Freelance Set Builder

Inspired Thinking Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Up to 40% work from home

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Skills development support

Employee discounts

Job summary

Inspired Thinking Group is seeking a Freelance Set Builder to support a wide range of set-build elements for photography and motion shoots. You will lead freelance teams, build room sets, and translate creative briefs into practical builds while maintaining safety and efficiency on schedule.

You will collaborate with production and studio teams, manage materials, and contribute to set maintenance and upgrades. Flexible hybrid work options and a competitive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in set construction for photography/film/theatre.
• Ability to interpret creative briefs and deliver builds.
• Experience leading freelance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead freelance set-build teams to deliver studio sets and prototypes on time and to brief.
• Construct full room sets for photography, film and content production projects.
• Carry out joinery, decorating, tiling, flooring installation and furniture construction.
• Interpret briefs and translate concepts into high‑quality set builds.
• Maintain workshop equipment and ensure health & safety standards.

Skills

Carpentry

Joinery

Health & Safety

Team Leadership

Project Coordination

Communication

Problem Solving

Budget Awareness

Education

Carpentry qualification or equivalent

Tools

Workshop tools

Job description

As a Freelance Set Builder, you will support the creation of a wide range of set-build elements for photography and motion shoots, working closely with our permanent Set Build Team and following creative and technical direction.

You will be involved in building, adapting, decorating and dismantling sets and props, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with the creative brief and shoot schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead freelance set-build teams to deliver studio sets and prototypes on time, within budget and to brief.
• Construct full room sets for photography, film and content production projects.
• Carry out a range of practical build tasks including joinery, decorating, tiling, flooring installation, wallpaper hanging and furniture construction.
• Interpret creative briefs and translate concepts into high-quality, functional set builds.
• Select appropriate materials and advise on technical build solutions.
• Maintain and redecorate existing sets to support the studio shooting schedule.
• Efficiently dismantle and recycle sets following shoots.
• Manage workshop equipment, tools and materials, ensuring they are well maintained, compliant and fit for purpose.
• Maintain workshop inventory and monitor consumable spend to ensure cost efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with production, creative and studio teams to support successful shoot delivery.
• Provide regular progress updates to key stakeholders throughout the build process.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training and supervision of freelance set builders.
• Ensure all freelancers are fully briefed and trained on workshop equipment and health & safety procedures.
• Champion exceptional health & safety standards across the workshop and studio environment.
• Conduct risk-aware working practices, identifying and addressing hazards proactively.
• Support maintenance activities across the studio through painting, decorating and general joinery work.
• Attend training courses as required and share knowledge with the wider team.
• Drive efficient use of materials, equipment and resources, promoting recycling and loss prevention wherever possible.

• Minimum 2 years' experience in set construction within photography, film, television, theatre or a related environment.
• Proven experience interpreting and delivering builds from creative briefs.
• Strong carpentry and joinery skills.
• Experience with plastering, painting, decorating and colour mixing.
• Experience creating and installing flooring, wall treatments and bespoke set features.
• Confident using a range of workshop and construction tools safely and effectively.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience leading or coordinating freelance teams.

Essential Qualifications

• Certified training in Panel Saw, Chop Saw and Rip Saw operation.
• Carpentry qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of workshop and construction health & safety procedures.

Perks at ITG - alongside a competitive salary, here's what you can look forward to:

• Time off that works for you - 25 days' holiday + bank holidays, a paid Wellbeing Day, flexible bank holidays to honour cultural or religious observances, and the option to buy or carry over up to 5 extra days.
• Flexibility & lifestyle - Smart Working with up to 40% from home, and after 12 months, the option to work from abroad for up to 90 days a year.
• Family & life milestones - Enhanced family friendly leave, 3 extra days for your wedding/honeymoon, and an Employee Assistance Programme whenever you need support.
• Financial perks - Pension scheme, Corporate Medical Cash Plan, electric car salary sacrifice scheme, and tax-efficient payroll giving to your favourite charities.
• Growth & recognition - Funding for professional qualifications, monthly Employee of the Month awards (£250 bonus), and referral bonuses of up to £1,500.
• Community & wellbeing - Regular Wellbeing Workshops, 30+ Wellbeing Champions, a paid Volunteer Day, and an online perks platform with discounts on top brands, days out, and gym memberships.

We Value Diversity

We champion and welcome diversity in our workforce and ensure all job applicants receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.

We are not only committed to increasing the visibility and recognition of talent from under-represented groups within our organisation, but the wider industry too.

At the end of the day, we make sure we take time to look after ourselves, each other, and the planet, because we're always stronger together.

ITG have a number of community groups available to employees and exist to offer a safe space for like-minded colleagues, with shared interests to connect, socialise and check in with each other.