Definition of Propsman - Property Master

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and role of a "propsman" in the context of film and theater production. Participants explore the term's meaning, its relation to other crew positions, and provide contextual examples of its use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that "propsman" is a shorthand for "property master," responsible for managing props in theater and film.
  • One participant mentions a technical note describing a propsman's duties as packing props and costumes and cleaning up, though they acknowledge the vagueness of this description.
  • Another participant clarifies that "props" refers to theatrical property, emphasizing their role in creating realism on set.
  • Questions arise about related roles, such as the gaffer and best boy, with varying degrees of certainty about their responsibilities.
  • Humorous speculation is offered regarding the origins of the terms "gaffer" and "best boy," with some participants making light-hearted connections to fishing and pirate imagery.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and certainty regarding the definitions and roles of crew members, with no clear consensus on the specifics of each position. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions and roles are presented with uncertainty, and there are references to external sources like Wikipedia, which may not be universally accepted or verified by all participants.

humanino
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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:
 
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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
 

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