Prop maker
Make the realistic-looking objects used to help set the scene in plays, films and television programmes.
About the job
What it's like
Make the realistic-looking objects used to help set the scene in plays, films and television programmes. Your props would help audiences to get into the world of the show.
You might make anything from fake jewellery to replica weapons and moving models, depending on what the script calls for.
There’s a wide range of practical and craft skills you might use in this job, including:
Carpentry
Sculpting
Casting
Sewing
Painting
Welding
You’d work with a variety of materials such as metal, latex, fibreglass, wood or fabric. You’d use many different hand and power tools – anything from paintbrushes to welding equipment.
You would:
Discuss the brief with the production designer, set designer or props master
Make props as shown in rough sketches or detailed designs
Use computer-aided design to develop ideas
Do historical or cultural research to make objects look authentic
Experiment with different materials and techniques to create realistic effects
Adapt existing items, for example ‘distress’ an object to make it look old
Hire or buy props
Repair props
On larger productions - typically in film and TV - you would work closely with a team including production designers, set designers, set builders, wardrobe and costume staff and model makers.
On smaller productions - often in theatre - you might build sets and work on costumes as well as making props.
Hours
Your hours would depend on the needs of the production. You may be able to choose your own working times, but you should be flexible and able to put in long hours to meet deadlines when necessary.
Environment
You could work in a studio, workshop or prop room, which may be backstage at a theatre or on a film or TV set. You would also spend time on research and visiting shops and theatrical suppliers. Working conditions may be cramped and dusty, and you may have to work with chemicals such as adhesives and paints.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- designing
- researching
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Design and Manufacture
Practical Woodwork
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but many prop makers study at college or university in areas such as Technical Theatre, or 3D design and Model Making.
You can enter some design National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but some courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications and experience that show a range of practical or creative skills such as art, design, manufacture and visual communication, such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCQF level 5).
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