What Are Break-Resistant Props?

At times, a production may require breakaway props, which are props designed to break during a performance consistently and without fail, such as breakaway glass. Other times, a production may require break-resistant props, which are props that are designed to stay intact during filming.

Some of the many benefits offered by using break-resistant props include cost efficiency as props don’t need to be replaced as frequently due to unwanted breaking as well as safety purposes so that actors and crew don’t get hurt on set using heavy, sharp or fragile props.

How Do Break-Resistant Props Work?

Break-resistant props are constructed from various materials depending on the nature of how they will be used. The prop may be an integral part of the action in a scene or it may simply be used for background display purposes.

Foam and rubber props are commonly used in combat scenes, for example, so that upon impact, they do not cause any bumps, bruises or other injury to the person getting hit with the prop.

Break-resistant props like baseball bats, frying pans, hammers, bricks, and even “heavy” weight plates for barbells are usually made of foam, rubber or a variety of other soft and flexible materials.

Dishware, glassware, and vases are often made from durable PVC and high impact plastic to help retain a more realistic appearance than foam or rubber may provide for those props.

Other props can also be designed to be flame proof, either made from flame retardant materials or treated with flame resistant coating.

If you are looking for special effects crew or prop masters and prop assistants in Nevada to help you source break-resistant props for your next production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory to find experienced Nevada production crew and support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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