Prop Makers work in the Properties Departments of feature films, making any props that are not being bought in, or hired. Prop Makers use a wide variety of materials, techniques and tools, to design and create the required props. These represent a huge range of objects, including 'stunt' props (which are replicas of other props, made of soft or non-hazardous materials), and specialised objects that move or light up. They may also adapt or modify props that have been bought in, or hired. Prop Makers may work alone, or as part of a larger Props team in a specially created Production workshop.

Responsibilities
Prop Makers are given instructions, designs or rough ideas by the Production Designer, Art Director or Property Master, prior to the shoot. From these designs Prop Makers must plan and create the props necessary for production. They may carry out their own research into the style and specifications of the props required. On period films, this may also involve investigating how the objects would have been created during a particular historical period, and within a specific culture. Liaising with Production Buyers, Prop Makers acquire the necessary tools and materials needed to make the props. Prop Makers make the props, working within budget, and to strict timescales. They may also adapt hired or bought in props according to the production's requirements. They normally produce a minimum of two of every item, in case of damage. During the shoot Prop Makers may be responsible for operating any special props, or for instructing Actors in their operation.

Skills
Prop Makers must be flexible and versatile, able to work with imagination and ingenuity. They need creative problem solving skills, and must be open to new ideas, and to learning new skills and techniques. The ability to work to external deadlines, under their own initiative, is essential, as is an eye for detail and accuracy. Working as part of the larger Properties Department, and at times as part of a Prop-making team, Prop Makers must have good communication skills and enjoy interacting with others. As they work with hazardous equipment and materials, an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures is vital to the role.

Prop Makers should have a wide knowledge of the basics of Prop Making: technical drawing, a good knowledge of computer design packages, the ability to work safely with typical industry materials (e.g., fibreglass, latex, foam, polystyrene, wood, cotton and steel), and the ability to work with a variety of different machinery and tools. Prop Makers may also have specialist skills, such as: sign writing, upholstery work, mould work, woodturning, sculpture, casting, furniture making, modelling, electrical engineering and electronics, working with papier-mâché, etc.

Qualifications/Experience
Prop Makers need no standard qualifications or specific training. However, they should have a background and/or qualification in Art and Design, or Model making, and experience in the basics of Prop Making. Many Prop Makers train in Stage and Set Design, or Stage Management, or complete a Theatre Technician's course in Performing Arts. They may also have a more specialised background or training, e.g., in Graphic Design, Furniture Making, Fine Art, etc. Alternatively, Prop Makers may have started in junior roles in the Art department and learnt their skills on the job.