FAQs
What are SETSurfaces?:
Set Surfaces is a set hire service providing portable ready-made and bespoke set solutions for shoots and events. Our SETPanels consist of textiles we refer to as SETSkins, that are mounted onto lightweight SETPanels and come in a variety of designs and finishes. All textiles have been handpicked, from high end, metallic snakeskin prints from Chelsea Harbour, to prints of plaster, wood and bricks shot in Argentina. Our panels are beautiful yet practical and provide a simple cost effective background solution for small scale shoots and events without compromising on quality.
How We Started / Our Founder:
Helen Labourt is the founder of Set Surfaces and an accomplished Set Stylist who has been working in the Film and Television Industry for more than 20 years. She studied Fine Arts Textiles at Goldsmiths University before going on to apply her passion working as a stylist on TV Commercials and photographic stills shoots. Whilst dressing sets on location, Helen realised there was a need for ‘ready to hire’ portable textured backgrounds that would complement the set and conceal any issues with the location. And so, Set Surfaces was born. Today, the panels have evolved from early prototypes of wallpaper on wood and cardboard to super lightweight panels with an extensive catalogue of both our own technical textile prints and designer brand luxe metallic fabrics.
What do we do?:
Set Surfaces is a set hire service providing portable ready-made and bespoke background solutions for shoots and events. Our panels consist of textiles mounted onto lightweight panels and come in a variety of designs and finishes. All textiles have been handpicked, from high end, metallic snakeskin prints from Chelsea Harbour, to prints of plaster, wood and bricks shot in Argentina. They are used as textured backgrounds for fashion and product shoots, or practically to conceal an issue with the set when shooting on location. Unlike traditional wooden flats, the panels are portable, super lightweight and ready-made. Our panels are beautiful yet practical and provide a simple cost effective background solution for small scale shoots and events without compromising on quality. We can dispatch the same day directly to your set. It's never been easier to 'pop a panel' on set! To read more about our story, click here.
Can I come to view the surfaces?
Yes! You are very welcome to make an appointment to drop by our warehouse facility in Fulham (access by appointment between 8 am - 6 pm Monday - Friday). Or if you're feeling spontaneous you can visit one of our partner showrooms listed below to see a small collection of our stock. Alternatively, if you're super busy but have a project coming up, we can come to you and bring some samples for you to touch & feel and discuss options. Our background is in Set Design, so we can also advise you on colour options and textures. We are here to help you get the set look you desire.
Click on the links below for opening times and locations;
I’m based outside of London, can I still hire from you?
Yes, you can hire from anywhere in the UK. Within London we offer our own transport and collection service. Nationwide we work with third-party transport companies. Simply provide us with your destination postcode and shoot dates and we will come back to you with a transportation quote.
We are also working on new products that will be smaller in size, flat packed and will be able to be shipped/dispatched the next day via DPD.
I’m based overseas, can I still hire from you?
Currently, we only offer hires to Ireland. However, we intend to expand our service beyond the UK. Be sure to watch our *social media accounts* for updates.
Can we collect?
Yes, collections can be made by appointment from our SW6 location. Contact us to arrange a two-hour window so we know when to have your order ready and when you will collect by.
Important Notes for Collections:
Please ensure that the vehicle can fit panels that are 2.5 meters in length, 1.3 in width and 3cm thick.
Each panel weighs around 3 kilos, but must be handled with care and loaded correctly.
The driver should have full insurance for damages and have ropes and blankets to tie off and protect the panels.
The panels should travel on their sides, not flat on the floor or on top of other items such as tables.
We reserve the right to refuse collection if the transport does not meet the above requirements.
Can you deliver?
Yes, we do. Please provide a postcode with your initial inquiry and we will confirm the rate by email.
Important Notes for Deliveries:
We prefer to deliver the day before the shoot and collect the day after.
Within the M25 London, prices range between £25 - £55 one way, depending on the postcode.
We also have panels stored with partner studios, so please contact us to see if we already have stock at your chosen studio.
We can also deliver to Manchester the next day (pre 8 am delivery) at a very cost-effective rate.
How can we use them?
Our panels can be used in many ways. For a visual reference and some inspiration, have a look at our Set Solutions page which showcases our panels used by clients in different ways. Looks include;
Corner Set - Creating a set corner from two 8' x 4' panels, which can be opened into a wide 'V' for maximum width.
Panel Look - A set that shows a panel leaning against a wall
Flat Lay - A shot from above, where often garments or products are arranged onto the surface panel.
Faux Wall - A single panel can be used to suggest a wall behind a bed, or behind a model or products.
The splits mean that they will need to be edited in post-production. Therefore, our products work best for stills, talking heads, e-commerce & less for TVC and feature films.
Can I make a room set with them?
Absolutely, take a look at all the different ways our panel can be used here.
How do I create a realistic set with the SetSkins and SetFloors?
Have a look at our extensive how-to blog section for inspiration and on how to best create a set using our SETPanels.
Do you have examples of them in use?
Take a look at our Set Solutions page to see some suggestions on how to use our SETPanels. Set Design is at the heart of what we do and we’re always open to seeing new ways you can think of using our products.
Can we use your panels outdoors?
Yes, our panels have been used outdoors (have a look at this example of a shoot on a beach). However, due to the size and weight of the SETPanels, a full safety assessment must be undertaken independently by the shoot crew, and external use is entirely at the clients' own risk. A risk assessment should factor in weather conditions like the impact of wind on the panels. If not secured properly, our SETPanels run the risk of falling on either a model or a member of the public (as they are large and light they can behave like gigantic kites).
Additionally, it is important to note that our SETPanels cannot get wet. Should they be returned in this condition the client may be entitled to a damage invoice from us.
Can they get wet?
Yes! Because our SETSkins are coated they provide a great solution to keeping things clean on set, unlike other textiles.
They might get dirty, can I wash them?
We prefer our clients not to wash our SETSkins as we wash them in house using antibacterial products to ensure they are clean for each new client to handle.
Can you shape them?
Yes, it is possible to use our SETSkins to wrap around other set objects such as plinths and cubes. Have a look at this how-to blog article that demonstrates how this can be done using simple crocodile clips.
Is it possible to stick things to them?
Our SETSkins can be used with fine tip dolly pins as these do not damage the textile. Please do not use anything thick, such as map pins or drawing pins, as they will leave a hole. Take a look at this how-to blog article for inspiration on how to pin various props to our panels for product shoots.
Can you staple them to something?
There are a few ways our SETSkins can be attached to the wall. We advise either using Velcro (our SETSkins have a Velcro receptive back that can be stuck to Velcro tape on the wall) or Gaffer tape (weighing only 3 kg it is very simple to tape the corners of our SETSkins to the wall). Since these are very easy ways to use our SETSkins we do not allow them to be stapled as this will cause permanent damage.
Are they fire-proof?
Our SETPanels are periodically coated with a fire retardant chemical to ensure they meet fire regulations. However, our SETSkins are not treated in the fire retardant chemical. Should your shoot require a full fire retardant solution simply notify us and we will treat the skin. For more information on the chemical we use please click on this link.
I’d like your surface in another colour, is this possible?
We have several colour options for most designs. However, if you’d like something a bit different call us to discuss custom printing.
Do you custom print?
Yes, we custom print. Give us a call on 02036085105 to discuss what’s possible and timeframes.
How long does custom printing take?
This depends on the requirement. If a client would like to amend a surface we already have, perhaps by only changing the colour, we can print it the next day. If the client only has a reference and the surface needs to be sourced and created, as well as colour tests being carried out, it can take 10-12 days.
How much does custom printing cost?
Our custom pricing is very cost-effective. At the risk of sounding like a parrot - it very much depends on the requirement.
I’d like to draw or paint on them, can I?
We love creativity and appreciate our clients would like to customise our SETSkins, but we kindly ask you not to do this. Alternatively, we offer a bespoke custom printing service - all you need to do is provide a hi-res file containing an image or vector work of a drawing or painting and we can print this design onto a SETSkin. Contact us if you'd like to hear more about customisation.
Will they work for moving image?
The splits mean that they will need to be edited in post-production. Therefore, our products work best for stills, talking heads, e-commerce & less for TVC and feature films.
Do you offer an editing/post-production service?
We don’t do this ourselves but we’d gladly suggest some people who do offer this service.
Can you help me choose from my brief/concept?
Our background is in Set Design, so we can also advise you on colour options and textures. We are here to help you get the set look you desire.
Can you create a shortlist for us?
Yes! Simply email us your references plus potential shoot dates and we can send you back available options with suggestions on what we feel would work best.
How do I book?
Send us an email at hello@setsurfaces.co.uk or call now +44 (0) 203 608 5105.
Can I order on the phone?
Feel free to give us a call on +44 (0) 203 608 5105 for an initial discussion. After this, all our ordering is done via email.
How do you set up SETPanels/Skins/Floors?
Please watch this video that explains how to add and remove our SETSupports. The supports themselves also have a QR code, that when scanned with a mobile phone camera will play the same video.
How to add a Set Surfaces support; https://photos.app.goo.gl/JkLYjuWEkMMmHcVj7
How to split a Set Surfaces panel; https://photos.app.goo.gl/1LG4bccYZ2oDHHadA
How to change a Set Surfaces skin: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XAB3jCLGVSojZy1t5
Will supports come with the surfaces?
Yes, all our SETSkins come with supports that are lightweight and easy to set up.
Will someone set them up for me?
Of course, one of our trusted team members can assist you in setting them up.
Are there more surfaces?
All our current surfaces are on our website but if you have something specific in mind please call us to discuss custom printing.
Do you have plenty of stock?
Our designs are mostly built in three panels - with brackets categorised as A (left), B (middle) and C (right) - to create a total width of 12 foot wide. Should a SETSkin be out on a shoot we can easily print another skin for a client if given enough time.
Please note, we're a reactive company and stock flies in and out. To make sure we have the item you require we run a stock check before you confirm your order. We can then hold your items before sending them to you.
What’s the maximum amount I can order?
We do not have a maximum SETPanel order but our stock is always subject to availability. For clients who require large quantities, such as those in the events industry, we can certainly provide if we have enough available.
Can I amend my order?
Generally speaking, once payment has been taken it’s very difficult for us to amend an order. Having said that, our goal is always to provide a happy hire so do give us a call and we can do our best to accommodate your desired changes.
Is there a deposit?
No, there is no deposit. However, for a client's first three jobs with us, they must pay upfront prior to dispatch. After this initial period, clients may be able to pay on account. When a client makes a payment they are agreeing to our terms and conditions which include a commitment to honour any loss or damage invoice that is raised as a direct consequence of the shoot.
Is VAT included?
We are a VAT registered company and therefore we add VAT onto our invoices.
Will I be charged if I cancel my order?
We offer a fair use policy. Factors such as whether the job has been prepped or dispatched, if any time has been lost by the company, or if another client has been refused to proceed with a booking will be taken into account. If nothing has been lost, we are happy to refund the job in full. Due to these factors, we will decide on a case by case basis. As a guide, we generally prep the job for dispatch 24 hours before the delivery date.
Can I buy them?
We don't sell for several reasons. Our core focus is sustainable set solutions; we figure that the average client will use one surface 1-6 times at the most, and it will then become redundant. After many years working in shoot production, I witnessed so much waste. The idea is to keep it cost-effective and offer discounts on repeat or long term hires, along with offering fresh designs that not only save sets from landfill but keep our clients a step ahead on the design front.
Can I keep panels and swap skins regularly?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for a Brand Account here. Successful applicants will need to be shooting on a weekly or bi-monthly basis to balance the loss of a higher income by us having our own panels as part of our stock.
Can I get a regular delivery of SETSkins?
Absolutely. We offer discounts for clients who repeat the same service regularly, or for clients that shoot on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. We also offer a brand account that has a more cost-effective pricing structure.
Can I reserve items in advance?
Yes, we are always happy to pencil in a panel for you, all we ask for in return is a job reference. Should another client be interested in the same surface for the same dates we will reach out to you to confirm whether you still require them. Please note, we will only place panels on hold if the client requests us to. Therefore, we suggest if you are unsure always ask as it’s very simple to cancel later.
How last minute can I order?
We are set up to be a reactive service as we understand the fast-paced nature of the industry. We will try our best to dispatch to you as quickly as possible when needed. However, we do prefer 24 hours notice to ensure we can deliver with adequate time.
Can I extend my hire?
Yes, you can extend. However, we will need to check that the services you have are not already pre-booked to go out on another job. If this is not the case, our higher rates decrease on a weekly basis starting with week one at 10%, week two at 7.5%, and week three at 2.5% (excluding the replacement/risk value).
I’m deciding between your surfaces and a real object, why should I choose you?
Unlike traditional wooden flats, the panels are portable, super lightweight and ready-made. Additionally, we can dispatch the same day direct to your set. We also work hard to keep them affordable, so it's never been easier to 'pop a panel' on set.
I’d like to know more about how you are sustainable?
After many years of working in shoot production, our founder witnessed so much waste in the industry that she decided to establish a company whose core focus is sustainable set solutions. We do not sell our products as we figure that the average client will use one surface 1-6 times at the most, and then it will become redundant. Therefore, Set Surfaces aims to keep set hire cost-effective by giving discounts on repeat or long-term hires, as well as offering fresh designs that not only save sets from landfill but keep our clients a step ahead on the design front.
Who do I contact with any issues?
Please contact us via email on hello@setsurfaces.co.uk or call now +44 (0) 203 608 5105.