WHAT ARE THE 13 TYPES OF FILM, TV, AND THEATRE PROPS?

by Gizella Calingo | Owner, Founder, and Writer of GIZELLA, Gizella Films & Gizella's Life

Posted on June 04, 2024 🌹 Last updated on June 06, 2024

Bringing props to life on set is a delicate craft, demanding not just skill but a sharp eye for detail. In film and TV, maintaining seamless continuity is essential, since even the smallest inconsistency can pull viewers out of the story.

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Here are the 13 types of Film, TV and Theatre Props:

#1 HAND PROPS

Hand props are the objects actors grip, wave, or clutch on stage, from umbrellas and guns to suitcases, money, drinks, and torches. While they might seem like small details, these props often hold the power to move the story forward.

Some hand props are perishable and need fresh replacements each day or show. From edible treats to flickering lanterns, canes, parasols, and more, nearly anything an actor touches can become a hand prop.

This category spans everything from swords and flashlights to jangling keys. The moment an actor picks up an object, it transforms into a hand prop. Often, the prop master steps in to teach safe and skillful handling, especially when the stakes are high with weapons.

#2 PERSONAL PROPS

Personal props, also known as hand props, are inseparable from the characters who wield them. Think of Harry Potter’s wand, the glowing lightsaber from Star Wars, Indiana Jones’ trusty bullwhip, or Frodo’s fateful One Ring. When an actor grips or wears these objects, they do more than fill a hand—they breathe life into the character’s journey. From everyday items like cups and wallets to combs, pocket watches, and weapons, any object becomes a personal prop when it is woven into the actor’s performance.

The most memorable personal props are known as hero props. These signature items do more than accessorize—they shape a character’s identity and drive their story forward. The way a character handles a hero prop often reveals their deepest traits and motivations.

#3 FOOD PROPS

On stage, actors often incorporate food into their performances, relying on the props team to prepare it backstage. Every bite must be tasty, easy to eat, and above all, safe.

Safe food preparation must take place in a clean, sanitised space, such as a designated break room or well-equipped kitchen. Store perishable items in dedicated refrigerators and promptly dispose of spoiled food.

Spotless workspaces and strict hygiene are non-negotiable when preparing food. Once the curtain falls, the crew should scrub and store every dish with care. These details keep everyone safe.

#4 TRIM PROPS

Trim props are set decorations displayed on walls, such as pictures and curtains. This category includes paintings, photographs, curtains, and other ornamental items that are typically hung. Trim props like picture frames, blinds, rugs, chandeliers, tapestries, wallpaper, and artwork contribute to a production's polished look. The term trim prop may also refer to architectural trims, such as crown moulding, floor baseboards, and millwork. These items can leave a lasting impression in iconic scenes.

Think of the unforgettable 70s hexagonal carpet in the hallway from "The Shining", or the striking pink facade with crisp white trim in "The Grand Budapest Hotel". These are trim props that do more than decorate; they set the tone and invite interaction. Cast members might open a window, adjust a curtain, or touch a picture frame, making these wall-hung props an active part of the story.

#5 SET PROPS

Set props bring a set to life, transforming ordinary spaces into immersive worlds. Unlike set dressing, these are the pieces actors interact with directly, often large and movable, never fixed in place. From couches and kitchen tables to beds, appliances, cars, and even canoes, set props shape the look and feel of a film or stage production, making every scene visually compelling.

Think of the whimsical Door Knockers in "Labyrinth" or the unforgettable sculptural furnishings in "Beetlejuice"—set props like these invite actors to interact and audiences to believe in the world on stage or screen. Adding couches, chairs, beds, or side tables not only fills the space but also deepens the story. Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to decide if something is a set prop, especially when it blurs the line between movable, like a chair, and built-in, like a wardrobe.

#6 SET DRESSING

A truly authentic setting comes alive through subtle details that quietly enrich the scene. Think of the soft glow from a lamp, the spines of books lining a shelf, the texture of a well-worn rug, or the glint of tableware in an open wardrobe. Sometimes, the props department adds a spark of magic with physical effects like a briefcase that bursts open, a lamp that lights itself, or a miniature train chugging along its tracks. Set dressing includes objects that actors rarely touch, but that fill the world with realism. Some, known as 'practicals,' actually work on stage, like real lamps or chandeliers. Others, called 'trim props,' are fixed to the walls, such as paintings, curtains, or window treatments.

#7 PROP CURRENCY

On film sets and theater stages, fake money often steals the scene as a convincing prop. While prop coins can be crafted from all sorts of materials, using counterfeit bills is strictly off-limits. To stay within the law, prop bills must stand out from real currency in size, be printed on just one side, and have all their designs destroyed once the curtain falls.

#8 GREENS

This category covers a vibrant array of real and artificial plants, flowers, and other decorative accents. These pieces usually brighten indoor spaces with their smaller size, while the scenic department handles larger outdoor displays. In this context, 'greens' describes any decorative plant, whether living or crafted.

#9 MECHANICAL SPECIAL EFFECTS

The prop department handles all mechanical special effects that work without electricity. If a clever trick relies on a pull pin or a tugged string, it belongs to props. Rattling noise makers count as props too, but if the sound comes from a recording, it falls under electrical effects.

#10 OPEN FLAME, PYRO, AND FIRE SAFETY

When fire effects light up the stage, unwavering safety is non-negotiable. Every detail, from careful planning to securing permits, demands attention. Only certified experts should handle pyrotechnics, while a vigilant fire watch stands ready for any emergency. Storing flammable materials safely and following meticulous cleanup routines are crucial for a safe show.

#11 ATMOSPHERICS

Atmospherics encompasses the natural and artificial forces that shape what we see and feel in any environment. Whether it is the swirling fog, drifting smoke, falling snow, or a sudden dust storm, these elements transform the landscape and set the mood, leaving a lasting impression on both the climate and our senses.

#12 WEAPONS

Productions use prop weapons, including impact, bladed, and firearms. They must be treated with care, as mishandling them can lead to severe injuries and legal issues. Only designated and trained crew members may handle the weapons. Even with dulled edges, prop weapons can cause harm. Firing blanks from prop guns can also be dangerous due to unpredictable gas vents. Trick weapons, such as knives with retractable blades, may jam or fail to retract. Many fight choreographers prefer non-retracting blades and actor training over mechanical devices.

#13 BREAKAWAY

Breakaway props are delicate creations crafted to shatter dramatically at just the right moment. A staple on film and television sets, they keep actors safe while making stunts look thrillingly real. Made from brittle sugar glass or clever synthetic blends, these props balance stability with the perfect break. Sometimes, laminated tempered glass is chosen to capture the spectacle of a window exploding into shards. Without breakaway props, many unforgettable movie moments would lose their magic.

For long-running shows, props often require careful aging to create a sense of history and realism. Though not the sole factor in a production's success, these details lend credibility, enrich the story, and help craft a compelling visual world.

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Posted on June 04, 2024

Last updated on June 06, 2024