HOLLYWOOD From Below the Line

Steven M. Levine, a veteran Hollywood property master, through both humorous recollections and poignant stories, not only takes the reader onto a Hollywood set as a crewmember but is also hugely informative about the art department and props in particular—any item handled or used by actors during the filming of a show. Once awakened to the world of props, the reader will never watch films or television shows the same way again. The reader will gain a whole new perspective and appreciation for a department, rarely if ever mentioned, but just as vital to the look and feel of a production as costumes, make up, set design, etc. The book explains what property masters do, how a script is “broken down”, why props must be thoroughly researched, how the prop master interfaces with other departments, and how to deal with the inflated egos he or she will certainly encounter. He also opens up about the toll that 14–16 hour days and being away on location for months at a time can take on a family.

Steven Levine of Manhattan Beach, CA During his 39-year career, Levine logged 73,000+ hours working on films as a property master (or assistant) on 30+ feature films and countless episodes of television productions. Growing up in Hollywood, he took after his father, Allan Levine, a long-time property master who founded the well-known prop rental house on Venice Boulevard in LA, The Hand Prop Room. Steven lives with his wife and two dogs in Manhattan Beach, California.