Definition of Propsman - Property Master

  • Thread starter Thread starter humanino
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Definition
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The term "propsman" is indeed a shorthand for "Property Master," referring to the individual responsible for managing props in theater and film productions. Props, short for theatrical property, are essential items used on set to enhance realism, such as weapons or furniture. The discussion also touches on related roles, including the gaffer, who oversees electrical work, and the best boy, an assistant to both the gaffer and key grip. Understanding these roles is crucial for anyone involved in film production.

PREREQUISITES
  • Knowledge of film production terminology
  • Understanding of the roles within a film crew
  • Familiarity with theatrical properties and their significance
  • Basic concepts of set design and realism in film
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of a Property Master in film production
  • Learn about the responsibilities of a gaffer in lighting design
  • Explore the functions of a best boy in film crew hierarchy
  • Investigate the significance of props in enhancing narrative realism
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for film students, production assistants, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of film crew roles and the importance of props in storytelling.

humanino
Messages
2,523
Reaction score
8
Dear PFers,

I have trouble finding a definition for propsman[/color]. Is it a short name for Property master[/color] ?
Thank you in advance for your help :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
humanino said:
Dear PFers,

I have trouble finding a definition for propsman[/color]. Is it a short name for Property master[/color] ?
Thank you in advance for your help :smile:
Can you use it in context within a sentence? I've heard it as a term for the person that handles props for theater/movies.
 
It was actually in a technical note. As a propsman, what he did was "packing the props and costumes, clean up". I know it is a little vague :redface: But thank you very much still.
 
The propsman is responsible for the props used in a movie. Props is short for theatrical property. (so, you're pretty close)

The props are anything used on a set to give the movie some realism (e.g. a gun for the character to shoot instead of having to point his finger and say 'Bang!' - except the sound editor is responsible for the 'Bang', not the propsman).
 
What does the gaffer do? And the best boy??
That's the two occupations I've wondered about..
 
I believe the gaffer is the head electrical worker. That or lightman, not sure.
 
And the best boy? There is always a best boy in movies?
According to this Wikipedia article, there are TWO best boys, one assistant to both the gaffer and to the key grip:
[PLAIN]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_boy[/URL]








Hmm..key grip? KEY GRIP??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Where's marlon when we need him. He knows this stuff backwards, forwards, over, under, sideways, down . . . or at least he should. :biggrin:

I think the Wiki ref in the OP is correct.
 
arildno said:
What does the gaffer do? And the best boy??
That's the two occupations I've wondered about..

A gaff is an iron hook with a handle; usually used for landing large fish, but sometimes used on the crew. A gaff is also the term for the spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail (the gaff sail).

It's obvious that the gaffer is the guy dressed like a pirate that gaffs out of line movie crewmembers, plus has the additional duty of procuring lunch for the movie crew.

I think the best boy has to carry any fish the gaffer lands.

Hmm, unless gaffer comes from gaffe. Spearing the staring actress with an iron hook would probably qualify as a serious gaffe.
 
  • #10
Take a key grip on yourself, BobG
 
  • #11
fire-truck-3b.jpg
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
638
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K