Sculptors on film productions design and create special features, such as statues or complex props.  Working closely with Production Designers or Props Masters*, they use a variety of different materials, such as polystyrene foam or clay, to transform design ideas into reality.  Many Sculptors have a background in Fine Arts, and they must be creative and imaginative, able to work independently, and to tight deadlines.  Many successful Sculptors are self-employed, working on a freelance basis.

Responsibilities
Sculptors are required to create intricate, impressive props for the film industry, in place of items that are difficult or expensive to procure, e.g., they may be required to design and build props such as ancient Greek statues, or elaborate replica giant candy sticks, or they may need to create a miniature version of the Statue of Liberty for the Visual Special Effects unit.  Sculptors liaise with Production Designers, Visual Special Effects Directors, or Props Masters* about the work required.  Sculptors normally use freehand drawing skills, or computer-aided design (CAD), or perhaps illustrative models in order help the Producer or Director to visualise the finished product. 

Once these models are approved, they construct the final sculpture.  Sculptors may be responsible for buying in the materials and tools required for the job.  They work with a variety of materials such as polystyrene foams, clay, metal or wood, although polystyrene is increasingly the material of choice for Sculptors in the film industry, as it can be carved and cut into the three dimensional forms or figures required.   They must adhere to strict Health and Safety guidelines, and carry out their tasks in a safe work environment, as some of the materials used can produce dangerous fumes.

Skills
Sculptors must have talent, flair and a good reputation in order to succeed in the film industry.  They need a solid grounding in Fine Arts, combined with an understanding of artistic and architectural styles, and knowledge of historical periods.  Sculptors must successfully interpret and realise the ideas of Designers or other colleagues.  They need excellent artistic and drawing skills, as well as practical hand skills for sculpting, using a range of hand and power tools.  They should be familiar with a wide range of materials, and with the techniques required for working with them.  They must be able to work accurately, to tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail.

Qualifications/Experience
Sculptors working in the film industry usually have a BA in Fine Arts, and possess painting as well as sculpting skills.  Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures is essential.

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