Art Department Assistant / Runner
The Art Department Assistant is expected to support the smooth running of the art department and have the ability to carry out a wide range of design tasks. These could include: researching and collating reference material, photocopying, printing and distributing construction drawings and plans, cleaning the office or set, making coffee, collecting and delivering supplies and props, petty cash purchasing, running/driving between set, office and location, helping measure up locations, design drafting, scale model making, maintaining continuity records, assisting with any prop makes and repairs, producing on screen graphics, undertaking basic art department record keeping and administration, assisting set dressing, generally supporting the Stand-by Art Director and Art Director.
The Art Department Assistant usually starts with the rest of the art department team and will undertake their own script breakdown and research of the production context. They need to follow the production and design schedule closely in order to support the design process. They work under supervision to a given brief and report to a more senior member of the design team
The Art Department Runner is usually a less experienced assistant or new entrant to the art department. They shadow more experienced members of the design team and are expected to carry out basic design tasks under supervision.
Employment is on a freelance basis.
A full, clean driving license is essential
Role Profile
- Intellect: breadth of underpinning knowledge relevant to spatial design and film and television production
- Creative flair: practical problem solving
- Visual and spatial awareness: eye for detail and accuracy
- Communication skills: ability to research, collate and impart information
- Practical design skills including accurate technical drawing and scale model making
- Computer graphics using Photoshop/illustrator
- Team working skills: enjoying working as part of a team and to others instructions
- Motivation to learn and accept direction from more experienced members of the team
- Enthusiasm and willingness to undertake a wide variety of tasks, whether creative, academic, practical or physical
- Concentration: mental and physical stamina to work long hours under pressure
- Tact and diplomacy: aptitude to handle people and situations diplomatically
- Health and safety awareness
The Art Department Assistant needs knowledge of
- Literature, styles of performance and dramatisation, history, social history, architectural styles and detailing, interior design detailing, history of art and design
- Production processes
- Construction processes and materials
- Technical drafting and scale model making
- Computer graphic software: Photoshop/illustrator/CAD
- Practical craft skills and prop making processes
- Furnishings, furniture styles
- Health and safety regulations
Career Pathway
Working as an Art Department Runner is a good way to gain professional experience and knowledge of design processes after traditional art and design training.
The usual career route is an academic qualification equivalent to a BA (Hons) Art and Design in a specific or related field of study such as Television Production Design, Theatre Design, Interior Design or BSc Architecture, followed by gaining practical experience and training in the industry.
Experience is gained over a period of time as part of the art department team.
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