PROPOLOGY
Technical Glossary & Contract Terminology
A useful list of terms and language used throughout this site
"Breakdown & Distress"
The application of materials and/or processes that simulate natural wear and tear on prop items.
This can take the form of permanent or removable treatments.
Please note that permanent breakdown or distress treatments are not permitted on Rental Props. Temporary treatments must be carefully removed prior to item return in order to avoid restoration or replacement fees.
"Custom Prop"
A prop built to custom specification.
"Custom Rental"
A rental prop from our inventory modified by us to client specification.
"Deposit Cheque"
A cheque produced by Production Accounting covering the replacement value of those props rented (Deposit Cheques must be provided on or before rental item pickup.)
"Graphical Treatment"
Graphic design elements produced either in-house by the production Art Department or through outside contractor. These often take the form of self-adhesive, cut-vinyl elements portraying logos, control labelling, brand or logo cover-ups (see "greeking"), accent coloration, etc..
Please note that Renters must never apply any graphical treatments that cannot be easily removed. Permanent, unauthorized alteration of rental items, will result in restoration or replacement fees.
"Greeked", "Greeking", or "Greeked-Out"
Film industry term referring to the removal, replacement, or modification of the brand names and/or logos commonly found on commercially manufactured goods. (Much of our rental inventory has already had its "branding" removed.)
Please note that Renters must never use any geek-out method that cannot be easily removed. Permanent, unauthorized alteration of rental items, will result in restoration or replacement fees.
"Inert"
Not possessing any volatile or explosive properties. Legally not considered an explosive device. (In reference to our simulated explosives.)
"Loss & Damage"
An accounting term to describe the expense associated with the loss or damage of a production asset or item hired by the company. Any rental item lost (or damaged beyond reasonable repair) would be billed out to production as a "total loss" at full replacement value. Rental items not returned in the same condition noted at time of pickup are subject to repair & restoration fees, and are billed out as "damages" fees.
"ND"
Abbreviation for "non-descript". Used in the description of certain Custom Props that appear to possess more than one possible use. For example, a typical custom handheld "scanner" prop may simply consist of a set of controls and an animated LED display. The actual purpose of these controls and display are not self-evident until they are used in a certain specific context. For this reason, this device can be said to be plausibly measuring gamma radiation, magnetic flux, sound pressure, or virtually anything else given the scripted scenario. (May also describe a prop of indefinite origin.)
"Replica"
An exact, or near exact visual reproduction of a known artifact. Replicas usually only possess limited and/or simulated functionality appropriate for their scripted purpose.
"Show & Tell"
An organized presentation of a prop (or prop selection) to production personnel for evaluation. Our rental props can be loaned out for 24 hours at no charge, to facilitate a production show & tell.
PROPOLOGY also offers a no-charge "Online Show & Tell". Click here to see a sample.
"Simulated"
Possessing attributes that present the illusion of authentic functionality.
"Swamper"
A shipping assistant proficient in the handling and transport of props. (Pertinent to our Rental Terms and Conditions.)
"Technical Prop"
A prop device, apparatus, or component, used to portray some technical process.