Flexible foam or rubber replica of hard objects like weapons, tools, or furniture used in stunt sequences to prevent injury – crafted to look identical to real items on camera while being safe for contact, falls, and fight choreography.
What is a Rubber Prop?
A Rubber Prop is a flexible replica of a hard object made from foam or rubber, used in stunts. These props look identical to the original on camera but are safe for contact, impacts, and falls.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Foam/Rubber |
| Purpose | Safe Stunts |
| Appearance | Identical to Original |
| Property | Soft, Flexible |
Material Types
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Polyurethane Foam | Lightweight, moldable |
| Latex | Flexible, detailed |
| Silicone | Durable, realistic |
| EVA Foam | Robust, inexpensive |
Applications
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Swords, clubs |
| Tools | Hammers, axes |
| Furniture | Chairs for stunts |
| Everyday Objects | Bottles, telephones |
Manufacturing Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Sculpt | Create original form |
| 2. Mold | Create casting mold |
| 3. Cast | Pour foam/rubber |
| 4. Paint | Realistic painting |
Hero Prop vs. Rubber Prop
| Aspect | Hero Prop | Rubber Prop |
|---|---|---|
| Detail | Highest | High for distance |
| Material | Realistic | Foam/Rubber |
| Usage | Close-ups | Stunts |
| Safety | Standard | Increased |
Weapon Props
| Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Swords | Core for stability |
| Knives | Soft blade |
| Guns | For impacts |
| Clubs | Full foam |
Paint & Finish
| Technique | Application |
|---|---|
| Base Coat | Primer |
| Weathering | Wear and tear |
| Metal Look | Foils, paints |
| Sealing | Protective layer |
Weight & Balance
| Consideration | Solution |
|---|---|
| Too Light | Core weights |
| Balance | Weight distribution |
| Handling | Like original |
| Momentum | Appropriate mass |
Stunt Applications
| Scenario | Usage |
|---|---|
| Fights | Impact weapons |
| Falls | Furniture |
| Hits | Thrown objects |
| Contact | Body contact |
Camera Considerations
| Aspect | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Distance | Further away = Rubber OK |
| Close-up | Use Hero Prop |
| Motion | Fast movement = Rubber |
| Lighting | Surface reflection |
Safety Testing
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Impact | Impact test |
| Flexibility | Bendability |
| Edges | No hard edges |
| Weight | Controllable |
Care & Maintenance
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Gentle |
| Storage | Shape retention |
| Repair | For tears |
| Touch-up | Paint refresh |
Budget Factors
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom Mold | Initially high |
| Multiple Copies | Unit price decreases |
| Paint | Labor intensive |
| Maintenance | Ongoing |
On-Set Communication
| Aspect | Protocol |
|---|---|
| Labeling | Mark "Stunt" |
| Exchange | Communicate clearly |
| Storage | Separate from Hero |
| Props Team | Coordination |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Multiple Copies | For damage |
| Clear Labeling | Avoid confusion |
| On-Set Testing | Confirm safety |
| Continuity | Matching to Hero |
Today
Rubber Props are indispensable for safe action sequences. Material science has evolved to enable increasingly realistic and durable stunt props. The combination of highly detailed Hero Props for close-ups and Rubber Props for stunts allows for convincing and safe action scenes.
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