Course Structure
Items in red are bonus documents.
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0. Introduction
a. Introduction
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1. Overview of the Art Department, Set Decoration, and Props departments
a. 4 step guide to finding your first job in props and set design
b. How a set is created
c. Overview of the Art Department
d. Overview of the Set Decoration department
e. Overview of the Props department
f. Overview of the Construction department
g. Timeline of a production
2. Choosing which department to work in
a. Choosing which department to work in
b. Art Department Assistant and Assistant Graphic Designer
c. Set Decoration Assistant and Petty Cash Buyer
d. Dressing Props Trainee, Trainee Storeperson and Standby Props Trainee
e. Day-to-day life in each department
f. Rates and allowances
i. BECTU Ratecard 2021-2023 – Art Department, Set Decoration and Graphics departments
ii. BECTU Ratecard 2021 – Props department
g. Flowchart – choosing which department to work in
3. Training for work
a. Training for work
b. Art Department trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them
i. To do list
ii. Art Department Assistant – hand draughting from home equipment list
c. Set Decoration trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them
i. To do list
ii. Main prop hire companies
d. Props trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them
i. To do list
e. Working as a Supporting Artist (SA / “Extra”)
i. To do list
f. Additional training resources
i. To do list
4. How to find work
a. How to create a CV
i. To do list
ii. Example CV – generic
iii. Example CV – Assistant Graphic Designer – Helene Dollie
b. How to create a portfolio and website
i. To do list
ii. Example portfolio – Art Department Assistant
iii. Example portfolio – Art Department & Set Decoration Assistant
iv. Example portfolio – Petty Cash Buyer – James Everett
v. Example websites – Assistant Graphic Designer
c. How to find work using Kays directory
i. To do list
ii. Example spreadsheet
d. How to find work using social media
i. To do list
e. Organisations and crew databases to help you find work
i. To do list
f. How to find work if you’re registered as a Supporting Artist
g. Interviews
i. To do list
5. Preparing for your first job
a. Accommodation
b. Art Department Assistant: what equipment will you need?
i. Art Department Assistant: Equipment List
c. Petty Cash Buyer and Set Dec Assistant: what equipment will you need?
i. Petty Cash Buyer and Set Dec Assistant: Equipment List
ii. Example petty cash form
d. Props Trainees: what equipment will you need?
i. Dressing Props Trainee and Standby Props Trainee: Equipment List
ii. Trainee Storeperson: Equipment List
6. During the job
a. Art Department terminology, set etiquette, and health & safety
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7. BONUS SECTION: After the job and longer term
a. Getting paid
i. To do list
ii. Example payslip 1
iii. Example payslip 2
b. Tax returns, pensions, and joining a union
i. To do list
8. Ending
a. What to do next
b. Ending