Flat Building
Flat Building refers to the creation of large, standing wall structures (called "flats") used in theater, film, and television productions. It's a fundamental skill in set construction where craftspeople build lightweight, temporary walls that can be easily moved and reconfigured. Think of flats as puzzle pieces that can be assembled to create different room settings, outdoor facades, or any vertical surface needed for a production. These structures are typically made from wood frames covered with canvas, plywood, or other materials, then painted or decorated to look like real walls, buildings, or scenery.
Examples in Resumes
Led team of 5 carpenters in Flat Building for major Broadway production
Constructed over 50 theatrical Flats for regional theater season
Supervised Flat construction and installation for network TV series
Typical job title: "Scenic Carpenters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Scenic Carpenters
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a large-scale flat building project with a tight deadline?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that discuss project planning, team coordination, material ordering, construction sequence, and quality control measures. They should mention budget management and safety protocols.
Q: What considerations do you take into account when designing flats for touring productions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss durability, ease of assembly/disassembly, storage solutions, transportation requirements, and using lightweight but sturdy materials.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What methods do you use to ensure flats are stable and safe?
Expected Answer: Should explain bracing techniques, proper attachment methods, weight distribution, and safety checks before installation.
Q: How do you handle curved or irregular-shaped flats?
Expected Answer: Should describe techniques for building flexible frames, material selection for curved surfaces, and methods for achieving smooth curves.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a standard theatrical flat?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify frame parts (toggles, stiles, rails), covering materials, and basic assembly methods.
Q: What tools are commonly used in flat construction?
Expected Answer: Should list basic carpentry tools like circular saws, drills, measuring tools, and explain their safe use.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic wood working skills
- Understanding of common flat types
- Ability to read technical drawings
- Knowledge of basic construction tools
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex flat construction techniques
- Material cost estimation
- Problem-solving construction challenges
- Understanding of different covering materials
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Advanced construction techniques
- Team leadership
- Budget management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures
- Unfamiliarity with standard construction tools
- Lack of experience with different flat types
- Poor understanding of material properties
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