How to Build a Southwestern Cowboy Movie Set

In theatre, stage props are often not what they appear to be. Making fake stage props saves a lot of money, as... Western dramas traditionally use unsophisticated set designs to create a western "feel", as most action occurs outdoors. Cacti, tumbleweeds, horses and large... Draw up blueprints. Because you will build only facades of buildings, i.e., just the front wall (and occasionally a side wall), you won't need an architect. But consider hiring professional help up front if you plan to build the set on your own. A contractor should be able to help you draw easy-to-follow plans for each facade. The contractor will also help you determine whether your design will pass city zoning codes -- and whether you'll need a permit to build your set. Once you have obtained a position at a famed movie set catering company, you have reached your end goal. Bon appetit! Become familiar with the day-to-day duties involved in working in a kitchen or catering company before you decide to go into management.... food; tech; money; health; More eHow; Featured: Holiday Allergies. ... A movie set grip works behind the scenes on productions, securing and... Often the top four most important people on a film set include the production designer, as well as the producer, director, and... How to Become a Set Designer. A Set Designer designs scenery used in production. A designer may design sets for theatre, film,... Ask to observe operations on a movie set. Many filmmakers are willing to open their sets at particular times to those interested in the business. Be polite with your requests, explain who you are and what your aspirations are and take advantage of any opportunity you receive. When you are invited on a set, be careful to stay out of the way, listen and don't talk unless someone asks you a question. Express your appreciation at the end of the day and send a thank you card a few days later. Hone your teaching skills with internships and tutoring jobs while you are working on your degree. Take the opportunity to learn as much as possible on the job with different children in one-on-one sessions. This will help you learn how to address the needs of various children so you can effectively teach any young person you are assigned. This will also give you references and recommendations to use on your resume. If you are a professional painter, or you enjoy painting houses, buildings and fences and want to branch out careerwise, consider becoming a set painter for the film industry. The pay and benefits are great and you will be working in a creative environment. Follow these steps to become a set painter. Other People Are Reading Instructions 1 Contact film commission offices in local communities or your state to see if you can be added to the list of set painters available for work. How to get on set as a movie electrician is a mysterious process. In the film business , getting your first job... Move up in the ranks and become a member of the film and TV crafts union. Establish yourself as a "lead painter." Your reputation will lead you to more work. Farhan Arshad has been a professional writer since 2004. In 2009, he was one of five writers accepted into the Comedy Central Summer workshop, spending time at "The Daily Show," "The Colbert Report" and Comedy Central's development department. He received his Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and political science from Emory University and a Master of Fine Arts in dramatic writing from Northwestern University.