Thread: Set Designer for Stage, DVD, Photo Shoots???

Do you hire a set designer for your staged BD events, photoshoots or DVD shootings? Do you wish you could hire one but don't have access to one (physically or financially)? Or do you prefer to execute your own ideas yourself??
Just wondering ..g.:

I never had the luxury of hiring a set designer.

I do have a student who paints murals professionally, though, and a daughter who's an art major. So I had a custom painted backdrop based loosely on my own travel pics from Egypt!

I added a giant tent (actually it was a rectangular patio umbrella wearing a 'costume') and some low tables - cushions - a hookah - etc.

But over the years, I've gradually dropped everything including the gorgeous backdrop.

I've decided I like the plain stage with dark blue or black curtain behind the dancer much better than a busy stage.

caveat -- my events aren't what you'd call 'larger scale' though! Just student recitals at a local community college theater.

I agree with Lauren. Too much visual noise distracts from the true focus - the performers. A clean, clear stage with a solid backdrop is much more attractive and allows better pictures and videos. I have too many photos with fake trees or other backdrop items that appear to grow from the dancer's body, often during otherwise lovely backbends.

i would love to have a set designer! but for now, we have a black velvet curtain, lighting and sound.

Originally Posted by showtime

I agree with Lauren. Too much visual noise distracts from the true focus - the performers. A clean, clear stage with a solid backdrop is much more attractive and allows better pictures and videos. I have too many photos with fake trees or other backdrop items that appear to grow from the dancer's body, often during otherwise lovely backbends.

I can agree that the stage set can be distracting when put like that, but another part of me believes that when its done right it can really set the tone and add a wonderful atmosphere to a live performance. If we think back to some of the older Egyptian films, the largest part of the charm is the dancing (of course!) but the overall setting also plays a role in captivating the viewer.

Two of my all-time favorite stage backdrops. The first, with alternating black and dark purple, totally simple but a little more interesting than plain black.

The second, a 100-yr-old hand-painted canvas backdrop of sunrise viewed from inside a pyramid.

And this, at the Oregon Country Fair, is another all-time best stage decor.

I think good lighting is just as important, if not more so, than a fancy set.

!!! Thanks for sharing Dunyah !!!

I would love to see more pictures of sets that you really loved. And if you prefer a black backdrop, I would love to hear your reasons why. This includes DVD shoots and photo shoots!

Originally Posted by dunyah

I think good lighting is just as important, if not more so, than a fancy set.

I agree 100%

Originally Posted by dunyah

Two of my all-time favorite stage backdrops. The first, with alternating black and dark purple, totally simple but a little more interesting than plain black.

The second, a 100-yr-old hand-painted canvas backdrop of sunrise viewed from inside a pyramid.

Dunyah, that second one... WOW!

Originally Posted by dunyah

And this, at the Oregon Country Fair, is another all-time best stage decor.

OOOooo, Double-WOW!

Coveting the golden Nefertiti bust overhead!

I have never worked with a set designer but have been really pleased with the professional lighting designers and the right background props for our theatrical pieces. In terms of DVD's, I just watched two last night: Jillina's volume 3- Drum solo which is a completely designed set with plants, flowing silks, pillows, etc... and Combination Nation from Cheeky Girls which is just a clean studio. While Jillina's offers a high production value, I still prefer following someone who is facing a mirror (which she has done in other DVD's). I know there is a lot of debate about this and don't want to get off topic but sometimes a set designer creates visually appealing background and doesn't always consider how the end result teaches the dance. There is also something a bit odd about creating what we think of as a typical "Harem" scene for bellydance DVD's because unless it's done right, it can look a bit cheesy. I'm sure we've all seen those DVD's with a few random throw pillows and a veil hung somewhere for a vaguely Middle Eastern look. I think Neon creates beautiful DVD's with the grand looks of a full theater and I'm sure it's a high cost but less than Jillina's design. With regard to photo shoots, I did one shoot on location with a "photo stylist" and the results were artistic and beautiful but less about my dancing and more about my relationship/interaction with the shapes, textures, contoures of the scenery. I guess it would depend on what the goal of the shoot is. This is a long way of saying, I would work with a set designer if I had a huge budget to do it right. I don't think I would do so in a photoshoot because, for me, the images are used to give prospective students and/or clients a snapshot of who I am as a dancer and if it's over-stylized, it becomes more about creating an interesting picture. Just my two cents for whatever it's worth ; ) Good question though...it's got me thinking and I could probably change my mind tomorrow.

Thanks for responding Tava! I've seen so many dancers applying different skills and bringing them into their dance world. I've been wondering lately what other avenues I could take in the future as an Interior Designer and Dancer. Its been interesting to read people's responses.

Thanks for sharing! xox

Maybe you could start networking with some dance photographers in your area. I do all of my shoots on-location, but I know that beautifully designed indoor sets seem to be a rarity. As a model, I'd pay a lot for a shoot in a pimped out studio setting!