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HOD Model Maker

Head of the Model Making / Prop Modelling unit on UK film/TV: owns delivery of all model and prop makes for quality, budget and deadlines under the Production Designer / Prop Master relationship.

Duties

• Set up workshop, machinery and H&S culture; induct crew
• Breakdown makes from script/art packs; cost and schedule the unit
• Select crew; assign teams to hand props, dressing makes and hero pieces
• Approve materials and methods; own risk assessments / SDS oversight
• Liaise Prop Master, Set Decorator, Art Directors, Graphics and outside shops
• Ensure hero and action makes hit Standby Props for required scenes
• Supervise quality; teach trainees; protect IP and clearance on references
• Strike workshop at wrap; return hired plant; archive drawings and samples

Reports to

Production Designer / Prop Master (show-dependent); production on deal

Works with

Supervising and Senior Model Makers, Coordinator, Sculptors, Mould/Paint/Mechanical specialists, Prop Master, Set Decorator, Art Directors, Graphics, Standby Props, Construction

Career path

Senior Model Maker → Supervising Model Maker → HOD Model Maker

Day to day

Run the workshop day: brief Supervising/Seniors; chase schedules and materials; approve hero finishes with PD/Prop Master; unblock mould/cast/paint bottlenecks; attend set when critical installs or standby cover is needed; close H&S and returns.

Call times

Workshop-led: model unit often starts earlier than general unit call for build days. Standby Model Makers match unit call when covering shoot. Overnight cures, paint and last-minute hero makes before shoot days are common — always read the workshop schedule against the call sheet.

What to wear

Workshop PPE: steel toe-caps or production-approved boots; eye/ear protection; gloves suited to task (nitrile for resins, heat-resistant where needed); dust mask / respirator for sanding, spray and chemicals; apron or workshop blacks; hard hat / hi-vis if yard or stage rules require. Clean blacks when delivering to set. Smart-casual for art/production meetings.

Tools & kit

Laptop; radio on set days; personal PPE; oversight of workshop plant (saws, sanders, spray booth, vac former, 3D printers, welders as hired). Production/hire supplies consumables and large plant.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap, kit/machine fee and workshop location on the deal memo. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk / Props Branch Prop Modelling and Prop Painters cards. On smaller shows Model Making may sit under Props as Prop Modelling; larger features often list Model Making as its own department.

Software

• Rhino / SolidWorks / Fusion 360 / SketchUp (CAD for makes)
• ZBrush / Blender for sculpt refs and digital masters
• Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator for paint maps and graphics on makes
• Excel / Google Sheets schedules, materials and budgets
• PDF drawings / Bluebeam / art dept packs
• PureRef / Milanote moodboards and refs
• Slicer / CAM software for 3D print and CNC (PrusaSlicer, Cura, Fusion CAM)
• Shared call sheets (StudioBinder / Yamdu / PDF)
• ChatGPT for materials research drafts (HOD / Supervising verify H&S and SDS)

Related roles

Supervising Model Maker, Senior Model Maker, Model Making Coordinator, Prop Master

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