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Bake, bake, cake – the props department has called “Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten” villain Jo Gerner loves his cognac and in “Schiller” on “Unter uns”, attention is paid to healthy eating. To ensure that the delicacies shine in front of the camera, there is the props department.

In the prop kitchen, for example, soups, snacks and, depending on the story and the shoot, even several course meals are created. But it’s not just culinary delights that are prepared in the props kitchen. The employees take care of the decoration and furnishing of the filming locations and studio backdrops, set conversions and the preparation and follow-up work for filming. In addition, scripts have to be read in order to design the individual scenes with the appropriate props. In short: prop masters are the ones who turn an idea into an image and creatively realize it, sometimes with the simplest, sometimes with the most elaborate creative means.

Sophia Manns – Pioneer of the trainee program in the prop department

UFA SERIAL DRAMA is one of the few production companies in Germany that successfully offers internal training in the prop department. In doing so, the company focuses on the security and promotion of young talent. Rainer Wemcken, Managing Director of UFA SERIAL DRAMA, explains: “We are already noticing very clearly that we are lacking young talent in some important areas. However, it is essential for the implementation of our strategy that we continue to have access to the best talent from all areas in the future.”

One such talent is Sophia Manns, who successfully completed the first trainee program in the props department at UFA SERIAL DRAMA as a pioneer back in 2013. She found her way into the company by chance, starting as an intern and then beginning her props training: “While surfing the internet, I came across the job advertisement for a props intern and thought it sounded interesting. Because I was studying media management, the media world was more theory than practice for me. After my internship, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to learn the ropes at such a large company.”

The trainee program in the prop department usually lasts between 12 and 18 months, during which the trainees work permanently in one of the UFA SERIAL DRAMA productions. Sophia was trained in the props department of “Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten” at the Babelsberg production site, where she learned something new every day. In order to get to know the company better, her training began with a three-month tour of all the production departments. “In principle, I saw everything from plotting to editing, because the individual departments were always keen to involve me in their work. So I was able to get to know the normal working day of storyliners, script coordinators, make-up and costume designers, production managers, schedulers and much more. I then worked in our set design department for almost a year. Here I was employed as an assistant to the props and set designers, but there were also often projects that I was allowed to implement on my own. For the last three months, I was again assistant to the props department .”

Everyday life in the prop department

Sophia’s work in the props department was divided alternately into a preparation week and a shooting week. “My daily routine was that I put together, created and procured props during the first week. I then provided these props together with my prop master the following week in the studio during the filming process. During the week of filming, there were also other tasks, such as cooking,” says Sophia, who was also able to attend seminars during her traineeship. Here she learned more theoretical basics, for example in the area of equipment. This also equipped Sophia well for bigger challenges: “I was once scheduled as a second props assistant, prepared myself accordingly and was then surprised with the task of taking over the entire management. The prop mistress was ill! Of course I was a bit shocked at first, but then I just got on with it and in the end everything worked out really well. I think I was also able to consolidate my reputation as a result. It’s just great to see that what you learn here pays off.”

Sophia has indeed gained a good reputation with her work in the props department at UFA SERIAL DRAMA. “After completing my traineeship, I was taken on as an interior prop master here and have been in charge of my own blocks ever since,” says Sophia proudly and is looking forward to her professional future at UFA SERIAL DRAMA: “There are always exciting things going on in our department, such as shooting with bugs or maggots or working in special locations, for example on rooftops or in clubs, which we try to set up accordingly. Big events like the Mauerflower Festival or weddings are also a challenge and a lot of fun at the same time. I am very happy to have been given the chance to become a part of UFA. During my time here, I have found that UFA offers great opportunities for further education and training. I feel valued as an employee here and have the opportunity to work in a great atmosphere.”

What do I need to bring with me as a trainee?

Sophia knows exactly what skills and qualities are needed for a trainee in the props department: “Stamina, because there are always days when you have to do something that you’re not particularly good at. Then commitment is important, because that way you can also prove yourself in other departments. You should also be curious, as many of our tasks are related to those of other departments and you can learn a lot from them and use it further.”

If, like Sophie, you are interested in the trainee program in the prop department, you should first and foremost be creative and have a talent for improvisation. Motivation and reliability should be essential for you, and you should have technical interests and skills. A completed apprenticeship as a visual marketing designer, interior designer or comparable technical training is desirable. If you also have an interest in television and media, nothing stands in the way of your application.

How do I apply?

We generally advertise vacancies for the trainee program in our job advertisements, provided we can offer them.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accept unsolicited applications due to the very high number of applicants. We ask for your understanding.

You can download an information flyer here: