In scene 42 the detective drops her keys on the desk. In scene 43, shot four days later, she picks them up again. The keys have to be the same keys, on the same ring, with the same scratched fob, and there have to be three sets in case one goes missing or a stunt double needs them. The props master is the person who thinks of that. A prop is any object an actor touches, uses or carries in a scene, and the props master is responsible for all of them.
What a props master does
The props master works for the production designer and starts in pre-production by going through the script and listing every prop, scene by scene. Then they decide what to hire, buy or have made. Hero props, the ones seen in close-up, get the most attention. Many props are needed in multiples, because they break, get eaten or are used by doubles.
During the shoot the props master or a standby props person is on set all day. They hand props to actors, reset them between takes and note where everything was, together with the script supervisor, so continuity holds. Food on screen, breakaway bottles and anything that looks like a weapon also go through props, often in cooperation with the stunt coordinator and the special effects supervisor.
Responsibilities
- Break down the script into a props list per scene
- Source props through hire, purchase or making them in a workshop
- Arrange multiples and backups for props that can break or be used up
- Agree with the set decorator where dressing ends and props begin
- Run the standby props team on set and keep continuity between takes
- Store, transport and return props, and track damage and losses
- Handle prop weapons and other risky items under the production's safety procedures
How the role touches the budget
The props master runs a department budget line for hire, purchases, making and the props crew. It is usually modest compared with construction, but it is easy to overrun because of late script changes, extra multiples and lost items. Weekly hire charges add up when a prop stays on the production longer than planned, so the props master keeps a running list and returns items as soon as their scenes are done.
How people become props masters
Most start as props assistants or standby props on smaller productions and work their way up. Practical skills help a lot (woodwork, painting, model making, a feel for antiques and period objects). Some come from theatre props departments, where the same job exists and making things by hand is part of daily life.
On a film set and in commercials
On a feature the props department can be large, with buyers, makers and several standby props people. In commercials the product itself is often the most important prop. The props team then keeps a supply of perfect packs, bottles or devices ready, because one dent or fingerprint can ruin a close-up.