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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

LESSON 28

SETS

The whole scene arranged with the help of various objects and props which a viewer can see

during a program especially in a TV studio, is referred to as set.

Set is a very popular term used in almost all TV productions. It is among first things which are

considered to begin a program, either for live coverage or recordings.

It is commonly understood that every act which viewers are seeing has to be done on some

setting of different objects to match with the nature of program. Even the natural occasions

like sights of war-torn areas, accidents or tourists' resorts have natural settings.

Permanent Sets

There are two types of TV broadcast as far sets are concerned. The ones, which have

permanent looks and the others with changes in the scene every time a program is done.

Both types of setting have its own features. The permanent sets are prepared for programs

which do not change in their outlook but it is the contents of the broadcast which varies from

one sitting to another.

For example the news broadcast needs similar type of arrangement. It is easy to notice at

different TV channels that the newsreel is broadcast with almost the same setting of objects

the table, chair, background, interview screen and the color scheme of these objects in most

cases remain unaltered

Some regular talk shows under one title keep their settings as long the program last. So

familiar becomes the sight of the set that by just seeing the sets one can point out what

program it is even when the volume is turned off.

Sets for children program, comic shows or sometimes for conducting interviews remain the

same.

Some programs run for years with almost the same sets like Nilam Ghar of PTV, this show is

now known as Tariq Aziz show. There are many others in this category.

New Sets

But there are TV broadcasts which need change of the sets frequently even if the duration of

the program is from 10 minutes to three hours or even more. The top most area in this

category is TV dramas. Every new scene requires a new setting. The real test of set designers

are seen when they have to deal with TV plays. From plays meant for children to any other

type of play sets have to be prepared to match with the story of the play.

It is not an easy job to create new sets every now and then. A lot of imagination, discussions

and brain storming go into finalization of sets, especially on parts of a story where some

turning point occurs.

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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

Hot & Cover Sets

The real sets especially in outdoor shootings, on which a program is to be recorded, are hot

sets but in case of some unseen factors if recordings there are not possible, alternate sets, or

cover sets are also made available at some indoor arrangement.

Special Sets

There are frequent occasions in TV broadcasting when a producer is not dealing with the

programs which have permanent, or regularly changed sets to hold the shows. These are

special occasions like awards distribution ceremony, Independence Day or Pakistan day

programs or world cup hockey/ cricket/ football tournaments. A special set has to be

constructed to give the true feeling of the occasion to viewers.

A lot of debate is held among members of the production team to arrange a befitting set which

must fulfill the requirement of the occasion and help to communicate what the occasion

desires.

Essentials of Set Designing:

1. Foremost for a set designer is to fully comprehend, like producer, the idea of the

program; it is a serious program, comic or a mixture of the two generally referred to as

light comedy.

2. Size of the set is next to be discussed with the producer. If it is one man show from a

studio the size of the set is different, if it is a talk show where four to five people have

to appear the design and size of the set would different. Likewise if it is meant for

larger number of people you need another size set.

3. Color scheme of the set is always debatable. A designer has to scratch his/ her head

again and again to choose colors of different objects curtains, carpets, background

or props for there is no rule to pick colors. But still, there is a common understanding of

colors which suits to different modes and occasions. It is really a testing time when

color scheme has to be decided for a TV play.

4. The color scheme has to be matched with the lighting arrangements at the set. The

lighting directors are little compromising. It is the set designer at the end of the day to

change the color scheme in line with the lighting arrangement. Some color are light-

absorbent others are not but at time they reflect the light. All this has to be settled

before camera is switched on.

Be strong to bear the load

The set is not supposed to give a cosmetic touch to the surroundings but it should be strong

enough to bear the load put on it by different activities. It will be very embarrassing for a TV

station to see the set crumbling when the chief guest appears to award trophies to winners of

some contest!

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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

Some time artists have to perform dances or acts similar to those. If planks of the set are not

fitted properly it may result in a fiasco and some people may get injured as a result of a weak

set.

Since it is costly to make a strong set all the time, the set designer and the producer must

make sure that number of people at the stage (set) should not exceed the limit marked for this

purpose.

Economical

The sets have to be built, rebuilt and demolished frequently at a TV station, they have to be

very economical. Costly sets do not suit a TV production. However, they could be had for

feature films which usually have ample funds for this purpose.