Andy Sandbach, Plasterer

After serving a City & Guilds apprenticeship, Andy started working at Pinewood Studio’s in 1984 on the James Bond film, 'View to A Kill'. Two years later, he left Pinewood to become a freelance plasterer in the film industry and continues working on films such as 'Harry Potter', 'Tomb Raider' and 'The Golden Compass'.

JOB PROFILE

To recreate anything the Art Department desires. This can be something simple like plastering or tiling a wall. It can also be a large-scale project, like recreating the Coliseum (Gladiator), the ornate interiors of a theatre (Phantom of the Opera) or the futuristic interiors of spaceships (Aliens). We also make – everything from replica plant pots to cars!

A film plasterer has to work with numerous materials - different types of plasters, silicon rubbers, various foams and plastics.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

From a piece of string to a laser level, a plasterer uses whatever tools he has or can make in order to create what he has been asked for.

PEARLS OF WISDOM

This is a fun job with lots of variety and challenges. However, no matter how hard you work during your contract, it is your last week that counts. That’s what people remember!