Creating Authentic Spanish-Style Sets for Hallmark

LA Set Construction had the honor of collaborating with Hallmark, a company renowned for its greeting cards, party supplies, and gift wrap, to design two stunning sets for their commercial. These included a Spanish-style restaurant and a bricked wall set. Each set required intricate details and custom finishes to capture Hallmark’s vision.

Spanish-Style Restaurant Set

Crafting a Warm and Inviting Atmosphere

The first set was designed to replicate the interior of a Spanish-style restaurant. It featured archways, antique doors, windows, and a chimney, all built to create a welcoming ambiance. Once the LA Set Construction team completed the structural setup, the production team added decorative elements to enhance the space further.

Materials Used

  • Plywood
  • Antique double doors and windows
  • Chimney
  • Bricked panels
  • Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
  • Linoleum flooring
  • Primer and mustard yellow paint
  • Spackle
  • Explore our Custom Fabrication Services to learn more about how we create bespoke sets for film and commercials.

Building the Base of the Restaurant

The foundation of the set was crafted using plywood, with precise openings cut for the doors, windows, and archways using our CNC machine. To achieve sharp edges and consistent dimensions, we also used CNC for the arched designs.

MDF was applied to edges and used as crown molding to add an elegant touch to the set. The addition of a custom-built chimney enhanced the cozy atmosphere, embodying warmth and hospitality.

Preparation Process

Achieving the desired smooth and aged appearance required meticulous preparation:

  1. Filling: Spackle was used to eliminate cracks and imperfections.
  2. Sanding: The spackled areas were sanded for a flawless finish.
  3. Priming: Multiple layers of primer were applied to ensure the mustard yellow paint adhered perfectly.

Our scenic painters aged the walls to replicate the authentic atmosphere of a Spanish restaurant, creating depth and character.

Trim and Final Details

To complement the walls, we painted the archways, windows, and door trims in a stone-gray hue, adding details like cracks for texture. Antique doors and windows were installed to complete the look. The fireplace was accented with bricked panels, enhancing the cozy and authentic feel.

Flooring was another highlight: a flagstone effect was achieved using stone-colored linoleum, which our painters hand-detailed to mimic the texture and color of real flagstone.

Bricked Wall Set

A Timeless Brickwork Aesthetic

The second set featured two walls with cathedral-inspired arches, designed to resemble traditional brickwork. This design gave the set a historic and well-preserved appearance, adding a classic touch to the commercial’s visuals.

Materials Used

  • Plywood
  • Bricked panels
  • Flexible edgeband material

Assembling the Foundation

The walls were constructed from plywood, providing a sturdy base. Bricked panels were added to create the illusion of authentic brickwork, fulfilling Hallmark’s request for a timeless aesthetic.

For the cathedral-inspired arches, flexible edgeband material was used to frame the design. The edgeband was then painted black, creating a striking contrast that drew attention to the intricate details.

Conclusion

The Hallmark commercial sets are a testament to LA Set Construction’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. From custom-designed restaurant interiors to brick-inspired backdrops, every element was meticulously planned and executed to meet our client’s vision.

If you’re ready to bring your commercial, film, or event to life with high-quality, custom-built sets, LA Set Construction is here to help.

Related Links to Explore

Hallmark’s Commercial: Spanish-Style Sets and Brickwork Backdrops

Explore how LA Set Construction crafted stunning Spanish-style sets and brick-inspired backdrops for Hallmark’s commercial, blending design and functionality.

Project info

Author  
Jenny Ngo
Category 
Film and TV Set Construction
Completed
November 29, 2024