Construction Dept.
Get into Construction if you wish to build the physical sets and large props. A good fun industry for builders, but with long hours. Be prepared to work from unconventional plans, inconclusive plans where you will have to think creatively (time and constant changes mean plans are often just overviews) or just sketchs. One day you may be on a hill side building a Samurai village from pine and bamboo, the next in studio making repetitive MDF flattage.
Construction has a systematic approach to the shop floor, where it is possible to set out with a trade qualification, and work you way up from Hammer hand through Leading Hand and to Foreman, and Construction Manager. A good all round job with varied work and a nice balance of responsibility is mid way up the ladder leading your own team of several builders to complete your ‘own sets’, leaving hiring, pay and politics to the Art Directors and Construction Managers.
The ideal person who will progress and succeed within film construction is somebody who does not mind creatively working with designers, who often do not have a building or architectural background, helping them reach the outcomes they seek but without getting too pissed off at the constant changes and high or odd expectations. Constructively predicting problems and seeking efficient solutions that don’t compromise the look will always be appreciated by the Art Department designers, and will in the long term open the door to film jobs outside the construction department such as Art Director.
Carpenter / Construction Foreman / Crane Driver / Craft Services / Fitter or Fabricator / Furniture Maker / Hammerhand / Health and Safety Coordinator / Head Cutter / Laborer / Leading Hand / Onset Carpenter / Runner / Steel Fabricator / Sculptor / Welder / Set Finisher / Boat Builder