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.

  • 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.

  • Film production process

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

Skills

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Purchase props

    Buy the required props for a performance.

  • Identify props

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

  • Analyse a script

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

Optional knowledge and skills

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

Common job titles

  • Strategic buyer usa
  • Buyer 4, procurement
  • Assistant buyer
  • Art buyer
  • Associate buyer
  • World wide travel buyer
  • Buyer
  • Senior buyer
  • Procurement / asset analyst