Dressing Props install props on sets and locations before film crews arrive to shoot scenes. Dressing Props are recruited onto productions two to three weeks prior to the beginning of the shoot, and are briefed by the Property Master*, Production Designer and/or Art Director. If Set Dressers are involved in the production, they supervise the Dressing Props team. Dressing Props usually work in teams of two or three people, in which case, the senior member of the team is referred to as the Chargehand. The team makes sets realistic for filming purposes by installing furniture, drapes, flooring, machinery and other props.

Responsibilities
The Dressing Props and the Props Storeman* take delivery of the props required to dress sets or locations. Working to very tight timescales, the Dressing Props team transforms the site to meet the requirements of the design brief. This involves many different activities including: hanging curtains, laying floors and carpets, plumbing, etc. On an exterior location, in the absence of a Greensman*, the Dressing Props may also deal with foliage and greenery. The Dressing Props team work in a leapfrog pattern throughout the film shoot. Once they have finished dressing one location, they move on to dress the next location, while filming takes place on the previous site. When filming is over, and clearance has been given, Dressing Props return to the previous site and strike the set, or restore the location to its original state. They deliver the props back to the Props Storeman, and move on to the next location or set.

Skills
The role of Dressing Props is physically very demanding, and involves heavy manual labour. A full driving licence is essential, and some employers require specialist licenses to drive HGVs or forklifts. Dressing Props must be multi-skilled, with the ability to carry out all types of DIY, including: sewing, ironing, plumbing, carpet fitting, upholstery, and taking accurate measurements. Good IT skills (Mac and PC) are required. Dressing Props must have an eye for interiors, and excellent spatial awareness. Creative problem solving abilities are important, as are accuracy and attention to detail. Dressing Props work as part of a team, and must have good interpersonal skills and be effective communicators. The ability to work effectively in a pressurised environment, whilst maintaining a positive attitude, is paramount. Knowledge of the film making process, and of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures on set, are essential.

Qualifications/Experience
On larger budget productions, the Dressing Props role is not an entry-level position. Practitioners have usually worked previously in the Props Department in various roles, and on several feature films, although this is not necessarily the case on low budget features. No specific qualifications are required for working as Dressing Props, but a design background is preferred. They may also have worked in construction. Many Standby Props also work as Dressing Props, and vice versa.


*this is a generic term, and may refer to a man or woman