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Standby Props

On set with the shooting crew: action props, resets and continuity under Supervising Standby / Prop Master.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Reset action props between takes
• Watch shots and record continuity
• Respond to last-minute on-set prop requests
• Track script changes for prop needs

Reports to

Supervising Standby Props / Prop Master

Works with

Script Supervisor, Camera, ADs, Action Props, Costume when shared items

Career path

Standby Props Trainee → Standby Props → Supervising Standby Props

Day to day

Cover rehearsals; hand props to cast; reset precisely; photo continuity; keep noisy kit off the floor.

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

Personal standby pouch (tape, markers, multitool), gloves.

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

Related roles

Supervising Standby Props, Standby Props Trainee

More Props roles