Get to Know our Member Spotlight: Nikki Sass

Meghan Dubitsky

Each month we highlight a Production Lot member through our Member Spotlights, which include a featured position on the Production Lot homepage and a Q&A to help the rest of our community get to know our Spotlight member better.

This month we’re highlighting Nikki Sass!

Meet Nikki Sass

Nikki Sass is based in Los Angeles with over 16 years of experience in set decoration on large union productions, including as a draper, dresser, and painter. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and interior design and formal training in fresco and antique restoration in Italy. Nikki specializes in creating objects for fantasy and sci-fi projects, as well as historically accurate reproductions.

Ready to learn more about Nikki? Check out our Q&A with her below, and don’t be shy – Ask her a question in the comments!

Spotlight Q&A: Six Questions with Nikki

What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

During the '90s in Detroit, I was making patterns and sewing clothes for raves— I loved it. I earned a BFA in painting and interiors, and spent time in Italy studying fresco restoration. I’ve always been drawn to work that involves detail. Film was such a great fit because it’s one of the few industries where I could bring those skills together in a fun way. I also recognized the importance of being represented by a union.

What is something about your role you'd like people to know more about?

If you’re ever building a structure that will need to be upholstered—come by and chat! A quick conversation early on can make a big difference. Sometimes, small changes in how something is 3D printed or constructed can make it much faster to cover and actually improve the final look.

If you weren't in your current role, what other industry job would you like to have?

I love seeing what people are into for hobbies, whether it’s auto upholstery, sewing, knitting, baking. Let's nerd out together.

Honestly, being a seamstress or draper has been my dream job for a long time—I feel very fortunate to actually be doing it. I can’t really imagine working another role in film. But during the strikes, I got certified in paramedical tattooing. It’s incredible—you can use serums to soften and fade stretch marks and scars, and color matching techniques to make them almost invisible. When someone tells you they feel good about a part of their body that used to make them self-conscious… it's so rewarding. If I weren’t in film, I'd be helping people feel good about their skin.

What advice do you have for people just starting out in the industry?

Watch how people you respect do things, be kind, and ask a lot of questions. So much of this industry is about learning as you go, and no one expects you to know everything right away. Show up prepared, and pay attention to details, hustle and work quickly. Being there for your crew is important. A hard worker is always appreciated more than someone who's just really good at schmoozing. Someone always notices, even if you don't think they do. I’d recommend looking into the new technologies being used. Even a basic understanding of things like 3D printing, digital modeling, or CNC cutting can help.

How would you like to advance your career in the industry?

I'd really like to work with as many seasoned drapers as I can, or in a shop. It's one thing to get the card, it's another to master all aspects of the job. I'd like to focus on learning as much as much as I can.

What is your favorite production or project you've worked on?

Live By Night was my favorite. I was staying on this beautiful island, a lot of my friends were also there, it was set in the ‘20s, one of my favorite decades. It was magical.

Do you want a chance to be featured in the Member Spotlight? It’s easy. Register for a Production Lot account, complete your member profile, and leave a comment on the Introduce Yourself post!