WHAT DOES A PROP MAKER DO? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Props / Photo Credit: Tested - Chris Barton

WHAT DOES A PROP MAKER DO? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

WHAT DOES A PROP MAKER DO?

Prop Makers work in the properties departments of feature films, making any props that are not being bought in, or hired. Prop Makers use a wide variety of materials, techniques and tools, to design and create the required props. These represent a huge range of objects, including 'stunt' props (which are replicas of other props, made of soft or nonhazardous materials), and specialized objects that move or light up. They may also adapt or modify props that have been bought in, or hired. Prop Makers may work alone, or as part of a larger props team in a specially created production workshop.

Prop makers might make anything from fake jewelry to replica weapons and moving models. They work with a broad range of materials, including metal, latex, fiberglass, wood and textiles. Prop makers use a range of different skills to create props, such as carpentry, sculpting, casting, sewing, painting, welding and computer-aided design.

Prop Makers are given instructions, designs or rough ideas by the production designer, art director or property master, prior to the shoot. From these designs Prop Makers must plan and create the props necessary for production. They may carry out their own research into the style and specifications of the props required. On period films, this may also involve investigating how the objects would have been created during a particular historical period, and within a specific culture. Liaising with production buyers, Prop Makers acquire the necessary tools and materials needed to make the props. Prop Makers make the props, working within budget, and to strict timescales. They may also adapt hired or bought in props according to the production's requirements. They normally produce a minimum of two of every item, in case of damage. During the shoot Prop Makers may be responsible for operating any special props, or for instructing actors in their operation.

On a project, prop maker will: 

• Discuss what props are required with production staff…
• Interpret plans made from rough sketches to detailed designs…
• Carry out historical or cultural research to make authentic-looking items…
• Experiment with different materials and methods to create effects such as ageing…
• Use hand and power tools to create props…
• Hire or buy props when necessary…
• Repair props… 

On larger productions, typically in film and TV, this role would work closely with a team including production designers, set designers, set builders, wardrobe and costume staff.

On smaller productions, often in theatre, prop makers may be responsible for set building and costume work as well as making props.

What do you need to do to become a prop maker?

Prop Makers must be flexible and versatile, able to work with imagination and ingenuity. They need creative problem solving skills, and must be open to new ideas, and to learning new skills and techniques. The ability to work to external deadlines, under their own initiative, is essential, as is an eye for detail and accuracy. Working as part of the larger properties department, and at times as part of a prop making team, Prop Makers must have good communication skills and enjoy interacting with others. As they work with hazardous equipment and materials, an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures is vital to the role.

For this job, you'll need to be good at solving problems and able to pay close attention to detail. Your creative talent and skills will often be more important than formal qualifications to start in this job. Courses such as art and design, prop making or technical theatre can help you to develop the skills you need. Practical experience is very important.

In the theatre you would typically start as a props assistant or technician. In film or TV you would start as an art department trainee. The key to finding a job is to gain practical experience and to build up a list of contacts within the industry, with people such as set designers, for example.

Student productions, amateur theatre, festivals and events are useful ways to gain practical skills. You can also take a college or university qualification to learn some of the skills needed in this job.

Other useful degree subjects include art and design, fine art and 3D design. You should check with colleges and universities for exact course entry requirements.

You may also be able to get into prop making after training in related areas, such as graphic design, furniture making or model making.

Some of the institutions that offer qualifications in prop making also run short taster courses, so you can get a better understanding of what the role involves and whether it's for you.

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, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, How Stuff Works, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Bright Hub, 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, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Liberty Me, Careers Hub, Sokanu, Raindance, Film Connection, My Job Search, Prospects, David Mullich, Video University, Oxford Dictionaries’,

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Props / Photo Credit: Tested - Chris Barton