What Happens to Old Movie Sets

Old movie sets can have various fates depending on their construction significance and the preferences of the filmmakers or studios involved. Here are some common outcomes for these structures that once brought movies to life:

Recycling and Repurposing

Many sets are dismantled and the materials are recycled or repurposed for future productions. Wood, metal, and other materials can be reused in new projects, ensuring that the natural resources are used efficiently.

Storage

Some sets are stored in warehouses for potential future use. Studios may keep sets that are iconic or that they think could be reused for sequels or remakes. An example is the iconic courthouse square used in the film Back to the Future, which is still there and is still used in movies and TV shows at NBC Universal Studios.

Preservation

Notable or historically significant sets may be preserved as part of film history. This can include sets that are maintained for public tours, such as those at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. For instance, the set of the Contrabando film in Big Bend State Park remains abandoned, but some other films were shot there. Another example is the downtown of Stars Hollow at Warner Brothers, seen in every episode of Gilmore Girls, which is still there and continues to be used.

Destruction

Less significant sets are often simply torn down after filming concludes, especially if they are temporary structures that don’t have reuse potential. The vast majority of the materials I’ve built, including parts of the whole back wall of a set (excluding the windows), and the bakery set, go into landfills shortly after the cameras stop rolling. A certain amount of the material and hardware can be salvaged, but this is not always a concern for the construction coordinators who are already planning for their next show.

Exhibition and Tourism

Some sets are moved to museums or exhibitions where they can be displayed to the public, allowing fans to experience a piece of film history. Certain sets also become tourist attractions drawing visitors who want to see the locations where their favorite films were made. The exteriors of some sets, like the Harry Potter sets in England, or the Universal sets in Hollywood, may be preserved for their public tour value.

Overall, the fate of a movie set often reflects its cultural value and the practical considerations of the film industry. Whether it's repurposed, stored, preserved, or destroyed, every stage of a movie set's life plays a significant role in the broader picture of film history.