The objects used in a performance that are not part of the set or costumes are formally known as "properties" or props. These items, ranging from iconic movie artifacts to instantly forgotten pieces, are crucial for creating fictional environments in film and television.
The Role of a Prop Master
Sourcing or fabricating props is the responsibility of a team led by a prop master. This undertaking often goes unnoticed; historically, there has been no specific Emmy or Oscar category for prop mastery, despite recent efforts to recognize other behind-the-scenes roles.
Jode Mann, a TV prop master, highlights the lack of acknowledgment for the profession. Jamie Wilkinson, a prop master for films like "Wicked" and "Star Wars" sequels, notes the creative demand for generating new items, especially in sci-fi and fantasy genres. Directors often prefer practical props over special effects when possible, believing they enhance actor performance.
Design and Authenticity
"Hero props," which receive significant camera time, require extensive design. For example, the broomstick for Elphaba in "Wicked" underwent 30 different designs over 20 weeks, chosen in consultation with the actor Cynthia Erivo.
Props also define the aesthetic of a fictional universe. Catherine Miller, prop master for "Severance," designed all office equipment to fit the show's retro-futuristic style, including computers missing an "escape" key to symbolize the characters' predicament. Fans observed such details, which reinforce the narrative.
For productions set in the real world or recent past, authenticity poses challenges. Miller found sourcing period-appropriate iPhones for the 2019 thriller "Uncut Gems," set in 2012, difficult. Historical projects like "Shōgun," set in 1600s Japan, require extensive research and sourcing of antique items, with prop masters working with historical advisers and international buyers.
Safety, Fakery, and Innovation
Safety is a critical concern, particularly with weapons. Dean Eilertson, prop master for "Shōgun," explained that real samurai swords are heavy and dangerous, leading to the use of painted bamboo replicas for most scenes. The accidental shooting on the set of "Rust" in 2021 underscored the importance of strict safety protocols for prop weapons.
Prop masters frequently use workarounds to create realistic effects safely and cost-effectively:
- Synthetic gems replace real diamonds (e.g., the Heart of the Ocean in "Titanic").
- Retractable needles and polystyrene-filled cakes are used for visual effects.
- Resin is used for chocolate bars to prevent melting.
Innovative solutions are also developed for specific actor needs, such as using ground sorbitol as a cocaine substitute for an actor with lactose intolerance.
Unforeseen Incidents and Recognition
The realism of props can sometimes lead to real-world complications. During the filming of "Godzilla" (2014), realistic replicas of nuclear missiles, transported near a Canadian military base, were photographed by a Russian satellite. This led to a false alarm of US missile movements on Canadian soil amid circulating news about nuclear threats.
While props often go unnoticed, their impact extends beyond the screen. Replicas of iconic props like Elphaba's broom are available for purchase, and Asprey & Garrard created an authentic version of the Heart of the Ocean necklace after "Titanic's" release.
In September 2024, the US-based Property Masters Guild established the annual MacGuffin awards for film and TV, recognizing the work of prop masters. Jode Mann received an award for her work on "Lessons in Chemistry," acknowledging the profession decades after an earlier Emmy nomination attempt was denied due to the lack of a category. The awards, decided by peers, represent a significant step towards industry recognition for this craft.