Props technician

WORK ASPECTS

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING: A Props

Technician knows and understands:

SKILLS: A Props Technician is able to:

Research and prep

• How to break a script down for dressing and standing by
• How to research and identify specific periods in time for design purposes
• How to read and understand dressing, shooting and rehearsal schedules

• Effectively break down a script for both dressing with props and standing by
• Cost and source props or materials required for the production
• Select appropriate props for period designs
• Prepare props according to the shooting and dressing schedule

Working with props and sets

• How to assist in the creation of a props store and props room, what is required and how props should be stored
• How to receive props to set and understand the protocols for cataloguing and archiving information

• Work with the props team to create appropriate work and storage spaces
• Use suitable methods to adapt props to meet production requirements
• Repair any broken props on set using the correct adhesives and good working practices

Set Building and Dressing

• The dressing and design brief and how that will be executed
• The working constraints of the set or location
• The health and safety legislation and organisational procedures associated with each build

• Work with a team to dress the set or location to the design and dressing brief
• Work in accordance with the constraints of the set or location
• Work in an effective, safe and timely manner to meet the dressing schedule
• Use selected tools and kit to complete the required task for set building or dressing

Strike and Wrap

• It is involved in striking a set
• Identify the strike requirements
• How to work in a safe and responsible manner when striking sets

• Work effectively as part of a team to meet the requirements of the strike
• Follow the brief outlined by Chargehands and Storeman
• Adhere to current Health and Safety legistation and organisational policies when striking a set

Health & Safety

• Health and safety legislation for working in workshops, on set and on location
• How to identify which working practices can cause harm
• How to report risk to the appropriate personnel

• Apply health and safety knowledge practices to minimise the risk to cast and crew
• Identify, mitigate and report any incidents or risk to the appropriate personnel
• Select the appropriate tools and equipment and use these safely on set, on location and in workshops on productions

Industry Awareness Film and TV

• The structure and culture of feature films, television drama and theatre productions
• Commercial pressures, production deadlines, and organisational working practices
• The hierarchy of the department and the production for correct reporting procedures
• The hierarchy of the shooting unit and who to approach and when

• Develop, maintain and use professional networks
• Develop and maintain own competence and knowledge in props areas
• Communicate clearly and concisely using discretion when required
• Work within budget and timescales to support the production