Overview of the role
The plasterer works as part of the plastering team, they usually specialise in one of two areas, fibrous plastering or solid plastering. Fibrous plastering involves laying down models and making moulds and casting out of moulds – anything from a brick wall to architectural mouldings of creatures, aeroplanes, tanks, etc. Solid plastering involves spreading walls to a textured finish, as advised by the art department, to dress the set at the start of each shoot, ensuring the vision for the look of the set is achieved. The plasterer reports to the plastering chargehand or plastering supervisor, depending on the size of the production.
Download the PDF version of this skills checklist here: plasterer skills checklist.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of the production.
- Confirm with the chargehand the set dressing plans, sketches and instructions
- Liaise with the HOD or supervising plasterer to agree the part of the job on the drawing being undertaken, and the outline of finishes and time schedule
- Discuss with the supervisor the appropriate finish required so the materials and tools to complete the job can be selected
- Inform the supervisor if materials or kit are not available
- Measure the working environment and accurately mark out the required area for plasterwork, checking the task can fit correctly
- Check that power tools are PAT tested and that no wires are loose
- Ensure tools are fit for purpose and safe to use at all times; carry out necessary maintenance when required
- Discuss with HOD or supervising plaster relevant drawings for the job, marking the part of the drawing relevant to you
- Calculate the silicone required to make a rubber mould (cornice mould)
- Measure the working environment and accurately mark out the required area for plasterwork, checking the task can fit correctly
- Inform the supervisor if materials or kit are not available
- Create the plasterwork moulds as required
- Liaise with the supervisor if unable to complete within timescale, in order to arrange extra help
- Dispose of any chemical substances and waste in accordance with environmental and health and safety requirements
- On completion of tasks, ensuring all areas are clean and tidy for the next stage
- Accurately interpret the design brief and instructions relating to the work to be undertaken
- Fixing brick sheets: in consultation with supervisor refer to the drawings for this job, interpreting where brick sheets are required, method of fixing and finish
- Select the materials and fixing tools required, for example drills, stitch guns, stopping in tools, plaster and water
- Measure and calculate the identified area for plasterwork, ensuring that all calculations worked out from the drawing match the size of the wall and everything fits correctly
- Mix casting plaster as required, use timber or other reinforcing materials, as required
- Instruct the labourer mixing up the plaster regarding how much plaster is needed and the consistency required for the job
- Measure and cut timber templates, installing them to the background to create pick up points for positioning pieces such as rocks
- Fit plaster mouldings in the correct position as outlined in the design brief, ensuring that they correlate with the drawings and set pieces that have already been installed by other departments, for example, window lintels are the right size and match the drawing
- Respond quickly, efficiently and safely to requests to modify or repair any plasterwork required on set
- Confirm the arrangements for modifications and repairs when these cannot be carried out on the set
- Accurately interpret the reference pictures and instructions from the art department for the work to be undertaken
- Discuss and confirm with all parties the required finish, for example, a bonding finish to replicate an old wall, or a multi finish for a new build
- Select and prepare the tools, materials and equipment needed to undertake the work and produce the correct internal plaster finishes for plasterwork
- Liaise with the labourer to confirm the amount of materials needed to be mixed and provided
- Complete work as outlined in production schedule
- Liaise with the supervisor if unable to complete within timescale, in order to arrange extra help
- Dispose of any chemical substances and waste in accordance with environmental and health and safety requirements
- On completion of tasks, instruct the labourers to make sure all areas are clean and tidy for the next stage
- Work in compliance with health and safety legislation, regulations, and protocols at all times
- Comply with working at height regulations, including safe ladder work and being visible
- Wear PPE as required and check with the chargehand if specific PPE is needed
- Consult with the chargehand if specific equipment is required
- Follow manual handling lifting techniques and arrange suitable collection for large pieces
- When driving a machine, check that they have the required certificate and the supervisor has provided the correct harness
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of plasterer.
- Liaise with the supervisor or chargehand to undertake plastering tasks in line with production requirements
- Plaster creation, specialist care and maintenance
- Use hand and power tools as required
- Communication: interpreting other’s requirements and communicating requirements to other departments and colleagues.
- Team-working: collaboration within own and with other departments, liaising with the carpentry, props and set decoration teams
- Problem-solving: contingency planning and resolving issues so that productions remain on schedule
- Resilience and enthusiasm: adapt positively and quickly to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Productivity: organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing production environment