Potential occupational standard
Occupational standard in development
Approved occupational standard
Occupational standard without apprenticeship
Custom occupational card
Apprenticeship
Higher Technical Qualification
T Level
Technical Qualification
Career starter apprenticeship
Royal apprenticeship
Occupational progression
Technical education progression
Mid green occupation
Dark green occupation
Favourite occupation
View glossary of terms
home Creative and design
Props technician

Props technician

Creative and design

Level 3 - Technical Occupation

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

Print to PDF View occupation in map

Reference: OCC0174

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £37,744 per year

SOC 2020 code: 3113 Engineering technicians

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 5449/99 Other skilled trades n.e.c.
  • 9269/03 Stagehands

Technical Education Products

ST0174:

Props technician

(Level 3)

Approved for delivery

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Pinewood/Shepperton Studios, Sixteen Films, Warp Films, Revolution Films, Eccentric Trading Co, Compuhire, Scenery salvage, Stockyard, Ealing Studios, Quartermaster Stores

Summary

A Props Technician provides support and assistance to the Prop Master, Assistant Prop Master and Chargehands to supply, build, use and maintain dressing and hand props for film, television and theatre productions. They may work on set, in workshops, backstage or on location. Props Technicians work as part of the Props department and need to be adaptable, flexible and able to learn quickly on the job. As part of their role, Props Technicians may be required to undertake a wide variety of activities including: creating prop rooms, receiving props to set, cataloguing props, making props, building and dressing sets, working with the cast and featured background artists, striking (removing and clearing) sets, and checking hired props back in. They may also need to assist art department colleagues on set. Props Technicians may progress into specific dressing or standby roles, leading to Chargehands, Stores and Assistant Prop Master roles on independent and studio films, high-end television drama and in theatres. The apprentice may be expected to work irregular and unsociable hours to meet the needs of the given production.

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

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Pinewood/Shepperton Studios, Sixteen Films, Warp Films, Revolution Films, Eccentric Trading Co, Compuhire, Scenery salvage, Stockyard, Ealing Studios, Quartermaster Stores

Keywords:

Film
Performing Arts
Props
Television
Theatre

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: How to break a script down for dressing and standing by.
K2: How to research and identify specific periods in time for design purposes.
K3: How to read and understand dressing, shooting and rehearsal schedules.
K4: How to assist in the creation of a props store and props room, what is required and how props should be stored.
K5: How to receive props to set and understand the protocols for cataloguing and archiving information.
K6: The dressing and design brief and how that will be executed.
K7: The working constraints of the set or location.
K8: The health and safety legislation and organisational procedures associated with each build.
K9: It is involved in striking a set.
K10: Identify the strike requirements.
K11: How to work in a safe and responsible manner when striking sets.
K12: Health and safety legislation for working in workshops, on set and on location.
K13: How to identify which working practices can cause harm.
K14: How to report risk to the appropriate personnel.
K15: The structure and culture of feature films, television drama and theatre productions.
K16: Commercial pressures, production deadlines, and organisational working practices.
K17: The hierarchy of the department and the production for correct reporting procedures.
K18: The hierarchy of the shooting unit and who to approach and when.

S1: Effectively break down a script for both dressing with props and standing by.
S2: Cost and source props or materials required for the production.
S3: Select appropriate props for period designs.
S4: Prepare props according to the shooting and dressing schedule.
S5: Work with the props team to create appropriate work and storage spaces.
S6: Use suitable methods to adapt props to meet production requirements.
S7: Repair any broken props on set using the correct adhesives and good working practices.
S8: Work with a team to dress the set or location to the design and dressing brief.
S9: Work in accordance with the constraints of the set or location.
S10: Work in an effective, safe and timely manner to meet the dressing schedule.
S11: Use selected tools and kit to complete the required task for set building or dressing.
S12: Work effectively as part of a team to meet the requirements of the strike.
S13: Follow the brief outlined by Chargehands and Storeman.
S14: Adhere to current Health and Safety legistation and organisational policies when striking a set.
S15: Apply health and safety knowledge practices to minimise the risk to cast and crew.
S16: Identify, mitigate and report any incidents or risk to the appropriate personnel.
S17: Select the appropriate tools and equipment and use these safely on set, on location and in workshops on productions.
S18: Develop, maintain and use professional networks.
S19: Develop and maintain own competence and knowledge in props areas.
S20: Communicate clearly and concisely using discretion when required.
S21: Work within budget and timescales to support the production.

B1: An ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively as part of a props team.
B2: The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with cast and crew.
B3: A strong work ethic and commitment in order to meet the standards and etiquette required on set.
B4: Recognition and compliance with equality and diversity in the workplace
B5: The ability to think creatively to solve problems.

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

Technical Occupations

Levels 2-3

Higher Technical Occupations

Levels 4-5

Professional Occupations

Levels 6-7

This is the focused occupation.
assignment_turned_in

Level 3

Progression link from focused occupation.
lightbulb

Level 4

Creative and design