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Chargehand Dresser

Runs a dressing props team on a stage or location under the Supervising Chargehand / Prop Master — UK Props grade; confirm title on the call sheet and deal memo.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Allocate dressing work to dressers
• Install and dress to Set Decorator notes
• Coordinate pickups with store
• Strike after shoot and return to prop room

Reports to

Supervising Chargehand Dresser / Prop Master

Works with

Dressers, Trainees, Set Decorator on that set

Career path

Dresser → Chargehand Dresser → Supervising Chargehand Dresser

Day to day

Allocate dressers; dress to reference; protect hero pieces; strike and label for returns.

Call times

Dressing props frequently pre-call for dress/strike; standby props match unit call and wrap with camera. Store and run days before first shoot can be long — check standby vs dressing call.

What to wear

Blacks on set; boots in store/stage; gloves for handling; smart-casual in prep meetings.

Tools & kit

Radio, multitool, gloves, inventory lists, soft wrapping materials; action kits as grade requires.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• PDF floorplans
• Photo continuity folders
• Excel / Google Sheets inventories & budgets
• Scriptation / PDF sides for prop lists
• Notion / Drive shared folders
• ChatGPT for breakdown checklists (verify against script)

Related roles

Supervising Chargehand Dresser, Dresser, Storeman

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