aka: Property master, Prop professional
The prop master carefully selects every prop within a film. These props include everything actors interact with, from coffee cups to guns and binoculars. However, this does not include the overall scenery and set design, only the objects the actors use in their performance.
To work in the props department, you need skills in craft and a strong artistic vision. Props masters also work under the production designer and lead the props team. Keep reading to learn more about the props master, their job role, education, salary, and finding work.
What is a Prop Master?
The prop master (short for property master) is the head of the props department. Along with a team of prop makers and assistants, they find and deliver props to the film set. This role requires working closely with the production designer from pre-production to filming.
To find the props, they conduct research, create property lists, and decide which props to hire, buy, or make. The props master might hire carpenters, concept artists, and other creatives to make the props. After filming, they strike the sets and return all hired props.
Prop Master Job Description
The prop master is hired by the producer or production designer. They enter the project in early pre-production beginning with a script breakdown of all props mentioned. They also list other props that could appear in a scene. For example, a scene in a doctor’s office might not mention any props but the props master will hire a stethoscope.
During filming, they ensure all props are in the right place and lead a team of art assistants. They might work on set or stay behind to organize props for the upcoming schedule. It’s typical to make copies of vital props and occasionally make props on short notice. After wrap, they return all hired props and sell or dispose of everything else.
Pre-production Duties
To begin with, the prop master will read the script and make a prop breakdown. Throughout the project, they will work with the production designer to create the right look for the film.
Before gathering props, they will conduct research, and some films, like sci-fi, will need concept art. Then the prop master will hire, buy, or make all props within budget. It’s important that they stay organized and have all props ready for the schedule.
- Prop breakdown
- Research props
- Hire, buy, or make props
- Organise and budget
Production Duties
During filming, they can have hundreds of props so it’s important to stay organised. They lead a team of assistants and prop runners to bring props to the set. Other duties include repairing props and making copies of important props. At the end of filming, they will return all hired props and sell or dispose of all the others.
- Organization
- Leading a team
- Repairing props
- Returning all props
Education and Skills
You don’t need a degree to become a props master, but you do need a range of creative skills. It’s important to have an artistic vision; it’s your job to visualize a world and design props for it. As such, you can 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, you can attend workshops in various disciplines to build your portfolio. It’s typical to start your career as an art trainee or assistant to learn the filmmaking process.
Most importantly, the props master is a team player who works in the art department. They must have 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.
Props Master Skills:
- Artistic vision
- Craft making
- Teamwork
- Organization
Prop Master Career Route
First, prop masters start their careers as PAs or trainees before specializing in the art department as props assistants. It’s essential to understand how the art department works and everyone’s roles. It’s possible to work up the career ladder from art assistant to production buyer, props assistant, and then props master.
Another route is to work on independent films and build a portfolio. By doing this, you can work in props early and work up to higher budget sets. As with all film job roles, it’s essential to network and make contacts throughout the film industry.
It’s a freelance job, so you will work on many projects yearly. The props master can also work on TV shows and stage productions. For many people, being a props master is the end goal; however, you can work up to a production designer within this position.
Prop Master Salary
The prop master is a below-the-line film crew job role. As such, you get paid per job depending on the project budget and your experience. You must negotiate with the producer before starting work and include extras such as travel expenses.
Another factor determining your salary is whether or not you are part of a union. If you work in America, being part of a union is integral to getting paid fairly. The main union in the US is IATSE or the Art Directors Guild.
For reference, the IATSE recommends that props masters have a going rate of $487 for budgets of $1 million and over. Of course, you can adjust this daily rate to fit your experience level and raise it for higher-budget film sets.
Finding Work
At the start of your career, you can find entry-level jobs on film job sites or film studio career pages. Other ways to find work are to join Facebook groups and assist with low-budget films. It’s typical to begin your career as a production or art dept assistant.
It will take many years to develop the skills needed to work as a prop master. You will need plenty of experience to build up a portfolio, which you can use to find work. Many assistants take workshops to develop new skills such as 3D design, illustration, and set building.
Alternatively, working on low-budget film projects can be a good way to progress to higher-budget sets. This way, you can start your career as an art director or a props maker. However, it’s essential to learn professional practice directly from other props masters.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, the props master is a lead creative job role within the art department. Before finding work in props, you will develop a range of skills that will help you design and create props. As such, it will take a long time to work up to this position on high-end sets.
This job is a great career choice for someone who is highly creative, good at making things, and can lead a team. Before considering this role, gain some experience in the art department. We hope this guide has helped you learn about this role and if it’s for you.
