Overview 

This standard is about maintaining the continuity of props and set dressing, and anticipating eventualities and requirements during production. It requires you to undertake pack striking and set re-dressing.

Props can be either those that have been hired, or those that belong to the production company, or product placements, or all of these.

This standard may be suitable for the role of standby props.

 

Performance criteria 

You must be able to: 

  1. analyse all available information to identify continuity requirements
  2. create strike packs for future filming to maintain continuity
  3. check and confirm that all props are available in a clean and appropriate condition, in accordance with the props script breakdown
  4. record the positions of dressings on the set to provide continuity for future filing
  5. photograph props, and their positions on set to provide continuity for future filming
  6. keep records of all changes made during shooting sequences
  7. update script breakdown with continuity requirements
  8. mark out positions for items requiring accurate repositioning
  9. provide duplicates of props to replace the originals when required
  10. reposition set dressings accurately according to records and shot
  11. requirements
  12. ensure that hand props for continuity are available at the required times and for the required scenes
  13. keep records of props with characteristics that change during shooting
  14. check and confirm that props whose characteristics change during shooting are modified, adjusted, or replaced when required for retakes
  15. liaise with other departments about future props requirements
  16. log and store items in line with production requirements when no longer in use

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to create strike packs and mark up props and their placement for continuity purposes
  2. the importance of identifying props which may need to be replaced
  3. the importance of noting characteristics that change such as items that age and mature, liquids that evaporate and consumables
  4. record keeping for continuity
  5. where to get duplicate props in sufficient numbers
  6. the importance of checking that duplicate props are exact replicas of the originals when required
  7. how to modify props to meet changing requirements
  8. the health and safety legislation, regulations, and protocols for different types of scenes or shots
  9. production requirements for logging and storing props