How Do Movies Find Artwork to Feature on the Big Screen?

Whether it is sculptures, paintings, photographs or other custom crafts, set decorators are always looking for artwork that fits the theme of the production they are working on. At times, productions will hire a clearance coordinator whose sole job is to ensure that all proper licenses or legal permission is obtained for displaying or referencing copyrighted artwork onscreen. This can include anything from specific paintings or portraits to names of actual companies that exist in the real world or even real book titles or street addresses.

Getting clearance can be as straightforward as getting permission from the creator of the artwork or as convoluted as requesting permission from multiple entities who all have rights to a single piece of copyrighted material, such as a museum, the artist’s estate, photographers, and even more third parties.

When it comes to period-appropriate artwork, however, it can be difficult to source original pieces of art that can easily be cleared to appear in a commercial production, so artwork that closely resembles the style of the time period is commissioned or rented instead.

In addition, if cost is a factor in obtaining clearance for using certain pieces of artwork, local artists are often commissioned to create art that is style- and period-appropriate for the film’s theme.

In other cases where time is the major factor and the production does not have any specific pieces of art they want to use, set decorators will research and explore pre-cleared artwork, typically going through companies who specifically serve the film and television industry with high quality, original artwork that has already been cleared by the artist. Pre-cleared artwork can be purchased outright or rented at a percentage of the sales price, and going this route offers big savings in both time and budget.

If you are looking for professional set decorators, clearance coordinators or a legal team to help you with sourcing custom artwork for your next production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory to find experienced Nevada production crew and support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be accurate and true to the best of our knowledge. All data and information provided on this site is for informational/entertainment purposes only. If there are any inaccuracies, you may submit corrections and sources by visiting our Contact page. Nevada Film Office makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. We do not sponsor or endorse anyone in our posts nor do we receive compensation of any kind in exchange for providing information about specific websites or resources unless otherwise noted, so please check for references, business licenses or credentials as you feel necessary.