors and/ or
form an integral part of the script)
• Any other elements of the set that need to be used across locations
PC4. alert relevant personnel (Script Supervisor, Art Director etc.) if continuity is
not being maintained, and rectify the situation as appropriate

PC5. propose substitutes/ alternatives to items that are required to maintain
continuity, but have been misplaced/damaged during the shoot
PC6. plan for spares/ duplicates of key items required to maintain continuity
Knowledge and Understanding (K)

A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the key expectations from the shoot, specifics of the location and any key
limitations on budget, resources and time availability

KA2. set etiquette (how to behave on set) and the role and contribution of other
related departments working on the set (e.g. Script and Continuity Supervisor,
Production etc.)

Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the requirement for different types of set furnishings and props and their
intended use

KB2. how to interpret the script for continuity requirements and mark up the script
accordingly
KB3. how to interpret set drawings/ designs and item lists to ensure that continuity
requirements have been accounted for

KB4. how to note and record continuity details (e.g. the position, placement and/
or direction of an object, the manner of interaction with the actor – e.g. left
hand or right hand)
KB5. how to photograph and make rough drawings to ensure continuity details
are correctly recorded

KB6. how to plan for spares/ duplicates of key items required to maintain
continuity
KB7. the role of the script and continuity supervisor (direction department) and
coordinating with him/her to ensure that all items have been placed correctly
and checked against script mark ups

KB8. how to propose substitutes/ alternatives to items that are misplaced or
damaged during shoot, but are required to maintain continuity
KB9. how to correctly pack, store and transport items that are required on a
different set/ location to maintain continuity

KB10. applicable health and safety guidelines, and ensuring that the placement of
set furnishings and props minimizes any risks to the individual’s own health
and safety as well as those of the production cast and crew
Skills (S)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills

The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. mark up the script for continuity requirements
SA2. record continuity details for each item using rough notes, sketches and/ or
photographs
Reading Skills

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. read the script, script mark ups and item lists
SA4. interpret set drawings/ designs

Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA5. understand the creative vision of the Director and Producer, as appropriate
to the role

SA6. understand any constraints/ limitations that could affect the continuity of
items on set (e.g. time, people, materials, budget)
SA7. communicate effectively with the head of department, propose
alternatives and agree on key decisions

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make relevant decisions related to the area of work e.g. installation methods,
placement of items etc.
Plan and Organize

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
SB2. plan his/her work according to the requirements and agreed timelines
SB3. manage within the agreed budget and minimize overruns
Problem Solving

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. check that props/items used in the set meets project requirements
Analytical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB8. appraise the quality of the items used to ensure they are in line with initial
concept and quality standards

Estimate set furnishing requirement
Description This OS unit is about understanding the script and creative vision and preparing a
comprehensive list of items required to furnish the set
Scope This unit/task covers the following:

 Estimating set furnishing requirements
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Estimating set
furnishing
requirements

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. understand the production brief and creative vision of the Director and
Producer, as appropriate
PC2. read the script and mark up the set furnishings requirement for each shot/
scene/ location, across the following types of items:
 Furniture

 Soft furnishings
 Wallpaper
 Lighting fixtures
 Decorative items
PC3. identify set furnishing requirements in line with the production’s budget
PC4. prepare a bill of quantities (list of items, price, delivery date) in orderto
procure all set furnishings

Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the expectations of the Director and Producer, any key limitations on budget,
resources and time availability
KA2. the key departments (e.g. Locations, Wardrobe, Finance) to be liaised with
and the role and contribution of these departments

B. Technical
Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. how to read and evaluate a script for set furnishings
KB2. how to mark up the script with the exact set furnishing requirement
KB3. how to translate the mark up into a comprehensive list of items with prices,
delivery dates and other key elements (bill of quantities)

KB4. applicable health and safety guidelines, and ensuring that the items selected
minimize any risks to the individual’s own health and safety as well as those
of the production cast and crew

Writing Skills
The user/ individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. mark up the script with set furnishing requirements
SA2. prepare a comprehensive list of items and a bill of quantities
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. read and evaluate the script to determine set furnishing requirements
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. understand the creative vision of the Director and Producer
SA5. understand any constraints/ limitations that could affect the procurement
of set furnishings (e.g. time, people, materials, budget)
B. Professional Skills Decision Making

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make relevant decisions related to the area of work e.g. choice of items to
achieve the desired look, whether items should be hired, purchased or
fabricated etc.
Plan and Organize

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. check that the items listed/finalized meets project requirements
Critical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. appraise the items listed are in line with initial concept and quality standards
Analytical Thinking

The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB8. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output