How Is Drapery Used On Film Sets?

Drapery is an important detail used to accent a scene and evoke emotional responses from viewers, such as using sheer curtains to softly brighten a room with natural sunlight and create a sense of serenity or using dark and theatrical fabrics to dramatize a scene. Drapery can also be used to provide immediate information about the time period or location that a story takes place in, such as Victorian-era window treatments.

“Sheers” by Blinds Online is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Items made of fabric and other soft furnishings are included in the consideration of drapery and are the responsibility of a drapesmaster to design, produce and install on film sets. Aside from curtains, other examples of drapery are cushions, carpets, blinds, props such as handkerchiefs, interior seats of vehicles, and blue and green screens.

“Couch cushion” by Sean Winters is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Drapesmasters are skilled in upholstery, knowledgeable in a variety of fabrics, colors, weights and textures, and familiar with custom manufacturing options. They assist film productions in creating a list of all soft furnishings needed based on the script, and they prepare a budget that includes the cost of materials as well as labor. At times, there may be very detailed requirements that must be accounted for, such as a heavy or lightweight material, custom sizes, and specific folds or patterns.

“Upholstery – Available at Interior Design House” by Interior Design House is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It is important to hire an experienced drapesmaster with knowledge of health and safety procedures to ensure that your production is provided with high quality, flame retardant materials and help prevent other accidents from occurring, such as tripping or slipping.

If you are looking for drapery services for your next project, check out our online Nevada Production Directory for a list of companies and individuals who specialize in drapery in Nevada or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you are a drapesmaster in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Nevada Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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