WHAT DOES A CONSTRUCTION BUYER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Construction Buyer Do?)

Max Res Default Titanic Movie Set / Photo Credit: James Cameron - YouTube

WHAT DOES A CONSTRUCTION BUYER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Construction Buyer Do?)

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What Does a Construction Buyer Do?

Hired during pre-production of a film, television show, or live production, the construction buyer works under the direction of the construction coordinator and construction foreman to source all materials necessary to complete the build of set pieces and scenery. Analyzing the script and creating a list of all props and a schedule of when they are needed. Sourcing, ordering or buying props and managing the budget as well as Replacing or supplying any props needed during shooting.

Duties

Based on the scenic plans drawn by the set designer or draftsperson, the construction coordinator and foreman determine all materials required to execute the design; this includes conventional products like lumber and wood screws, as well as unconventional materials such as foam and scrim fabric. A detailed estimate of the quantities of each product is recorded, as is an itemized budget allowance. That information is then given to the construction buyer so that he or she may conduct research to determine where the materials can be purchased from and for what price.

When working in familiar territory like Los Angeles or New York, the buyer is generally familiar with vendors and simply places a few calls to obtain quotes based on the shopping list. Productions that take place on a motion picture lot may opt to use the on-site expendables store. However, when working in an unfamiliar location, it may take longer for the buyer to obtain all of the required goods. The same can be true when trying to purchase rare or uncommon materials that may need to be sourced from specialty shops. These orders will take considerably more research and logistical planning on the part of the buyer. With the price quotes returned, the buyer receives approval to make the appropriate purchases and will handle establishing a billing method with the vendor. This person will also arrange for pickup and delivery of materials to the scenic shop or shooting location.

Production Buyers usually start work two weeks after the Set Decorator. They mark up (make notes on) the script and make a list of all the props needed. There are two types of props: action props, which are described in the shooting script; and dressing props, which give a certain atmosphere and sense of period to a place or set. After this list has been checked with the Set Decorator, they both visit or contact various prop houses to make provisional bookings.

Once the schedule is fixed, Production Buyers begin an intense period of work preparing orders for thousands of props, working out dates and durations of hire to minimize costs, and confirming collection and return dates with the Props Master.

Using Excel spreadsheets, Production Buyers produce weekly budgets for the Production Accountant so that all spending can be closely monitored.

On low to moderate budget period dramas where no Assistant Set Decorator is employed, Production Buyers may also help with some Art Department research. Using books, magazines and the internet they help the Set Decorator choose suitable props.

While sets are being decorated, Production Buyers work at the studio or on location, helping with any last-minute requests from the Set Decorator, using their expert knowledge of suppliers and hire companies to find specific items.

Throughout the shoot, Production Buyers continue to source any other props needed and oversee all collections and returns. They are also responsible for the Art Department petty cash, which must be carefully monitored and reconciled at the end of each production.

Production Buyers work on a freelance basis, usually on both television and film productions. The hours are long and the job can involve long periods working away from home.

Skills & Education

The construction buyer’s worth is in his or her ability to track down common and uncommon items on an extensive shopping list while keeping the bill under budget and ensuring that the delivery arrives on time. For this, a thorough knowledge of construction materials and techniques is required, as is a familiarity with the typical costs of such products. The buyer should be capable of effectively maintaining a budget record, and therefore must be highly organized and proficient in the use of spreadsheets and accounting software. A college degree in film and television production or theatrical design is beneficial but not required. This position demands an individual who understands the scenic construction process, can manage related logistical concerns effectively, and is knowledgeable about vendors serving the craft.

What to Expect

Most gigs are routine in that the buyer understands the materials list and knows exactly where to purchase such goods. However, occasionally the buyer is thrown a curveball and must devise creative solutions when a major component of the set design is unavailable or in short supply. Under such circumstances, this individual must be resourceful and clever to meet the production timeline and stay on budget. Another important facet of the career is maintaining positive relationships with vendors; making mutually beneficial contacts allows the buyer to drive business to colleagues while achieving the best possible rates for the construction crew. Buyers often graduate to this role after gaining experience as a scenic carpenter or lead carpenter or through previous employment in the art department. This is often a freelance position, though opportunities for full-time employment also exist within third-party scenic shops that cater to the entertainment industry.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast,

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Max Res Default Titanic Movie Set / Photo Credit: James Cameron - YouTube