Propmakers
These versatile craftspeople handle everything
from larger construction tasks to the finer details of carpentry…name
it, and they build it. Propmakers are the core of virtually all studio
construction. On any sound stage or location, they are crucial in the
effort to transport the imagination of the Motion Picture and Television
audience through time and space. The Propmaker's career is more of an
experience than a job. With a high degree of expertise and artistic
skills, these versatile craftspeople must work on projects ranging from
large construction to the finer details of carpentry. They are at ease
working with such varied materials as wood, glass, rubber, plastic,
metal, leather or formica. They can create a masterpiece out of almost
any material. A Propmaker may be asked to build a simple wall for a
set one day, and a spiral staircase the next. Another day they might
be asked to build a western storefront and the following day, the interior
or exterior of an Elizabethan mansion . They might even be called upon
to make the moldings for the Elizabethan mansion, which are very intricate
and involved. They might have to construct anything from a boat to a
train, plane, or automobile. Or a covered wagon, a rocket ship, a chariot,
or even a submarine. Unless the job calls for a member of a specific
craft within the construction area — such as painting, plumbing,
plastering or masonry — it is probably a Propmaker who is wielding
the tools. Propmakers may also participate — usually under the
studio maintenance department — in permanent construction, maintenance
and repair of the studio infrastructure.
CREW RESPONSIBILITIES
Propmakers' duties vary, depending upon the job. They
are asked to execute an aspect of the blueprint (whether it is to build
a structure, or add a facade to an existing structure) or even to make a
repair. Traditionally the Construction Coordinator confers with the General
Construction Foreman on the tasks which need to be completed (see "Construction
Coordinator" section for more details on this important
job).
General Construction Foreman
Takes direction from the Construction Coordinator
and executes the Coordinator's orders. The General Foreman's responsibilities
may include: • Delegating job responsibilities to the appropriate parties.
• Giving orders to Sub Foremen. • Reviewing the requirements of
the shooting schedule. • Overseeing construction after on-site conference
with the Construction Coordinator and Production Designer, including initial
construction of the production offices, or "goldrooms,"
for the various on-set departments.
Sub Foremen
Assigned to specific shop responsibilities —
there could be a Mill Foreman for any mill work, a Stage Foreman
for on-stage construction and assembly, and a Locations Foreman who
oversees each location. Each of these foremen sets up shop and oversees
production requirements specific to his/her position within the overall
production. Their responsibilities may include: • Ensuring that work
is performed on schedule at a specific station. • Handling crew sheets.
• Ordering materials. • Building sets within budget.
Gang Bosses
Assigned to each of the Sub Foremen. Gang Bosses are
usually the more experienced members who relay and implement the instructions
of the foremen to the members of the crew. A Gang Boss: • Builds sets
alongside Journeymen. • Serves as a source of information and advice
to Journeymen.
Journeymen Propmakers
Perform whatever building instructions they are given
regarding the job assigned to them. The Propmakers: • Arrive with minimum
tool list as required in contract (see "Tool
List"). • Should be on time, and ready to begin work at designated
work call (the contracts do not permit any tardiness).
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