Sometimes your biggest ideas and boldest dreams can’t be found on a dusty backlot shelf. Sometimes the sheer magnitude of your project calls for the mobilization of a custom prop fabricator. You may have an item you need supersized for dramatic effect or a space transformed into an entirely different time and place. Hiring a prop maker from Movie Prop Rentals gets the job done correctly and efficiently the first time so that you can focus on the fun, creative aspects of your production.
A Custom Prop Maker For Your Biggest Projects
There are plenty of independent prop makers billing their services. Still, few boast the amount of expertise of Jerry Blohm and Graylan Franklin– a dynamic duo with more than 20 years experience in film, TV production, corporate commercials, music videos, and special events. Our small-but-agile crew can scale with your project, whether you need dozens, hundreds, or thousands of items.
The Prop Designer Process
Working with a prop designer is as easy as 1,2,3…
- First, contact us to discuss the nature of your project and obtain a no-obligation quote on our services. If you wish to proceed, we’ll hammer out all the details into a contract and send over the virtual mockups. Upon your approval, we’ll send the designs to the printers.
- Next, our 3D foam printing and carving artisans work their magic. We’ll talk more about that in a moment, but generally, it can take anywhere from a week to a few months to produce the number of props needed for a full-scale production.
- If you’re happy with the final product, we coordinate delivery and installation services for your project. Our crew can do as much or as little as you require. It’s not uncommon for us to do shipping, lighting, stage installations, set decorating, temporary storage, and teardown.
How Are Film Props Made?
Our 3D foam artisans start with a CAD rendering, running it through state-of-the-art equipment to create an expanded polystyrene foam sculpture. Sheets of this flexible material can be glued together to make thicker pieces or purchased in large blocks weighing 300 to 900 pounds to accommodate your needs. Lower density materials (1 lb per cubic foot) can be used for budget-conscious clients. In contrast, higher density materials (3 lb per cubic foot) can be selected for higher durability or detailed work.
Once the basic structure is printed, sculptors draw a grid on the foam using a combination of freehand, light projection, and maquette guides to scale up the design. They can then sculpt with a heated wire, band saw, CNC cutter, electric chain saw, die grinder, electric carving knife, snap-blade knife, rasp, Dremel, or other hand tools. Textures can be applied to the model with acrylic monomer, epoxy clay, or other pieces of foam.
The final finish can help your film props withstand variations in temperature or weather. You won’t believe your eyes when you see how we can transform foam into any material under the sun. We have paint, airbrushing, soft coats, hard coats, and a full range of flat-to-glossy finishes to simulate a realistic result.
Do You Need A Prop Builder?
A prop builder can help you plan and create the resources necessary for production. We conduct style research and determine the exact specifications required. Props can be period pieces needed for a historical era or cultural objects to establish a sense of place. Prop masters can accommodate various budgets and operate on strict timelines. Since every project is truly one-of-a-kind, contact Movie Prop Rentals for a quote.