How to be a successful Props Manager

A prop, or property, is any moveable item that can be seen on a film. It could be a hat, gun, cushion, wine glass, lightsaber, carpet, kitchen unit, tree or aircraft. Prop masters run the property department which makes, stores and transports the props as well as preps the props for each day’s shoot.

Prop masters usually start work a few weeks before shooting begins. They work with production designers, set decorators and art directors to work out what props are needed. They do research and then draw up properties lists, deciding which are to be hired and which are to be made. They create a ‘set and strike’ schedule to share with location and construction departments.

The property master is the head of the props department, where they manage a team of prop makers, food stylists, animal wranglers, weapons masters, and craftspeople. This role also works closely with the art director and production designer throughout the duration of a project.

Where props are to be made, prop masters recruit the carpenters, artists and prop makers and manage the schedule for production. When shooting is finished, they return of all hired props and organise the sale or safe disposal of everything else.

Prop masters report to production designers and set decorators as part of the art department. They work closely with the director, art director, set decorator, prop buyer, location manager and construction manager.

In essence, prop masters are the encyclopedias of a production and must know what objects are appropriate for every character, setting, and time period. Attention to detail is a critical skill, as is the ability and drive to track down the perfect prop.

Many begin their production careers as prop coordinators, tracking individual props through their use and return. From there, they often move to a prop buying, building, or styling role before becoming a property master. Another route is to work in a props house or specialty shop, creating or recreating specific prop.

Job Description: During shooting, the prop master ensures all props are where they need to be, oversees the continuity of props between takes, and ensures there is always a backup prop if something happens to the original. “If you have one, you have none... You have to find a way to fabricate another one in case that one gets lost or broken so you’re not up a creek without a paddle.”  When shooting is over, property masters also oversee the return of all hired props and the sale/disposal of anything else used by their department.

Having good research and organization skills is a must for this job. Not only does a prop master ensure every item used in a project is accurate, they must also keep track of every item (which sometimes number in the thousands). On top of this, they also manage a team of employees.

it’s important for prop masters to have a wide network of craftspeople, artisans, and manufacturers to ensure they can get any prop they need when they need it. “A good prop master is one who has a lot of connections and a lot of people they can work with on many different levels, from fabricating to creating.

Training: You would typically start as a Props Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager or Technician. During this time you will gain new skills and experience and work your way up within the department. It's always a good idea to get as much experience as you can.

To ensure safety, keep a close eye on the props you’re using: When all of the props are ready to go on set, the props master supervises all prop usage to ensure that none of them is broken. They ensure that hand props (any props handled by actors) are used safely, and that set props (part of the set) hold up during takes.

Maintaining tracks of all props: The props master also maintains track of all items and backup objects onset, generally stored in labelled containers to ensure that nothing goes missing and that everything is ready for each scene.

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