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Junior / Assistant Model Maker

Developing UK model unit grade: assists Seniors/Model Makers across fabrication, mould assist, finishing prep and workshop jobs while building independence.

Duties

• Assist fabrication, sculpt prep, mould/cast and assembly under supervision
• Learn materials, cure times, machine names and H&S limits
• Measure, mark out and cut simple components accurately
• Prep surfaces for mould or paint; fettle and clean casts
• Help research refs and keep benches/chemicals orderly
• Read call sheets and workshop schedules; practice set etiquette on standby days
• Use digital fab tools only when inducted and supervised

Reports to

Model Maker / Senior Model Maker

Works with

Model Making team; Coordinator for materials runs

Career path

Model Making Trainee → Junior / Assistant Model Maker → Mid / Model Maker

Day to day

Shadow and assist; complete simple assigned parts; ask before using unfamiliar machines or chemicals; keep notes on processes; support tidy-down and deliveries.

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.

Tools & kit

Starter hand-tool kit and PPE; borrow specialty tools only with permission.

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

Model Making Trainee, Model Maker, Mid Model Maker

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