Chargehand Carpenters are in charge of the carpentry team on film productions. They work closely with the Set Designer and the Construction Manager to oversee the construction, installation and removal of wooden structures on film sets and locations.  They are also responsible for making wooden props, furniture, decorative objects and scenic equipment.  The role requires extensive carpentry skills, combined with good leadership skills, as well the ability to deliver work on time and to budget.

Responsibilities
Chargehand Carpenters are responsible for all the work carried out by the carpentry team.  This encompasses all the wooden structures required by film production, ranging from doors, windows and wooden props, through to the raised platforms that may be required by the crew during filming.  During pre-production, Chargehand Carpenters liaise with the Construction Manager to calculate the number of carpenters required, and to hire suitably qualified individuals.  They set up the workshop, ensuring that it provides a safe working environment. 

Chargehand Carpenters work closely with the Construction Manager and the Set Designer to calculate the specifications for the wooden structures needed on the film set.  They are responsible for acquiring the necessary materials and tools for making these structures.  Once the team is in place and the workshop established, Chargehand Carpenters allocate and supervise the work carried out in the workshop.  They ensure that the team carries out its work to the standards, budget and deadlines set by the Construction Manager.  During production, Chargehand Carpenters travel to the filming location to oversee the assembly of the wooden structures required.  At the end of the shoot, Chargehand Carpenters take charge as their team 'strike' (dismantle and remove) the wooden structures, ensuring that they are safely and securely disposed of, stored, or returned to the appropriate place.

Skills
Chargehand Carpenters need first-rate craft skills in carpentry and joinery, equivalent to those required of top-level domestic carpenters, combined with strong creative abilities.  Chargehand Carpenters working in film production must be aware of the creative shortcuts that can be used to build very short term, fake constructions as cheaply, but as safely, as possible.  They must be highly literate and numerate: the ability to understand complex drawings, specifications and technical literature is essential, combined with strong mathematical skills to calculate angles and dimensions.  They must have good communication and interpersonal skills in order to liaise with senior production staff such as the Director, Set Designer and Construction Manager. 

Chargehand Carpenters also need leadership and organisational skills to ensure that the workshop runs smoothly, and that deadlines are met.  They must also be team players, have physical strength, stamina, a good sense of balance, and be comfortable working at heights.  Full knowledge of the Health and Safety requirements when working with tools, is essential.

Qualifications/Experience
Industry experience and knowledge, probably acquired by working for many years on various film productions, are key requirements for Chargehand Carpenters.  They need certain accredited qualifications, such as the Advanced Construction Award, or a CITB Construction Skills S/NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery to Level 2, as a minimum.  As the role also involves travel, a full 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.