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Model Maker

Core UK model/prop making grade: fabricates prop and model makes from drawings and briefs using workshop materials, machines and finishes for film/TV.

Duties

• Build makes from drawings, maquettes and art department packs
• Use hand and power tools safely; follow workshop H&S
• Sculpt, carve, fabricate, mould/cast assist and assemble as briefed
• Hit deadlines for hero, action and dressing makes
• Prep digital fab files or finish 3D-printed/CNC parts when used
• Document materials and note changes for continuity/spares
• Support Seniors on complex builds; help Trainees on basic tasks
• Deliver finished or part-finished work to paint / standby as scheduled

Reports to

Senior Model Maker / Supervising Model Maker

Works with

Seniors, Juniors, Sculptor, Mould Maker, Paint Finisher, Mechanical, Digital Fab, Props logistics

Career path

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

Day to day

Collect brief; mark out and cut; build or sculpt; clean up for mould/paint; adjust after fittings; keep bench and chemicals tidy; log time on the make.

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 basic hand-tool kit; PPE; trade specialty tools as agreed; workshop plant shared under Supervising/HOD rules.

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

Senior Model Maker, Junior / Assistant Model Maker, Mould Maker, Paint Finisher / Model Painter

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