The Production Buyer purchases and hires props to the requirements of the production designer and set decorator.
Videos on the Web
- Production Buyer- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
The Production Buyer purchases and hires props to the requirements of the production designer and set decorator.
Role and Responsibilities
- Work within a given budget and negotiate the best possible prices for rentals and purchases with suppliers.
- Keep a wide range of contacts with specialist suppliers.
- Responsible for the collection and return of hired assets in keeping with the film’s shooting schedule.
- 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.
- Communicate with contractors and ensure they deliver all works to schedule, within budget, and to the expectations required.
Work with
- Production Designer
- Art Director
- Set Decorator
- Props Master
- All of the Props Department
- All of the Art Department
Qualities - Production Buyer
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.
Interests - Production Buyer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Production Buyer
Education Route: Film or Fine Art Studies could be beneficial, but experience as a trainee is essential.
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.
Career Path from Production Buyer: Senior Production Buyer, Buyer, Assistant Art Director.
