A prop is an object used by actors or placed on set during filming. It can be a gun, a book, a cup, a phone, a painting, or a piece of jewelry. Props are handled by actors, and they are part of the story. A prop can reveal character, advance plot, or create symbolism. A pocket watch can represent time. A ring can represent commitment. A knife can represent violence. The prop is not just a decoration. It is a narrative tool.

Props come in several types. Personal props are handled by actors, like a wallet or a pair of glasses. Set props are placed on set but not handled, like furniture or wall art. Hero props are central to the scene, like the briefcase in Pulp Fiction. Breakaway props are designed to break safely, like glass bottles or chairs. Practical props work on camera, like a lamp that actually turns on. Each type requires different handling and coordination.

The prop master is responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and tracking props. They work with the production designer and the director to choose the right objects. They ensure continuity, making sure the prop looks the same in every shot. They manage safety, especially with weapons. They return rented items and archive the rest. The work is detailed and often invisible. When a prop is wrong, the audience notices. When it is right, they do not. The prop is a small part of the frame. But it can carry a lot of meaning.