Creating a prop isn’t just copying an object: it’s about crafting a unique piece that must fool the camera and convince the viewer from the very first frame. At Sincroma, we’ve been doing this prop and set dressing fabrication for 30 years, and while it sounds glamorous, it also means getting covered in resin, sanding at 3 a.m., and in my case, gluing my fingers together with silicone. This article is an uncut making-of: from art to engineering, with a little magic and some anecdotes.
Contenido/content:
What is a prop and what is it for?
A prop is a custom-made object designed to look like something real. It’s used in film, series, advertising, theater, museums, or events. It can be anything from a hyper-realistic product to a surreal object you’d never find at Ikea.
Props, set pieces, and set dressing: key differences
- Prop: objects handled by actors (gun, phone, bottle).
- Set dressing: decoration or background that isn’t touched (a vase, a bookshelf).
- Set: large structure or full build (a fake wall, a façade).
Examples of props in action
We’ve built everything from a giant bottle for a commercial to a hyper-realistic fake meat prop for a vegan campaign. And yes, I once tried to eat it during a break… spoiler: it tasted like polyurethane!
The prop fabrication process step by step
From briefing to technical design
It all starts with a detailed briefing, sketches, and lots of references. Sometimes we even build a scale model first.
Most common materials
- Polyurethane foam for lightweight volume.
- Resin for hard finishes.
- Silicone for special effects.
- Wood, cardboard, PVC… depending on the job.
Traditional and digital techniques
We use manual modeling, sculpture, and airbrushing, but also 3D printing and laser cutting. A mix as daring as contradicting the director when you’re just a trainee.
Real project examples
Hyper-realistic props
One of the biggest challenges is making a fake object indistinguishable from the original. Cosmetics, bottles, gadgets… I’ve even taken a couple home without realizing.
XXL replicas
We also create giant objects for shop windows or trade shows: 2-meter sneakers, giant ice cream tubs… often the hardest part is transportation.
Props with practical effects
We design objects that break, burn, or explode safely, in coordination with FX teams.
Where are props fabricated in Spain?
Workshops in several cities
At Sincroma we take on projects across Spain: from major productions in Barcelona or Madrid to smaller shoots in other cities.
How to choose a good provider
- They should show you past work.
- They should master several techniques.
- They should work well under pressure.
- They should know how to read a technical drawing and understand a director’s wild idea.
Advantages of custom props
Real creative control
A tangible object allows actors and cameras to truly interact. Lighting is natural, handling is real, and even the sound can be more convincing.
Less post-production
Building the object physically reduces digital touch-ups and gives the viewer a more authentic feeling.
Frequently asked questions about props
What is a prop?
An object created to look like another for visual purposes. It can be functional or purely decorative.
What’s the process?
Design → material selection → fabrication → painting and finishing → delivery. And lots of coffee along the way.
What materials do you use?
It depends: foam, resin, silicone, wood, foam board, PVC, metal… and infinite patience.
How much does it cost?
From about €200 for something simple to over €2,000 if it’s complex.
Can you make hyper-realistic replicas?
Yes, and that’s one of the most requested, especially in advertising.
Conclusions on props, sets, and set dressing
Prop fabrication is a technical art that blends creativity, detail, and ingenuity. Whether for a film, a commercial, or an exhibition: every piece tells a story without words.
At Sincroma, every project is a new challenge to surprise and support art directors, set designers, and producers. If you can imagine it, we can build it… and by “we” I mean the Sincroma team— I’m still not allowed near the screwdriver (for good reason).
