Prop maker
Make the realistic-looking objects used to help set the scene in plays, films and television programmes.

About the job
Salary is variable
Salary for this job can depend on things such as demand, location and your experience.
What it's like
Make the realistic-looking objects used to help set the scene in plays, films and television programmes. Your props would help audiences to get into the world of the show.
You might make anything from fake jewellery to replica weapons and moving models, depending on what the script calls for.
There’s a wide range of practical and craft skills you might use in this job, including:
Carpentry
Sculpting
Casting
Sewing
Painting
Welding
You’d work with a variety of materials such as metal, latex, fibreglass, wood or fabric. You’d use many different hand and power tools – anything from paintbrushes to welding equipment.
You would:
Discuss the brief with the production designer, set designer or props master
Make props as shown in rough sketches or detailed designs
Use computer-aided design to develop ideas
Do historical or cultural research to make objects look authentic
Experiment with different materials and techniques to create realistic effects
Adapt existing items, for example ‘distress’ an object to make it look old
Hire or buy props
Repair props
On larger productions - typically in film and TV - you would work closely with a team including production designers, set designers, set builders, wardrobe and costume staff and model makers.
On smaller productions - often in theatre - you might build sets and work on costumes as well as making props.
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Top skills
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Meta skills
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- problem solving
- creative
- designing
- researching
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- taking initiative

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Getting in
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