aka: Property master, Prop professional
The prop master is a lead creative job role within the art department. It’s their job to select every prop within a film carefully. To work in the props department, you need skills in craft-making, problem-solving, and coordination.
Keep reading to learn more how to become a prop master, including the primary responsibilities, education requirements, salary expectations, and where to find work.
What Is a Prop Master?
The prop master (short for property master) is the head of the props department. Props include any objects that the actors interact with, from coffee cups to guns and everything in between.
Along with a team of prop makers and assistants, they find, create, and manage the props needed on film sets, TV shows, and stage productions. This role requires working closely with the production designer from pre-production to filming.
The property master plays an important role at the beginning of production. Starting with a script breakdown, they conduct research on all the props that are needed for the set. They then create property lists (known as breakdowns) with all the props mentioned in the script, as well as any other possible props that belong in the scene.
The prop master decides which props to hire, buy, or make. When new props need to be created, prop masters hire carpenters, concept artists, and other creatives to make them.
During filming, they might work on set or stay behind to organize props for the upcoming schedule. They’re also responsible for ensuring that props are in the right place. In addition, it’s quite common for them to repair props, make copies of vital props, and create new ones on short notice.
What Do Prop Masters Do?
| Pre-production | – Make a props breakdown – Hire, buy, or make props – Create concept art – Create a budget and timeline |
| Production | – Organize props on the set – Lead art assistants and prop runners – Repair props – Create copies of the most important props |
| Post-production | – Return hired props – Sell or dispose of the rest |
How to Become a Prop Master
Essential prop master skills:
- Creativity
- Ingenuity
- Craft-making
- Problem-solving
- Deadline-driven
- Coordination
- Organization
- Leadership
You don’t need a degree to become a prop professional, but you do need a range of creative skills. It’s important to have an artistic vision, as it’s your job to visualize a world and design props for it. As such, it’s valuable to take courses in either filmmaking or art and design.
In addition, it’s helpful to have a range of craft-making skills, such as woodwork and painting. So, it’s also helpful to attend workshops in various disciplines like 3D design, illustration, and set building to expand your skill set and portfolio.
Most importantly, they are a team player who works in the art department. That’s why it’s essential to have strong organizational skills to keep track of all props, their locations, and their conditions. You also need to be able to work towards deadlines and work under pressure when required.
Finding Prop Master Jobs
It’s typical for prop masters to start their careers as art trainees or production assistants. In these roles, they learn the filmmaking process along with how the art department works and everyone’s roles within it.
From there, you’ll be able to work your way up to production buyer, then props assistant, and finally, prop master. For many people, being a prop master is the end goal. However, some continue on, working their way up to production designer.
Another way to get there is to work on independent films. This will enable you to be involved in the props department early on. Then, you can work your way up to prop master on higher budget sets.
In terms of getting work, you’ll find entry-level jobs on film job sites or film studio career pages. Other ways to find gigs are to join Facebook groups.
How Much Money Do Prop Masters Make?
Minimum pay rate for prop masters: $43.86/hour
Prop masters get paid per job depending on the project budget, production size, as well as their level of experience. It’s common to negotiate pay with the producer before starting work and to include extras such as travel expenses.
For prop professionals that are union members, this will also factor into how much they get paid.
