The Set Decorator reports to the film's Art Director, who in turn reports to the Production Designer, and is responsible for finding furniture and objects that accessorize a set, are appropriate to the period and add to the "look" of the film. The Prop Master takes care of anything that an actor can pick up and hold in his or her hand, often referred to as "hero" props. Very often, items they're after can be found by scouring flea markets, prop houses and retail stores, although a little ingenuity and handcrafting is sometimes required to produce props that sell the story. Often, the Prop Master works with the special effects crew to rig props for an effect that is important to the storyline.

Studios often store props and set décor after they've been used to build a resource library for future films and sequels. Sony Pictures Entertainment created its own Property Department in 1991. More than a decade's worth of assets are now located in a 70,000 square foot warehouse, a haven for more than 500,000 assorted props and set accessories.