Film and TV drama
Art department trainee
Also known as: Art department runner, Art department assistant
What does an art department trainee do?
The work of art department trainees varies greatly from production to production. On big budget features with a large art department, trainees will do more administrative type jobs. They will often work closely with the art department coordinator, providing backup and doing basic running duties between the art department office, the drawing and construction team and the production office.
On small budget productions, there’s likely to be more scope for creative input. They might work with assistant art directors to record detailed measurements of locations and then move into the drawing studio to make sure the draughtspersons have what they need. They may be responsible for ordering and collecting art department drawing and model-making materials and might even help with the construction of scale models for sets.
During filming, they might help the standby art director and art department coordinator with any last-minute requests or changes to the sets.
Watch
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- How to make the most of your first job in film and TV
What’s an art department trainee good at?
- Art: draw by hand, use art software packages
- Watching film and TV drama: have a passion for the medium and a love of the industry
- Learning by listening and watching: observe what’s happening in the art department, understand how it works
- Learning by asking: ask questions at the right time to learn the tricks of the art department trade
- Reliability: get there on time and do what’s asked
- Communication: be able to ask, explain, share and make cups of tea at energy-flagging moments
Tools of the trade
You will build up your kit over time. Here are some of items you will need to start with.
- Laptop with image editing software, such as Vectorworks and SketchUp. Use the free versions until you are well enough established to buy the paid software.
- Printer; able to print on A3 is desirable but A4 will suffice.
- Drawing kit. Pencils, scale rulers, furniture templates, compass, adjustable set square.
- Modeling kit. Cutting board, scalpels, steel rule.
- Portable desktop A2 board. Not essential as a drawing board might be provided, but handy none the less.
- SLR digital camera for photoshoots (not essential but desirable).
The production will provide inks and card. On big budget productions, there’s usually a kit allowance of £50 per week. Â
Once your kit is worth more than £2,000 you should insure it and think about getting the advice of an accountant about trading as a limited company or applying for Schedule D status.
Who does an art department trainee work with?
Art department trainees might be working with anyone in the art department; the art director, assistant art director, set decorator, draughtsmen or art department coordinator. They report to the production designer. They also work with the painters, plasterers and carpenters who work with the construction manager and are likely to have contact with the production management office too.
How do I become an art department trainee?
Get onto ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme. This will help you make the contacts and build up the industry knowledge to work in the art department of a film or TV drama.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in art, architecture, photography, graphic design or graphic communication are useful. Or you might want to take the following Level 3 vocational qualifications:
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma Art and Design
- UAL Applied General Diploma in 3D Design and Crafts
- NCFE Applied General Certificate in Art and Design
If you want to go straight into a job or apprenticeship, the following Level 3 vocational qualifications will equip you:
- BTEC National Diploma in 3D Design and Crafts
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
Get an apprenticeship:
An apprenticeship is a job with training, so it’s a great opportunity to earn as you learn. You might be able to find an apprenticeship as a junior prop master or props technician in film, TV drama or theatre which could you help you find your way into the art department. Or you might find a related apprenticeship in another industry, such as being a graphic artist or a furniture maker. This could help you develop your craft and create a body of work for a portfolio that you can use to find your way into film and TV drama at a later point. Check out What’s an apprenticeship?  to learn more about apprenticeships and find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in film and television.
Develop a wide range of art skills:
Learn how to paint, do 3D modelling and graphic art. The more you can do at this stage, the more chance you have of being useful in the art department later on.
Learn to drive:Â
If possible, get access to a car. This makes you more versatile and means you can help more.
Get a degree:
It isn’t essential, but if you want one, have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses in film and TV and select ones in quality-assured higher education courses in film and TV, visual art or design. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the film and TV drama industries.
Build a portfolio:
This is essential for impressing admissions tutors and people in the film industry. Go to build your art portfolio to learn how.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events like Open Doors to people in the art department. Show them your portfolio and give them your professional contact details.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Become a trainee:
Get onto ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme. Get the skills, make contacts and start working in an art department.
You might also be interested in…
Being an art department runner in unscripted TV. Some independent TV companies (indies) run art department trainee schemes.
