Jose Mier knows Sun Valley, CA and all that it includes. Maybe you didn’t know (since it is such a niche business) that we have our own art rental company right here in our midst: Art Pic. Not only do they house and offer fine art works for sale, but provide rentals of these artworks to film and television productions.
Art rentals for film and television play an essential role in bringing visual storytelling to life. While most viewers focus on the actors, the script, or the cinematography, the background—the carefully curated sets that make scenes feel authentic and alive—often goes unnoticed. Art, in particular, contributes a tremendous amount to the tone, texture, and believability of a production. Paintings, sculptures, prints, and other visual pieces establish atmosphere, define character, and lend a sense of realism that can’t be achieved with bare walls. For that reason, art rentals have become an indispensable part of production design for both film and television industries. These specialized services allow creators to access thousands of pieces of artwork temporarily, providing flexibility, efficiency, and creative freedom without the heavy costs of ownership or the challenges of securing art rights.
The Role of Art in Visual Storytelling
Art has always been central to human expression, and in visual media, it acts as both decoration and subtext. A character’s living room filled with avant-garde paintings can subtly indicate wealth, education, or eccentricity, while a sparsely decorated office with muted landscapes might suggest restraint or melancholy. In historical dramas, period-appropriate artwork helps immerse viewers in a specific era; in contemporary stories, it sets tone and place. Every art choice communicates something to the audience, consciously or subconsciously.
In the filmmaking process, these choices fall under the responsibility of the production designer and the set decorator, who collaborate to build a cohesive visual world. Their job is to ensure that every detail—from wallpaper patterns to sculptures in the background—supports the narrative. Art rentals streamline this creative process by offering ready access to curated collections of art that can be tailored to any genre, budget, or production schedule.
The Practical Benefits of Art Rentals
Productions often operate on tight budgets and timelines. Purchasing artwork for every shoot would not only be impractical but also financially prohibitive. Renting art provides a solution that is both economical and flexible. Art rental companies maintain extensive inventories that can include original pieces, reproductions, photographs, posters, and even custom commissions. These companies typically catalog their works digitally, allowing production designers to browse by style, period, color palette, or subject matter.
Renting also eliminates long-term storage and maintenance concerns. Once filming wraps, the artwork is simply returned, freeing production teams from the responsibility of preserving or reselling pieces. This system aligns perfectly with the temporary nature of film and television production, where sets are often built, used, and dismantled in a matter of weeks.
Another significant benefit is copyright clearance. Reputable art rental companies ensure that all works in their inventory are cleared for on-camera use. This is crucial because using copyrighted art without permission can lead to costly legal disputes or the need to digitally alter or remove the artwork after filming. Art rental companies provide peace of mind by handling these clearances, allowing creative teams to focus on aesthetics rather than legal technicalities.
How Art Rentals Work
The art rental process typically begins once the production designer has established the overall look of the project. After reviewing scripts, concept art, and mood boards, the designer or set decorator contacts an art rental house. Many of these companies, especially those located in major production centers like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Toronto, specialize in entertainment industry needs.
A representative—often called an art consultant—works closely with the production team to understand the setting and tone of the project. They help curate selections that match the desired atmosphere, whether it’s a modern urban loft, a rustic farmhouse, a corporate boardroom, or a 19th-century estate.
Once the artwork is chosen, the rental company delivers it directly to the set, often providing professional installation to ensure proper placement and safety. Rental fees are generally charged on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on production duration. When filming concludes, the company retrieves the artwork, inspects it for damage, and returns it to inventory.
The Creative Collaboration
Art rental companies aren’t just suppliers—they’re collaborators in the creative process. Many employ staff with backgrounds in fine arts, curation, or design, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to a project’s visual identity. For instance, when a production requires a specific kind of art that doesn’t exist in the company’s collection, consultants can commission new pieces from local artists or produce custom reproductions.
This level of customization is particularly valuable for period pieces. Historical dramas often demand artwork that reflects specific artistic movements, regional styles, or cultural influences. Art rental companies might source or recreate works in the manner of known artists while avoiding direct copyright infringement.
Contemporary productions, on the other hand, often lean on art rentals to express character traits or socioeconomic clues. For example, a high-end penthouse might feature minimalist abstract canvases, while a quirky artist’s studio could include bold, colorful mixed media. Art consultants work with production designers to ensure that these visual choices enhance the storytelling rather than distract from it.
Sustainability and Reuse
An increasingly important aspect of art rentals is sustainability. As the entertainment industry becomes more environmentally conscious, renting rather than buying aligns with efforts to reduce waste. Sets are temporary by nature, and constant purchasing of props, furniture, and artwork leads to large volumes of discarded materials once filming ends. Art rentals allow productions to reuse existing resources while maintaining a fresh, original look for each new project.
Many rental companies also collaborate with artists who appreciate seeing their work appear on screen. This partnership can help emerging or local artists gain exposure and income while maintaining ownership of their creations. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship: artists reach wider audiences, and productions gain access to unique, high-quality art that distinguishes their visual environments.
Major Art Rental Companies
Several art rental houses have become industry staples, particularly in entertainment hubs like Los Angeles and New York. Companies such as ArtPic Public Relations, Hollywood Studio Gallery, Arteffects, and Newel Props maintain vast collections specifically tailored to on-screen use. Their catalogs span everything from modern and contemporary works to classical paintings, ethnic art, and decorative wall pieces.
For productions filming outside major cities, some companies offer nationwide shipping or digital previews for remote selection. Others provide consulting services for set decoration departments working on location abroad, helping ensure visual continuity between sets filmed in different regions.
Art Rentals for Television vs. Film
While the same principles apply to both film and television, there are key differences in how art rentals are used. Television productions, especially series with multiple seasons, often require long-term rentals or repeated renewals. The art in a recurring set, like a character’s apartment or office, must remain consistent over time. In some cases, production teams negotiate extended rental agreements to ensure availability for future shoots.
Film productions, on the other hand, tend to operate within shorter, more concentrated timeframes. Each film typically requires an entirely new set of visuals, which means more variety in the art selection process. Films also tend to have higher budgets per project, allowing for more intricate or custom pieces when needed.
Case Studies and Examples
In Hollywood, art rentals have played a role in countless productions. The distinctive look of a character’s home or workplace often depends heavily on rented artwork. For instance, a psychological thriller might feature minimalist, stark imagery to evoke tension, while a romantic comedy might favor bright, lively paintings to mirror the optimism of its characters.
In television, art rentals are crucial in shaping iconic sets. Shows like Mad Men relied on mid-century artwork and decor to recreate the aesthetic of 1960s Madison Avenue. Period-accurate posters, sculptures, and abstract paintings all helped transport viewers into that specific cultural moment. Similarly, productions like Succession use high-end contemporary art to reflect the opulence and taste of the ultra-wealthy Roy family. Each piece contributes to the psychological landscape of the series, making the environment feel lived-in and believable.
Challenges in Art Rentals
While art rentals offer many advantages, they also come with challenges. One issue is damage risk. Film sets are busy environments with frequent movement of crew and equipment, and artwork can be accidentally scuffed or broken. Most rental companies require productions to carry insurance to cover any potential damage or loss.
Another challenge is matching visual continuity, particularly when scenes are shot out of sequence or reshoots occur months later. Productions must carefully document each set’s layout, including artwork placement, to ensure consistency.
There are also logistical constraints. For example, some large or fragile pieces may not be suitable for certain shooting locations. Additionally, when international productions require artwork, customs and shipping regulations can complicate logistics, increasing both costs and timelines.
The Rise of Digital and Reproduction Art
As digital technology continues to evolve, another branch of art rental has emerged: digital reproductions. High-resolution printing and digital scanning allow companies to create faithful reproductions of classic works that might otherwise be unavailable due to copyright restrictions or insurance limitations. These reproductions can be printed on canvas, acrylic, or paper and framed to match the original style.
Digital art has also entered the rental scene. Some productions now incorporate digital displays that show looping video art or animated pieces, reflecting modern aesthetics and technological trends. For futuristic or sci-fi projects, custom-designed digital art can add an extra layer of authenticity to the world-building.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Art rentals not only support film and television but also provide an economic boost to the art community. Rental fees offer recurring income to artists and galleries, creating a steady stream of revenue that complements traditional sales. Moreover, when artwork is featured prominently in a popular production, it can enhance the artist’s visibility, sometimes leading to increased recognition or sales.
From a cultural perspective, the inclusion of art in visual storytelling deepens the audience’s connection to both the story and the visual medium. Art on screen can introduce viewers to new styles, artists, and movements, subtly broadening public appreciation for fine art.
Conclusion
Art rentals for film and television form a vital link between the art world and the entertainment industry. They provide a practical, creative, and sustainable solution for productions seeking to craft immersive, visually compelling worlds. By renting rather than purchasing, studios gain access to vast collections of artwork suited to every genre and aesthetic, while artists and galleries benefit from ongoing exposure and income.
Behind every memorable film or television set lies a multitude of design decisions—and the art on the walls, often chosen through a rental process, plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere and storytelling. Whether it’s a period painting anchoring a historical drama or a sleek abstract work enhancing a modern thriller, rented art helps transform ideas into believable, emotionally resonant worlds. In the end, art rentals not only make productions more beautiful—they make them more real.