Set Painter and Decorator (With basic carpentry skills)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: Construction Manager

Purpose of the role:

The Set Painter & Decorator works as part of a small team of carpenters under the direction of the Construction Manager and involves building and bringing creative designs to life by delivering high-quality scenic finishes and undertaking basic construction work across a wide range of student films, television productions, and animation sets.

This role is well suited to an individual with strong practical scenic skills who is enthusiastic about contributing to a collaborative, learning-focused production culture.

Core duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Scenic Painting & Decoration       

• Prepare, paint, and finish scenic elements, including flats, walls, floors, props, and set pieces
• Execute a range of scenic techniques such as colour matching, texturing, ageing, and distressing
• Interpret and work accurately from design drawings, mood boards, and visual references. 
• Assist and guide students with wallpapering and decorative finishes
• Make adjustments during rehearsals or shoots as required 
• Carry out in-house paint & decoration if requested by facilities and where workload permits 

Basic Carpentry & Construction

• Assist with basic set construction, including:
• Building and modifying flats, platforms, and simple scenic structures
• Installing and removing scenic elements on stage or on location
• Carrying out minor repairs during production
• Safely operate basic hand and power tools 
• Make adjustments during rehearsals or shoots as required
• Carry out in-house carpentry, joinery work & general building if requested by facilities and where workload permits. 

Workshop & Studio Support

• Maintain a safe, tidy, and organised working environment in respective areas 
• Support set strikes, resets
• Maintenance of tools and scenic resources
• Assist the facilities department when required 
• Follow health and safety policies and procedures at all times

Person specification 

Essential

• Practical experience in scenic painting and decorative finishing
• Basic carpentry skills and familiarity with common construction materials
• Understanding of film and television production processes
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, tutors, and technical staff
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work to deadlines
• Works well in a team
• Valid driving licence
• Approachable, patient, and supportive in an educational environment
• Creative, adaptable, and solutions-focused
• Reliable and well-organised
• Willingness to take direction and contribute ideas when appropriate

Health & Safety

• Commitment to safe working practices and risk awareness
• Willingness to undertake NFTS inductions and training
• Physically able to carry out manual workshop and studio tasks

Desirable

• Experience working in film, television, theatre, or educational settings
• Basic knowledge of studio equipment including sets, props, cameras and lighting equipment
• Experience mentoring 
• Familiarity with sustainable working practices