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The prop types listed below can apply to all forms of the Sci Fi Genre. There are of course other props used in movies and television as simple as a book, electric shaver, rifle and/or other household trappings.

Type One: Theatrical Prop.

This prop is generally two halves or shell of the prop, glued or tapped hurriedly together. A simple decal maybe applied for detail. These props are not meant for up close scrutiny. They are generally given to actors deep in the background.

Type Two: Full Mock-Up, Non-functioning.

This type of prop is given to actor's closer to the camera. This type of prop is a solid piece, not two shelled haves. These will hold up under closer observation since finer details have been added.

Type Three: The Stunt Prop.

Also known as a Rubber Dummy/Stunt Weapon. Generally made of hard rubber. Able to withstand being dropped or thrown. For example, in “Star Trek”, the Bat-Leth fighting scenes involve this type of prop. Another example of a stunt prop is the whiskey bottle made of breakaway glass or otherwise known as "Sugar Glass". This is generally used for a "Bar Fight" scene in a western or cowboy movie.

Type Four: Poly-Foam Prop.

Poly Styrofoam or Poly foam is a material that is similar to the material used in seat cushions or "Nerf" products. The construction of these props is two fold. First, Slush Latex (material used to make Halloween Masks) is poured into the mold. The latex is allowed to "coat" the walls of the mold. This allows for the latex to "drink in" all the required details of the outside of the prop. Second, Poly foam is injected in to the mold. Within 20 seconds a chemical reaction takes place and the Poly foam begins to "bubble" and fill the open cavity. Once allowed to cure the prop is removed and painted. (See Pic of Poly Foam Prop)

This prop is used when actor is to be struck. A person is attacking example, A woman in a fight scene. The scene cuts to a leather shoe on the floor. (That shoe is real.) We see her grab the shoe and in the next scene she strikes the actor about the head with it. The Poly foam shoe prop replaces the leather shoe prop. Since the Poly foam is soft, the actor cannot be hurt when performing the scene.

Type Five: Backup Prop.

A prop of which many are made and that can be used in case of damage or need during
a production but ultimately isn't. This is identical in every way to a screen featured prop but just wasn't used on screen.

Type Six: As Used in Production Prop.

A phrase used to describe screen worn or screen used prop items.

Type Seven: Like Used in Production Prop.

A phrase used to describe replicas or backup props. These would also be Authentic Replicas that could be used as display items for a museum.

Type Eight: Hero Prop.

"Hero's". "Hero" is movie slang for the best model with the most features used for the close-up or insert shot. This is usually shown in those shots where just about all you see is the hand of the actor holding the hand prop. The number of "hero" props depends on how many scenes the prop may be in and the possibility of the actor dropping it to the floor-destroying it.

.......Type 8A: Close-up Model.

This is usually shown in those shots where just about all you see is the hand of the actor holding the hand prop.

........Type 8B: Special Effects or Special Working Model.

Is a prop to produce the flash and bang of a firing weapon. They would, of course, use the non-functional copies for the majority of the scenes where you would not see the gun fired. The special realistic firing props would be reserved for the scenes where it would be fired and secured for safety reasons after the scene was "in the can". This ensured that all during the rest of the filming the actors would be carrying safe and harmless non-firing props. Another example of this type of prop would be a prop that contained electronics allowing the prop to have many LEDS light up for detail.

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Choose from the following subjects	The Definition of a Prop	The Types of Props
The Creation and Construction of a Prop.	Advice on Kit Prop Building.	Prop Collecting.
Found Props	Greebles