I have often admired home decor shots in ads and films. While some of these locales are actual homes, most times they are just production sets. A production set according to Wikipedia, is " a place with an artificial nature that creates the illusion of a real or imagined place". They look real, alright!
 |
| Remember this one? It's the set for the Kellogg's ad |
And, have you wondered who the brains are behind those gorgeous
sets? They are people like Niyoti Upadhye, and Niyoti will tell you all about
her envious profession today!
 |
| A dress-up for the Maggi ad film shoot |
Sharon has selected pictures (from among the many I showed her on my Pinterest page), that have Indian elements in them. These are all sets for several different production houses, primarily television commercial production houses.
 |
| The production set for the Dell Computers ad |
 |
| Niyoti Upadhye |
My work here is to dress up the empty space and make it look like what it does (living room/ dining room etc). The director usually gives me a brief - whether the space has to look traditional, modern, middle class, affluent etc, depending on the story of the film. After that I go out to furniture and decor shops and some film prop shops where I source all these pieces on rent. A lot of furniture and other small items are rented out just for the shoot and returned to the vendors.
Sometimes I create specific pieces along with my team, to fit the theme/look of the film.
I started off 7 years ago as an assistant director, got myself introduced to all aspects of film making, and then eventually found that one thing I am totally in love with...which is creating spaces.
 |
| Set for the Acquaguard ad |
I find myself very lucky to have a profession that I am extremely passionate about. To be able to render somebody's ideas into an actual vision, gives me a great kick. I eventually aim at venturing into property and space styling (restaurants/ cafes/ homes/ showrooms etc).
 |
| My personal favorite. The set for Mr. White detergent |
Now, that's a totally enviable profession! And, did you know? She has a mascot to distinguish her work on every set she does. She says, " My mascot that I always add on every set that I style/ design is a Cat :)...it is in the form of an artifact or a painting or a relief...it could be anything! My sets are never complete without a cat somewhere around!"
Wasn't that interesting? Can you see her mascot in any of the pics featured here? :) I spotted a couple of them!