Designing props for films is a very exciting way to make a living. Movie props are small objects used in a film that an actor interacts with. Props might include things like swords used in an epic war film, a diary in a romantic comedy, a metal case-enclosed bomb in an action film, or fake blood in a horror movie.

Being a great movie prop designer requires an acute attention to detail, creative talent and vast knowledge in a wide variety of areas. Film prop services education and training should prepare a designer in the following ways:

1. A designer of film props should be trained in all areas of production design.

2. Film prop designers require a unique blend of creative and technical talents.

3. Someone wanting to be a props master needs diverse experience in movie prop services.

Action Steps
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Customize your training for film props

A college program designed specifically to train students for a career designing props for film is the ideal way to learn this art. Programs offer hands-on design and construction experience, as well as other aspects of designing for a production such as managing a budget and crew and access to new and innovative special effects techniques.

I recommend: The University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers an undergraduate and graduate programs in properties design for theatre and film. The National Institute for Dramatic Art offers a bachelors degree in prop design for film, theatre and television.

Prepare for film props design in school

There are very few college programs designed specifically for movie props design, so those pursuing this career path almost always get film prop services education and training in theatre production programs. Colleges with large theatre production design programs will provide an in-depth education in props design and will provide opportunities for training and experience in plays and short student films.

I recommend: Illinois State University, Michigan State University and San Diego State University all have excellent production design programs that allow students to concentrate and get experience in props design.

Find an internship doing movie prop service

Getting experience in designing and making props for film is an important step for transitioning from theatre to film, since films require a much greater quality, durability and realistic look. An internship will introduce a designer to the fast-paced world of films and provide insight into working with large budgets, creating props in huge quantities and using special effects.

I recommend: Find internships for film props listed by Filmbiz. Search for available film internships at PropPeople.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many movie prop companies contract work out to freelancers so it may be helpful to become specialized in one high-demand area, such as historical weapons, antique telephones or horror movie props.

Movie props include almost every object you see in any movie. Film productions require a large number of props in order to make each set look realistic and authentic. A set of a restaurant will need related props such as serving trays, food and beverages, pots and pans, order-taking pads and other culinary equipment. An office scene requires desks, computers, calculators and many other small props to make the movie set look like an actual office.

No matter what type of set you are creating, you will need to purchase or rent a full array of props to make it look realistic. Film props can include standard everyday objects, or specialized props such as:

1. Vintage film props that are created to look like they are from another era;

2. Stunt props such as fake knives, rubber bricks or rocks and full body dummies;

3. Western gear to give a film the look and feel of the wild west;

4. Horror movie props like axes, chain saws and even realistic -looking body parts.

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Contact movie prop stores to find everything you need for your film set

The company you hire for film prop services should be able to obtain anything you need for your type of set. So, whether you must design a realistic bedroom setting or a fully stocked convenience store, you can find the props that will enhance your movie.

I recommend: Shop for props at Independent Studio Services or Props for Today. Find vintage items from VintageProps.com.

Find movie prop companies that produce vehicles of all makes and models

Film makers pay a lot of attention to every detail, right down to making sure they only have vehicles that are from the proper time period for the movie they are shooting. They may also need specialized vehicles such as tanks, military jeeps, buses, emergency vehicles or taxis.

I recommend: Rent military vehicles from Tactical Truck. Reserve any type of automobile from Movie Time Cars. Order replica and custom made cars from Code One Custom Auto, which is a part of Code One Enterprises.

Locate suppliers of gun props for films

Any film that includes guns will require replicas that either do not fire or shoot blanks. The safety of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance, so no real guns are ever used. After the film is completed, the sound effect of an actual gun firing will be added to make the scene more realistic. Companies that offer film prop services keep replica guns in stock for use in theater and film productions.

I recommend: Find all of the vintage, military and current guns you need at Movie Guns, Movie Gun Services or Hollywood Prop Supply.

Hire companies to produce custom made movie props

Many movies will require specific props to be designed exclusively for the production. These are one-of-a-kind objects that must be created from scratch based on the design concept provided by the film makers.

I recommend: Give your blueprints to Michael Plesh and Company or Tom Spina Designs and have them bring your conception to life.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find a movie prop service that can provide you with props and wardrobe from a single source.
• •  Get quotes from several movie prop stores to find out which one has the best price for all the props you need.

When you understand film prop services key terms, you can communicate more easily with others in the business. If you search for a particular vintage item or need materials for a special effect, knowing the industry lingo helps you communicate your order effectively.

When your business offers film prop services, it's especially important for you to know key terms. Not only will it help you describe your inventory, it will also ensure that you and the client are discussing the same things.

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Stock

The term stock in the film prop service industry can refer to your basic prop inventory or the photos, footage and props you have on hand on a regular basis.

I recommend: Joel Day of Stock Photo provides the answer to over 50 questions regarding stock photography. You can find a basic description of stock and get information on how the commercial use license works with it.

Drafting

This term refers to a systematic specification of dimensions in a mechanical or architectural structure. A set builder designs the set, including the placement of props, then drafts the design so others see the details.

I recommend: Wildsound covers information on different aspects of movie art, including prop planning and drafting. It works with film specialists in their area of expertise.

Metalworking

Metalworking is the craft of bending and shaping things out of metal. Prop and set designers frequently use this process to create unique props.

I recommend: Anvilfire.com offers a variety of resources for blacksmiths and metalworkers, and includes an informative guide on how to get started as a blacksmith.

Carpentry

Carpentry involves working with wood. Set builders use experts with carpentry skills to keep props like chairs and tables sturdy and to incorporate other elements such as set support.

I recommend: Filmjob.info discusses the use of carpentry in prop services and gives a practical description of a film carpenter's job.

Stage electronics

This term refers to the wiring and configuring of props and other stage elements from lights to microphones.

I recommend: Live Design offers an in-depth look detailing how stage electronics fit into a performance. It covers sound and lighting aspects of stage electronics.

Scene painting

Scene painting is a traditional method of set and prop design, adding a touch of reality to a scene with paint.

I recommend: View examples of scene painting at the University of Colorado, which hosts examples by Dan Koetting.