Resources & advice

How to find out who to speak to? Making contacts and searching for jobs

Contact production personnel in the studio rather than crew at home as they are most likely not working.

Historically, the best way to discover what films are being made is to contact the main film studios directly; Pinewood, Shepperton and Elstree.  Smaller studios like Ealing and Teddington are harder to get information out of the switchboard, even the bigger ones, we understand of late (April 2019) due to privacy and non-disclosure often asked for by the production company, but still worth a try.

When you ring ask for projects in ‘Pre-Production’ these will be at various states prior to shooting. Once they are at the shooting stage Art Department crew tend to reduce as their share of the work is done.

Once you have the name of the project, enquire the name of the Art Department Supervisor or Co-ordinator and ring them directly. Almost always you will get a pleasant reception even if there is no job opportunity, it’s how we all work.

Other avenues to find out about up and coming projects are:

BFDG – as a membership benefit we not only post jobs (internally on our closed FB page) that come into us from either a production company or from a member, but we also circulate a quarterly “Rumour Mill” which is just that, rumours /information that we have gathered, or been given with regards to projects in the pipeline or actually in production.

Kays production guide, Production Weekly and The Knowledge are publications that print names, titles and contact details.  These books can be found in larger public libraries, but both have online versions now.

Screen International prints productions that are currently
shooting.

BECTU have an ‘Early Bird’ production listing for members only.

IMdb Pro – lists projects in pre-productions.

Plus various companies that are subscription based print production/chase lists/actual jobs – mandy.com being one.

What to ask for?

Most technicians start at the bottom as a Runner. If you have ability, creative talent and can work well as a team member, a slow start won’t hamper your career. Certain Film and Television skills are learnt on the job.

Starting straight in as Art Director, if you have never worked in the business before, is difficult. You would be an expensive gamble which few would take, should you be unknown or never had worked with comparable teams.

If you have no prior experience, it is recommended to start at the bottom as Art Department Assistant/Runner. You will have talent and shine through your work so promotion will follow, along with knowledge of how the business works. Even with technical knowledge of similar trades in Architecture and CAD; the film business has methods encountered nowhere else.

What is a good method of contact?

Talking face to face or a phone call beats an email every time. All senior members receive a lot of email requests for work and advice, many ending up in spam. Follow up a call or interview with an email, but not first contact.

Try to visit them to show your portfolio to get advice and get noticed.

Structure of a British Art Department

A basic breakdown of who works for who. There is no defining rule for titles, categories or groups but here is the well-known structure.

One of the key few HoD (Head of Department) jobs along with Cinematographer , Costume Designer, Casting and Editor is:

Additional Art Department Positions

Sometimes due to a special production requirement a new title will be created.
There are no hard and fast rules, so this is just a guide job descriptions.

The Art Department is often the largest department on a production, as you will see from the list of positions below:

Production Designer

A Production Designer is one of the first members of the crew to be appointed in pre-production by the Director and is responsible for bringing the director’s vision to life. Starting early on a production, they are involved in location scouts, set design, visual themes and budgets.

As well as working closely with the Director, they manage the Art Department and are required to collaborate with heads of all creative based departments.

Download the ScreenSkills Production Designer Skills Checklist.

Supervising Art Director

Supervising Art Directors work closely with Production Designers, relieving them of day to day organisation needed in the Art Department. They are involved in all aspects of logistical operations.

Also involved in pre-production; Supervising Art Directors work with the Production Manager to estimate the costs of set construction, set decoration and Art Department labour. They spend time analysing the shooting schedule and plan set building and dismantling. They oversee the entire Art Department during shooting to ensure the production stays on schedule and on budget.

Download the ScreenSkills Supervising Art Director Skills Checklist

Art Director Commercials

Art Directors in commercials are responsible for ensuring their clients’ message and image is conveyed effectively to consumers. They are responsible for the entire visual aspects of an advertising campaign and coordinate the work of other design staff to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal. 

Art Director

In a nutshell, Art Directors act as project managers for the Art Department and liaise between the department and the Production Designer. A highly logistical role, they are responsible for the budget and work schedule and work closely with the Production Designer to facilitate the creative vision for locations and sets. On a large production, they may start 4-5 months before shooting begins. They must be able to breakdown a script to identify specific items (such as key props) that will need sourcing and determine cost-effective solutions for construction and decorating.

Download the ScreenSkills Art Director Skills Checklist

Standby Art Director

Required on set throughout shooting, a Standby Art Director is responsible for finding quick and effective solutions to any design related issues. They are accountable for breaking down the script to identify the props required and passing this information on to the Property Master. This is a versatile role and they can be required to step into multiple roles on set, from working as Draughtsperson or Assistant Art Director depending on what is needed at that time.

Download the ScreenSkills Standby Art Director Skills Checklist

Concept Artist

Involved in pre-production, Concept Artists work to aid the pre-visualisation process and to bridge the gap between the Visual Effects Team and the Art Department. On a large production, there may be several Concept Artists working to design specific elements, that are then presented to the Head of Department, Producer and Director.

Storyboard Artist

Storyboard Artists work closely with the Director and the Production Designer analysing action sequences or sequences with special effects. They produce drawings in sequence to illustrate the action clearly. This enables the optical and mechanical effects to be analysed accurately by the Art Department.

Pixar’s Scott Morse On how to become a Storyboard Artist

Scenic Artists

Scenic Artists work on the backings for the stage sets (for example, painting backdrops of cities/murals) and the cut-out perspectives on exterior sets. They are often involved in special set finishes and painting decorative panels, fabrics or drapes.

Arts Professional article on How to start a career as a Scenic Artist in the Film industry

https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/article/how-start-career-scenic-art

Construction Manager

Construction Managers are responsible for set building and the large workforce needed to make sets for feature films. They work closely with the Production Designer, Draughtsperson and the Art Directors to bring construction to fruition.

Assistant Art Director

The size of a production determines the responsibilities of an Assistant Art Director. They may be involved in and support the Art Director with the following: research, location scouting, model making and/or set production.

Download the ScreenSkills Assistant Art Director Skills Checklist

Portrait & Pastiche Painter

Portrait & Pastiche Painters are responsible for creating visual art that imitates a specific style or theme in response to the requirements of the production.

Draughtsperson/Set Designer

Depending on the scale of the production there may be Senior Draughtspeople, Draughtspeople and Junior Draughtspeople employed to work on the technical drawings that enable the construction crew to do their job.

They must be able to draw clearly, accurately and with speed and they often provide hundreds of technical drawings (sketches, plans, elevations, sections, 3D models) that serve as a template for the construction department. Drawings are often still produced by hand, but CAD software like Sketch-Up, Cinema 4D and VectorWorks are also used. Junior Draughtspeople are responsible for specific construction details across a range of sets, such as window or door detailing, and for making accurate models of all sets enabling the production designer and director to visualise camera positions and movements.

Download the ScreenSkills Draughtsperson Skills Checklist

Researcher

Researchers are employed during pre-production and continue throughout filming. They can be specialised and required to carry out in-depth research by talking to curators, academics and other experts to gain as much insight into a subject. They then feedback this information to Production Designers and work alongside Draughtspersons to aid the look of the film.

Model Maker

Model makers are responsible for building models and miniatures. They may work with clay, plaster of paris, plastic or metal and a range of techniques. They may use freehand drawings skills or computer-aided design (CAD) to create designs.

Set Decorator

Head of the Set Decorating Department, the Set Decorator is responsible for the decoration of a set both in studios and/or on location, including furnishings and all objects that are on view. Through breaking down the script, they work with the Production Buyer to identify/source/commission props for the production. Working closely with the Construction Team to ensure all sets are ready for shooting and striked afterwards. On larger productions, they will have an Assistant Set Decorator to provide support.

Download the ScreenSkills Set Decorator Skills Checklist

Assistant Set Decorator

An Assistant Set Decorator reports to and works with the Set Decorator to realise the vision for the look and visual style of a production, by assisting with sourcing suitable props and set dressings on larger productions. They break down the script for set dressing and props requirements and undertake research on locations, period and characters in advance of filming. Under the direction of the Set Decorator  they will be given their own sets to look after. They work with the Set Decorator to agree on the style of props such as furniture, fabrics, wallpaper and communicate this to the Assistant Production Buyer. They may manage junior colleagues depending on the size of the department.

Download the ScreenSkills Assistant Set Decorator Skills Checklist

Production Buyer

Production Buyers are required to source the props needed and will visit rental houses, shops, flea markets, second hand stalls, antiques warehouses etc. to find them. On larger productions, they will have an Assistant Production Buyer to provide support.

Download the ScreenSkills Production Buyer Skills Checklist

Assistant Production Buyer

The Assistant Production Buyer works closely with the Production Buyer,  Petty Cash Buyer, Set Decorator and Props Master to source items to meet the visual concept and design of the production. They report to the Production Buyer. They work within a given budget, negotiating the best possible prices for rentals and purchases, maintaining a wide range of contacts with specialist suppliers.

Download the ScreenSkills Assistant Production Buyer Skills Checklist

Petty Cash Buyer

The Petty Cash Buyer works with the Production Buyer and Set Decorator to source and purchase items requested for the set dressing of a production. They work with a given cash float to source and purchase approved items both online and physically for set dressing and hand props. They also work closely with the Production Buyer and accounts team in order to reconcile their petty cash float by submitting VAT receipts and relevant paperwork listing their purchases.

Download the ScreenSkills Petty Cash Buyer Skills Checkist

Graphic Designer/Décor Artist

Working closely with the Production Designer, Researcher and Effects Department, Graphic Designers may build specialist props that will feature prominently on screen throughout a production. Depending on the size of a production, they will have Assistant Graphic Designers to provide support. 

Art Department/Set Decorating Department/Construction Department Coordinators

Department Coordinators are responsible for the smooth running of their Department during the entirety of a production, from the very start of a project through to the end. They ensure excellent communication within the department and provide daily administrative support, which can include liaising with the production office, overseeing schedules, booking meetings, budget support, and ordering materials.

Download the ScreenSkills Art Department Coordinator Skills Checklist

Download the ScreenSkills Set Decoration Coordinator Skills Checklist

Art Department/Set Decorating Assistant/Runner

To become a Runner is the foot in the door for many newcomers to the industry.

Runners usually start work in the early stages of pre-production and can be both trainee and assistant to the Art Department. They are responsible for basic administrative tasks, in addition to making tea/coffee and getting lunch.

Art Department Assistants usually start work in the early stages of pre-production by helping out with research. They fulfil both the role of a Trainee, working to improve their drawing and model making skills, and of a Runner, providing support to the Art Department. They’ll also make sure that everyone in the department has the necessary materials and ordering any supplies required.

Art Department Assistants work closely with the Art Department Co-ordinator, providing back-up and basic running duties between the Art Department office, the drawing and construction studios and the production office.

During filming, Art Department Assistants carry out vital roles, assisting the Standby Art Director and the Art Department Co-ordinator with any last-minute requests or changes to the sets.

Download the ScreenSkills Art Department Assistant Skills Checklist

Further information can be found at ScreenSkills.

Key Differences – Between UK & USA Art Departments

To summarise:

Set Decorator – Collaborates with the Production Designer and Director, to execute their visual interpretation of the Television or Film Production. They use artwork, furnishings and other props to design both interior and exterior sets.

Art Department Books – A Basic Library

By Gary Tomkins

The following list should cover most subjects which most commonly crop up in an Art Dept.

Architectural, Design and Building Construction:

A History of Architecture: Bannister Fletcher.

A classic. Available new or second hand. Perfect introduction to Architecture. Various editions available as it’s constantly been updated over the last 100 years!

McKays Building Construction:  McKay.

Get the Imperial copy, not metric. Either in 4 volumes second hand or now republished all in one volume new. The best book for all things constructional, with details of doors, windows, stonework etc.

 Building Construction: Mitchell.

Available second hand. Elementary and Advanced volumes. Similar to McKays, but much smaller, and cheaper!

The Styles of Ornament: Speltz.

Available new. Good inspiration for everything ornamental.

 Handbook of Ornament:  Meyer.

Available new. Companion volume to Speltz.

The Orders of Architecture: Normand or

The Orders of Architecture: Stratton.

Wonderful measured drawings of Classical architecture. Both available second hand.

The Elements of Style: Stephen Calloway.

Available new. Fantastic overview of all periods of External and interior design including Architecture, Furnishings, fixtures and fittings.

Period Houses and their Details: Colin Amery.

Great measured drawings and photos of Buildings. Available second hand.

 Modern Practical Joinery: George Ellis

Available new. Brilliant construction drawings of joinery and cabinetry.

Wrought Iron in Architecture: Gerald K. Geerlings

Available new. Drawings and photos of all periods of Wrought Iron

Period Houses Fixtures and Fittings: Linda Hall

Available new. Photos and drawings of all periods of architectural details.

Rice’s Architectural Primer: Matthew Rice

Available new. A delightful compact introduction to Architectural terms. From Triglyphs to Tympanums, Apophyges to Astragals, this book has it all!

Masterpieces of Furniture: Salomonsky

Available new. Measured drawing and photographs of a wide range of furniture, including construction techniques. Invaluable.

2. Film Design History & “Making of” books:

Designing for Films: Edward Carrick.

Published in 1941 but still relevant today! Available second hand.

Designs on Film: Cathy Whitlock.

Available new. A beautiful book taking in Production Design from the earliest days to the present.

Star Wars: The Blueprints: J. W. Rinzler:

Available new. Probably the only book to be completely dedicated to the art of film draughting, in this case the first six Star Wars films including work by some of the greatest draughtsman ever to have worked in the film industry. A must.

Harry Potter Page to Screen: McCabe

Available new. A sumptuous book celebrating the design of the Potter series, with hundreds of pieces of concept art, sketches, graphics and working drawings as well as extensive interviews with Stuart Craig.

3. Draughting techniques.

Drawing the Line: David McHenry.

Available new. A very good overview of traditional draughting for the Art Dept. including Drawing techniques, Construction, Geometry, Camera Angles, and a useful glossary. Available new.

The Art of Illusion: Terry Ackland Snow:

Available new. A useful introduction to how the Art Dept. works with examples Concept art, Draughting, Model making and behind the scenes photographs. Available new.

Draughtsmanship: R. Fraser Reeklie.

Was, for many years, the standard draughting book. Available cheaply second hand.