Props Truck Supervision

The props truck supervisor is an important role in the props team, but often overlooked. There is not props truck supervisor category in IATSE 891 for example. Because the role is more skilled and had has more responsibility than daycalls, the rate is often negotiated to be the same as a buyer. This is a great position for someone who is well organized and a 'jack of all trades.'

### **Responsibilities of the Props Truck Supervisor**

#### Communication with the Prop Master and the office.

> The props truck supervisor often spends more time off set than the on-set and is therefore in a good position to communicate with the prop master, office, and buyers as needed. The communication is often the list of props that will play the next day, what the location of those props is, and any special instructions that need to be passed on to the on-set props person. When hardcopies of the next day's props list are available, the truck supervisor will print them. The truck supervisor should be provided with access to a computer and cellphone as well as a mobile hotspot for internet access as these are needed.
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#### Organizing the props for the next day.

> With the information provided in the Propmaster's breakdown, as well as the shooting schedule and prelim callsheet, the props truck supervisor will double check that they have everything needed and assemble and organize the props into bins for the next day. They will also add any tools or supplies from the truck that may be needed, such as extra paper towels for something messy, or spare batteries for an electronic prop. This should be done as early in the day as possible to allow for any oversights to be rectified. They will also assemble any background props such as bags, coffee cups and umbrellas that might play the next day.
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#### Assistance on Set

> The props truck supervisor is also often responsible for assisting on set. While duties on a show with more on-set assistants will vary, generally the truck supervisor is responsible to set up the cast and village chairs, deal with background actors, put on license plates, help hand our safety gear, and assist the on-set with any resets they may have. Contrary to the name, especially with a two-person props crew, much of the job is often spent off the truck.
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#### Repairs and Maintenance

> Things break on set, and it's usually the prop truck supervisor's job to fix them. The props truck will have a select amount of tools and glues on board to assist with these needs. They will adjust the size of watch straps, and replace or remove the batteries as needed, as well as silence any beeping from digital watches. They will also be responsible for making sure batteries of anything going to set are charged. It's often a good idea for them to maintain a good relationship with the FX team, as they also have a wide range of skills, tools and parts that can help with repairs.
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#### Prop Inventory Management

> When props have been used for a scene, it's the prop's truck supervisor's job to make sure they are properly labeled and put in an episodic hot stock bin. Some discretion will be needed if a prop may play again in the future, and may be better off in a character's bin. Sometimes the inventory will be recorded on paper or digitally. Any rentals are generally separated and marked for return.
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#### Time Sheets, DTR, and Firearms logs

> The Props truck supervisor is often also responsible for keeping track of the on-set crew's in, out and lunch times. They will fill out a DTR (Daily Time Report) for the AD department, and often fill out the time sheets for the on-set crew. They are also responsible for keeping logs of any firearms, even replicas, that come to and leave the truck's safe.
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#### Kit Awareness and Management

> The props truck supervisor must be aware of everything on the truck and it's location. They need to have a mental image of bin location as well as what's in the various bins. In a pinch if they need a handkerchief and a hand grenade on set, they will need to know where to find them quickly. Another very important job is the control and logging of any firearms (replica or real) that leave the truck. Every gun that leaves the truck must be logged when it leaves and when it returns. This paper trail is important to ensure nothing goes missing and is also a legal requirement.
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### Safety

> There are a few common injuries that can happen around a props truck.
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> The most common is related to the tail gate. In most circumstances tailgate operation should be a two person job. One person to hold the items on the gate, and the other to operate the gate and act as spotter. Check to make sure the gate won't be lowering onto anything, especially electrical cables or toddlers. If the tailgate has a flip-up lip, be sure to utilize it to prevent carts from rolling off. If it doesn't, use wheel locks or chocks. Never try to catch something large falling off a gate. Be cautious of moving traffic when parked on a road. Do not jump onto or off of the tailgate, no matter how cool it makes you look.
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> Cuts are another common form of accident on a props truck or on set in general. Production should provide you with cut-proof gloves which can be worn when using a blade for any reason. Gloves can also help prevent pinching which can occur in a number of ways. Wear gloves when you can, your hands are important.
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> Fire is another concern as there have been a number of props truck fires. One fire was caused when a lamp was left of, but the power to the truck was turned off. During transport, the lamp shifted and when the truck was powered on in the morning, the bulb made contact with another item and eventually set it on fire. Another truck fire was believed to be stated by improperly stored lithium batteries that shorted against each other. Always be careful with lithium cells to ensure they cannot short. It's a good idea to store them in a fireproof bag as well. Keep a fire extinguisher on the truck and refresh your knowledge on how to use it. Do not overload electrical circuits and be cautious when using high-draw items such as heaters, heat guns, microwaves, kettles, air conditioners or irons. Do not use more than one of these at a time on the same circuit, or if your truck is plugged into power with an AC extension cord instead of a joy cable. Make sure any of these items or any lithium battery chargers are unplugged at the end of the night.
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> Back injuries can be common too. Remind yourself about proper lifting technique and take the time you need to use step stools or dollies when you can.
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### Tips and Advice

> -Expect a long day. You are often the first to open the truck and the last to close it at the end of the night.
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> -Take notes. If someone has a note to pass on to the on-set about a prop, take note and pass it on.
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> -Keep the truck clean. Sweep every other day. Don't allow food garbage to be disposed in the truck.
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> -Create a "background bin" or two of common BG items like coffee cups, bags, umbrellas and switch it up from time to time.
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> -Keep ahead of any shortages and ask for things before they run out.
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> -Keep track of what's rentals. Some items cost too much to get sorted away when they can be returned. You may be able to organize the return of something through transport.
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> -Read the script more than once and keep a collated physical copy on the truck.
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> -Double check things are locked down/tied off at the end of the night. You don't want a mess or broken props to deal with in the morning.
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> -If you're headed to a new location the next day, bring your walkie with you in case you have difficulties.
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> -Learn how to use a computer, a soldering iron, a multimeter, a drill... learn what the tools on the truck are for and how to use them. YouTube is great, or ask someone on the crew to show you!
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