The Prop Building Guidebook

For Theatre, Film, and TV

Eric Hart author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:22nd Dec '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The Prop Building Guidebook cover

Now in its third edition, The Prop Building Guidebook: For Theatre, Film, and TV walks readers through techniques used in historical and contemporary prop making and demonstrates how to apply them to a variety of materials.

Experienced prop maker Eric Hart covers the tools and techniques used by professional prop makers throughout the entertainment industry. He outlines a construction process that gives readers the foundational knowledge to choose the best materials and methods for each prop and the background information to know the advantages of these choices. This new edition includes updated information and techniques throughout, including:

  • Over a hundred new images and diagrams
  • Updated terminology, products, and brands used internationally
  • Expanded sections on 3D printing, vacuum forming, foam patterning, and more
  • A new chapter on prop design
  • New information on international safety standards, cleaning, and sanitation
  • More recipes and step-by-step instruction for various finishes

Illustrated by hundreds of full-color photographs, this is the most comprehensive guide to prop construction available for professional and student prop makers in theatre, film, and tv.

For additional how-to videos, instructional documents, and supplemental information, visit www.propbuildingguidebook.com.

Praise for The Prop Building Guidebook

"I really enjoyed the first Prop Building Guidebook. Eric Hart is a real pro in the prop business. If I lived on the East Coast, it would be great to do a project with him. I have been a professional prop maker in Hollywood for 43 years and still learned a lot from the first book! Looking forward to Book II."

Paul Pearson, President of Custom Movie Props and prop builder on Starship Troopers, 14 seasons of Star Trek, and Daredevil

"The Prop Building Guidebook is indispensable, whether you’re a working props professional or an amateur enthusiast. From basic skills to complex builds, and from the thinking behind a prop and the research required, to figuring out how a prop needs to work—it’s all here. Eric Hart has mastered his wide range of skills in many productions, and is generous and eloquent in sharing them."

Ross MacDonald, prop artisan on Boardwalk Empire, The Hateful Eight, and National Treasure: Book of Secrets

"If you do crafts, models, cosplay, or anything that involves imagination, engineering, and a unique eye in design and execution, get this book. If you are a serious student in the discipline of Props Design, get this book! The book is inspiringly comprehensive and a must for professionals and academics alike. Eric has given you the keys to the Kingdom and then shows you how to masterfully replicate them."

Jay Duckworth, founder of the Prop Summit and props master on Hamilton, Shakespeare in the Park, the Public Theater

ISBN: 9781032154619

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1500g

397 pages

3rd edition