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Standby Props Trainee

Trainee attached to the standby/on-set props team during shoot — UK Props grade; confirm title on the call sheet and deal memo.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Support Standby Props with resets and runs
• Learn action-prop continuity and kit discipline
• Assist under Supervising Standby Props

Reports to

Supervising Standby Props / Standby Props mentor

Works with

Standby team, Script Supervisor (observe)

Career path

Trainee → Standby Props Trainee → Standby Props

Day to day

Shadow standby; prepare resets; keep carts stocked; watch continuity; silent during takes.

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

Radio, multitool, gloves, inventory lists, soft wrapping materials; action kits as grade requires.

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

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

Related roles

Standby Props, Supervising Standby Props

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