Everything an actor needs to know about props and costumes

Costumes and props are not just decorations surrounding an actor; they are a fundamental part of the performance. They establish the continuity of a scene and are often captured in close-ups. A single mistake with a prop or a garment can cost the crew a retake or, in some cases, an entire reshoot. However, the rules for handling them are simple and only need to be mastered once.

The Fitting

The first encounter with your costume usually happens a few days before filming. The costume designer and the wardrobe stylist are always present, and sometimes the director joins in.

What is required of you:

• Arrive on time and with clean skin—you will be changing clothes many times.
• Wear appropriate undergarments: nude tones under light colors and seamless options under tight-fitting clothes.
• Be honest about your measurements in advance to ensure the correct sizes are provided.
• Speak up if something is too tight, chafes, or restricts your movement. Do not just endure it; you will be working in this outfit for twelve hours.
• Demonstrate how you move in the costume: sit down, lean over, raise your arms, and walk around.

What is recorded: Every outfit is photographed in full, including shoes and accessories. These photos are used on set as a reference to ensure everything remains exactly the same across different shots.

Costume Care Rules

• Do not change or adjust your clothes yourself. An unbuttoned button or a rolled-up sleeve is a change in the character's look, and only the wardrobe stylist decides this.
• Do not go to eat while wearing your costume. If permitted, only do so with a robe or cover-up over the outfit.
• Do not smoke in your costume. The smell lingers, and some fabrics are impossible to clean.
• Do not sit just anywhere. This is especially critical for light-colored or period costumes.
• If you tear or stain something, report it immediately. A hidden stain will appear in a close-up, and the entire scene will have to be reshot.
• Do not take items home. Not even socks.
• Hand everything in at the end of the shift and ensure the return is officially recorded.

Your Own Wardrobe

For background roles, commercials, or smaller parts, you are often asked to bring your own clothes. The rules are as follows:

• Bring more than requested: two or three options for each item.
• Everything must be ironed and kept in a garment bag or plastic cover.
• No logos or recognizable brands—these cannot be shown without permission from the rights holder.
• Avoid fine stripes or small checks: they cause "moiré" (visual flickering) on camera.
• Avoid pure white or pure black unless specified: these are difficult to light correctly.
• Bring your own shoes as well, as they are often visible in the frame.

Props

Props are divided into two types: set dressing (items that stay in the scene) and hand props (items you interact with). Your focus is on hand props, and there are three main rules for them.

• Only take props from the property master. Do not pick things up from a table or move them around.
• Return the item to its exact spot after the take. The object must be in the original position, otherwise, the next take will not match.
• Do not eat or drink props without permission. Some items are fake (dummies), and real food is calculated precisely based on the number of takes.

Working with Objects on Camera

The most common mistake beginners make is treating the object as if it exists separately from the character. Here is how to do it correctly:

• Master the object before the take. If your character smokes a pipe, cleans a weapon, or brews tea, practice until the movement becomes automatic.
• Repeat the action identically. Which hand you used, the exact word you said when you put the object down, how much you drank—all of this is recorded by the script supervisor and must match perfectly.
• Do not look at the object more than necessary. A person doesn't stare at their cup; they use it.
• Hold the item so it is visible. If the object is plot-significant, do not cover it with your palm.
• Ask the property master what is allowed. Some items are fragile, one-of-a-kind, or "loaded" for a specific take.

Special Cases

Weapons. Even a prop or replica requires a briefing. Never point them at people outside of the scene, do not check them yourself, and never take them without the property master or armorer. Rules are followed literally, with no exceptions for experienced actors.

Food on camera. Edible food is budgeted: one portion per take. Do not finish the food between takes and do not chew while a neighboring shot is being filmed.

Liquids. The level of liquid in a glass is a classic continuity error. Remember exactly how much you drank.

Character's phone. These are usually props with a pre-set screen. Do not press anything other than what was agreed upon.

Animals. Interact only through the trainer; do not feed or pet them without permission.

Continuity: Why it Outweighs Comfort

Scenes are filmed in pieces and often out of order: a wide shot in the morning, a close-up after lunch. Everything must match between them—the position of a collar, the length of a cigarette, the dampness of the hair, or which wrist a watch is on.

This leads to a rule that may seem trivial: do not change anything yourself. If you unbutton your jacket between takes because it's hot, the scene will not "cut" together. If it is truly necessary, tell the wardrobe stylist or the script supervisor, and they will decide.

What to Bring With You

• Various types of undergarments if you know there will be multiple looks.
• Comfortable slippers or a change of shoes for moving between the set and the dressing room.
• A robe or cover-up if you expect long wait times while in costume.
• No personal jewelry: watches, rings, and earrings are decided by the costume designer.

Summary

• At the fitting, be honest about comfort and demonstrate your range of motion.
• Do not adjust, change, or wear your costume to lunch on your own.
• Take hand props from the property master and return them to their original spot.
• Master the object beforehand and repeat the action identically in every take.
• Handle weapons, food, liquids, and animals only through the responsible specialist.
• If you stain or tear something, report it immediately.

Please note that rates, contract forms, and tax rules differ by market. For projects currently in preparation, visit the castings section.