Consuelo Okdie from Tampa Bay, Fla., writes:
“I’m hoping that you or one of your readers will be able to tell me how to get my artwork used as set decoration for TV or films.
“My work is unique in medium and application as I am one of a very few artists using polymer clay to create illustrations & paintings. Any information you may be able to give me will be greatly appreciated.”
The Publicity Hound says:
First, you need to be willing to do the research necessary to pitch set designers, costume coordinators, production coordinators, prop masters and product placement decision-makers for specific movies and TV shows. I hosted a teleseminar with Amy Bates Stumpf two years ago on How to Get Your Consumer Product onto the Sets of Movies and TV Shows.
A few quick pointers from that training session:
- The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety are magazines that report on upcoming production schedules. That’s a good place to start.
- If you’re pitching specific TV shows, be sure watch the show first. In your pitch, explain why you think your product or artwork is a good tie-in.
- Don’t send unsolicited products.
- Pitch early. Getting in on the ground floor of a TV show or movie or you might miss your opportunity.
At http://www.wardrobesupplies.com, under Backstage Stuff, are source books for theatre and film, in particular, one called Debbie’s Book. Google “scenic design” in Los Angeles. Be aware, if you should get something placed, you need to sell it to them, never lend, it won’t come back the same. Good luck!
Thank you Marilynn. This is exsctly what I was looking for – concrete advice & a definite starting place. Will order the book asap, it looks like just what I need.
Research first: most states and some larger cities around the nation have on-line film production guides which list crew members. You want to really focus on the Art Department — particularly designers, set dressers, decorators as well as local production companies and still photographers. These are the decision makers who make determine the look of the production, based on the input they receive from the director or in the case of production companies and still photographers from the client.
Open a dialog first and ask them how they make their decisions about design elements and let them know about your work, especially if you can create works to meet specific requirements. Cold pitches don’t work too well so don’t send your info without receiving interest first.
Most productions lease art rather than buy it, which leaves you free to realize a sale (and at an increased price) of those same works at a later date, especially if the art is prominently seen in a successful show, commercial or advertising photo. It can also open other doors for you including gallery representation.
The business out in Hollywood is a little rough right now for artists… as it is for everyone. However, I ‘was’ represented by an agent specifically representing my photography for film and TV. The agency recently closed and I am back to square one finding new representation…
Some of the gallery’s out there are places that set decorators will visit.
Hi
My work was recently selected to be on the pilot of a show. One image. The original sold so i was able to send a print. Thinking of the shows success I offered to gift it to the set and director for selecting the work – after they said what they would pay. Silly me. That said, they came back to ask for three more pieces. I had to incur the cost of having the prints made and got lost in the negotiations. They gave me a “rental fee”. I gifted one. Then they turned around and asked for three more. Would this still fall under gift? Would it be declasse to ask for payment on the ones outside of the one gifted? Help.
Crystal, this isn’t my area of expertise. I’m going to email Alyson Stanfield, an art marketing expert, and ask them come here and answer your questions. She’s just the person you need! I recommend you sign up for her excellent newsletter at http://artbizcoach.com/.
Hi, Crystal. As I am reading this, I’m not sure this is so much an art question as a relationship question.
Let me get this straight: You gifted the first one (ahem, after they said they’d pay for it).
Then they requested 3 more for the set.
Am I right so far?
Are these 3 extras prints or originals?
What’s the rental fee for?
Did you already send without an invoice?