WHAT DOES A PROPERTY MASTER (PROP MASTER) DO?… (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Property Master do?)

Prop Cave / Photo Credit: Tested - Peter Jackson

WHAT DOES A PROPERTY MASTER (PROP MASTER) DO?… (In the Entertainment industry. What does a Property Master do?)

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What does a Property Master (Prop Master) do?

The property master on a film or television production is responsible for all objects handled by the actors during a scene. This includes food, weapons, household items, office supplies, and intergalactic communication devices.

The property master, often called the prop(s) master, is an artistic and organizational employee in a film, television or theatrical production who is responsible for purchasing, acquiring, manufacturing, properly placing, and/or overseeing any props needed for a production. The property master also works with other members of the production managing the physical appearance of the stage or set, for example they might work with the script supervisor to maintain set continuity. The property master is on staff during preproduction, develops the stylistic concept of the physical production, and then continues on as a member of the physical shooting/production crew. A person responsible for purchasing the props can be called a props buyer or production buyer.

During preproduction, the props master develops a props breakdown. This is essentially mapping out the logical progression of each prop throughout the story. During shooting, the props master maintains the logical progression by ensuring the props are positioned in their correct logical place for each scene according to the props breakdown. If the logical progression of a prop changes during shooting, the props breakdown is revised to reflect the change.

This job description varies somewhat from country to country. In the United States, food styling, weapons and animals are often directly or indirectly within the property master's domain.

The job is a collaboration with the director, production designer, cameraman, set decorator and other members of the production to physically express their stylistic and aesthetic requirements. They maintain their own budget. There are physical aspects of productions that are managed by specialists other than the property master, for example costume designers are responsible for the actors' dress, and weapons masters are responsible for any weapons (firearms, blades, staff-based or otherwise).

In professional theatre the property master is responsible for the set up and organization of the props. Property master is directed by the director.

Duties

Under the supervision of the director, art director, and production designer, the property master is tasked with the design, fabrication, and acquisition of props, and with leading the crew of the property department. Work begins during pre-production, when he or she receives the script. Each scene is broken down to identify necessary items; research is conducted into the period of the story, the locations, cultures, and genre; and the property master designates which props can be rented or purchased and which must be specially fabricated. Next he or she oversees the creation and collection of all items; depending on the size of the production, a property buyer may be hired to assist in purchasing or renting items. The property master will participate in preliminary design meetings with the director, costume designer, and other creative department heads to establish the aesthetic of the production and ensure a cohesive look throughout the entirety of the movie, show, commercial, or music video. This person is also responsible for establishing the department budget and monitoring inventory.

While on set during principal photography, the property master and assistant property master direct the department crew in staging props (laying out items in preparation for a scene) and distributing props to the cast. After each take, the crew must strike the props and reset for another take or move on to the next setup. For continuity, the property master or assistant will take Polaroid or digital photos of each scene and the items’ placement, coordinating with the script supervisor for the purposes of pickup shots and editing. Photos are also kept to maintain inventory records and quickly identify each piece assigned to the production. When the project is wrapped, the property master is tasked with ensuring that all props are accounted for and returned and that the department budget is reconciled, then turns over all receipts and payroll information to the line producer or unit production manager.

Skills & Education

A college degree or equivalent professional experience is required for this senior-level position. Formal education in film and television production or theatrical design is recommended. Training in fine art (drawing, painting, and sculpture) and carpentry is necessary; when the director comes to you with a concept for a lawn mower that can chop bricks, it is your job to make it work. You must be skilled in multiple faux-finish techniques, as well as the use of materials like plaster, foam, latex, papier-mâché, and fiberglass. Often the property master is also responsible for creating and operating special effects, so knowledge of mechanical engineering is beneficial.

What to Expect

Property masters come from a variety of artistic backgrounds, sometimes starting out as sculptors, carpenters, or painters. Many begin their careers as students in local theater before progressing into independent films and major studio productions. You can gain experience as a technician on the props crew or in another craft associated with film and television production. Once you’ve reached the senior level in the props department, your job is primarily concerned with organization and management of personnel. This is a creative field with a major focus on design, but the property master is tasked with tracking hundreds or thousands of individual items used on set; this demands someone who is obsessive about details and able to efficiently multitask under a deadline.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros,

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Prop Cave / Photo Credit: Tested - Peter Jackson