The person in charge of the objects, equipment, and miscellaneous items required to produce theatrical plays, television shows, or films is known as a property master. Props typically include every physical aspect of the set that is touched by actors, with the exception of costumes and weapons, which are the responsibility of the costume designer and weapons master, respectively. Set decoration refers to items that are not touched by the actors.
The property master usually meets with the production staff before the start of the shoot to determine the props that will be required. To assess their specific needs, she usually consults with the production designer, set decorator, camera operators, director, and script supervisor. The group frequently discusses which props are most appropriate for various scenes.
She usually makes a list of the necessary props during this initial meeting. The props are classified into four categories: set, trim, hand, and food. This list is typically broken down into smaller lists, indicating which props are in stock and which must be built from scratch, purchased, or borrowed. Following that, a thorough examination of the existing prop inventory is usually performed to confirm the condition and availability of required items.
If items are borrowed, the property master is generally expected to keep accurate records of the transaction and return borrowed items as soon as possible. The property master deducts the cost of a prop from her production budget if it needs to be manufactured or purchased from a retail store. Any purchases that exceed her budget are usually subject to producer approval.
The property manager is usually present during the rehearsals for the production to assess the props’ viability. If she notices that a prop is too large for an actor’s hand or too small for the audience to see clearly, she must replace it with one that is the proper size. She is generally expected to inspect every prop to ensure that it contributes to the production’s quality and continuity, and that the actors are comfortable with it.
A property master’s job usually does not necessitate a specific level of education. Many property masters have production or set design experience from high school, college, or community theater. Applicants for property master jobs should have completed classes in theater, television, or film production. Candidates for this position should have the ability to work with a variety of personalities and be willing to work long and irregular hours.