Props technician
Reference Number: ST0174
Details of standard
OCCUPATION: Props Technician
A Props Technician provides support and assistance to the Prop Master, Assistant Prop Master and Chargehands to supply, build, use and maintain dressing and hand props for film, television and theatre productions. They may work on set, in workshops, backstage or on location. Props Technicians work as part of the Props department and need to be adaptable, flexible and able to learn quickly on the job. As part of their role, Props Technicians may be required to undertake a wide variety of activities including: creating prop rooms, receiving props to set, cataloguing props, making props, building and dressing sets, working with the cast and featured background artists, striking (removing and clearing) sets, and checking hired props back in. They may also need to assist art department colleagues on set. Props Technicians may progress into specific dressing or standby roles, leading to Chargehands, Stores and Assistant Prop Master roles on independent and studio films, high-end television drama and in theatres. The apprentice may be expected to work irregular and unsociable hours to meet the needs of the given production.
CORE SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE Props technician (Film and TV drama)
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WORK ASPECTS
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KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING: A Props
Technician knows and understands:
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SKILLS: A Props Technician is able to:
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Research and prep
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- How to break a script down for dressing and standing by
- How to research and identify specific periods in time for design purposes
- How to read and understand dressing, shooting and rehearsal schedules
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- Effectively break down a script for both dressing with props and standing by
- Cost and source props or materials required for the production
- Select appropriate props for period designs
- Prepare props according to the shooting and dressing schedule
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Working with props and sets
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- How to assist in the creation of a props store and props room, what is required and how props should be stored
- How to receive props to set and understand the protocols for cataloguing and archiving information
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- Work with the props team to create appropriate work and storage spaces
- Use suitable methods to adapt props to meet production requirements
- Repair any broken props on set using the correct adhesives and good working practices
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Set Building and Dressing
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- The dressing and design brief and how that will be executed
- The working constraints of the set or location
- The health and safety legislation and organisational procedures associated with each build
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- Work with a team to dress the set or location to the design and dressing brief
- Work in accordance with the constraints of the set or location
- Work in an effective, safe and timely manner to meet the dressing schedule
- Use selected tools and kit to complete the required task for set building or dressing
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Strike and Wrap
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- It is involved in striking a set
- Identify the strike requirements
- How to work in a safe and responsible manner when striking sets
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- Work effectively as part of a team to meet the requirements of the strike
- Follow the brief outlined by Chargehands and Storeman
- Adhere to current Health and Safety legistation and organisational policies when striking a set
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Health & Safety
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- Health and safety legislation for working in workshops, on set and on location
- How to identify which working practices can cause harm
- How to report risk to the appropriate personnel
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- Apply health and safety knowledge practices to minimise the risk to cast and crew
- Identify, mitigate and report any incidents or risk to the appropriate personnel
- Select the appropriate tools and equipment and use these safely on set, on location and in workshops on productions
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Industry Awareness Film and TV
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- The structure and culture of feature films, television drama and theatre productions
- Commercial pressures, production deadlines, and organisational working practices
- The hierarchy of the department and the production for correct reporting procedures
- The hierarchy of the shooting unit and who to approach and when
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- Develop, maintain and use professional networks
- Develop and maintain own competence and knowledge in props areas
- Communicate clearly and concisely using discretion when required
- Work within budget and timescales to support the production
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Behaviours
A Props Technician will be expected to demonstrate:
- An ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively as part of a props team
- The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with cast and crew
- A strong work ethic and commitment in order to meet the standards and etiquette required on set
- Recognition and compliance with equality and diversity in the workplace
- The ability to think creatively to solve probems
Level
This apprenticeship is set at level 3.
Qualifications
Apprentices without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Duration
The apprenticeship will typically take 18-24 months to complete.
Review date
This standard will be reviewed in three years, however, due to the fast pace of change in the industry this may be required sooner.
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