Props

Props

An object used traditionally in theatre during a performance. They are usually fake copies of objects from real life, such as fake guns used in movies.
The earliest known props were masks used in the theatre of ancient Greece.

These masks were used in celebrations and rites to honour the Gods and were made out of organic materials that were placed on alters after the performance. They were used to help the actor vanish into the role and covered their entire face with just holes for the eyes and mouth.

The word 'prop' comes from the term 'theatrical property' and was used to describe objects used in plays to further the action.
Originally used in plays, musicals and circuses and over the years extending into television, film and other media.
Props are kept on a table/in a room backstage and are managed by the props master/mistress and they are in charge of all the items.

Props table

'Prop' is a that moved easily over the film and tv, and over the years a rising popularity of 'movie memorabilia' (often also including costumes) extended the after life of props as many collectors will pay a lot of money for items from films/shows they love. In some cases after the film has been released, directors/actors/producers/people who made the film will sometimes put items in an online aution or a charity event to raise money for a cause.

Sometimes the director will give a prop to an actor if there was something iconic linked to that character, such as in 'Lord of the Rings' when director Peter Jackson gave the main cast each something related to the character such as 'The One Ring' being given to actor Elijah Wood who played 'Frodo'.

The key thing for props is that they look real to the audience. They shouldn't be able to tell if a gun is made out of plastic, or if that giant piece of metal weighs next to nothing. The harsh lights and hd cameras also mean that even if a prop is real then it might not look it on screen and so has to be made to look even more realistic than the real thing does. If that makes sense.

Sometimes props have to be designed differently to normal for the sake of safety. For example guns and swords. 'Prop weapons' need to look real, but not be able to hurt anyone. Guns will fire only blanks, swords have dulled edges and knifes are usually made of plastic or rubber. The proper handling of the real weapons being used as film props is the primary job of the props master.