Specialist Researcher
Specialist Researchers work closely with the Production Designer, the Supervising Art Director, Art Director(s) and Set Decorator, but also provide backup in the form of detailed research to the entire Art Department. This may involve anything from finding a visual reference to inspire a specific set, or sourcing details that enable the Draughtsmen* to produce accurate technical drawings, to researching a specific craft or skill that might be needed to make a prop. Supported by the Specialist Researcher, it is the Production Designer's job to ensure that every detail on sets, which can range from the interior of an alien spaceship to the contents of a Victorian drawing room, is as authentic and believable as possible.On fantasy films, the sets are often part of an imagined world, but the references used to inspire the Production Designer's ideas are researched and sourced from the real world. On historical epics or costume dramas, painstaking research into the smallest details is crucial, and can often take long periods of time. Specialist Researchers carry out this detailed role. They usually work on a freelance basis.
What is the job?
The Specialist Researchers' work is highly specialised, and is only required on a few big budget films, usually historical epics or sci-fi/fantasy. This role should not be confused with that of live-footage Researchers who research any Film/TV clips and stock footage for use in films. Specialist Researchers spend much of their time meeting with and talking to curators, academics and other experts to gain as much insight into a particular subject as possible. They usually begin work in the very early stages of pre-production, providing Production Designers with the original source material that inspires their entire approach to creating the look of a film.
Specialist Researchers work alongside the Draughtsmen in the drawing studio, and are also responsible for keeping up-to-date, well organised files of all research materials. Specialist Researchers are expert in finding unusual references and information from difficult to access sources. They are employed on films for the entire duration of pre-production and filming, continuing to provide back-up support until the last day of principal photography.
Typical career routes
Although there is no typical career route to becoming a Specialist Researcher, the role requires extensive knowledge of how Art Departments work which can be gained by working as an Assistant Art Director or Art Department Assistant.
Essential knowledge and skills
Specialist Researchers must have good general knowledge, combined with working experience within Art Departments. They should also be computer literate, and have a good understanding of research resources.
Key Skills include:
- resourceful approach to finding things out;
- highly organised, methodical approach to work;
- good communication skills;
- ability to interpret other people's ideas;
- ability to work as part of a team;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Specialist Researchers are likely to be graduates of Art, Architecture, Theatre, Interior or 3D Design courses. Some individuals may also undertake higher level courses in Film and/or Theatre Production Design. After training, it is equally important to acquire on the job experience of how Art Departments work. Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Creative Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.
Got from http://www.creativeskillset.org/film/jobs/productiondesign/article_4682_1.asp
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