Thunder Struck Vacancies

HoD Riggers are responsible for the work of the entire rigging department, which involves installing rigging gear such as scaffolding, cables, ropes, pulleys, winches and lifting equipment.

Once HoD Riggers are employed, they work with Construction Managers and other Heads of Department to establish what’s needed and the build schedule.

They use the set designs and storyboards to work out the types of rigging required, e.g., they may need to build large blocks of scaffolds to hold street scene facades, or create more intricate forms of stage rigging such as rolling rostrums to move large set pieces.

Once the schedule is defined, HoD Riggers employ a team of Riggers experienced in ordinary scaffolding, or who have trained solely in the film industry. 

Depending on the size of the project, they appoint Supervising, Chargehand, Craft Grade and/or Standby Riggers. HoD Riggers are responsible for sourcing all rigging materials and for making sure they are supplied on time and at the agreed price.

Although Construction Managers are ultimately responsible for rigging budgets, HoD Riggers must check that labour and material costs are kept within agreed limits. They must keep accurate records of the labour and equipment used.

They are liable for the safety of all rigs constructed by their department so they must make sure to follow all of the relevant health and safety legislation, guidelines and procedures. 

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Responsibilities

• have excellent management skills

• be able to supervise a large workforce

• have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of rigging

• have excellent health and safety knowledge and awareness

• conduct risk assessments on set and on location

• communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the production, and with key crew such as Directors, Heads of Department, and First Assistant Directors

• be comfortable working at heights

• be literate and numerate

• understand complex drawings

• have good numerical skills

• keep accurate records

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Skills

 

• Running the rigging department

• Overseeing all scaffolding, from building relatively small platforms to the construction of the main supporting structures of elaborate film sets

• Working to deadline and following strict health and safety standards

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Qualifications

 

• City and Guilds Certificate in Construction (Multi-Trade)