The Art of Set Fabrication in Los Angeles: A Set Shop Owner’s Perspective
As a set shop owner in Los Angeles, I can tell you that set fabrication isn’t just a business—it’s a blend of artistry, problem-solving, and rapid-fire logistics. Here in LA, the capital of global entertainment, set fabrication is both a competitive industry and a creative calling. We’re tasked with building worlds—sometimes overnight—for film, TV, commercials, music videos, live events, and immersive experiences. And we have to make it all believable, durable, and camera-ready.
A City Built on Dreamscapes
Los Angeles is the beating heart of Hollywood. That means our work is often tied directly to storytelling. Our sets might appear on screen for just a few seconds, but those few seconds have to be flawless. Whether it's a 1950s kitchen for a biopic or a futuristic spaceship for a streaming series, our job is to fabricate environments that support a director’s vision—and often elevate it.
Every project is different. One week we’re recreating a Cuban street, the next we’re constructing a surrealist sculpture for an avant-garde music video. There’s no template for what we do. That’s part of the art: adaptability.
From Sketch to Set
The process of set fabrication typically starts with conceptual renderings or storyboards from the production designer. We break these down into materials, dimensions, and budget constraints. This is where art meets engineering. My team includes scenic painters, carpenters, welders, CNC operators, sculptors, and even mold-makers. Each plays a role in transforming concepts into tangible structures that look good on camera and can survive the rigors of a production schedule.
In Los Angeles, speed is critical. Turnaround times can be brutal, especially for commercials or pop-up installations. Our advantage is that we’re surrounded by a dense ecosystem of prop houses, specialty suppliers, and skilled freelancers. Need vacuum-formed wall panels, antique door hardware, or five identical fiberglass trees? There’s a guy in Burbank or Van Nuys who does just that.
The Challenges We Face
Running a set shop here isn't without its challenges. Budgets have shrunk, timelines are tighter, and competition is fierce. Technology, particularly virtual production, is shifting how sets are used. LED volumes and digital backdrops are changing the game—but not eliminating physical sets. Instead, we’re being asked to build hybrid environments that blend physical and digital, meaning we collaborate more with VFX teams than ever before.
Sustainability is also a growing concern. The industry is notoriously wasteful. As shop owners, we’re being asked to find ways to reduce material waste, repurpose flats, and use eco-friendly paints and adhesives. We’ve had to rethink our workflows and storage practices. More and more clients are asking for modular builds or reusability plans, which actually encourages smart, efficient design.
The Soul of the Shop
Despite all the pressures, I still find deep satisfaction in walking through a completed set before it’s handed off to a production crew. There’s something magical about standing inside a world we’ve built from raw wood, foam, paint, and sweat. It’s especially rewarding when our team solves a tricky design problem or creates a moment of visual impact that makes it into the final cut.
I also take pride in the people. A set shop is a place where tradespeople and artists coexist. It's a culture built on trust, precision, and creative hustle. Many of my crew members have theater backgrounds, fine arts degrees, or experience in architecture. Others came up through scenic carpentry or union work. All of them are craftsmen in the truest sense.
Looking Ahead
As LA evolves and production spreads across the globe, I believe local set fabrication will remain vital. Why? Because there’s a level of artistry and know-how here that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. We’ve built a culture around the craft. Our shops are not just fabrication spaces—they’re creative incubators that help bring stories to life.
Set fabrication is ultimately about transformation. We take the imagined and make it real, even if only for a few days. That, to me, is the art of it—and why, even after all these years, I’m still in love with the work.