Apprenticeship training course

Props technician (level 3)

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Information about Props technician (level 3)

Supporting the props master to supply, build and maintain dressing and hand props for film, television and theatre productions.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • How to break a script down for dressing and standing by.
  • How to research and identify specific periods in time for design purposes.
  • How to read and understand dressing, shooting and rehearsal schedules.
  • How to assist in the creation of a props store and props room, what is required and how props should be stored.
  • How to receive props to set and understand the protocols for cataloguing and archiving information.
  • The dressing and design brief and how that will be executed.
  • The working constraints of the set or location.
  • The health and safety legislation and organisational procedures associated with each build.
  • It is involved in striking a set.
  • Identify the strike requirements.
  • How to work in a safe and responsible manner when striking sets.
  • Health and safety legislation for working in workshops, on set and on location.
  • How to identify which working practices can cause harm.
  • How to report risk to the appropriate personnel.
  • The structure and culture of feature films, television drama and theatre productions.
  • Commercial pressures, production deadlines, and organisational working practices.
  • The hierarchy of the department and the production for correct reporting procedures.
  • The hierarchy of the shooting unit and who to approach and when.

  Skills

  • Effectively break down a script for both dressing with props and standing by.
  • Cost and source props or materials required for the production.
  • Select appropriate props for period designs.
  • Prepare props according to the shooting and dressing schedule.
  • Work with the props team to create appropriate work and storage spaces.
  • Use suitable methods to adapt props to meet production requirements.
  • Repair any broken props on set using the correct adhesives and good working practices.
  • Work with a team to dress the set or location to the design and dressing brief.
  • Work in accordance with the constraints of the set or location.
  • Work in an effective, safe and timely manner to meet the dressing schedule.
  • Use selected tools and kit to complete the required task for set building or dressing.
  • Work effectively as part of a team to meet the requirements of the strike.
  • Follow the brief outlined by Chargehands and Storeman.
  • Adhere to current Health and Safety legistation and organisational policies when striking a set.
  • Apply health and safety knowledge practices to minimise the risk to cast and crew.
  • Identify, mitigate and report any incidents or risk to the appropriate personnel.
  • Select the appropriate tools and equipment and use these safely on set, on location and in workshops on productions.
  • Develop, maintain and use professional networks.
  • Develop and maintain own competence and knowledge in props areas.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely using discretion when required.
  • Work within budget and timescales to support the production.

  Behaviours

  • An ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively as part of a props team.
  • The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with cast and crew.
  • A strong work ethic and commitment in order to meet the standards and etiquette required on set.
  • Recognition and compliance with equality and diversity in the workplace
  • The ability to think creatively to solve problems.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Creative and design
• Qualification level: 3; Equal to A level
• Course duration: 18 months
• Maximum funding: £6,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

View more information about Props technician (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.