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How to Make Hollywood Props

Hollywood props are made by a film production's team member called the prop maker. This is who diligently crafts mechanical objects (those which move through mechanics, light up or contain electronics or motors), stunt props (non-hazardous, soft interpretations of real props that a stunt person uses and must retain durability), hero or specialized props (props that must be highly finished and ready for close-up shots due to the significance it holds) and statues (fine art simulated statues that must retain durability) with materials such as fabric, metal, latex, foam, fiberglass, polystyrene, wood, cotton and steel.

Prop makers technically draw plans and layouts of prop and scenery plots, utilize computer-assisted design and work safely with a variety of industry materials as well as machinery and tools. Prop makers also might need to know how to do sign writing, upholstery and mould work, woodturning, sculpture, casting, furniture making, modelling, electrical engineering and electronics, papier-mâché-making and painting. All of these skills combined offer the prop maker an abundant opportunity to create any number of Hollywood props.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric
  • Metal
  • Latex
  • Foam
  • Fiberglass
  • Polystyrene
  • Wood
  • Cotton
  • Steel
  • Rubber
  • Lights
  • Gears
  • Any other material needed to create desired prop.
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Instructions

  1. Mechanical Props

    • 1

      Track what about the prop makes it mechanical (i.e., lights, electronics, motors, etc.) and create a list of materials needed.

    • 2

      Design a technical drawing or instructional manual (brief) that contains the measurements and dimensions per material used to create the prop. If the prop is more complex and requires detailed computer attention, use CAD.

    • 3

      Create another brief with the assembled pieces and list the measurements of the combined pieces (the finished prop).

    • 4

      Begin configuring the different materials used, based off the brief.

    • 5

      Assemble all of the measured and cut pieces together to create your mechanical prop.

    • 6

      Ensure that the mechanical prop moves, rotates or lights up properly before securing its final touches with shellac, gloss, carvings, silver-plating or any other finishing touches needed.

    Stunt Props

    • 7

      Track which prop(s) need to be re-created for safety reasons, and construct a list of materials needed.

    • 8

      Follow Step 2 above.

    • 9

      Create another brief with the assembled pieces and list the measurements of the combined pieces (the finished prop).

    • 10

      Carefully mold the original props in a soft foam or rubber. If the prop is not too complex, the mold may be directly fabricated from a safe and soft material. Note that more careful attention to detail needs to be paid when constructing a stunt body (a created person used to fill in dangerous or violent scenes).

    • 11

      Secure the completion and functionality of the prop before implementing its final touches with characteristics like carvings or designs.

    Hero or Specialized Props

    • 12

      Track which prop(s) are featured more significantly than others and need special attention, then construct a list of materials needed.

    • 13

      Follow Step 2 above.

    • 14

      Create another brief with the assembled pieces and list the measurements of the combined pieces (the finished prop).

    • 15

      Begin configuring the different materials used based off the brief. Create duplicates (backup) of this/these items.

    • 16

      Ensure that the hero prop accurately resembles the designated item.

    Statues

    • 17

      Track which material(s) are needed to best resemble the piece of art (i.e., foam may be better suited for unfinished granite, whereas a finished or slicker lightweight material looks more like bronze). Construct a list of materials needed.

    • 18

      Follow Step 2 above.

    • 19

      Create another brief with the assembled pieces and list the measurements of the combined pieces (the finished prop).

    • 20

      Begin configuring the different materials used based off the brief.

    • 21

      Ensure that the statue accurately resembles the designated item before putting on its finishing touches and glazes.

Film Production

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