The Importance of Set Styling

If you’re producing a live action video, then you’ll surly be styling a set, even if it's in a natural environment. Sets can vary depending on the type of video you’re creating. Whether you’re constructing a full set to resemble a specific location like a hospital or library or simply staging a one-person interview, it’s important to be intentional about what’s being seen by the viewer because this will impact how they perceive your message and content.

Styling your video set is important for several reasons:

1. Professionalism: A well-styled set conveys a sense of professionalism and credibility. It shows that you have put thought and effort into creating an engaging environment that is visually polished. 
2. Visual Appeal: The visual presentation of your set can significantly impact the viewer's perception and engagement. A visually appealing set with appropriate styling, including suitable colors, props, and background textures, will elevate your video and make it more interesting and enjoyable to watch.
3. Branding and Identity: Styling your video set, even if it’s a basic interview, allows you to align it with your brand or identity. You can incorporate your brand colors, logos, or other visual elements that represent your organization. Sometimes subtle cues are best. Also, consistency in your set designs across multiple videos or campaigns helps in building brand recognition and creates a cohesive and memorable experience for your audience.
4. Context and Atmosphere: The look of your set can contribute to creating the desired context and atmosphere. For example, if you want to convey a professional and formal setting, you might choose a clean and minimalist design with a neutral color palette. Alternatively, if you want a more relaxed and casual vibe, you could opt for a cozy and inviting set with warmer tones and comfortable seating. The styling choices can help set the right tone and mood for your video. For a massive production this could take months of research and design to achieve. 
5. Distraction Management: An intentionally styled set can help minimize distractions and maintain focus on the content itself, especially in interview or documentary situations. By carefully selecting the elements and layout of the set, you can avoid clutter or any visually distracting elements that might divert the viewer's attention. This allows the focus to remain on the subjects and their message, ensuring the impact is not lost.

By making thoughtful choices that enhance the overall aesthetics and reflects your brand or identity, you’ll ensure the purpose of your video is conveyed clearly. 

Behind-the-scenes of Spotted Yeti staging a vacant office location shoot for Cerkl Broadcast (left).
Frame grab of the in camera results (right).

Here are a few very basic rules to follow:

1. Never do the “Plant Grab” trust us! There are rare circumstances that call for a good plant or two, however, in these cases the plant must fit the set. A LARGE set would lean to including larger plants or trees, OR a good amount of nesting plants. Real plants are always best if you can source them.
2. Pay close attention to your overall amount of space. You’d be surprised how quickly a space fills up. Ensure your set has enough room to accommodate all the physical pieces that make up your creative aesthetic and the crew who will be handling the production. Too often chosen spaces or locations seem small or over-cramped on camera because of what is needed behind the scenes. 
3. Clear the clutter - If time is of the essence and your back is against the wall with utilizing a certain location that my not be ideal, take the time to remove as many items as possible. Less is always more unless your creative calls for  “hoarder type look and feel.”  You also don’t want to have to “fix it in post,” when it comes to logos and brand licensing you don’t have. 
4. Time for Trial and Error -Anything creative takes time. Be sure to allot enough time on your production day or pre-pro day to see what works when styling your set. All the mood boards in the world won’t prepare you for something that’s just not working out. When this happens you’ll need a beat to switch to your plan B. 
5. Always have a plan B - Even if your creating a simple conversation set, think about what you can have in your back pocket. Do you need multiple chair options, extra apple boxes to prop background elements up higher, or even a option to re-arrange the furniture. If you can be proactive in your design though process you’ll be ready for those last minute requests. 

Does it sound overwhelming? Spotted Yeti's team is here to coordinate all the moving parts so what appears in you video is carefully curated, purposeful, and on brand.