Props designer

Props designer
set prop master, special effects prop master, prop master, prop manager
The props designer acts under the responsibility of the production designer and the director. It provides the objects necessary for the creation of an artistic production while respecting a budget. Creative and manual, he can make certain accessories from scratch. These give credibility to a scene or character. Intermittent in the show, the props master lives to the rhythm of the performances or filming.

Professional life
Difficult professional integration
Of the 129,000 intermittent workers, nearly 4% are props workers, less than half of whom specialize in decor. A minimal percentage which reflects the fragility of their situation. Despite the growth of the sector, intermittent decor professionals do not benefit from a stable situation. The number of contracts is increasing, but their duration continues to decrease.
From accessories to decoration
With experience, a props designer can broaden his skills and consider moving towards the profession of decorator.
Beginner's salary
1775 euros monthly gross on average in the audiovisual sector. An entertainment worker is generally paid on a per-mission basis. The hourly rate depends on the employer's budget and production, and is therefore very variable.
Working conditions
Team work
The props designer works on filming locations or performance venues, indoors and outdoors. He can also work in workshops. He is part of a film crew or troupe. Maintaining constant relationships with technicians, decorators, choreographers and even the stage manager... the props designer knows the role of each and knows how to adapt to their requirements.
A sustained pace
The world of entertainment is often itinerant: it involves numerous trips lasting several days or more, in France or abroad. Hours vary. The props designer can work evenings, nights, weekends, public holidays, depending on planned performances or filming requirements. The pace is sustained: physical resistance, resistance to stress and reactivity are strongly recommended.
An intermittent status
Most often, the props man benefits from the status of intermittent worker in the show. He is hired for the duration of a production or a show. As the contracts are sometimes short, it is necessary to diversify its activities in order to limit periods of inactivity.
SKILLS
Creativity and technicality
Creativity is essential in the profession of props designer, as is a strong artistic sense. To meet the team's requirements, the props designer must demonstrate imagination and inventiveness. Sense of aesthetics, colors and notions of art history are recommended. Proficiency in DTP and CAD (computer-aided publishing and design) software is a plus.
Tips and DIY
The props designer doesn't just imagine his accessories. Skilled, he also makes them, hence the need to have knowledge of DIY, sewing, carpentry, etc. He is hands-on and not afraid to get his hands dirty when necessary. Astute, he is also very organized and knows how to anticipate requests.
Listening and flexibility
The props designer listens to the decorator, the director, the actors and the entire team. Technical problems or changes of plans: he must be responsive and know how to adapt to all situations.
Nature of the work
Make it credible
Under the responsibility of the set designer and after discussion with the director, the props designer provides and designs the objects necessary for the staging of an artistic production and which will be used by the actors: decoration, jewelry, everyday objects , various equipment... By “accessorizing”, it gives credibility, depth and life to a stage performance.
Find or make
The props designer buys, rents or adapts the objects chosen for a scene or set, according to the defined budget. He can set up a partnership with stores or companies which then lend him certain objects. The prop maker can also make his accessories himself: once the plans, models or drawings are made, he becomes a carpenter, painter, sculptor, upholsterer... A complete artist, he can also shine in special effects like fireworks.
Ensure maintenance
The props designer is part of the set team and therefore participates in their assembly and dismantling, anticipating technical constraints. He controls the transport of accessories and ensures their maintenance with a view to possible reuse (cleaning, repair, etc.). He also ensures compliance with safety standards and rules.
Training to enter the profession