Industry Jobs | Set Construction Manager

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a set Construction Manager.

What does a set Construction Manager do?

In our last blog, we looked at how the Production Designer shapes what is seen in a film or TV production, including aspects such as historical details, color palette, location, and more. Another key Art Department role that helps bring that vision to life is the set Construction Manager. Sometimes known as the Construction Coordinator, the Construction Manager leads the crew that creates the physical set on which other crews, such as artists, decorators, and props, add their touches to make a believable backdrop for a production.

Job description

At the direction of the Production Designer, the Construction Manager leads the building of sets, which includes hiring and leading the various construction teams, such as carpenters, painters, riggers, and plasterers. Not only do they manage budgets and schedules, but the Construction Manager is responsible for ensuring safety protocols are being followed on these unique construction projects that involve machinery and tools and need to physically support numerous on-set crew and cast members for the duration of the production.

The sets can be built on sound stages or on location. A key aspect of this construction is that it is often temporary, as it will be taken down at the end of the project, known as “striking.” So, the crew builds with this in mind, using easy to manage, lightweight materials, such as plywood that can be decorated with paint or plaster to appear to be the genuine article. However, sometimes the construction is meant to be permanent. In this MPA piece, Construction Coordinator Jonas Kirk (“Transformers 4: Age of Extinction”) describes how a production can sometimes improve a structure or property. He also illustrates the comprehensive scope of set construction, such as coordinating a large team and filming across multiple geographical regions, plus other unique complexities of a production.

How do I become a Set Construction Manager?

As the lead role managing set construction, it is important for a Construction Manager to have a background working in construction in the film and TV industry. This will impart needed skills and knowledge and will also help one develop a network within the industry. Construction experience outside the industry is also helpful. Some employers might require formal education, so study in the areas of architecture, engineering, or construction management is valuable, as are film school courses related to set construction and design. Further, a knowledge of safety best practices and requirements is necessary. Finally, skills such as project and time management, leadership, and excellent communication will help the Set Construction Manager as they interact with their crew and other set departments. Read more about set Construction Manager job responsibilities and needed experience and skills on Backstage and Media Match.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.