Prop Master
A Prop Master is the person in charge of all objects (props) used by actors in movies, TV shows, or theater productions. They make sure that every item actors handle - from coffee cups to cell phones to historical artifacts - is appropriate for the story, safe to use, and available when needed. This role is essential in making scenes look realistic and keeping track of sometimes hundreds of items used throughout filming. Think of them as the person who manages all the "things" actors touch or use, except for their clothes (which is handled by the costume department) or the furniture/set pieces (which is managed by the set decoration team).
Examples in Resumes
Managed inventory of 500+ props as Prop Master for major network TV series
Served as Prop Master and Properties Master for 3 independent films
Lead Prop Master for Broadway production, coordinating with directors and actors for seamless prop integration
Typical job title: "Prop Masters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Prop Masters
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Networking Platforms
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a last-minute prop emergency on a big-budget production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss contingency planning, backup prop options, network of suppliers, and problem-solving under pressure while keeping within budget and schedule constraints.
Q: How do you manage prop budgets for large productions?
Expected Answer: Should explain budget allocation, tracking expenses, negotiating with vendors, maintaining contingency funds, and cost-effective solutions for expensive props.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure historical accuracy in period pieces?
Expected Answer: Should discuss research methods, working with historians, sourcing authentic items, and creating realistic replicas when necessary.
Q: How do you coordinate with other departments like Set Dec and Costumes?
Expected Answer: Should explain communication processes, avoiding overlap, sharing resources, and ensuring consistency in the overall production design.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's your system for tracking props during production?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic inventory systems, daily prop lists, and methods for organizing props by scene and character.
Q: How do you prepare a prop breakdown from a script?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to read scripts, identify needed props, create lists by scene, and note special requirements or multiples needed.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-3 years)
- Basic prop organization and tracking
- Script breakdown and prop lists
- On-set prop handling
- Basic prop maintenance and storage
Mid (3-7 years)
- Period-specific prop sourcing
- Budget management
- Crew supervision
- Vendor relationships
Senior (7+ years)
- Large production management
- Department head responsibilities
- Complex prop fabrication oversight
- Emergency problem-solving
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of production safety protocols
- Lack of experience with prop tracking systems
- Poor understanding of production workflow
- No experience working with rental houses or prop suppliers
