and period pieces would be helpful. An understanding of characters in
the script is also an asset. To dress a set, one would have to interpret the
character: what the individual wants, likes, dislikes. Is this person neat or
messy? Does this person have a collection? If so, of what?"
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
"I think the best tip I can give to anyone interested in working in the
industry is to grab the local entertainment guide," says Richardson. "Here
in California it is The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. On Wednesdays, they
have a listing of productions in prep, work, and post. Contact these places
until you land a job. Work and learn. Read as much as you can and listen
to others. This is an industry of `who you know'--so know as many
[people] as possible."
"Like anything, you have to be persistent . . . It is a very word-of-
mouth industry. Persistence is the key. Individuals will commonly start as
a PA, then move towards the department desired."
Professional Profile:
Diana C. Richardson,
On Set Dresser, Set Dresser,
Assistant Props
Growing up in Southern
California, Diana Richardson
was surrounded by the film
and television industry. Her
earliest taste of her future
career came during high
school, working with theater
stagehands.
She landed her first job in
film serving as an extra,
working deferred (meaning
that her salary was credited,
rather than paid out; the idea is
that if the film makes a certain
amount of money or gets a the-
atrical release, depending upon
the contract, the actors will then be paid). There is an industry saying that
"Everyone works deferred once."
During the shoot, she seized the opportunity to observe the various
crew members and different departments. Her first crew job was as an art
What do you like
least about your job?
"Sometimes the pay
doesn't seem to be enough
for the amount and
type of work demanded.
`Splits' or all-nighters
are my number one complaint. Splits are
where we start at 3 P.M. and work until
3 A.M., and you can guess about the all-
nighters."--Diana Richardson
What do you love most
about your job?
"I like the hubbub. I was drawn to the art
and prop departments because it is the kind
of person I am--just as a photographer
would be drawn to the camera, or a [person]
to act."--Diana Richardson
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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