Below-the-Line Film and Television Workers - Conseil des ...

CHRC BTL TGA - 11/14/2008 -Page 28plumbing, hanging fixtures), how to pack trucks properly and safely, interiordecorating - and fine dressing and styling.4.3.7. WranglersWranglers often have to supplement their income with other employment. Whenthey enter the industry, like everyone else they must be introduced to the basics.4.3.8. Hair/Make-upAs noted above, there are shortages in the field. A good trainee program, “…likethe Camera Department’s…”, was called for. But, it was noted, on heavy hair &make-up days when the set is loaded with extras and cast, there is little opportunityfor the old hands to train new workers. These new workers, who often come fromretail, or small esthetic schools, are often short on fundamentals like set etiquette,how to fill out a deal memo, how to read a call sheet, etc. They also lackproficiency in skills which are unique to film; e.g., putting on wigs and addingextensions. While recruitment campaigns for new members is intended to reducestress, often it adds stress on experienced members and Department Heads asthey train new talent, perform assessments on the trainees’ performance, and dealwith the frustrations of their departments when members of the team are notpulling their weight. Hair/Make-up workers need Safety training as well,particularly as regards the impact on actors of certain Special Effects. There is atraining gap in Prosthetics.As in many other Departments, in Hair/Make-up there was a call for managementtraining so mid-level workers can graduate to more senior and Department Headpositions.4.3.9. CostumesAgain, as with other disciplines, shortages appear during times of peak productionwhen training opportunities are tough to find. However, workshops in partnershipwith well-equipped technical schools could cultivate a labour reserve conversantwith industry needs, for example, costume building. One Textile Key suggestedthat these prospective workers also receive training in basic visual design.Startling though it may seem, many of the “bodies” brought in during peak periodsare unable to sew. There is a chronic lack of desire for workers once in thebusiness, to upgrade. There is a specific need for workers who know how to dyeor “stress” a costume, and computer and research skills too are often lacking.Once again, an industry sponsored mentorship program with clear structure andoutcomes was called for. One observation noted that the most important skillsneeded in Costumes is speed, how to “sell” a costume to an actor, and how toCHRC BTL TGA - 11/14/2008 -Page 28