ABSTRACT

A majority of the readers of this book will begin working in the industry with a non-union status. There is great freedom at this level of filmmaking. Not bound by union restrictions, crewmembers are free to double-up on job responsibilities-an especially good thing if you are learning the ropes and need to experience all aspects of your chosen job description. A young art director will work in the art department with an assistant or two, and will most likely be doing research and graphics, designing and drafting scenery, shopping for dressing and hero props, acting as art department coordinator, construction foreman, and lead scenic artist. In the process, an enterprising art director will see to it that both assistants are quickly trained to act as art department coordinators and help with the graphic design, drafting, and dressing search, respectively. Salary and fringe benefits, hovering between 15-20% are lower than union wages and fringe set at 33 percent, but the potential for training in a chosen department and gaining experience, not to mention screen credit, is invaluable.