By: Lottie Bynum
People have been making screen accurate props for years to mimic their favorite movie or TV shows for years, however with the advancement of new technology available for these types of hobbyists can take their craft to a whole new level of accuracy and efficiency.
In prior years prop makers have used materials such as cardboard, clays, and fabrics to mold their props. Since clays, cardboard and fabrics are so versatile they are still used today, but they have more specific uses. 3D printing and plastics are the new tech to improve the hobby. The plastic is able to be printed in shape rather than needing to mold or cut cardboard for these props.
Props can range from full Ironman suits to weapons or even life sized character models that these hobbyists can make. Some of them run businesses or media accounts helping others to get involved with the hobby of prop making as well. For example, Frankly Built, a prop maker in Raleigh, North Carolina, has built two full Iron Man suits of armor and 3D prints smaller props from various shows and animes such as Demon Slayer(Katannas), Spiderman(Green Goblin Mask), and a Mandalorian helmet. He runs a channel on youtube teaching others how to start prop making and reviews the different 3D printers he has. Other creators focus more on a specific niche. Spartan052, a halo cosplayer, runs a Tik Tok account posting about the video game Halo and how he 3D prints his Halp armor and other Halo props. He also entertains his audience in his armor, sharing encouraging videos reminding viewers to drink water and funny skits as if he was in Halo.
Others in prop making opt for less industrial projects and props such as screen accurate cloth and fabric costumes. Screen/ comic accurate Spiderman, Red Hood, and Mandalorian suits work more with fabric than with 3D printing or cardboard props.
Overall, 3D printing has improved the prop making community and allowed there to be easier ways to achieve their goals.
Baron Media Network 