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Prop Master

Head of Props (UK): oversees dressing props, standby/action props, store and prop-making liaison — not the US title “Property Master”.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Lead Props department and crew selection
• Script breakdown for props and action/hero props
• Budget hire, purchase and prop makes with Set Decorator / buyer
• Schedule dressing, standby and store; approve action props with Director/PD
• Liaise Art, Construction, Locations; return hires at wrap

Reports to

Production Designer; production on deal

Works with

Assistant Prop Master, Set Decorator, Supervising Standby, Storeman, Action Prop Supervisor, Art Directors, Construction, Locations

Career path

Standby Props / Chargehand Dresser → Assistant Prop Master → Prop Master

Day to day

Script breakdown; budget hire/buy/make with Set Dec; schedule dressing and standby; approve hero/action props; return hires at wrap.

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

Script breakdown tools, inventory lists, radio, laptop, prop kit oversight.

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

• Excel / Google Sheets budgets & inventories
• Scriptation / PDF sides for prop lists
• Notion / Drive shared folders
• Excel / Google Sheets inventories & budgets
• ChatGPT for breakdown checklists (verify against script)

Related roles

Assistant Prop Master, Set Decorator, Supervising Standby Props, Storeman

More Props roles