Carpenters on film productions are key members of the construction team, and they must be very skilled at their craft.  Reporting to the Chargehand Carpenter, they build, install and remove wooden structures on film sets and locations, and also make wooden props, furniture and scenic equipment.  The role requires extensive carpentry experience and creative skills, as well as the ability to work to deadlines, and under pressure.

Responsibilities
Carpenters' work on film production is varied, and they play a crucial role in both the look, and smooth running of the film.  Taking instructions from the Chargehand Carpenter, Carpenters may be responsible for producing a variety of structures, ranging from onscreen props such as window frames and staircases, through to replica spacecraft or medieval ships.  They also carry out a great deal of off-screen building, creating support structures such as the raised platforms that may be required by the crew during filming. 

Carpenters are responsible for carrying out work to the standards and deadlines set by the Chargehand Carpenter.  During pre-production, carpenters usually work out of a film production's workshop.  During production, carpenters may have to travel to the filming location to help assemble the wooden structures required.  At the end of the shoot, Carpenters help to 'strike' (dismantle and remove) the wooden structures, ensuring that they are safely and securely disposed of, stored, or returned to the appropriate place.

Skills
Key requirements for Carpenters are first-rate craft skills in carpentry and joinery, combined with the ability to provide creative input during the construction of film sets and props.  They 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 literate and numerate: the ability to understand complex drawings, specifications and technical literature is essential, as are strong mathematical skills to calculate angles and dimensions.  Carpenters 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
Carpenters need certain accredited qualifications, such as the Intermediate 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.