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ESCO occupation

prop maker

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Prop makers construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain props used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. Props may be simple imitations of real life objects, or may include electronic, pyrotechnical, or other effects. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers involved in the production.

3435.17 ISCO 3435 ESCO source
Competences
45
Groups
3
Essential
23
Optional
22

Competences and skills

45 ESCO relations
Essential skills and competences 23 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

14 competences
adapt props

Adapt existing props for use in a specific production.

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adapt to artists' creative demands

Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

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build devices into props

Build mechanical or electrical devices into props.

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build props

Build props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.

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define prop building methods

Decide on how to build the necessary props and document the process.

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develop prop effects

Work with creative personnel to design special effects involving props using mechanical or electrical devices. Advise on feasibility and develop the needed prop effects.

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interpret artistic intentions

Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

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maintain props

Check, maintain and repair props.

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maintain theatre equipment

Check up on, maintain and repair tools and machinery used for onstage purposes, such as lighting equipment, stage sets or scene-change machinery.

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maintain workshop space

Keep your workshop space in working order and clean.

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prevent fire in a performance environment

Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.

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understand artistic concepts

Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

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work safely with chemicals

Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

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work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
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Cross-sector

9 competences
finish project within budget

Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

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follow work schedule

Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

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keep up with trends

Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

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prepare personal work environment

Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

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translate artistic concepts to technical designs

Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

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use personal protection equipment

Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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work safely with machines

Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.

Scope note
Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.
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work with respect for own safety

Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

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Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

2 competences
lighting techniques

The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.

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photography

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

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Optional skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
set up props in a timely manner

Make sure props are set up on the stage or set according to the time schedule.

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Sector-specific

10 competences
define prop materials

Decide what materials the props will be made from, and document the conclusions.

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draw prop sketches

Make sketches of envisioned props to help develop the concept and to share with others.

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ensure safety of mobile electrical systems

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
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manage technical resources stock

Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.

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organise workshop space

Arrange the space of an equipment workshop for maximum efficiency, such as, install lighnting, install a workbench, etc. Decide on the activities and equipment to fit in, and the most convenient way to work. 

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plan workshop activity

Plan workshop activities according to production needs.

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purchase props

Buy the required props for a performance.

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support a designer in the developing process

Support designers in the course of the developing process.

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work safely with stage weapons

Take necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, training and operating stage weapons (stabbing weapons, shooting weapons, etc).

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work with the camera crew

Work with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.

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Cross-sector

9 competences
attend rehearsals

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

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collaborate on costume and make-up for performances

Work with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.

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develop professional network

Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

Scope note
This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
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hand props to actors

Hand the right props to actors before each scene. Give them directions on how to use objects.

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keep personal administration

File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.

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manage consumables stock

Manage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
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perform first fire intervention

Intervene in the case of a fire in order to extinguish the fire or limit the effects pending the arrival of emergency services according to training and procedures.

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work with the lighting crew

Work with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.

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