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Action Props

Builds, preps and looks after practical action and hero props for camera under the Action Prop Supervisor / standby team.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Prep and maintain action/hero props
• On-set support for action prop resets
• Workshop finishes and repairs under deadline
• Follow safety and continuity procedures

Reports to

Action Prop Supervisor / Supervising Standby

Works with

Standby Props, Stunts, SFX, Camera, Script Supervisor

Career path

Props trainee / modeller path → Action Props → Action Prop Supervisor

Day to day

Prep multiples; test mechanisms; cover takes; repair between setups; coordinate with SFX/Stunts when shared gags.

Call times

Dressing props frequently pre-call for dress/strike; standby props match unit call and wrap with camera. Store and run days before first shoot can be long — check standby vs dressing call.

What to wear

Blacks on set; boots in store/stage; gloves for handling; smart-casual in prep meetings.

Tools & kit

Workshop hand tools, adhesives, paints; as directed for on-set kit.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap and kit fee on the deal memo before accepting. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk ratecards / your branch.

Software

• CAD / SketchUp where makes require (paid)
• Inventory lists
• Excel / Google Sheets inventories & budgets
• Scriptation / PDF sides for prop lists
• Notion / Drive shared folders
• ChatGPT for breakdown checklists (verify against script)

Related roles

Action Prop Supervisor, Standby Props

More Props roles