When people talk about careers in TV or movie production, many would automatically think of acting, directing, or producing. But many other vital roles make production possible. These include people in different departments that handle behind-the-scenes procedures. These roles are essential in making production possible.
Acquiring props plays a key role in any production. The property master is responsible for finding, borrowing, or renting all the props needed for production. This can be anything from furniture to cars to weapons. Since they’re responsible for these things, they need to look for the best props maker to provide them with what they need.
If you have a knack for making props, you may be able to get your props the exposure that they deserve. But of course, you will need a different set of skills for that since you need to get the attention of a props master. Here are some tips that might help your props to get into Hollywood.
1. Do your research.
The first thing you need to do is to research the different production companies in your area. This way, you will know which ones are filming and their needs. You can check online resources or ask around for recommendations.
There are also many ways to get in touch with property masters. You can look up their contact information online or through production companies. You can also try attending industry events where you can network with different people in the business.
Social media boards and forums can also be a great way to find out about job postings and other opportunities. Research can come a long way in getting your foot in the door.
2. Have a good portfolio.
Having a good portfolio in props making is essential if you want to get noticed by a property master. They need to see your previous work to gauge your abilities. Aside from that, they would also need to see if your style is a good fit for the production that they’re working on.
Your portfolio should contain photos or videos of the props that you have made. It would be even better if you could include a description of how you made each prop. This way, property masters can get an idea of your process and if you’re able to follow instructions well.
You can also include testimonials from previous clients in your portfolio. This can help prove your credibility as a props maker. It can also add credibility if you have worked with big names or well-known production companies.
3. Make a professional website.
Your portfolio may be full of great work, but if it’s not easily accessible, then it won’t be of much use. This is why it’s important to have a professional website where property masters can easily view your work. That will help you find more exposure for the props you make.
You can start with the visual appeal of your website. Your website should be well-designed and easy to navigate. Make sure to include all the relevant information about you and your work. You should also include your company’s history, services, and contact information on your website.
You can also work with a reputable creative video agency that can help you with marketing. They can make videos of your creative process and showcase a gallery of your previous work and how intricate and impressive your work is. You can then post the video on your website and social media.
4. Attend conferences and events.
Hollywood is all about connections, from the A-Listers down to the production crew. So if you want to get your props into Hollywood, you must also start making connections. One way to do this is by attending industry events and conferences. This is an excellent way to network with different people in the business.
Attending conferences isn’t all about networking. You can also learn a lot from the different talks and workshops. These can help you improve your skills as a props maker. You can also learn about the latest trends in Hollywood and how you can apply them to your work.
But of course, since your goal is to introduce your work to the limelight, don’t forget to bring your business cards. You can also create a portfolio to give to the people you meet. This way, they’ll have something to remember you by and can easily contact you when they need props for their future projects.
5. Stay up to date on industry trends.
Lastly, you need to stay updated on the latest industry trends to make it big in Hollywood. This way, you’ll know what projects are in demand, and you can create props that fit those needs. You can also use this knowledge to your advantage when marketing your work to property masters.
One way to stay updated is by following relevant blogs and social media accounts. You can also sign up for newsletters from different production companies. This way, you’ll be the first to know about new projects, and you can start working on your proposal right away.
You can also join forums and online communities related to Hollywood props. This is a great way to connect virtually with other professionals in the industry. You can learn from their experiences and get insights into the different trends in Hollywood.
Getting your props acquired by a property master in a film or TV production is not an easy task. However, if you know the best ways to go about it, you will be well on your way to success. Following the tips above will increase your chances of getting your props into the hands of those who need them most.