Lead Freelance Set Builder — Craft Studio Sets & Teams

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

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Smart Working up to 40% from home

Work abroad up to 90 days after 12+ mo

Pension scheme

Healthcare plan (Medicash)

Professional qualifications funding

Referral bonuses up to £1,500

Wellbeing workshops

Job summary

Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) is seeking a hands-on Studio Set Builder to lead freelance teams and craft studio sets for photography, film and content projects. You will interpret briefs, select materials, and build high-quality environments while maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced production setting.

You will also supervise onboarding of freelancers, manage workshop inventory, and collaborate with production, creative and studio teams to ensure on-time shoot delivery and cost

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.

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.

Skills

Carpentry & joinery

Team leadership

Communication

Health & safety

Education

Carpentry qualification or equivalent

Panel Saw / Chop Saw / Rip Saw training

Tools

Workshop tools

Joinery equipment

Job description

Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) is seeking a hands-on Studio Set Builder to lead freelance teams and craft studio sets for photography, film and content projects. You will interpret briefs, select materials, and build high-quality environments while maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced production setting.

You will also supervise onboarding of freelancers, manage workshop inventory, and collaborate with production, creative and studio teams to ensure on-time shoot delivery and cost