This Prop Master’s Work Is Hidden in Plain Sight

Ross MacDonald makes his paper by making paper. For the last 25 years, he’s created tens of thousands of paper props for movies and television shows like “Baby’s Day Out,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Boardwalk Empire” and “Parks and Recreation.” From handwritten letters to driver’s licenses, each piece is custom made and thoughtfully imbued with backstory. Step into Ross’s Connecticut workshop to see how movie magic gets illustrated, aged, cut and copywritten.

#Movie #Props #Film

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[Melesse]

As someone who pauses movies & tv to read the rest of the letters or page, thank you for the work you do, Ross.

[kittycatcuties]

Listening to people talking about their passion is one of the most beautiful things to me. Thanks GBS for showing this man's passion and work!

[fukutaichou]

After this, i dont think ill look at paper props the same way again

[varizza]

This sort of attention to detail is what made movies beautiful. What a man, must be proud to have your work everywhere like that.

[TheSteveAS]

I love all your documentaries, but this one really stands out from the others. Such a compelling and unique profile. Well done!

[MrMarioAnthony]

This guy makes me want there to be a props category at the Oscars! What a master of his craft!

[NoNo-nztb]

This man does such simple small things, that create such a large impact on the environment around his work, good job man!

[pnath]

Many unsuspecting people who just go into the theatre and applaud the acting of the lead actors never realise the amount of work that is involves by so many people but rarely get a screentime of not more than a few seconds.

I am really glad that you people made this video.

[Eralen]

That's dedication. When someone creates something so convincing, you don't even notice it, because it belongs, that's a master at his craft!

[tracycoffin]

This video is going to change the life of an aspiring prop maker I'm working with as a college counselor. This story is beautifully told. Thank you.

[ellisandking]

Love this one! So many people don't realise how much crafting goes into the tiniest thing on the film screen. The language of film; complexity made simple. Amazing work Ross MacDonald. Wish we had budget for more people like you in South Africa!

[olgak]

He honestly sounds more thrilled when talking about movies he contributed to than some of star actors ...

[randomgirll]

Propmasters are so interesting to listen to talk about their craft. It’s amazing how many details are involved, how much there really is to think about and how everything comes together.

[Drane_]

This is the reason why I appreciate the small details in movies

[Zumiisu]

And I had kept looking and looking for the' Baby's day out' story book with actual in movie with same book cover... Never knew until now about someone's work in there

[SeaLemonDIY]

This was so fascinating. I would love to make a book prop for a movie!

[akshaybharadwaj]

This guy adds so much context to every movie or show he does, as important as an actor or director. He has changed the way I will look at props now. Thank you GBS for sharing this.

[RodCornholio]

It's amazing when it's created so well that you never question its authenticity.

[iorioni]

Sometimes if I’m watching a movie or show on my phone or on t.v I pause it to read the documents, letters, etc. it’s so interesting how much effort is put to into production

[telexcyrajkumari]

I always wondered how those papers, documents, tiny details are made . Whenever I watch a good movie I feel the big picture was possible to give such impact only because of the small details and today I learned about someone who dedicates his time to making all this possible thank you