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Sculptor (Model Unit)

Sculpts hero and character forms, maquettes and pattern masters for the UK model unit — distinct from scenic Construction sculptors; focused on props, creatures and precision patterns for moulding.

Duties

• Sculpt to design brief, anatomy refs and art direction
• Produce maquettes and hard-surface or organic masters for moulding
• Work clay, wax, foam, plaster, epoxy and digital-to-physical hybrids
• Collaborate with Mould Maker on undercuts and parting lines
• Adjust after PD/Director reviews; protect approved masters
• Support on-set sculpt repairs when standby sculpt cover is called
• Mentor Juniors on basic additive/reductive technique

Reports to

HOD Model Maker / Supervising Model Maker

Works with

Mould Maker, Model Makers, Paint Finisher, Mechanical (armatures), Art Directors, Creature/HMU when overlapping

Career path

Junior Model Maker with sculpt focus → Sculptor (Model Unit) → Senior / Supervising

Day to day

Block out forms; refine detail to camera distance; mark mould notes; hand masters to Mould Maker; revise after fittings or paint tests.

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. Keep clay/dust controls; change layers before set.

Tools & kit

Sculpting tools (rasps, loops, rifflers); turntables; calipers; armature materials; PPE; digital tablet if using ZBrush-to-mill workflows.

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

• ZBrush / Blender / Maya for digital sculpt refs
• PureRef / Milanote anatomy and design boards
• Rhino / CAD for hard-surface patterns
• Photoshop for paintovers
• Shared art packs / PDFs
• ChatGPT for reference checklists (verify against brief)

Related roles

Mould Maker, Senior Model Maker, Paint Finisher / Model Painter, HOD Model Maker

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