Profession set buyer

Set buyers analyse the script in order to identify the set dressing and the props needed for all individual scenes. They also consult with the production designer and the prop and set making team. Set buyers buy, rent or commission the making of the props. Set buyers make sure sets are authentic and believable.

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Personality Type

  • Enterprising / Conventional
  • Conventional / Enterprising

Knowledge

  • Room aesthetics

    Assessment of how different pieces of a visual design can ultimately fit together to create the intended interior and visual environment.

  • Film production process

    The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

  • Cinematography

    The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.

Skills

  • Maintain relationship with suppliers

    Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.

  • Manage budgets

    Conduct cost estimates and budget planning. Monitor the budget, as well as costs and expenses. Forecast the budget development continuously. Report on the budget.

  • Purchase props

    Buy the required props for a performance.

  • Analyse a script

    Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

  • Identify suppliers

    Determine potential suppliers for further negotiation. Take into consideration aspects such as product quality, sustainability, local sourcing, seasonality and coverage of the area. Evaluate the likelihood of obtaining beneficial contracts and agreements with them.

  • Identify props

    Determine the props needed for each scene by reading and analysing the script. Make a detailed list of them.

Optional knowledge and skills

carry out internet research lighting techniques work with prop makers coordinate purchasing activities photography build props adapt sets change over props ensure visual quality of the set adapt props manage logistics maintain inventory of rented items define set building methods acquire antique items check deliveries on receipt manage rented goods returns provide customized upholstery build miniature props film studies