Set Crafts Person - Theatre, Film and TV

A set crafts person, or set builder, builds the scenery, sets and backdrops for theatre, film and television productions.

The Work

You could be:

• referring to plans from the designer and considering how best to construct the set


• checking up on historical details


• choosing suitable materials, such as wood, plaster, paint and plastic, making sure costs stay within the budget


• using hand and machine tools to create and build the set


• making backdrops and building platforms


• during production, keeping the set in good repair


• attending rehearsals to see how the set works, and making adjustments as necessary.

Conditions

• You could be working either indoors or outdoors.


• It might be cold, hot, dusty or noisy.


• There might be heavy lifting and carrying, bending, kneeling or working at heights.


• You wear protective gear such as a safety helmet.


• You work very irregular and often long hours, including evenings and weekends.


• You may be on location, spending periods away from home.


• You could be working in a team or on your own.

Getting In

• Entry is very competitive.


• You do not always need formal qualifications, but Standard grades in English, Maths and a technological subject are useful.


• It can help to have a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 in one of the construction trades for example Carpentry and Joinery (Construction). You learn a construction trade through a ConstructionSkills Modern Apprenticeship or Skillseekers, which combines on-the-job training and experience with off-the-job study.


• Some set crafts people have other qualifications - in subjects such as art, drama, model making or exhibition design. Some are graduates.


• Several colleges offer Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in technical theatre which includes options in set design and construction.


• Experience with amateur stage or video productions can be helpful.


• You should be physically fit, with good colour vision.


• Most jobs with film and broadcasting companies are on a freelance, temporary basis.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• artistic talent, imagination and vision


• manual dexterity


• the ability to solve problems


• adaptability


• research skills
• persistence and networking skills to break into the work.

• follow instructions and interpret designs


• improvise


• meet deadlines


• pay attention to detail


• work both alone and as part of a team.

Training

Training is usually on-the-job and through short courses from organisations like Skillset.

Getting On

• You might start with a local theatre or TV company.
• Developing your career depends on making personal contacts with set designers and producers, and building up a good reputation.
• Most jobs are in London, although there are jobs in other major cities.
• There is no promotion structure as such, but progress could mean moving into national broadcasting, or into prestige film work.


• You might eventually set up your own firm hiring out scenery equipment.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

It is not easy to get into this work, but it can be worth the effort when you experience the satisfaction of being part of a successful production.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.