Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Molly O’Connell · Accepted Answer

“The biggest suggestion for someone who wants to become a Property Manager is when they are starting out, even as a PA, to let people know they’re interested in being part of that department. It doesn’t mean for them to be a know-it-all or declare that they are a Props Manager working a lower position but to simply say that they are interested in working Props.
“That way, when the Art Department is pulling PAs or looking for Assistants that person will be more likely to get the opportunity. It’s also good to ask questions when appropriate and find a mentor. It’s a small pool of people who are constantly working and collaborating so while breaking in can be tough it isn’t impossible. The best way for someone to do it is to be nice and let people know that they are interested.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Molly O’Connell · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistakes that beginners, and even veterans, make involves set etiquette, especially when it comes to giving an opinion. The best way to learn how to act is to start out as a Production Assistant. Keep your mouth shut and observe.
“Producers hire someone to perform a specific task and it’s a high-stress environment where a lot of money is getting spent. That doesn’t mean a person shouldn’t be friendly but it’s important that they don’t blabber and are always where they need to be for each setup.
“Nothing is more embarrassing than when the whole set is ready to go and the 1st Assistant Director starts yelling for props. It’s stuff like this that gets a person fired and there is always someone ready to take their place.
“When someone works with a crew for a while or it becomes the twelfth hour of shooting it can be easy to forget set etiquette but it’s those breaking points that are remembered and can stop a rehire in the future.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Molly O’Connell · Accepted Answer

“What makes something a prop?
“A prop is an item that an Actor holds in their hand and uses on set. Set decorations are items that are in the background. The lines can get blurry, especially when it comes to costuming. For example, if someone is wearing glasses they can be an accessory but also a prop.
“What’s important is for the Property Manager to have a meeting with the Production Designer and Costume Designer in pre-production to work out what items are needed. They will be meeting anyway to create a unified aesthetic and if the extra time is taken to go through each item that could be a prop then things won’t slip through the cracks.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Molly O’Connell · Accepted Answer

“What are the most frustrating parts of the career?
“It can take a lot of time locating or building a specific prop, especially if the movie is a period piece. The level of personal investment that goes into each object is quite high. One day, the Props Manager may discover that that scene got cut. It can be extremely frustrating but that’s part of the deal.
“It’s the responsibility of the Property Manager to make sure that everything is sourced even if some of those items will get cut. It’s still fun but that’s the most frustrating part.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Molly O’Connell · Accepted Answer

“Persistent.”

Question 6

What skills do you need to be a Prop Manager?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The skills required to be a Prop Manager are multifold. First, a Prop Manager must have impeccable organizational skills to properly maintain the props department. Second, they must understand the prop needs for each scene in terms of historical accuracy and functionality. Third, they must have construction and craftsmanship prowess to create the props needed for each scene.

Question 7

What does the Props Person do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The Props Person oversees the props department and sees to it that each scene has the props necessary to flesh out the vision for the film. Depending on the size of the project, the Props Person may hire others for their department, assign the construction needs for it, and carry out other managerial responsibilities.

Question 8

How do you become a Prop Manager?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Most individuals will work their way up to becoming a Prop Manager. This often means starting out as a PA or intern on a film and finding opportunities to work with existing props departments. With experience and expertise gained, they may then oversee the props on smaller productions such as shorts and student movies. Eventually, they can work on bigger budget films with more demanding prop needs.

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