Everything an actor picks up, and everything that has to be there when they do.

The job

Props crews move, fit and look after the objects the designer and set decorator have chosen.

• Dressing props put the set in before the unit arrives and strike it after.
• Standby props stay with the unit all day: every action prop, every reset, every continuity check.
• The property master runs the department, its budget, trucks and stores, and answers for every item going back to the hire house as it left.

A typical day (standby props)

• Arrive before unit call to check the props box, the truck and the day's props list.
• Lay out action props for the first scene and check them against continuity photographs.
• Stand by through rehearsal and every take: reset the drink, refill the plate, re-light the cigarette.
• Keep the food fresh and safe for cast who eat on camera, all day.
• Photograph each set-up so tomorrow's pick-up matches today.
• Wrap the props, log anything damaged and hand over to the dressing crew.

Skills

• Memory and a continuity eye. A glass at the wrong level ruins a cut.
• Practical handiness: quick repairs, rigging, basic carpentry.
• Food hygiene for food on camera. A food hygiene certificate helps.
• Safe handling. Prop weapons follow strict rules set by a licensed armourer.
• Stamina, and staying quiet close to camera.

Reporting lines

Prop hands and standby props report to the chargehand props, then to the property master. The property master works to the set decorator and the production designer.

How people get in

Many start as a props trainee or as a dailies prop hand, often through a prop hire house or a set dressing crew. Construction, carpentry and stage crew backgrounds are common. England has a props technician apprenticeship standard. Work is word of mouth, so the first job usually comes from a chargehand who has seen you lift, carry and listen.

Next step up

From prop hand to standby, dressing or action props, then chargehand props, then property master. Some move sideways into set decoration as a buyer.

Find out more

• ScreenSkills: prop master profile
• ScreenSkills: props master skills checklist
• Props rates: the props card on the Bectu rate cards index