User:Paelias/PropsHeadDraft

= Property master = From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The property master, often called the prop(s) master, is an artistic and organizational employee in a film, television or theatrical production who is responsible for purchasing, acquiring, manufacturing, properly placing, and/or overseeing any props needed for a production. The property master also works with other members of the production managing the physical appearance of the stage or set, for example they might work with the script supervisor to maintain set continuity. 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 or production crew. A person responsible for purchasing the props can be called a props buyer or production buyer.

In film and television
During preproduction, the props 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 props 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.

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 the director, production designer, cameraman, set decorator and other members of the production to physically express their stylistic and aesthetic requirements. They maintain their own budget. There are physical aspects of productions that are managed by specialists other than the property master, for example costume designers are responsible for the actors' dress, and weapons masters are responsible for any weapons (firearms, blades, staff-based or otherwise).

In theater
The props master is responsible for acquiring all the props needed for the show. Often, the first step is going through the script of the show being done, and making a note of all the props. The exact limits of what they do will change depending on what definition of props is used. For example, a pair of glasses may be the responsibility of the props master, or the responsibility of the wardrobe supervisor or costume designer. During the run of the show and rehearsals the props master is in charge of maintaining and keeping track of the props. The props are usually laid out, either on a table or in a props closet. The prop master is also responsible for