Top of the props: meet the unsung heroes behind the memorable objects in your favourite films | Film

From the iconic red and blue pills of The Matrix to the mysterious contents of Marcellus Wallace’s briefcase in Pulp Fiction, props are the often-unseen elements that bring fictional worlds to life. These objects, defined as anything used in a performance that isn’t part of the set or costumes, are the responsibility of a prop master and their team. Despite their crucial role, the work of prop masters often goes unrecognized.

The Unseen Craft of Prop Mastery

Jode Mann, a television prop master in Los Angeles, notes the lack of acknowledgement for her profession. She recounts a story from the 1980s, when Paul Reubens nominated her for an Emmy for her work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, only to retract the nomination upon discovering there was no Emmy category for prop masters. This situation persists today, even as the Academy Awards have added categories recognizing casting and stunt work.

The work extends beyond simple logistics. Prop masters are deeply involved in the creative process, transforming a stage into a believable environment. A seemingly minor detail, like an obviously fake prop – such as the plastic baby in American Sniper – can shatter a viewer’s suspension of disbelief. As Mann states, “If you take a baseball movie, you have nothing without bats, balls and gloves.”

The Importance of Realism and Imagination

Creating these believable worlds often requires significant imagination, particularly in genres like science fiction and fantasy. Jamie Wilkinson, a prop master whose credits include the Wicked films and recent Star Wars sequels, prefers “creating crazy new world stuff.” His team can grow to 100 prop-makers and specialists, even consulting experts like chocolatiers for projects like Wonka.

Directors often prefer the use of real props when possible, as they elicit a more authentic response from actors. Wilkinson explains, “If the actors can physically see magic happening in front of them, you get a different response.” This is exemplified by the 30 different designs created for Elphaba’s broomstick in Wicked, ultimately chosen in collaboration with actress Cynthia Erivo.

Challenges and Recognition

Prop work isn’t limited to fantastical creations. Catherine Miller, prop master for the dystopian series Severance, fabricated all of Lumon Industries’ office equipment to achieve a retro-futuristic aesthetic. Even seemingly minor details, like the missing escape key on the show’s keyboards, are intentional metaphors reinforcing the narrative.

Authenticity is also paramount when recreating the recent past. Miller struggled to source period-appropriate iPhones and laptops for the 2019 thriller Uncut Gems, sometimes requiring the recreation or modification of existing technology. Historical projects demand even more research, as demonstrated by Dean Eilertson’s work on the series Shōgun, which involved recruiting buyers in Japan to source authentic antique items.

The line between real and fake is constantly blurred, often due to budgetary constraints, safety concerns, or simply availability. Prop masters rely on workarounds like synthetic gems and polystyrene-filled cakes. However, this fakery can sometimes have unintended consequences, as illustrated by an incident on the set of Godzilla where fabricated nuclear missiles were mistaken for real weapons by a Russian satellite.

In September 2024, the Property Masters Guild inaugurated the MacGuffin Awards, named after the Hitchcockian plot device, to recognize excellence in prop mastery. Jode Mann received a MacGuffin for her work on Lessons in Chemistry, a moment she described as deeply meaningful because the award was chosen by her peers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly *is* a prop?

Props are anything used in a performance that is not part of the set or costumes. They can range from iconic items like lightsabers to everyday objects like bats and balls.

Why hasn’t prop mastery been formally recognized with awards like the Emmys or Oscars?

Despite the crucial role props play in filmmaking and television, there has historically been no dedicated award category recognizing the work of prop masters. This began to change with the inaugural MacGuffin Awards in September 2024.

What are some of the challenges prop masters face?

Prop masters face challenges including sourcing authentic items, creating realistic replicas, ensuring safety when working with weapons, and maintaining authenticity in period pieces.

Do you think greater recognition for prop masters will lead to more innovation and artistry in the field?