Encounter with 3 TV props: create, recreate, entertain and make reality

Prop artists are masters of objects that allow us to believe in the universe. The requirements placed on them require great imagination and resourcefulness. There is nothing outlandish, everything is calculated and thanks to their talent everything becomes possible. Without accessories, there would be no tests for Big Brother Celebrities neither to Get me out of here!no memories true natureno experiments on awesome or games Small tanners neither to Silence we playno madness in scammer. To shed light on this profession through the eyes of three women who well illustrate the diversity of the task, when there can be no question of fiction.

Marilyn Lachance, Chef property agent Small tanners

Originally an actress, Marilyn discovered the props and sets department while recording episodes. Virginia in the basement of Radio-Canada. After working in advertising as an assistant art director, content researcher, and then on loan, she went on to work full-time as a prop maker, for Star magic, Quebec Cinema Gala and youth series. On the set Small tannersshe manages with her colleague Katherine Roy everything that small hands have access to.

“I love children, and when designing elements, I always have to anticipate their reactions. Whether they’re tossing an object into the air, hitting it, or falling, it all has to be nice and safe, she explains. We want colors, whether sparkling.

When we receive the script, a needs analysis is carried out. From there I can think, create, do. We are more into manufacturing and processing than buying or renting. I love it because it allows me to do everything from a sewing machine to drill ! To evoke a reaction, we often turn to famous games that we create from A to Z, such as the memory game or the ninja game. And for the final game, both boxes should be tempting. It’s up to the child to decide whether to take the cotton candy machine or the dishwasher.”

Each day, recordings Marilyn and Katherine, with the help of technicians, installed and filmed three games and questionnaires for three children. Between each, everything must be put in order, despite the disorder. “Let it be Popcorn everywhere or thousands of balls, everything must be put in order. You must have the right tools, be responsive and fast. Everything should be interconnected and fair.”

Fridays at 20:00 on ICI Tele

Amy Keith, Artistic Director and Props Designer from true nature

Amy loves to tell stories through the universes and elements she created. Coming from the theatre, she has worked in documentaries as well as web series or movies. You can see his work in exhibitions. If we loved each other, I, I eat and especially in true nature since he started.

“I like to have a script, a concept. Telling a story anchors me. When we changed chalets, I was able to rethink the concept and cling more to Jean-Philippe. [Dion] through space and objects that really belong to him. Since he loves gardening, there are many of his supplies in the workshop. There are things that are part of the signature of the show, the boat, the candles at dinner, the note on the door that we remain attached to even if the place is more modern.

“It’s important to know that this is a job where you depend on the availability of others. If you find a property on Kijiji in Repentigny and the person is only free on Monday night, you need to go there, explains someone who also teaches set design at the university. I usually get a list of what I need two weeks before the shoot. There is production and research. We have resources, specialists, we know where to look. We go a long way to find a specific element. I remember that for Katherine Levack we made a recording of her mother on a CD. This was done only in Alberta. You must plan the delivery time. That’s where we get frustrated when the deadlines are too tight.

“IN vintage, there are more requests, therefore, more things for sale. The 1981 Grendizer is easier to find than before, but more expensive. Vinyls, now everyone wants them. They used to be found at flea markets in eastern areas for $2. But Offenbach 70s, everyone wants it, so the price has changed. The problem is the things people don’t keep. The Consumer Distribution directories are often mentioned. I found one from the 90s for Anne-Elisabeth Bosse. And my colleague Alize has already reproduced an unavailable bag of Maple Leaf chips from the 1950s.

“I spend an average of an hour on one accessory. If there is an object that I can find in Dollaram, I will take the road to Laprérie for another, which can take three hours if there is traffic. We have three guests on the show, for which we can have about ten properties. To this are added accessories for classes, things that are missing in the kitchen, a fondue dish. vintage for food, pumpkins to put on the table in autumn, decorations for every place, this requires research and organization.”

Refinement, persistence and attention to detail, as Amy proves.

Sundays at 21:30 on TVA

Dominique Masse, props manager at Awesome!

Science show is at its 14^e season, as does Dominic, who works there full time. She will lend a helping hand in other sets over the weekend, including 100 geniuses, Star Academy or The Masked Singers.

“There are five of us on the team, and everyone has a different experience, whether it’s geo, communication or set design. We are involved in the process from the very beginning. We receive worksheets with ideas for experiments developed by Martin Carly and the research team, then we think about tune and we are going to test.

“I can tell you that very often what you see on YouTube is fake. We spend half a day to three days experimenting to make sure it’s feasible. Nothing is left to chance. Not to mention the beauty of the experience, which is also important. Everything is prepared in the workshop. We have a real Ali Baba’s cave! Our team includes carpenters and patenters. Engineers, doctors of chemical sciences and mechanics, to whom we turn and who can answer our questions. Without a scientific background, you will learn a lot.”

And what is the biggest problem?

“The challenge is to make modules that can be taken apart, since we need to move everything in the studio. We’re filming in front of an audience so we have 5-7 minutes to set up the experience and get everything working. We do a rehearsal so the director can see where to put the cameras. We record four performances a day, that is, seven experiments and five games. Everything must be perfect. We have a clean look, licked, in transparency. We spend most of the day with detergent. We always manage to meet the requirements, sometimes adjusting them a little. It is still the experiments with light that are the most difficult. Because we even managed to lift a car with a strand of hair!”

Monday to Thursday at 19:00 on the Télé-Québec Canal. Even more cool Fridays at 18:00 at Télé-Québec.