What Happens to Movie and TV Set Designs After Filming

After a movie or TV show wraps up filming, several things typically happen to the sets, varying widely depending on the scale of the production and the specific practices of the studio involved.

Dismantling or Storage

Most commonly, sets are dismantled and materials may be recycled or repurposed for future productions. Some sets are stored for potential reuse in sequels or other projects. Storage is feasible if the production company finds an appropriate place to store the disassembled set. This solution is not always available, and the feasibility depends on the size and complexity of the set.

Post-Production

While the physical sets may be dismantled, the post-production team continues to work on editing, sound design, and visual effects using footage captured on those sets. This ensures that the visual aesthetics of the film or show are consistent and polished before release.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The production crew often cleans and maintains equipment, props, and costumes used on set. This includes returning rental items to vendors and ensuring all gear is in proper condition for the next project. Proper care of these items is crucial for longevity and reuse.

Wrap Parties

Celebrating the completion of filming with wrap parties is a common practice among cast and crew. These events can take place on set or at nearby venues, serving as a morale boost after the intense filming process.

Documentation

Sets are often documented through photographs and videos for archival purposes, especially if they are elaborate or unique. This documentation helps in reference for future projects and ensures that the design elements are recorded for posterity.

Set Tours and Tourist Attractions

In some cases, sets may be preserved and turned into tourist attractions, like those seen in studios such as Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Studios. These tours give fans a chance to experience a piece of the fictional worlds and locations that they loved in the movies or series.

Return and Reuse of Rentals

Any rented equipment, props, or costumes are typically returned to the respective vendors. This practice ensures that the vendors can be compensated and the items can be reused for other productions.

Legal and Financial Wrap-Up

The production company handles any final contracts, payments, and legal matters related to the filming. This includes resolving any disputes, finalizing debts, and ensuring all loose ends are tied up before the project ends.

The Environmental Impact

Not all set materials are reusable or recyclable. Sometimes, they are simply thrown out, which is a real shame because some of them are really cool and it's a huge waste of raw materials. Recycling is often complicated due to the cost of separating useful from non-useful materials, which is often more than the value of the material itself. As a result, much of the set materials are ended up in the trash.

Occasionally, productions work with recyclers to sell or donate raw materials. However, this practice is not common, and the effort often does not outweigh the cost. On a couple of shoots, the crew would try to save straight pieces of wood measuring 6 feet or longer, but only a fraction of these materials were actually recycled.

The cost of steel and aluminum is often lower, making them more likely to be saved from the trash. Nonetheless, a significant portion of set materials still ends up in the dumpster. Occasionally, intrepid scrappers will jump into the dumpsters to recover usable materials, but this is a rare occurrence. Only if there is a sequel, or if another production is interested in buying the set, are the materials not thrown out immediately.

For a sci-fi film, one of the selling points is the cool sets, making it unlikely that others would be allowed to use those sets. In contrast, generic locations like the Oval Office, or any other generic office or house, could be sold or bought by other productions. However, such instances are rare.

The vast majority of set materials end up in the trash. This outcome not only represents a waste of resources but also an environmental impact, considering the materials being discarded. Businesses and production companies should consider more sustainable practices that can help reduce waste and promote recycling and reusing materials.

Eco-Friendly Solutions

Alternative approaches to the disposal of set materials could include:

Collaborating with recycling and salvage companies that can efficiently process and repurpose materials. Implementing a system for temporarily storing sets to be reused in future productions. This would significantly reduce the amount of waste generated. Creating a framework for fan engagement that allows sets to be turned into tourist attractions or educational exhibits, which could generate revenue and raise awareness about environmental sustainability. Developing guidelines for set materials that encourage the use of sustainable and recyclable materials initially.

By adopting these strategies, the film and TV industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact and promote more sustainable practices, ensuring a greener future for both the industry and the planet.

Embracing sustainability and innovation in set design and production practices can have a positive impact on both the environment and the film industry as a whole. It allows for the preservation of valuable resources and the creation of unique, eco-friendly solutions that align with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the entertainment industry.