Standby Painters usually have many years' experience of working in the film industry, and work on sets or on locations during film shoots to help remedy any last minute problems.  Standby Painters' respond to the requirements of Camera teams, and travel with film units at all times.  They must be confident, skilled and creative in order to be able to solve painting problems quickly, and often under great time pressure.

Responsibilities
Usually specifically selected by Chargehand Painters or Construction Managers, Standby Painters are responsible for dealing with any painting problems during film shoots.  If there are problems with any of the paintwork or wall hangings, Standby Painters are required to repaint or re-hang them.  This is often carried out at the direct request of the Director, or the Camera team, who may need adjustments made very quickly before scenes can be shot.  Standby Painters must have all the skills required of Painters in the film industry, including surface preparation, and applying primers and finishing materials.  They also need excellent advanced painting skills, as they may be responsible for touching up or changing metallic finishes, background surfaces, ornate areas, stencil work, or replica marbling and graining effects.  After Standby Painters have dealt with any painting problems, they are responsible for resetting the environment to its original condition, in order to help maintain continuity.  They are also responsible for ensuring that all their work complies with strict Health and Safety guidelines and procedures.

Skills
Standby Painters need extensive painting skills, combined with experience of working in film production.  They must be highly creative and intelligent, and need excellent problem solving skills.  They should be able to work rapidly and often under great pressure; film shoots can come to a standstill while Standby Painters work to resolve painting problems.  They must be able to work independently, but also be good team players.  They need excellent communication skills, as they often liaise with senior crew members, such as Directors, Directors of Photography or Production Designers.  They must also be prepared to work long and often anti-social hours.

Qualifications/Experience
Standby Painters need extensive experience of working in the film industry, and are likely to have previously worked for several years as domestic painters.  Most Standby Painters have accredited qualifications, such as the Intermediate Construction Award, or a CITB NVQ in Painting and Decorating at Level 2, as a minimum.  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.