Prop maker

Make the realistic-looking objects used to help set the scene in plays, films and television programmes. Your props would help audiences to get into the world of the show.

You might make anything from fake jewellery to replica weapons and moving models, depending on what the script calls for.

There’s a wide range of practical and craft skills you might use in this job, including:

• Carpentry

• Sculpting

• Casting

• Sewing

• Painting

• Welding

You’d work with a variety of materials such as metal, latex, fibreglass, wood or fabric. You’d use many different hand and power tools – anything from paintbrushes to welding equipment.

You would:

• Discuss the brief with the production designer, set designer or props master

• Make props as shown in rough sketches or detailed designs

• Use computer-aided design to develop ideas

• Do historical or cultural research to make objects look authentic

• Experiment with different materials and techniques to create realistic effects

• Adapt existing items, for example ‘distress’ an object to make it look old

• Hire or buy props

• Repair props

On larger productions - typically in film and TV - you would work closely with a team including production designers, set designers, set builders, wardrobe and costume staff and model makers.

On smaller productions - often in theatre - you might build sets and work on costumes as well as making props.

• Creative Choices - Help and advice for a career in the creative industry from Creative and Cultural Skills

• Creative Skillset – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work