The Latest Industry News for the Exciting World of Production.

Santa Clarita is no stranger to Netflix, but a new show is offering viewers the opportunity to see a new side of the Santa Clarita Valley - one that involves machines, industry and one-of-a-kind projects.

Set Masters, a local business who has been in the set fabrication industry for more than 20 years, recently had the opportunity to display its talents on the Netflix show "Super Fan Builds."

The series debuted with 11 episodes containing two projects in each episode, as the show takes viewers behind the scenes to present how some of the amazing builds were brought to life.

Set Masters Owner and CEO Shane Hammond said he wasn't supposed to be a prominent speaker on the show, but his comedic personality and care-free sarcastic remarks made him a good fit for interaction with the "super fans," and to be the person explain the builds to viewers.

Projects featured on the show were created for "super fans" who are extremely passionate about the respective subjects.

For the show, Hammond and his team were tasked with crafting unique creations for fans of WWE wrestling, "Back To The Future" and "Sharknado."

In one featured episode, the group at Set Masters could be seen constructing frames for towers that would hold a model TitanTron, and in another they used pieces of an official ring mat from a WWE event.

The episode's build also featured a display case, where the team assembled a treasure trove of WWE-inspired goodies, including a box of Booty O's, a championship belt, Bret Hart glasses and an autographed Mr. Socko, which prompted an ecstatic reaction from the fan.

Hammond had no idea he and the show were on Netflix until he walked into his living room one day and his wife broke the news.

Since the show's closing episode, Hammond has returned to his studio in Saugus to continue working on the far-fetched projects that are supported by well-known companies and local residents.

Annette Mendez, who works as an administrative assistant, said she is always amazed to see pieces of plastic and blocks of wood enter the building and leave as a stunning creations that could possibly grace the next Emmy's After Party, which is one of a few event sets crafted by Hammond and his team.

The design and fabrication company specializes in producing custom sets, props, models and any other builds you need, Hammond said. Whether it be small props, like crucifixes for local churches, or entire sets for music videos, the team more than likely can create your dream project.

"Perfection is our goal," Hammond said as he explained how his team members must work efficiently to craft the extraordinary pieces. Some projects require basic materials like wood, fiberglass or even styrofoam, but others need heavy machinery that one wouldn't simply find at your local Home Depot.

However, that didn't stop Hammond from advising kids who want to get into fabrication to go out and purchase a tool set.

"Any tool set - make sure it has a hammer and screwdriver," Hammond said, "and make sure you never get rid of it. Don't give it away. Don't replace it with a fancy one. Just keep building your tool set."


Hammond believes a tool set is vital for aspiring builders because experience is what will create job opportunities for those beginning in the industry.

"You don't need a job to get experience in fabrication," Hammond said, speaking from past experiences.

As a young lad, Hammond faced tough circumstances, but these helped shape him into who he is today.

Hammond can recall offering to do chores at different auto and fabrication shops as a young lad in exchange for a couple hours of a fabricator's time. The Set Masters CEO said he would tinker on bikes, before progressing to cars and other projects.

"You learn by doing. And you learn how to do from those who know how," Hammond said. This is why he eagerly visited shops where he could gain hands-on experience with equipment he'd one day use to construct his masterpieces.


Today, Hammond encourages local youth to do the same.

Fabrication is a growing field, Hammond said, but you won't get anywhere unless you put yourself out there and learn how to do it."

This isn't your typical field where a degree will get you somewhere, Hammond said. "I've found that the people who often excel the most are those who are eager to gain that experience in any way possible."

"As seen on TV (and movies and streaming services)"

The Santa Clarita Valley is well-known as a home for Hollywood productions, even garnering the nickname "Hollywood North."

Every week, the city of Santa Clarita announces some of the projects that have been permitted in the SCV, which includes everything from commercials to feature-length films.

In addition to shows like "Santa Clarita Diet," which had its third season debut March 29 on Netflix, here are some of the projects that have filmed in Santa Clarita just in the last 30 days:

TV

"Goliath" - Television Show
"NCIS" - Television Show
"NCIS LA" - Television Show
"Bless This Mess." - Television Show
"Good Trouble" - Television Show
"Crosby Street" - Television Show
"SWAT - Television Show
"WYE" - Television Show
"Euphoria" - Television Show
"Murder For Hire" - Television Show (Reality)
"Light as a Feather" - Television Show
"Buried in The Backyard" - Television Show (Reality)

Movies

"Accident, Suicide, or Murder" - Documentary
"87 Minutes" - Feature Film
"Ad Astra" - Feature Film
"Kill Your Daughter" - Feature Film
"The Lesson" - Feature Film
"Off The Deep End" - Feature Film

www.setmasters.com