Cost-Saving Scenery Strategies (That Don’t Look Cheap)

🎭 1. Choose Materials That Work Twice as Hard

Not all scenic materials are created equal. Some fabrics — like Artist Heavy or Luna Blockout — don’t just look great when printed, they’re also durable enough to be reused, backlit, or even flipped for multiple scenes.

One of the most underrated tricks in the book is designing scenic elements with modularity in mind. Think double-sided prints, neutral-toned textures that work under multiple lighting states, and soft goods that can be re-hemmed or re-rigged for another venue.

🧱 2. Use Digital Scenery for Depth (Without the Build)

Physical builds are expensive — labor, storage, and transport all add up fast. But when paired with high-resolution backdrops or projected surfaces, you can create immersive environments without ever touching a drill.

Many of our clients use digitally printed backdrops with false perspectives or trompe l’oeil textures that replace flats and depth walls entirely. Add a few well-placed props and your audience will never know the difference.

🚛 3. Think in Rolls, Not Sheets

Shipping and storage often eat up more of the budget than the actual materials. Whenever possible, opt for scenic elements that roll, fold, or collapse. We’ve seen productions spend thousands on bulky hard set shipments when a tensioned textile would’ve worked just as well — at half the cost and weight.

Bonus tip: Big Image can print seamless up to 5 meters wide — which means fewer joins, less rigging, and a whole lot less fuss.

🧰 4. Save on Install Time with Pre-Finished Edges

Every hour spent trimming, hemming, or grommeting on-site is an hour off your production timeline. We offer print-to-order scenic pieces that arrive ready to hang — saving labor and reducing waste. You’d be surprised how many people forget to factor finishing costs into their scenic budget.