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Supervising Model Maker

Supports the HOD Model Maker running the UK model unit day-to-day; often heads a lane such as hand props, dressing makes or a major hero build.

Duties

• Support HOD on schedule, crew allocation and workshop H&S
• Lead a lane or set of makes through sculpt → mould/cast → finish
• Read technical drawings; brief Seniors and Model Makers
• Chase materials, outside companies and digital fab (CNC/3D print)
• Coordinate delivery of finished makes to Storeman / Standby Props
• Adapt to last-minute Director/PD notes and schedule changes
• Help select crew; mentor Juniors and Trainees
• Keep inventory and machine upkeep with Coordinator

Reports to

HOD Model Maker

Works with

HOD, Senior/Model Makers, Sculptor, Mould Maker, Paint Finisher, Mechanical Model Maker, Coordinator, Prop Master, Art Department, Standby Props

Career path

Senior Model Maker → Supervising Model Maker → HOD Model Maker

Day to day

Walk the board with the HOD; allocate makers; unblock technical problems; QC before paint; push hero deadlines; hand finished pieces to props logistics; cover set when Supervising standby is needed.

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

Full personal hand-tool kit; PPE; radio; CAD-capable laptop if used for CAM files; access to workshop plant under 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

HOD Model Maker, Senior Model Maker, Model Maker, Model Making Coordinator

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