Prop Masters - Occupations - VTC Occupation Dictionary

Descriptions & Duties

Prop Masters oversee, and are responsible for, the procurement or production, inventory, care and maintenance of all the props associated with productions. They are also responsible for ensuring that props are available on time, and within budgetary requirements. Their main duties include liaising with production designers and art directors, studying and reviewing the script, and determining what props are required during pre-production stage; carrying out historical and cultural research by referring to archives, internet files, books and photographs, or by discussing the requirements with specialised advisors; working closely with set designers and props storemen in order to work out detailed props and set requirements; drawing complete props lists required for production; estimating the production cost of purchasing, hiring or creating props; preparing the overall production schedule for the department, and working with other members of the team to produce detailed work plans; working closely with prop makers, or other artists, to oversee and coordinate the construction and completion of the props; attending production meetings in order to note props' placement and use, and any change in action that affects props; coordinating the loading, transport and storage of all props, and ensuring that props are correctly placed for the use of the props team; overseeing the return of all hired props in appropriate condition, and organising the storage and safe disposal of props.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

Physical strength
Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Technology Skills

Technology skills

Computer literacy
Application of technology

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

Creativity
Visualisation
Logical thinking

Importance:5 (Max:5)

Skill is required all the time

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

Reading comprehension
Oral / written expression

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Social Skills

Social skills

Communication
Negotiation
Persuasion

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

Planning
Organising
Judgement
Decision making

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

Importance:4 (Max:5)

Skill is frequently required

Management Skills

Management skills

Leadership
Management of finance / time / people / other resources

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Trade Specific Competencies

Props making knowledge and skills

Prop Masters have to plan, design and adapt special hand, or set props required by the production. They must have a wide knowledge of basics prop making and be able to work with a variety of different machinery and tools.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

usually have received secondary school education; relevant training in art and design, model making, set design, or stage management is preferred

Experience

at least 3-5 years' relevant experience in the props department are required. typically gain skills through work experiences (as prop makers and assistant prop masters)

Career Path & Salary

Government Sector

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 3-13

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 14-27

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 28-33

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 34-39

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 40-44

*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html

Related Education & Training

Higher Diploma

Work Environment

Prop Masters normally work long hours, especially when production deadlines approach. They may have to work in evenings or weekends. They usually work in studios or backstage, in prop rooms, or on film sets and on location. They may have to spend time away from the workshop, studio or stage, while researching and finding props.

Tools

Air compressors
Awls - Scratch awls
Corner clamps - Pinch dogs
End cut pliers - Caning nippers
Flat nose pliers - Duck bill pliers
Glue guns - Spray glue guns
Hammers - Magnetic hammers; Ripping hammers; Tack hammers
Hold down clamps - Tack spacers
Mallets - Rawhide mallets
Metal cutters - Spring cutters
Pattern cutting mats or boards - Cutting pads
Power saws - Foam rubber cutters
Rubber mallet - Rubber mallets
Seam ripper - Seam rippers
Sewing machines - Industrial sewing machines
Sewing needles - Multipurpose sewing needles; Upholstery needles; Upholstery tufting needles
Staple guns - Air staple guns

Related Occupations

Stage Designers

Dancers

Broadcasting Technicians

Actors

Producers & Directors