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The Fascinating World of Movie Set Food Stylists
Food is an integral part of movies and television shows. From delicious ice cream sundaes to elaborate Thanksgiving dinners, the visual appeal of food on screen adds depth and realism to the storytelling. But have you ever wondered who is responsible for making that food look so delicious and camera-ready? Enter the world of movie-set food stylists.
The Rise of Movie Set Food Stylists
Believe it or not, the career of a movie set food stylist is a relatively recent development. It wasn’t until the 1990s that food stylists became a separate profession within the film and television industry. Previously, prop departments were responsible for preparing food for shoots. However, recognizing the need for specialized expertise, they began to outsource food preparation to women, leading to the widespread hiring of female food stylists.
The dominance of women in the industry
While there are now male food stylists in the industry, women continue to dominate the scene. A culinary background is often a prerequisite for entering the field, and aspiring food stylists are expected to start at the bottom as interns and work their way up to assistants and eventually lead stylists. It’s a demanding job that requires both culinary skills and creativity, as well as the ability to work quickly and under pressure.
The importance of food quantity
You might be surprised to learn that food stylists order a significant amount of food for their work. This is because shooting a scene often involves multiple takes, and certain foods, such as ice cream, can melt quickly under the hot lights. To ensure continuity and a visually appealing presentation, stylists need to have plenty of spare portions on hand. In addition, food safety is a critical aspect of their job. Stylists take precautions by having extra supplies on hand to avoid any mishaps or accidents, and to ensure that the actors can safely consume the food on set.
The trustworthiness of food stylists
In the film industry, trust plays an important role, even when it comes to food. Food stylist Chris Oliver emphasizes the importance of building trust with actors and actresses through her commitment to food safety. By requiring all of her employees to hold a food handler’s license, she ensures that the food she prepares is safe to eat. This trust has led to long-standing relationships with renowned actors such as Reese Witherspoon, who appreciates the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the food on set is prepared by a trusted professional.
Become a Food Stylist
If you’re intrigued by the world of food styling on movie sets and want to be a part of it, there are several steps you can take to pursue this career. Food & Wine recommends starting with culinary training to gain a solid foundation in cooking techniques and food preparation. After that, seeking out apprenticeships with experienced food stylists can provide valuable hands-on experience and insight into the tricks of the trade. With dedication, creativity, and an impressive resume and portfolio, you can position yourself for success in this exciting industry.
Bottom Line
Movie set food stylists play a crucial role in creating the mouth-watering visuals we see on screen. Their expertise, culinary skills, and attention to detail ensure that food looks as good as it tastes and enhances the overall movie experience. From ordering extra quantities of food for continuity to prioritizing food safety, these professionals work tirelessly to ensure that actors can confidently enjoy the meals portrayed in movies and TV shows. If you have a passion for both food and film, a career as a film set food stylist may be the perfect blend of your interests.
FAQS
A movie set food stylist is responsible for making food look visually appealing and realistic on camera. They use various techniques and tricks to enhance the appearance of the food so that it looks enticing and appetizing to the audience.
How did the profession of film set food stylist come about?
The profession of film set food stylist emerged in the 1990s. Previously, props departments handled the food preparation for film shoots, but they began to outsource the task to women in their lives. This eventually led to the creation of specific food stylist roles within the industry.
Do food stylists on film sets need a culinary background?
Yes, a culinary background is often a requirement to become a movie set food stylist. They are expected to have knowledge and skills in cooking and food preparation that allow them to create visually appealing and realistic food presentations for the camera.
Why do food stylists order so much food?
Food stylists order a significant amount of food to ensure continuity throughout the shoot. Multiple shots and the heat from the lights can cause certain foods to melt or lose their visual appeal. Having extra portions on hand helps maintain consistency and allows for adjustments as needed.
Is food safety important to food stylists on movie sets?
Yes, food safety is critical to movie set food stylists. They take precautions to prevent foodborne illness or accidents on set. Many food stylists require their employees to have a food handler’s license to ensure that the food they prepare is safe for the actors to consume.
How can someone become a food stylist on a movie set?
To become a film set food stylist, it is recommended that you begin with culinary training to gain a solid foundation in cooking techniques. Seeking apprenticeships or internships with experienced food stylists can provide valuable hands-on experience and mentorship. Building a portfolio that showcases culinary skills and creativity is also important in pursuing a career as a film set food stylist.