Great set designs feel like an organic extension of the world of the movie. It immerses the audience and provides a platform to tell the story. Like all aspects of film production, however, it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are a few key tips to make a film set look realistic.

Film Production Tips for Realistic Set Design

A truly realistic set shouldn’t be noticed by your audience — that’s how you know you’ve done it well. To create a set that supports your narrative, take a step back and consider the larger world of the story, starting with the time period. Whether the scene takes place in the Middle Ages or the early 2000s, it’s important to do your research to make sure the set properly represents life during that time. Even a small anachronistic detail, like an exposed belt buckle under a knight’s suit of armor, can take your viewers out of the film and spoil their immersion.

Additionally, every element of film production should have a clear intention behind it. To that end, the details you include in your set should reflect the characters, plot, or mood the director wants to evoke. Personal touches, like posters in the background of a shot of the character’s bedroom, will impact the way your audience perceives their persona and the scene.

Common Mistakes

It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s possible to make your set look too realistic. For instance, if you’re filming a living room scene, remember that homes usually aren’t perfectly kept; small touches, like a disheveled throw blanket and an abandoned coffee mug, can help your audience feel like they’re in a lived-in home. However, it might be relevant to the plot for the set to look perfectly immaculate; what matters is that the design choices you make should intentionally advance the plot.

Whatever your budget, it’s possible to design a realistic set that blends into the narrative with meaning and intention. Consider the central focal point and mood of each scene, and develop your set in a way that transports your audience into the film’s larger world.

Quality storytelling is the basis of every successful film. That’s why the team at Glasstown Productions, based in Millville, NJ, bring creativity and innovation to every film production project. Whether you need to film corporate videos, news programs, or SEO-rich live content, these acclaimed professionals are happy to help you hit your goals with personalized high-definition options. To speak with a friendly representative, call (856) 500-2944, or visit them online to view their full list of services.