LOGISTSICS: MATERIALS: PROPERTIES

Props are used in lots of productions including, film, TV, video games but also theater. It is refereed to as many things such as a 'movie prop', 'film prop', however it's mainly just a 'prop'. Recently, there has been a new meaning to the term prop which suggests that it should be kept with the filmmakers until the release of the film then given away to charity or sold to a fan of the film. 

When making props the props team have to realize that they need to look he part when on screen. However, this may be difficult in some areas of the prop making because some props are made from existing objects which are hard to change. But some props are made to look like the real thing and not original for health and safety reasons but also because it fits in with the film. 

Property masters play a big role when it comes to props. They are the first people to be hired when the props are needed, during pre-production. They work within the art department to find out what props are needed. 

When at work the property master researches with the production buyer about the era the film is set to see what themes they should go with when making props or buying any. For example, if you were to make a film now but has it set in the 70's when making props you would have a lot of flowers and bright colors on your set. When searching themes with the production buyer they also research about other props that cannot be made and need to be brought or hired, which they can then change to fit the script. 

As well as managing the props they also manage the whole department. They produce schedules for them daily and the overall schedule for their department. If any props are brought or hired the property master makes sure that everything to do with the props is written down and kept, in case if anything happens to them or they need to buy more. 

The property maker doesn't just work with a crew they also work with the cast in rehearsals to teach them how to use each prop and they also help to sort out the furniture and the dressing for the actors. As well as helping out on set they are also there to talk to the director and write out anymore props that are needed before the filming begins. 

The last thing that the property masters do is organize all the transport for the props and take care of them before they are on set. When on set they make sure that the props are placed where the actors can find them and where they will not get damaged. If any props are hired after the filming the prop maker will send them back to the company and organize a sale of any props that were made during pre-production. 

A prop maker also has a big part in the prop department. They are given instructions on what type of prop to make so that they can come up with a plan and then design the prop as needed. 

They do their own research to find out what style and designs fit the script of the film the most. If they are working on a film that is set in the past this usually means that they look at what has been discovered from that time era. After all the research when they know what they need to make they talk to the production buyer. This is so they can get all the right tools and materials for every prop needed. If needed they can also buy any props, however it is very common that two is brought in case if one is damaged before the filming. 

Prop makers create all the props needed for the film, including stunt scenes. When creating ones for a stunt scene they change the material for safety reasons. 

Prop makers always make sure that everything done is within a budget and a deadline. They also help out the property master when teaching the actors how to use, hold and handle a prop. On smaller budgets thy work alone but on big budgets they work with a whole props team. 

What value do props bring to a production? 

The value that props bring to a production is great value. When having props in a scene it ties everything together and makes the film original. If props are not used a scene can look empty and plain. 

What would be the impact of not allocating: 

sufficient time and/or budget to the creation of props? 

Not having sufficient time to the creation of props could mean that they are rushed or not finished. In result of this it could mean that the actors end up using half finished props or have no props at all. Also not having a sufficient budget may mean that the budget has gone over or they were not given enough money to get all the materials and tools they need, this could mean that the prop look unfinished when it's finished or that the prop maker struggles when designing the props.

sufficient time and/or budget to the securing of props? 

Not having enough time to secure a prop may mean that you do not get it in time for filming, or that you get it later which may mean you have to push back the filming which results in going over budget. Not having the right budget may also mean that you can't buy a prop because it's too much and won't fit in your budget, this then results in you having to spend time to find something else or not having that prop at all.