Overview of the role
Art department assistants support the work of the art department. Key areas of responsibility include: studio set design, documentary set-dressing and styling, specialist arts/crafts content, for example on shows that rely heavily on arts specialists like restorers or decorators, and graphics and branding.
Art department assistants work closely with the art director and other more senior members of the art department where applicable. They also liaise with production managers and coordinators, researchers, assistant producers and producer directors. Much of their work is in the preparation before filming, as well as being on location to help with styling and props. On smaller budget productions they might act as a runner alongside their other responsibilities.
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 production.
- Liaise with the art director about what is required for the production and the timelines you are working to
- Where appropriate pitch ideas along with costings and timelines
- Help with sourcing and purchasing of materials working to an agreed budget
- Assist with building, painting and finishing of props
- Design and make props if needed
- Produce simple artwork and graphics as required
- Help transport items to the location or studio
- Help with styling and props – you may be the only art department person on location
- Ensure the location is organised and tidy and props are looked after and maintained
- Generally be helpful, fill in gaps, make coffee, organise catering and equipment and run errands as required
- Check props are cleared and stored appropriately at the end of each day and when filming is complete
- Set up and equip the art department office to meet production requirements
- Organise general art department materials and equipment ensuring all assets are logged and labelled
- Maintain prop lists, assist with breakages and ensure any issues with props are resolved
- Ensure adequate storage and maintenance of props and supplies
- Liaise with production and health and safety on specific concerns or risk assessment requirements
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of art department assistant.
- Organise and control art department materials, equipment and supplies
- Assist with drawing and model making
- Liaise constantly with the art director and other art department staff if applicable
- Be responsible for getting props to and from location and assist with set dressing
- Communication: interpreting others’ requirements and communicating requirements to departments and colleagues
- Teamworking: collaborating within own and other departments, liaising with production and accounts
- Departmental awareness: understanding the roles and responsibilities within the art department team and the etiquette to follow
- Problem solving: contingency planning and resolving issues with locations so that productions remain on schedule
- Resilience and enthusiasm: adapt positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and ways of working which will enhance and deliver the bet 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 actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements. Has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment
- Professional development: develop an ethos to learn and seek out learning and networking opportunities, identifying those that will be most beneficial