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Supervising Standby Props

Leads on-set standby props: action/hero props, continuity and last-minute resets 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
• Manage Standby Props crew on shoot unit
• Prepare and reset action/hero props each take
• Continuity notes with script supervisor
• Script breakdown for action props; track revisions
• Liaise Director, ADs, Standby Art Director

Reports to

Prop Master

Works with

Standby Props, Action Props, Script Supervisor, 1st AD, Camera

Career path

Standby Props → Supervising Standby Props

Day to day

Breakdown action props; brief standbys; cover camera rehearsals; reset between takes; liaise Script Supervisor.

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

Standby prop kit bags, continuity camera/phone, labelling, locks for controlled props.

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

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

Bectu rate cards for this role are in the app.

Related roles

Standby Props, Prop Master, Action Prop Supervisor

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