HoD (Head of Department) Plasterers lead the plastering team for all set and stage work during film production.  Appointed by Construction Managers, they are responsible for overseeing: the application of all plaster and cement mixtures to walls and ceilings, the creation of moulds and casts, and the fixing of ornamental plasterwork.  Where necessary, they create models of the complex structures required by Production Designers, or Props Masters*.  The role requires extensive plastering experience, good leadership skills and creative abilities, combined with the ability to deliver work to deadlines, and within budgets.

Responsibilities
HoD Plasterers are responsible for all of the work carried out by the Plastering team.  On very big budget films, they manage a large team comprising several Supervising Plasterers, Chargehand Plasterers, and Plasterers.  During pre-production, HoD Plasterers liaise with Construction Managers to analyse Production Designers' drawings.  They establish the amount of plastering work involved, and calculate the number of Plasterers needed to carry out the work, while keeping within budgets.  HoD Plasterers are responsible for acquiring the necessary materials and tools. 

Once the personnel have been hired, HoD Plasterers supervise the work of the Plastering team. They ensure that team members carry out their work efficiently, and that they meet the standards, budgets and deadlines set by Construction Managers.  The work involves the traditional solid plastering skills of applying wet finishes to walls, ceilings and floors.  It also involves fibrous plastering: making moulds and model casts from solid plaster or fibreglass in workshops, e.g., the team may be responsible for reproducing numerous 'fake' items that would be difficult or expensive to procure, such as cars, cobbled roads, castle walls or rock formations. 

HoD Plasterers are responsible for ensuring that the team adheres to strict Health and Safety guidelines, and that they carry out their tasks in a safe work environment.  The role involves handling dangerous materials such as hot melt vinyl (which is heated to 120ºC), PVC compounds that emit noxious fumes, and foams that can be carcinogenic. HoD Plasterers also co-ordinate the cleaning of work areas and the safe disposal of waste.

Skills
HoD Plasterers in the film industry must have first rate plastering skills, with a particular emphasis on fibrous plastering.  They also need excellent creative and technical skills in order to help realise the Production Designer's vision.  They must be highly literate and numerate, as the ability to understand complex drawings, specifications, and technical literature, is essential. They need good communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with senior production staff, e.g., Production Designers, Props Masters*, and Construction Managers.  Strong leadership and organisational skills are essential in order to ensure that workshops run smoothly, and that deadlines are met.

Qualifications/Experience
HoD Plasterers usually progress to this role after gaining extensive knowledge and experience in the film industry, as well as previously working for several years as domestic plasterers.  Most HOD Plasterers have accredited qualifications, such as an NVQ in Plastering at Level 3.  Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures 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.

*this is a generic term, and may refer to a man or woman