There is generally a lot of painting on big-budget productions. In turn, the painting department is relatively large and contains specialized craftspeople.

The department is led by the paint coordinator who supervises scenic artists, sign painters, plasterers and others. Scenic artists create large-scale backdrops as well as specialty finishes like marble, aging and wood grain. Sign painters create the signs that help set the mood and establish the location of a film. There’s even a painter on standby to touch up furniture or scenery during a shoot.

The painting department is represented by IATSE.

Painting and decorating

The more skills you have—plasterer, painter, wallpaper hanger—the more likely you are to find work.

Physical fitness

Painting sets and backdrops means being on your feet for long periods.

Communication

The coordinator and foreman need to ensure that everyone knows what they should be working on.

Technical knowledge

Painters must know how the lights and camera will affect how backdrops and specialty finishes will look onscreen.

The painting discipline is challenging. It offers talented craftspeople the chance to learn new skills and to work in an exciting environment.