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Mechanical Model Maker

Specialist who builds working mechanisms in props and models: hinges, gears, linkages, motors, practical lights and simple motion for UK film/TV action props.

Duties

• Design and build practical mechanisms to brief and safety limits
• Integrate motors, servos, LEDs and basic control (e.g. Arduino-class) as approved
• Machine/fit metal and engineering plastics to tolerance
• Liaise SFX, Stunts and ADs when action gags interact with makes
• Document operation, fail-safes and standby instructions
• Service and repair mechanisms during shoot
• Risk-assess moving parts; never exceed licensed SFX/pyro scope

Reports to

HOD Model Maker / Supervising Model Maker; liaise SFX Supervisor when gag is SFX-led

Works with

Model unit, SFX, Stunts, Standby Props, ADs, Camera when timing cues matter

Career path

Model Maker with engineering focus → Mechanical Model Maker → Senior / Supervising

Day to day

Interpret action brief; prototype mechanism; fit into sculpt/shell; test cycles; train Standby on reset; attend rehearsals for hero gags.

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. Eye protection for machining; electrical safety practice for low-voltage installs.

Tools & kit

Engineering hand tools; measuring kit (micrometers/calipers); multimeter; soldering iron; personal PPE; workshop lathes/mills as inducted; production supplies motors/electronics.

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

• Fusion 360 / SolidWorks / Rhino for mechanical CAD
• Arduino / basic embedded tooling as show uses
• Excel parts lists
• PDF wiring and reset notes for standby
• ChatGPT for linkage brainstorming (engineer/HOD verify safety)

Related roles

Senior Model Maker, Mould Maker, Standby Model Maker, Special Effects Technician

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