Props

The Props Department is responsible for the research, design, fabrication, acquisition, preparation, placement, repair and maintenance of props for the production.

Recommended Skills for working in the Props Department:

  • General understanding and interest in art and design 

  • Ability to imagine, research, plan and communicate an artistic vision within budget 

  • Innovative, organized, creative and able to solve problems

  • Ability to work closely with actors

  • Strong communications skills

  • Attention to detail

  • Ability to make creative use of materials

A combination of demonstrated skills such as a strong sense of visual storytelling, carpentry, model-building, design, graphic arts, photography, research, sewing, firearms safety training and continuity. 

+ Property Master

The Property Master (or Props Master) prepares the props breakdown to map out the logical progression of each prop through the script. They research the historical period, make sure that the props look good on camera, repair damaged items and arrange for permits needed to use firearms. They must also strike and reset hot sets, maintain continuity, manage the budget and delegate work in the department. In the absence of a Firearms Safety Coordinator they may be required to fulfill the requirements of that position. The Props Master must know how to handle firearms safely, including how to fire blanks correctly.

+ Assistant Property Master

The Assistant Property Master (or Assistant Props Master) acts as the representative of the Props Master on set. In prep they assist with script breakdown to make a list of props to source for the production. In the absence of Firearms Safety Coordinator, they may be required to fulfill the requirements of that position. The Assistant Props Master must know how to handle firearms safely, including how to fire blanks correctly.

+ Props Buyer

The Props Buyer is responsible for the purchase, rental, acquisition and wrap of items to be used as props.

+ Firearms Safety Coordinator

The Firearms Safety Coordinator is responsible for procuring and transporting firearms and acquiring the permits and licenses allowing for their use on set. Only the Firearms Safety Coordinator may handle firearms other than the cast using it in a scene. The Firearms Safety Coordinator will instruct the cast on how to safely handle firearms.

+ Weapons Handler

The Weapons Handler is responsible for the maintenance, safe storage and inventory of prop weapons.

+ Props Builder

The Props Builder is responsible for creating the props as instructed by the Props Master.

+ Props Crew

The Props Crew performs tasks as assigned by the Props Master.


Minimum Qualifications for the Props Department:

Non-Union Recommendations

For further information: