Standby Riggers are highly experienced Riggers who are constantly available on set or on location during film shoots, to help remedy any last-minute problems. Usually specifically recruited by HOD Riggers or Construction Managers, Standby Riggers respond to the requirements of the Camera team, and travel with film units at all times.  Standby Riggers must be skilled, creative and imaginative in order to be able to solve rigging problems rapidly and often under great pressure.

Responsibilities
Standby Riggers are responsible for dealing with any Rigging problems that may occur during film shoots.  If problems arise with any of the scaffolding, cables, ropes, or rigging equipment, Standby Riggers are required to repair, refit or reassemble 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.  After Standby Riggers have dealt with any rigging problems, they are responsible for resetting the environment to its original condition, in order to help maintain continuity.  Standby Riggers are also responsible for ensuring that all their work complies with the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation, guidelines and procedures.  They are responsible for ensuring the integrity and security of the scaffolding they work on, both for their own safety and for that of the cast and crew who are on set at the same time.

Skills
Standby Riggers must have excellent rigging skills as well as experience of working in film production.  A key requirement is that they are highly creative, intelligent individuals, with excellent problem solving skills.  They must be able to work rapidly and often under great pressure; film shoots can often come to a standstill while Standby Riggers work to resolve problems with structures.  The role is physically demanding, and they must have stamina and co-ordination, and be comfortable working at heights. They should also be prepared to work long and often anti-social hours.

Qualifications/Experience
Standby Riggers need extensive experience of working in the film industry.  They must have some accredited qualifications, such as Rigging/Scaffolding qualifications in S.I.T.A.C., C.I.T.B., E.C.I.T.B., or NVQ/SVQs.  Extensive knowledge of the Health and Safety legislation and procedures relating to rigging 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.