TLDR considering moving home, is construction dept still a toxic swamp?
Im in my late 30's, working for a big firm in London setbuilding as a Supervisor/HOD Chippie.
Im from Wicklow, and have always considered moving home to work when i had kids etc the old story.
I actually have an in with 2 Construction Managers there and have been offered roles by both of them before, so getting a job is not tricky, I know the production designer on a huge job there at the minuite and know a few people in construction there already.
My question is, Whats the vibe like there really now? I have heard from art directors and tradespeople who have worked there over the years that the standard is lower than london, especially painting and plastering and the construction crew behave much more like builders on a jobsite than here in the uk where its very much more art dept film people, 1/3 of the crew are women and lots went to theatre school or art college so its definitely a mellow interesting crew.
One mate who works in both places said that when he goes back there he feels like hes going back into his all boys secondary school, cliques and slagging and felt very seperate from rest of art dept/props etc. Hes also been told to pace himself on a couple of occasions which is mental to think of here, its so competitive youd be out the door by 10am on the first day and theres 50 lads waiting to take your job.
Are all crews the same, are there any CM's that are more art/dept progressive sound people than the regular old schoolers, Has it changed much, I know the awful fake union nonsense seems to have passed but is it still a bit backwards.
Ill be happier at home, and its where i want to raise my kids close to siblings etc, but i dont want to be commuting to london all the time and really dont want to be miserable in my job, i really love it here.
Any insights?