Getting into the prop making industry

[Nin Dlm]

I have been wanting to do props professionally for a while now and I will soon be out of high school (June 2025). The problem is, there are so many different paths to get into props that I don't really know what to choose next. Specifically, I'm looking for something to improve my technical skills, either in formal education (college/university education, apprenticeships, equivalents to an Associate's Degree/Higher National Certificate...) or else. Right now, I honestly lack technique, as I usually build in unorthodox ways from crap, which mean I can't just start to work now and gradually make my way into props making, I do need something providing training.

If some of you are working in the industry, what skills would you say were the most important for you to get the job? What kind of background are you looking for in a good props maker? Where do you find employment as a prop maker?

I am currently based in France but I have the possibility of studying worldwide (I speak English/French/German), outside of American degrees at exorbitant prices (except if anyone knows about a full-ride scholarship). It would still be a bit easier if it was in Europe or Australia/NZ tho, but I'm open to all possibilities.

 

[flimzy]

The first thing I would do is find local companies around you. There is a French film industry and a theater industry. Qualifications aren't really a necessary attribute. Experience and being able to work in a team are what stick out when hiring. The hole industry works on word of mouth, So getting that first foot in the door is the hard part, once your in, if your good or just useful you will get call backs. Youth helps as you can start as a runner and get a hole lot of slack (ie your not expected to know anything).
Do what I did 38 years ago, Don't e mail or write just turn up at the door and ask if anyone will see your work. this is easier to do in theatre and museum work then Film as these days most studios are closed sets. If you really want it you will find a way.
every one in this forum has what it take to work on films as prop makers. Its all about being in the right place at the right time.
The only advantage to going to collage is there might be a chance to meat some one, also when your young its good to meet like minded artists and live a little.

 

[renaissance_man]

Building a portfolio of props of varying sizes and possibly complexity as proof of your skills would be a good way to sell yourself to prospective prop shops.
Scratch building, adapting found items, 3D modelling both parametric and sculptural would be of great benefit now that the industry seems to have shifted towards rapid prototyping to meet the time demands of film and TV schedules.

You could possibly look to local theatre companies to get practical training.

 

[drusselmeyer]

There is still a prop making industry??

 

[renaissance_man]

There is still a prop making industry??

Shall we just assume you are being sarcastic and move on?

 

[drusselmeyer]

I think the question is legitimate. Well established, iconic H'w'd prophouses have gone away. Prop replica companies fail almost as quickly as they start. Cgi props are now green stick models!

I think the answer to the question is well deserved.

 

[flimzy]

I can only speak for the UK but the props industry is on a high here. Movies and TV. It could change but it’s always been that way.

 

[drusselmeyer]

So it is more a question of geography?

 

[renaissance_man]

I think the question is legitimate. Well established, iconic H'w'd prophouses have gone away. Prop replica companies fail almost as quickly as they start. Cgi props are now green stick models!

I think the answer to the question is well deserved.

I don't think all props are CGI models, there are so many TV productions and movies in production that need props, they come from somewhere and in terms of unique pieces have to be made by someone.

These videos are just examples.

But every cop show, comedy, drama and movie need props and they aren't going to be CGI.
It's very likely more expensive to have a CGI prop tracked into a shot than it is to just 3D print that same prop and have it in the scene, for what I assume you are referring to as props in sci-fi shows

 

[flimzy]

I should also say you will always come across negative people who will say your dreaming. Never give up on your dreams ,it’s such a short life. I was told at school I wasn’t expected to achieve anything. Since then I’ve traveled the world making movies for the past 35 years.

 

[NathanM]

Biggest thing you'll need is to start networking. Opportunities to work in the industry are best acheived through making the right contacts. Always has been this way and always will.

 

[drusselmeyer]

So I will have to guess that the answer is yes to the first question and yes to the second.

 

[BR12819]

There's some good advice already in this thread. I'll add a little more. Become versatile, know how to cast resin, solder electronics, how to work with leather, metal, wood, paint. The industry is changing so knowing your way around a 3D printer is helpful. The more you know how to do the more likely you'll be hired, you'll never be lucky enough to only do the one thing you're really good at, you'll have to be able to do everything. Networking is just as important, If I were starting out again I'd probably put together a little portfolio. Props people are visual people. You can tell someone you know how to do something but showing them in photo or short video is a plus.

 

[Sundowner]

It would be a dream of mine to work even for free. To see your creation on screen would be amazing. I own a blacksmith shop, I 3D Print, own a screen printing shop, do digital design and build custom watches. I have the skills but pushing 40, I think my time is up. I have 10 years left before I retire from the Fire Dept so prop building will just continue to be a hobby.

My advice is to follow your dreams while you are young. I have gathered my skills over a simple motto and that is "Try it all". I loved movies and found this site in '09. After that I was constantly learning how to build props. I wanted to buy a Rolex but it was out of my price range so I learned to build custom watches. Someone invited me to a blacksmithing class flash forward, I own a blacksmith shop! Just try it all! You never know what can happen.

 

[Apollo]

^ Never say “Never” ^

50 is the new 30

 

[TazMan2000]

If it's a dream of someone, to make props professionally (or anything else for that matter), don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Go for it. But also realize that you may not be able to make a living off of it, so don't bet the farm. There are a few people who got into the business at the right time and made a name for themselves, but having realistic expectations would prevent you from making poor decisions.

While action/sci-fi movies probably require the most props, getting in at a time where there is a need, is key. Film and TV industry sometimes take a hiatus on action movies for extended periods of time, so you need some other type of income during those times. Volunteering your time for free is a good way to get your foot in the door, but be aware that even volunteering means that someone will have to show you the ropes and that can take away from productivity, so expect a lot of "no thank you(s)" and slammed doors.

Making props may make you happy now, but doing so on a limited budget and tight schedules in a business may be stressful, which may not make the interest enjoyable. But also take a look at people on this site that work in the industry like flimzy or asavage who still have an interest in the field.

TazMan2000

 

[flimzy]

There are quite a few people on this site that work in the industry ( I won’t give away there names without there permission) but there’s a few people I work with on here, (you know who you are.) 50 is not too late especially if you have skills. When something is a job it’s defiantly not the same , not better not worse just different, I get a different thrill out of the projects I work on at home. If designing things for film was that amazing I would feel the need to still make my own projects.

I’ve spent 35 years in film and 4 years in theatre / model making/ architectural/ museum before that. And I still don’t feel like a professional. I’m making it up all the time.

Today there are collage courses that send a constant stream of students in to the industry but the industry has expanded with the introduction of streamers, I’ve never known it so busy. ( this could change any time)

If your young and talented you will find a way.but I would say making things just for your own enjoyment is just as valid, this hole web site prove that.

 

[Funky]

I’ve always been of the opinion that the first step is moving close to LA THEN start networking once you get there. Hell, if I were 35 years younger that’s where I would start.

 

[ghostryder]

I can't speak to props (Local 44 may have some decent resources IATSE Local 44), but for most in producing, writing, and directing, well, 2024's been less than optimal:

 

[BR12819]

OP said he was in France, many productions have moved to Europe recently so they may be in a good place, at least geographically, to get their foot in the door.