Scenic Painters and Decorators: Standby Painters and Decorators
All Scenic Painters and Decorators work to the Construction Manager and Production Designer during pre-production. Once filming starts, the stand-by crew work alongside the Stand-by Art Director to apply emergency touching up to props and scenery as required.
In pre-production the painting and decorating crew help construct purpose built sets and prepare them through to completion making sure finishes match the design detailing. Tasks may include ordering appropriate materials, working out how and where the set or scenery is to be painted, preparing surfaces, painting or applying finishes to selected areas, applying decorative and specialist finishes, ensuring areas of set are protected from dripping paint and cleaning equipment and work areas. They need to be expert to carry out specialist processes and paint finishes (eg wallpaper hanging, colour matching; stencilling, marbling, feathering, lettering and distressing/ageing techniques). Working to given references and instruction they carry through whatever paint or effect finishes are required.
Role Profile
- Confidence to carry out specialist paint finishes, colour matching, application of texture, and wallpaper hanging techniques
- Excellent practical craft skills and an eye for detail
- Ability to follow a given reference and to work to instruction
- Tact and diplomacy as the job may involve working on location in people's homes
- Stamina to work long hours under pressure
- Ease with heights
- Full clean driving licence
The scenic painter and decorator needs knowledge of
- Colour technology and creative textures
- Specialist paint finishes and processes and decorating materials
- Wall coverings and paper hanging techniques
- Relevant materials and application processes
- Trade crafts for the painting and decorating industry
- Health and safety regulations
Career Path
The usual career route is a qualification in painting and decorating techniques including specialist paint finishes, followed by extensive practical experience. Experience can be gained working as a Scenic Artist in the theatre or specialist firm, as a sign writer or in alternative employment where specialist paint techniques are regularly used.
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