Property Dept.
Props is short for Properties and refers to ‘hand props’ those small enough to be held, and ‘stage props’ which is objects and dressings more at a furniture scale. Props department takes care of the purchase, manufacture and ‘dressing’ (positioning into set) of props. Props includes all fixtures and hangings such as light switches and curtains, and typically is a huge logistical exercise. The smallest set can demand a huge number of items for its complete dressing and larger outdoor sets can require container loads of props! On top of managing the movement of these, often they require careful return to owners they were hired from, or disposal by sale after the film has been shot. In addition there is continuity to worry about. During the scene actors may move items, which need to be exactly the same locations the for ongoing ‘takes’, some of which may occur on following days or even months later in the case of ‘pick-ups’. The props department is always VERY busy, but the work is some of the most creative and satisfying of all film jobs, and includes On-set and Off-set jobs.
The Head of this Department is the Props Master or Props Supervisor with the Set Dressers the next in seniority as they take resposibility for the look, taking direction from the Production Designer, Art Directors and Props Master. Other jobs which support these people in the prepartion of props for the set, and in the on-set management and adaptation of proprs are;
Boat Builder / Furniture Maker Mold Maker Props Buyer / Props Maker Set Dresser Standby Assistant / Standby Props Sculptor /