Set builders research, build, maintain, and install sets and props for television, motion picture, and video productions. They work with a team of builders, carpenters, and designers to turn two-dimensional blue prints and floor plans into three-dimensional forms.
Set Builders rig and control set elements that move and build sets and props considering ease of transporting and storage.
They are employed by television stations and networks, motion pictures and video production companies, concert, theatre, stage, and dance companies.
Skills
The Film & Video industry creates films, TV, documentaries, music video, corporate marketing and training materials and advertisements. This sector employs technicians, artists, managers, communications, marketing, PR, and other business professionals.
The Role of Technical Expert
A Technician is someone who is trained in a specific technical process and who possess a high level of expertise in their field of work. Technicians work in many different areas of employment including, electronics, computer hardware and software development, video and audio recording and manipulation, carpentry and other fabrication occupations. The expertise of Technicians, are required within corporations, profit and non-profit organizations, large and small, and government agencies. Technicians are also self-employed entrepreneurs. Although they work in many different fields ranging from desk jobs to physically demanding jobs, Technicians of all trades share many of the same interests and natural skill sets.
An Evolving Career
Technology standards and practices are constantly changing. When working in a technical field you are expected to remain up-to-date regarding new products, practices, and techniques. An enthusiasm for new challenges and an ability to adapt to new situations are skills that are fundamental to successful Technicians.
Technicians Are Communicators
Technicians work within a vast number of workplace scenarios such as being a part of a production crew to working in an office. They work as individuals and also as part of a larger network of team players. As such, they must be able to communicate with fellow technicians about strategy and technique as well as with non-technical clients and co-workers. A Technicians’ job requires the ability to listen and interpret verbal and written instruction from non-technical and technically savvy colleagues.
Speed, Accuracy, Innovation
In a fast paced, constantly evolving field of work, the ability to analyze and problem solve under tight deadlines are essential skills to a Technician. They are expected to resolve situations with speed, accuracy and innovation. These abilities are further complemented by patience, persistence and a strong attention to detail.
Formal education is not a required, however, completion of crew training workshops is an asset.