Props Storemen* organise the transport, installation, storage and return of all props for film productions. Props Storemen are recruited onto the production two to four weeks prior to the shoot, and work with Property Masters*, Production Buyers, and Props Drivers. Immediately before the shoot, Props Storemen liaise with the Dressing and Standby Props teams. Props Storemen work under pressure, to strict deadlines, and they carry a great deal of responsibility. Their job involves planning, scheduling and organising, and requires scrupulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities
Props Storemen organise the collection, transport and delivery of all hired or purchased props, in collaboration with Property Masters, Production Buyers, and Set Dressers (where they are employed on productions). This involves nominating the pick-up points, noting the size of the props to be collected, and creating transport schedules that correspond with shooting schedules. If the props for pick-up are too large to be dealt with by the Props Driver alone, additional drivers and vehicles must be booked. Props Storemen also work with Property Masters to review the number of Dressing Props scheduled for each day, and to decide whether more crew should be hired. Once the props arrive at locations or sets, Props Storemen check off the delivery against the schedule, and ensure that all props are in the required condition. If any of the props are missing or damaged, Storemen are responsible for contacting the Hire Company for replacements.

Props Storemen assist with unpacking and installing the props onto sets or locations, in liaison with the Dressing Props team. On large-scale productions Storemen return to the Props Store at this point, but on smaller budget productions they stay and help with the dressing work. Props Storemen also collect hand props for Actors, as well as any items especially created by Prop Makers. After ascertaining which props are needed, for which scenes, and in what order, Props Storemen organise them into groups (usually on tables or shelves), so that they are available for the Standby Props team. Props Storemen are also responsible for the receipt, and proper care, of any product placement goods to be used, or considered for use, on productions.

Once filming on each set or location is completed, and the Producer has given clearance, Props Storemen oversee the striking of the set, and list each prop as it is returned to the Store, checking that it is in the appropriate condition. If there is any loss or damage, it is the Storemen's responsibility to inform the Hire Company and the Property Master. If props are to be used at more than one location, Props Storemen check them to confirm that they are fit for their purpose, and store them safely in the relevant section when they are not in use.

After the shoot, Props Storemen are responsible for repacking any items to be returned to hire companies, and scheduling their dispatch with Props Drivers. They must ensure that the production office has copies of all documentation. In the case of items purchased for the production, Props Storemen liaise with Production Buyers to organise a sale of goods at the end of the shoot.

Skills
Props Storemen need meticulous organisational skills, and must be able to analyse information in order to plan and schedule. Good computer skills (Mac and PC) are also required. Props Storemen must be familiar with the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures on set. They should know how to protect high value props, and what kinds of storage arrangements are needed for different props, including methods of preserving the condition of specific props and materials. They should know how to check props for faults, and how to avoid damaging them in the process.

Qualifications/Experience
There are no set progression routes to becoming Props Storemen, although most of them have worked in a number of roles in the Props Department, including Dressing and Standby Props. A background or qualification in Art or Design, and a working knowledge of the film industry are helpful but not essential. A full EU driving license is required. *this is a generic term, and may refer to a man or woman