John Ryder ON SET DRESSER , RUMFORD
What is an on set dresser and what are the responsibilities ? As the on set dresser , I am the sole representative of the set decoration department while the movie is being shot . The decorator , the leadman and all the set dressers put the sets together and prepare it for filming . They all leave as I arrive accompanied by 100 members of the shooting crew . My job is to make sure the look of the set is preserved throughout the filming process . I take a lot of pictures of the set and use that for reference as I reassemble . I make small adjustments ( move a picture into frame , take out glass for reflections or adjust drapes for lighting purposes ) to make the set look the best I can . I ’ m part mover , part handyman , part lifeguard .
Setha Phongsavan SET DRESSER , PROVIDENCE
What did you help build on set ? I helped as a set dresser — the furniture , character possessions , lights and all background items that make sets look lived in . We aim to tell a story with just a place .
Did you work in both the Lincoln and Newport locations ? Yes ! Dressing the festival in Newport was fun , even when the whole town would show up to take photos . Working at the Lincoln farm gave me flashbacks of my fourth grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation .
Did you have any memorable meetings with cast members ? I only saw Bette Midler during one late-night shoot on the East Side . She was chill .
What did you enjoy the most about working on the Hocus Pocus set ? The crew ! All the behind-the-scenes local people that put in unrecognized hard work to make things happen . We all have a story to tell in our own way , even if it ’ s in someone else ’ s movie . — Dana Laverty
Did you visit vintage stores or consignment stores or build most of the set ? People above my station are doing all that work weeks and months before I arrive ; they comb the far regions of the planet looking for appropriate things . Our sets get elaborate and we see them use items from Los Angeles to New York , things from local antique stores and everything in between . Rentals and purchases came from everywhere … much was built , much more than I hope you can tell .
Were the set ideas inspired by the previous movie or does it have its own modern flair ? You ’ ll definitely see some elements from the original movie , small pieces to entire sets . [ The creators ] are not looking to reinvent the wheel here ; this is something that is made with fans of the movie in mind . I think of the original as iconic , and this film doesn ’ t get made if they don ’ t respect the 1993 version .
How was your experience working with Rhode Island as the backdrop ? I live here and I love to work here . Rhode Island is a great place to work , I wish it happened more often . I work one Rhode Island job every three years on average , [ where ] it ’ s less congested , there ’ s less traffic , and there are beautiful and interesting locations everywhere . I ’ m a big cheerleader for Rhode Island films , we ’ d love to see more here . A lot of people have really come out — I had no idea what an influential movie this is for a lot of people , it ’ s a big part of making the Halloween season . I ’ m looking forward to seeing how people react to it . While Salem , Mass ., was home to the original film , I think you will see Rhode Island put its best foot forward as an enchanting , appealing , historic backdrop . — Edelinda Baptista
84 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l OCTOBER 2022