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Mid Model Maker

Mid-level UK prop modeller (Bectu Props Branch grade): solid workshop skills across common processes; still develops under Seniors on the most complex hero work.

Duties

• Fabricate assigned makes to drawings and deadline
• Work solo or in a small team under Senior/Supervising direction
• Use workshop machines within competence and induction
• Assist mould/cast and finish pipelines
• Read technical drawings; scale and survey as asked
• Maintain H&S and tidy shared benches
• Support Juniors with basic techniques

Reports to

Senior Model Maker / Supervising Model Maker

Works with

Model Making crew grades; Props for handovers

Career path

Junior / Assistant Model Maker → Mid Model Maker → Model Maker → Senior Model Maker

Day to day

Take a make from Senior brief; progress fabrication; flag problems early; hand clean work to the next process (mould/paint/assembly).

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

Personal hand tools and PPE; shared plant as inducted.

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 Maker, Junior / Assistant Model Maker, Senior Model Maker

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