Props Jobs

Prop Master The Prop master is responsible for breaking down the script, hiring crew, going to endless meetings, answering endless emails, and making sure the department is functioning well.

Assistant Prop Master There can be several assistant prop masters on a show whose jobs can vary. Generally there will be one on set, one in the office who manages paperwork, and often one who's working in-between set and the office to manage crew and make sure everything's prepped for the next day.

Prop Buyer As the name implies, this person is responsible for purchasing items, but is also the person who will hit rental houses, pickup from builders, and drive things to and from set. A show can have multiple buyers depending on the scale. Check here for some more information on props buying.

Prop Builder Some shows that have a lot of builds will have their own in-house build shop or builder(s) who is on the show full-time. Many smaller shows don't have this position and will contract out. There are currently prop builders recognized by IATSE but as of 2021 it is not a specific rate category.

Props Truck Supervisor The props truck supervisor has an important roll to play on-set. They help out on set as needed, usually setting up and moving chairs and giving props to the background performers. When they're not needed on set they are prepping for the next day and liaising with the office/prep crew to make sure they have everything. The props truck supervisor is often also responsible for the daily paperwork such as DTRs and timesheets, and labeling props that have played so they can be easily utilized for future scenes or reshoots. A props truck supervisor should also be well-versed with tools and repair as there are often times when things need to be repaired or Macgyvered. As of 2021 the Props Truck Supervisor is not an official category under IATSE, although many are paid at the buyer rate.

Props / Props Assistant These are the members of the team that can be full-time to help out on set or brought in as day-calls. The level of responsibility can vary greatly from show to show and day to day.

Lockup Supervisor Some busier shows will have a lockup person. This person is responsible for organizing the items that come and go from the lockup. They sort through rentals and prep them for return, inventory hot-stock and items that didn't play, and prep and age items that will be heading to set. As of 2021 this is not a category in IATSE.

Armourer Armourers can be hired as contractors for days when there is gunfire or more technical use of guns. Some shows that are more gun heavy will have a full time armourer. Armourers have extensive firearms training and a licence that allows them to have automatic weapons on set that most prop masters cannot have under their BFLs

Tech Advisors A tech advisor can be hired by the AD team or the props team depending on what the requirement is. Tech advisors may be brought in for medical scenes, forensic scenes, military/police scenes or virtually anything where a person's specialized skills are needed to help the props department or to help an actor. Tech advisors are generally contractors working at a fairly high rate of pay. A medical show may have someone on full time for example, but they are usually brought in daily as needed.

Food Stylists For any scenes involving food, a food stylist will be brought in to help with the look and safety of the food. Food stylists are also used for simpler food items that may need to be created in a different fashion, like a Vegan Twinkie or an actor eating what looks like a worm.