Props that are to be used in the action, i.e. a chair that is lifted in a threatening way or a book that is picked up and read, are called ‘action props’. These are organised by the appropriate person, who might be the second or third assistant director, or the assistant floor manager.
Other props that are not directly used in the action but are there merely as set decoration are called ‘dressing props’ and are the responsibility of the art director or designer, as part of the general design of the set.
Action Props
The person dealing with them will have gone carefully through the script and the breakdown, marking all the props that are mentioned, i.e. ‘JOHN PICKS UP THE BOTTLE OF INK AND THROWS IT ACROSS THE ROOM’. He works out the continuity of such props from one scene to another, i.e. in the scene following the ink throwing, there is no great time lapse, and there should be a large ink stain on the floor.
He also works out props that are not specifically mentioned in the script, i.e. ‘MARY IS MAKING A LARGE APPLE PIE’. For that he needs to get all the utensils and ingredients to make the action possible. There must be sufficient supplies to cover any retakes.
He works closely with the art director as the props needed in the action must correspond in style and type to the general dressing of the set.
Design
Much research goes into the period and mood of a production, especially when shooting interiors, whether specially constructed at a studio, or adapted from existing buildings.
Exteriors are simpler unless they are specially constructed streets, house fronts and so on.
This set shows the integral part design and props play in the director’s overall concept of the production. A great deal of creative effort and research has gone into the design and construction of it.