When watching a film, we often focus on the actors, the story, the dialogue, the cinematography, and any special effects. Unless they are elaborate or steal a scene, props can quietly blend into the background, even though they may have required creativity and craftsmanship. 

This list should change that perspective. Here are photos of props from some of your favorite films, along with their fascinating backstories. They should provide some insight into how these set pieces came to be. 

Enjoy scrolling through, and as always, don’t forget to upvote your favorites!

As mentioned, film props can easily feel insignificant in a scene. But those who work on them know the attention to detail involved. Veteran props coordinator Julian Weaver spoke with BAFTA to share some insight into how it all works. 

“You have to keep on top of that to make sure they’re using the same pencil,” he said. “If they go off to lunch and take their props with them – that happens quite a lot – you have to go and get the props back if you’re using the same ones in the afternoon scene.”

So what does it take to be a good and effective prop person? Weaver laid out the job requirements, and having good attention to detail is just one of them. 

“You need to have a certain amount of practical skill, for example, how to hang a picture. You have to have a good eye, and you need to be able to carry things,” he said. “There’s a lot of unloading and loading lorries (delivery trucks).”

Weaver does standby work as a propsman, which means he is responsible for all the environments and action props that the actors use. As he explains, the job requires you to “have your foot on the accelerator” the entire time. 

“You’re concentrating constantly,” he said. “It’s very intense. Some of the most difficult scenes are food scenes where you’re having to replenish plates.”

Like film props, production design often goes unnoticed when people watch a movie. However, it plays a vital role in maintaining the film's overall visual look. 

Production designer Michael Pickwood, who worked on notable titles like the Doctor Who TV series, also spoke with BAFTA to share insight into his job.

“It may be a nonsense story, but the better you make the setting, the more believable the nonsense is, and everyone will go with it,” Pickwood said, describing his work on Lost in Austen, a British TV fantasy-romance miniseries released in 2008.

Being a production designer has its challenges, and Pickwood was kind enough to provide some tips for those who want to get into the business. 

“The aim is to make sets and locations particular and pertinent,” he said. “You then add visual information by using wit and allegory, in detail and dressing. Have the courage of your convictions to carry out ideas. Keep up the momentum so you can react quickly to changes of plan.”

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