Theproperty master, often called theprops master, is anartistic and organizational employee in afilm,television ortheatrical production who is responsible for purchasing, acquiring, manufacturing, properly placing, and/or overseeing anyprops needed for a production. The property master also works with other members of the production managing the physical appearance of thestage orset; for example, they might work with thescript supervisor to maintain setcontinuity. The property master is on staff during preproduction, develops the stylistic concept of the physical production, then continues on as a member of the physical shooting/production crew.[1] A person responsible for purchasing the props can be called aprops buyer orproduction buyer.[2]
During preproduction, the prop master develops a props breakdown. This is essentially mapping out the logical progression of each prop throughout the story. In film and television productions the prop master maintains the logical progression while shooting by ensuring the props are positioned in their correct logical place for each scene according to the props breakdown. If the logical progression of a prop changes during shooting, the props breakdown is revised to reflect the change.[3]
This job description varies somewhat from country to country. In the United States,food styling, weapons and animals are often directly or indirectly within the property master's domain.
The job is a collaboration with thedirector,production designer,cameraman,set decorator and other members of the production to physically express their stylistic andaesthetic requirements. They maintain their own budget. There are physical aspects of productions that are managed by specialists other than the property master, for examplecostume designers are responsible for the actors' dress, andweapons masters are responsible for any weapons (firearms, blades, staff-based or otherwise).
In professional theatre, the property master is responsible for the setup and organization of the props.The property master is directed by the director.
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