Core Sections

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0. Introduction

a. Introduction

 

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

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3. Training for work

a. Training for work

b. Art Department trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them

ii. Art Department Assistant – hand draughting from home equipment list

c. Set Decoration trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them

ii. Main prop hire companies

d. Props trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them

e. Working as a Supporting Artist (SA / “Extra”)

f. Additional training resources

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APPROXIMATE WORTH: £1720

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4. How to find work

a. How to create a CV

ii. Example CV – generic

iii. Example CV – Assistant Graphic Designer – Helene Dollie

b. How to create a portfolio and website

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

ii. Example spreadsheet

d. How to find work using social media

e. Organisations and crew databases to help you find work

f. How to find work if you’re registered as a Supporting Artist

g. Interviews

 

APPROXIMATE WORTH: £3500

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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

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APPROXIMATE WORTH: £200

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6. During the job

a. Art Department terminology, set etiquette, and health & safety​

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APPROXIMATE WORTH: £100

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8. Ending

a. What to do next

b. Ending

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TOTAL APPROXIMATE WORTH: £5,520

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Bonus Sections

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To Do Lists

3.b.i. To do list

3.c.i. To do list

3.d.i. To do list

3.e.i. To do list

3.f.i. To do list

4.a.i. To do list

4.b.i. To do list

4.c.i. To do list

4.d.i. To do list

4.e.i. To do list

4.g.i. To do list

5.c.i. To do list

 

APPROXIMATE WORTH: £200

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1-on-1 Support - All Questions Answered

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APPROXIMATE WORTH: £335

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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

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APPROXIMATE WORTH: £500

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TOTAL APPROXIMATE WORTH: £1,035

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"The "to do" lists at the end of each section work really well to summarise the content, but also to provide steps to get you prepared.

 

"Having James on hand to answer any questions is a real bonus, although the course was so well laid out that I didn't have many questions by the end. Having indefinite access to the content is also very reassuring knowing that I can always go back to it whenever I need to.

 

"From someone who is transitioning into this industry, this course has been 100% worth the cost, I'm very happy I invested the time and money.

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"Also, can't remember where you're located, but I'd like to buy you a beer or something, sometime, for all your help."

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Bill Duerden – Prop Maker