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Trainee

Entry-level Props trainee (dressing/department): learns under Chargehands and store — 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
• Assist dressing and strike under supervision
• Help in store and on set as directed
• Learn H&S, lifting and period dressing basics

Reports to

Chargehand / Prop Master mentor

Works with

Dressing props team

Career path

Trainee → Dresser / Standby Props Trainee

Day to day

Fetch and wrap; learn labelling; assist dress/strike; stay safe on moves; never invent where hero props go.

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

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

Related roles

Dresser, Chargehand Dresser

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