Art DepartmentProduction Buyer

The Production Buyer purchases and hires props to the requirements of the production designer and set decorator. They must work within a given budget, and negotiate the best possible prices for rentals and purchases with suppliers. They must keep a wide range of contacts with specialist suppliers. They are responsible for the collection and return of hired assets in keeping with the film’s shooting schedule. They must liaise with production designer, accounts and the art department to ensure they’re kept informed of spending, and that any issues can be flagged and managed promptly. They must keep documentation and computer files up to date as required by production. They are required to communicate with contractors, and ensure they deliver all works to schedule, within budget and to the expectations required.

Is this role right for me?

For this role, you will need:

Previous experience and wide contacts with suppliers essential for this senior art department role.

A good knowledge of period furniture and architecture.

Great planning, organisational, and scheduling skills. The ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.

Very good budget management and reporting skills.

Strong communication skills and ability to constantly liaise with other departments.

Work with:

• Production Designer
• Art Director
• Set Decorator
• Props Master
• All of the Props Department
• All of the Art Department

Career Path to Production Buyer:

There are no usual career paths to Production Buyer, often they will have worked as an Art Department Trainee, Trainee Buyer or Assistant Buyer. Film or Fine Art Studies could be beneficial but experience as a trainee is essential.