Overview 

This standard is about planning and organising the activities of the Props Department.

The role requires you to prepare script breakdowns for props and liaise closely with other departments.

It covers recruitment for other skilled colleagues for the Props Department and arranging vehicles and transport for props.

This standard is suitable for the role of props master. *

*This is a generic term and not gender specific.

 

Performance criteria 

You must be able to: 

  1. liaise with the Production Department about requirements for Props Personnel
  2. negotiate terms and conditions with other members of the Props Department
  3. prepare a script breakdown for props, including set by set breakdownsa
  4. identify specialised prop requirements for use in the production
  5. attend technical recces to calculate Props and personnel requirements for each shooting day
  6. check and confirm that Props personnel are fully trained in the use of specialised equipment, machinery or props
  7. inform all relevant personnel if smoke machines are to be used
  8. arrange the set-up of a secure Prop Room with sufficient office and storage space
  9. arrange transport for props
  10. arrange insurance as required
  11. work in compliance with health and safety legislation, regulations and protocols

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the script breakdown
  2. production requirements for props
  3. how to liaise promptly and effectively with members of other departments
  4. how to identify the personnel and skills requirements
  5. the recruitment process for the Props Department
  6. negotiation techniques for terms and conditions
  7. how to identify props which require practical elements such as running water for bathroom or kitchen sequences
  8. how to identify different types of props such as practical elements, consumables and smoke machines
  9. what precautions are required when using smoke machines
  10. which props may need replacing for re-takes
  11. the specific cost implications involved in the loss of, or damage to, product placement items
  12. how to ensure that suitable vehicles with qualified drivers are hired
  13. how to ensure that suitable and adequate insurance arrangements are in place 
  14. the health and safety legislation, regulations and protocols