Scenic & Set Dressing Workshop for Film & TV
LOCATION: Neighborhood Print Studio & Senate Garage (Kingston, NY)
IMPORTANT DATES:
Application Deadline: February 17 @ 5pm
App Review and Interviews: January 28 - February 20
Acceptance Announcement: February 21
Workshop Begins: Saturday March 8
Dive into the world of scenic artistry and set dressing with our comprehensive, hands-on Scenic and Set Dressing Workshop. Whether you're looking to break into the film and television industry or enhance your on-set skills, this workshop provides the tools and knowledge to prepare you for a role in the art department as a set dresser or scenic artist.
Led by seasoned professionals with real-world experience, you'll gain an insider's understanding of the techniques and teamwork that bring sets to life. From mastering scenic painting techniques to understanding how to dress a set for the camera, this workshop covers everything you need to get started as a Production Assistant (PA) in these vital departments.
ABOUT WORKSHOP:
SCHEDULE:
SESSION 1: SATURDAY, MARCH 8
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SESSION 2: SUNDAY, MARCH 9
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SESSION 3: SATURDAY, MARCH 15
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SESSION 3: SUNDAY, MARCH 16
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
Days 1 & 2: Scenic Techniques
Introduction to scenic painting: tools, materials, and best practices.
Hands-on practice with aging, faux finishes, and textures.
Breakdown of on-set protocols and working with other departments.
Days 3 & 4: Set Dressing Fundamentals
Sourcing, selecting, and arranging set pieces.
Dressing a set for continuity and camera angles.
Hands-on scene dressing exercises.
Identifying furniture.
What tools are needed.
Practical applications.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS:
Scenic Artist
A scenic artist is responsible for creating and enhancing visual elements of sets. Their work often includes painting backdrops, walls/flats, and props, as well as applying textures and finishes to bring a design to life. Key responsibilities include:
Painting detailed backdrops and murals for sets.
Applying techniques such as aging, faux finishes, and trompe-l'œil.
Sculpting and carving set pieces from materials like foam or wood.
Collaborating closely with the art director to ensure the design matches the director's vision.
Maintaining tools and materials while adhering to safety protocols.
Set Dresser
A set dresser is tasked with arranging furniture, props, and decor to create the intended look and feel of a scene. They work to ensure continuity and that every detail aligns with the production's artistic direction. Key responsibilities include:
Placing and arranging furniture, props, and decor on set.
Ensuring continuity by documenting and maintaining the positioning of all items.
Making on-the-fly adjustments to optimize for camera angles and lighting.
Collaborating with the art director, props team, and other departments to execute the vision.
Who should attend: This workshop is ideal for beginners interested in working in the scenic or set dressing departments, as well as those looking to expand their behind-the-scenes knowledge of the film and television industry. No prior experience is necessary.
What’s included:
28 hours of in-depth, practical training across 4 days.
Access to all materials and tools needed for workshop activities.
Networking opportunities with instructors and industry professionals.
Certificate of Completion upon finishing the workshop.
Registration Fee: $699 (full scholarships available for up to 15 trainees)
This program welcomes all community members and actively seeks participation from individuals from diverse backgrounds, women, and others historically underrepresented in the film industry.
Join us for this exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in the scenic and art departments for film and television - Apply now!
INSTRUCTORS:
Jaf Farkas - Scenic Lead Instructor - is a New York based scenic designer and visual artist who has worked in film and television since 2004. As an art director, Jaf works intimately with scenic artists to fulfill the vision of production designers and directors. He has created for dozens of feature films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
Nicole Montagnino - Set Dressing Lead Instructor - is a Set Decorator who works in New York City and the Hudson Valley. She is a member of the SDSA and IATSE Local 52. Her recent credits include The Other Two Season 3, Law and Order Season 21, I Know This Much is True and Lost Girls.
Katie Serencsics - Guest Speaker - graduated from Smith College with a major in English and a minor in Film, planning to go into book publishing. Soon after I graduated, I took a course similar to the Stockade Works program, and as soon as I had a taste for working in the industry, I never looked back. I fell in love with the Art Department as I found the ability to create worlds out of nothing to be a special kind of magic. Over the course of my career I have gained experience in most roles within the Art Department, including props, scenic, and set dec, but have found a real love for set dressing. This past year I have been able to lead many projects and it has been so rewarding to guide my crew through the unique craziness of each job and to be able to bring people's incredible creative visions to life.
Jess Underwood - Scenic Guest Instructor - is a visual artist with a BFA in Fine Arts Painting and a Scenic Artist in IATSE local 829. She began her career working for Jeff Koons, painting his sculptures. She also worked as an artist’s assistant for KAWS, painting his large-scale works. In addition, she collaborated on a large mural installation for the late artist Montien Boonma, which is currently on view at MoMA. Moving into commercial work, she created high-end faux finishes for clients like Hermès, Google, Fendi, and Chanel. Since joining IATSE Local 829, Jess has worked as a scenic artist and occasional camera scenic on productions including Only Murders in the Building S3, S4, S5, , American Horror Story: Delicate, Poker Face S2, The Walking Dead, Goosebumps, Evil etc. Alongside her scenic work, she enjoys a spirited personal painting practice out of her studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and has completed her own public mural projects.
Stockade Works’ programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Stockade Works believes that film, media, and tech should be accessible for all people. If an accessibility offering such as American Sign Language Interpretation, live captioning, audio descriptions or a post event transcript would aid in your participation, please let us know.