Chargehand Painters run the Painting team on film productions.  Appointed by, and reporting to, the Construction Manager, they lead a team of Painters who are responsible for applying paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to props, scenery and sets.  The work involves all the traditional painting skills required of domestic painters, combined with other skills specific to the film industry, e.g., painted sets often need to look 'lived in' rather than brand new, and Chargehand Painters must know how to achieve such effects.  The role requires extensive painting and decorating experience, as well as good leadership skills, and the ability to deliver work on time and to budget.

Responsibilities
Chargehand Painters are responsible for all the work carried out by the Painting team.  Once they are hired onto productions, they discuss the plans with Production Designers and Construction Managers, in order to establish the amount of work required, how long it will take, what finishes are needed and where they are to be applied, colour schemes, textures, and any other special requirements.  Chargehand Painters liaise with Construction Managers to calculate the number of Painters required, and to hire them.  They are also responsible for establishing the amount of painting materials required, knowing where to source them, and ordering them in.  They work out how and where the set, or scenery, is to be painted, and ensure that other areas are protected from dripping paint. 

Once the team is in place, Chargehand Painters supervise their activities, and make sure that the work is divided equally.  They supervise the erection and dismantling of any platforms needed to access paint sites.  They ensure that team members carry out their work according to the standards, budgets and deadlines set by Construction Managers.   Chargehand Painters are responsible for ensuring that Health and Safety requirements are adhered to, in particular that any toxic paints, glues or varnishes are used, stored and disposed of appropriately, and that sufficient ventilation is available.

Skills
In addition to the painting and decorating skills required of top-level domestic painters, Chargehand Painters also need strong creative abilities.  They advise Production Designers and their team about how certain finishes can be achieved.  As sets often need to look lived in, 'breaking down' and 'distressing' paint finishes or wallpaper are crucial skills, e.g., they may be required to make a room look as if it has been flooded, by simulating the resultant stains on the walls.  If required, they must be able to apply a range of decorative finishes, such as wood grain effects, stencilling, marbling, lettering and sign writing.

Chargehand Painters need good communication and interpersonal skills in order to liaise effectively with senior production staff, such as Set Designers and Construction Managers.  Strong leadership and organisational skills are required, in order to ensure that the Paint team's work runs smoothly, and that deadlines are met.

Qualifications/Experience
Chargehand Painters usually progress to this role after spending several years gaining experience and knowledge in the film industry, and are likely to have previously worked for at least two years as domestic painters and decorators.  Most Chargehand Painters have accredited qualifications, such as NVQs in Painting and Decorating at Level 3.  Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures when working with paints is essential.  As the role involves travel, a full EU driving licence is required.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.