Transform Our Café Movie Set in LA into Any Decade

16 May Transform Our Café Movie Set in LA into Any Decade

Transform Our Café Movie Set in LA – 

Want to shoot a period piece but don’t have the budget for a time machine? Good news: You don’t need one. With the right props and lighting, our versatile café/bar set at Warehouse 1 Productions can morph into any era—from a smoky 1920s speakeasy to a neon-lit 1980s diner.

Here’s how to pull it off (without breaking the bank).

Step 1: Nail the Basics (Set Up for Quick Changes)

Before diving into decades, maximize flexibility with these prep steps:
– Clear the space. Our café set comes with neutral tables/chairs—easy to swap out.
– Use rolling backdrops. Hang era-specific posters or window dressings on tension rods (no nails needed).
– Keep props organized. Label bins (“1920s,” “1980s”) to avoid wasting time on set.

Pro Tip: Shoot all “daytime” scenes first, then adjust lighting for “night” to avoid resetting twice.

Step 2: 1920s Speakeasy (Think The Great Gatsby)

Key Props:
– Draped velvet curtains (hide modern elements).
– Vintage glassware (martini coupes, whiskey tumblers).
– Candles or Edison bulbs (warm, low lighting).

Costume Notes:
– Suspendenders, flapper dresses, pocket watches.

Lighting Hack:
– Use orange gels on lights to mimic gaslamp glow.

Example: A student film shot a prohibition-era heist here—added fake wood paneling for $50 and fooled festival judges.

Step 3: 1950s Diner (Grease Vibes)

Key Props:
– Checkered floor stickers (peel-off, no damage).
– Jukebox (rent for $75/day or use a cardboard cutout).
– Vinyl booth cushions (we have red ones—just add chrome trim).

Soundtrack Mood:
– Play rockabilly tunes between takes to keep actors in character.

Budget Win: A music video crew taped paper menus to our tables for a ‘50s vibe—total cost: $12.

Step 4: 1980s Diner (Stranger Things Nostalgia)

Key Props:
– Neon signs (we have removable ones).
– Pastel plastic trays (Dollar Store score).
– Fake CRT TVs (or prop a VHS player in the corner).

Lighting Hack:
– Pink/blue gels + fog machine = instant “mall arcade” ambiance.

Real-World Use: A retro ad shoot used our set for an “80s workout commercial”—added headbands and a disco ball.

Step 5: Futuristic Lounge (Blade Runner Aesthetic)

Key Props:
– LED strip lights (under tables, behind bar).
– Metallic tablecloths (emergency blankets work in a pinch).
– “Hologram” projections (use a cheap laser grid).

Tech Trick:
– Shoot through a tinted fish tank for “floating drink” effects.

Case Study: A sci-fi short made our café look like a year 3000 nightclub with $200 in props.

Step 6: Modern Coffee Shop (Rom-Com Ready)

Default Look:
Our set’s “clean slate” includes:
– Industrial pendant lights.
– Neutral wood tables.
– Exposed brick wall (perfect for “quirky” indie films).

Pro Tip: Add hipster clutter (succulents, chalkboard menus) for La La Land vibes.

Final Advice: Shoot Out of Order

1. Block all “daytime” scenes (1950s breakfast, modern coffee date).
2. Switch to “night” lighting (1920s speakeasy, futuristic club).
3. Save extreme close-ups for last (no need to redress the whole set).

Need a chameleon set for your next project? Book our café/bar at Warehouse 1 Productions or call 818-940-1574. Bring your props—we’ll handle the rest.