Ask Adam Savage: What Makes a Prop Work in Its Universe?

What makes a character, other than the actor? Will Adam ever recreate Sapper's kit from Blade Runner 2049? In this live stream excerpt, Adam answers these questions from Oliver Williams and Jakub Fabisiak, whom we thank for their support. Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam questions: / @tested
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[@monotech20.14]

How does the Blade Runner LAPD Blaster work in universe?

[@BROON71]

The Black Pouch at 7:15 is an ITS Tactical ETA Trauma Kit Pouch (Tallboy).. For anyone wondering..

[@86fifty]

It makes my "sparks joy" senses tingle to see a movie replica prop being used IRL for its intended purpose!! That's just so awesome, I don't even have the words for it :)

[@michaelramon2411]

In terms of "iceberg props", I have that kind of relationship with the Resistance's heavy bomber, the StarFortress, in The Last Jedi. I know a lot of people really hated it for some reason, but I just look at it and I just see something that makes total sense as a post-Endor, pre-Jakku Rebellion product (they have resources and recruits, but no time to train them into anything fancy) that then got passed down to the Resistance (which also benefits from simplicity of training and maintenance). I think George Lucas told someone in The Phantom Menace's crew that the key to a good starship design was that you would learn everything necessary about it within 5 seconds, and that probably applies to most iconic props as well.

[@AchronTimeless]

Same, I love that ship and the objections to it are just bizarre. The one I keep hearing over and over is that the bottom of it is open to space and that's somehow not possible, and I keep showing them screenshots of the death star open to space with a forcefield on an even bigger opening than that. The ones that don't immediately go quiet make it pretty clear they're not actually upset about the ship, they're mad about something unrelated and trying to justify it by nitpicking design elements.

[@michaelramon2411]

@@AchronTimeless I kept seeing people arguing that the creators should have used Y-wings or B-wings instead, as if one of those could plausible cripple a massive dreadnought the same way a StarFortress could. The critique that they are fairly big targets for something of their slowness and fragility is slightly more valid, but based on the assumption that the StarFortress destroyed by a TIE crashing into it is normal and the StarFortress that survives at least six laser shots (which no other onscreen fighter has done) is the exception. Really, someone could make a whole video series by taking unreasonable or bad faith criticisms of TLJ (not that it's a flawless movie, of course) and applying them to the Original Trilogy. ("Luke's a Mary Sue who just randomly reveals he knows how to fly fighter jets near the end of the movie!")

[@aridragonbeard745]

I think a big part of the objections have to do with the fact that a B17-style bomb bay wouldn't work in space due to the lack of gravity

[@edwardrhoades6957]

@@aridragonbeard745 There's gravity inside the ship, then it's inertia once the bombs are away. They'll just keep going until they hit something.

[@dafrandle]

My objection to this ship is more so doctrine than design. Y-wings and the other typical "bombers" in Star Wars can get away with inertia-based weapons because they are small and fast (relatively) The StarFortress is none of these things, and frankly has no business being within 1 AU of any hostile warship. The fact that even just one got to release its' load in episode 8 can be solely attributed to plot armor. These are slow big targets (at least as shown in episode 8) that I bet you could easily hit the main armament of any warship regardless of that warship's size. Its like packing a fishing trawler full of TNT and then going straight for a Nimitz at only 15 knots. If they launched a crap ton of proton torpedoes from standoff range and then ran like hell after launching, I would have no problem with them - but right now they will never succeed if the foe is given a fair chance against them.

[@dio52]

For me, one of the greatest iceberg props of all time is the Lament Configuration (the puzzle box) from Hellraiser.

[@lauramiller4939]

Dumbledore answered the first question in Chamber of Secrets: "It is our choices that define us, far more than our abilities." Without seeing how a character behaves when there are choices to do differently, we get the answer. Harry and Voldemort are good examples.

[@ScottCalvinsClause]

I was pretty deep into ceremonies in OA (Order of the Arrow). I lead classes on it and competed at regional and national conferences. The most overlooked aspect of the principles (characters) was the regalia in relation to the character. The first time an actor was asked "why" about what they were wearing/holding would surge in them blank stares and dread in the unknown. Having a story for each prop and every bit of garb was so important to the embodiment of the principal you were portraying. Its fun to make props, but is there a reason for it other than "it looks cool"?

[@robertlocock5636]

On the prop/character topic I would suggest that the Batmobile from The Batman was a character as much as any of the actors in the film. The reveal before the Penguin chase was phenomenal.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*a better question might be: what qualities of any given character makes you become emotionally invested in their actions/deeds or motivations...and want to buy their in movie props afterwards if they come up for auction?*

[@JonesNate]

Or just to rephrase it; "What makes a character BE that character on screen or on stage, other than the appearance, personality, or eccentricities of the actor portraying that character?" A good example to make the question more specific: "What makes Sherlock actually be Sherlock?"

[@scottmantooth8785]

@@JonesNate *good one*

[@christophermahon1851]

The thing about movies and theater is that it's collaborative. Props, sets, and actors are at the mercy of the writing and directing. Everything has to work or nothing works.

[@RodCornholio]

Wish Adam would talk a bit about props/set decor regarding how weathering/paint/distressing appears on the prop or set, say if you saw it in real life, versus how much is lost under the lights and on film. I heard it was something like a 60% - 75% (?) "loss". Weathering/distressing is definitely an art.

[@seymourlego1]

Hey Adam I love these videos, love the spontaneity of all the questions. You have such an insight into the movie business. So entertaining. Keep up the great work 😀

[@griffinwolf5704]

Occasionally someone says something that just opens up the way you think about things and you have to pause and consider it. When Adam said that the bladerunner pistol contributes to your suspension of disbelief I had to pause the video and think about it. I'd never conceived suspension of disbelief in that way, I'd say I thought of it as something that preexisted that you could stretch or wear down but not that could be added to or affected in other ways. Fascinating

[@InvertedFreeSolo]

I'm assuming Oliver is referring to the other elements of bringing a character to life beyond the acting and writing - the unsung heroes of filmmaking - art direction, costume design, makeup, sound editing and mixing, visual effects etc.

[@willmfrank]

How, for example (and I'm deliberately choosing an example that would be instantly familiar to Mr. Savage) does Indy differ from Solo? They're both played by the same actor, so something other than the actor has to be at play in the distinction between the two.

[@DarrenPoulson]

I was thinking he meant a prop that makes a character like Iron Man's suit.

[@willmfrank]

@@DarrenPoulson Indy's whip and revolver, versus Solo's blaster, for example.

[@Raynsideways]

"Shaking hands with him feels like someone's handing you a bunch of bananas" is about the funniest description of a large person I think I've ever heard.

[@punkdigerati]

Someone needs to make a compilation of all the times Adam leaves camera looking for things in his cave.

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

I always get nervous when Adam quotes Chandler, because it usually sparks an idea for me to create a photo built around that quote.

[@nathkrupa3463]

Good information learning videos

[@juliancartystudios7601]

Hey Adam! I am 12 years old, and grew up watching Myhtbusters, and love every second of your content! Thanks for doing what you do! -Julian Carty.

[@warlocc-paul]

It's amazing how many of those big, tough guys from sports turn out to be such wonderful people.

[@danielcox7629]

It might be because they are constantly surrounded by other big tough guys.

[@warlocc-paul]

@@danielcox7629 You may be on to something there. Everybody's polite if everybody else can knock you down a peg or two.

[@ScottCalvinsClause]

Jamie's crisp white shirt illustrated so much of his character.

[@RedstoneNG]

Hey Adam, cool video!

[@brucecharlie8613]

Classic engineers answer "Well the writing" haha love this guy. Exactly what I would say

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

3D PRINTS ON A FABRIC BACKGROUND. 🤔 Have you tried 3D printing onto fabric? I’m not sure of the final product’s durability, but assuming that it’s stable etc etc the applications for cosplay are endless. If you still have a suitable 3D printer, I’d like to see you trying out different prints like a scale armour for instance or spiky thorns ❤ Start the print as usual then pause after a few rows and place/tape your fabric down over the top. Restart the print and leave until complete. An open weave, medium stiffness mosquito type netting is a good “background to use. The open weave helps the second part of the print “adhere” to the first part through the fabric - it also looks super cool ❤ Fish scales Snake skin Spikes of various sizes Amazing textures etc 🙂🐿❤️🌈

[@MorrisonManor]

I like a prop that meets the technical level of the environment/time/place but, having an active feature that the actor can make appear to be utilized without thought sells it, every time. Usually, this is an item that is operated by the actor via muscle memory, like you would locate and flip a light switch.

[@kitirena_koneko]

I think I get what Adam is trying to say--look at the scimitars from the "Trial by Stone" scene in The Dark Crystal. You have to look closely, but the swept-hilt handguards are shaped like Seksis talons, the blades have a flowing shape suggestive of the head and beak of a Skesis in profile--each blade reads "Skesis had these forged to their specific design, presumably by Gelfling slave labor." There's a whole story behind the two swords; even though we never learn that story, we subconsciously know that it's there nevertheless.

[@nathanhiggins860]

I feel like the question "what makes a character other than the actor?" is a perfect example of how they have to approach James Bond. The props/gadgets, the way he dresses, the way he talks, the why he responds to situations. Does that make the new actor still feel like he is Bond to the audience. Sometimes a role/character is so linked to an actor it is hard to imagine anyone else playing it. Like Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones, could anyone else pick up the hat, whip and say the lines in the same way to make us believe he is Indy?

[@lupus.andron.exhaustus]

What an ingenious shirt Adam is wearing! :)

[@nathanwood5977]

Love the question about the character. Maybe the question is malformed but it really got me thinking.

[@captaindunsell8568]

Realizing the main character realizes as in the Last Starfighter when Alex Rogan thru Centauri encouragement along with Grig’s nudging, realizes he can defeat the rogue son’s vision of conquest. BTW… this is a modern Sword in the Stone where Alex is Arthur …

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

thanks

Interesting thoughts about what makes a character worth watching (rather than the actor). I think it´s a mix of good writing, the clothes, how real is the universe around the character... of course good acting is a great part too. I honestly don´t think Indiana Jones would be that interesting without Harrison Ford (an Deckard.... and Han Solo.... I think people don´t realize how good Harrison Ford is (was?) actually).

[@microMobilidade]

That scene in Loki when she says “Maybe we are stronger than we think” its great

[@buzzmooney2801]

Bautista is a surprisingly brilliant Improv guy!

[@bumblbesss]

Odd that Adam says he is not an Actor, but then he is and has been a Charactor in his on show many times

[@TDax]

The character tells his/ her story. Lots of that story telling is down to the person acting...but lots of other aspects of the character also contribute to the story. The writers, the costume designers the prop makers the other actors interacting with the character

[@richardhaas1989]

"What makes a character besides the acting?" Makeup, Costume/Props, Lighting, Background music/sound effects associated with the character.

[@davidrobie4048]

I’m wondering if maybe Adam sees this from the outside. “I am not an actor.” And he does a wonderful job of explaining how to integrate what you do into the world that’s being built. But, In my youth, I was an actor. And that is what propelled me into an almost half a century career as a prop person. And from an actor’s point of view I can tell you the exact moment that I became a proper propper. I ended up in a college theater program when I was 15. (I looked like I was maybe 12) I’ve always been a “character actor”, and I found myself somehow cast as “Doctor Baugh The sober Baugh is Daddy's physician. He delivers Daddy's diagnosis to Big Mama and leaves her with a prescription of morphine”. Not exactly a starring role. And, as a 15 year old yankee who grew up in the 60s and early 70s, not an easy person for me to become. It all came down to a pocket watch. There was this bit that the director wanted that involved “Doc” pulling out a pocket watch. And props provided a dime store plastic one for me. I happened to have inherited or elsewise acquired 4 real ones, and I brought them in. So here’s the collaboration. I had two silver ones, one plain and one rather elaborately engraved. One gold one, engraved, but more simply. And another plain gold one. Production design and the role of the character implies a quality watch, but not too fancy. And that’s what I pulled out of my waistcoat (vest) in that moment. A quality and pretty expensive watch. Unadorned. Not really looking all that differently than the plastic one I had been given from 30 feet away. Here’s where it becomes character development. It didn’t look that different. But it FELT different! It made ME feel different. It was the whole character. Station in life, age, his whole personality! Plain. But gold.

[@jacobpalomarez5349]

First thing that comes to mind is the musical stinger that plays any time Mando enters a room.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Props, the stuff that the character uses. The soundtrack The makeup The wardrobe

[@TJRohyans]

I suppose, to really appreciate some of Adam's references, I'll need to watch Bladerunner some day.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Best prop, hellraiser lament Configuration box :)

[@jacekgospodarczyk4384]

Hi Adam. Off topic. Do you have any stuff from Space 1999 tv series?

[@king2kx]

while I understand they were the Wachowski brothers at the time of making the Matrix, they are now both transwomen and should be referred as the Wachowski sisters.

[@bullshitdetective1]

the grail diary!!!!

[@Brandon-zo9ly]

Regarding Raiders. Indiana Jones makes a difference. He saves the girl. Multiple times. If not for him she would have died at the bar when they got the medallion. She would have died (or worse) at the camp, again in the tomb, and again when the Ark was opened. Granted all but the first he is responsible for putting her there, but he still saves her.

[@keng6663]

If Indy wasn’t on the island at the end the Allies would never have known where the ark was, the nazis would have investigated and got the ark back, and been a lot more careful with it.

[@billbucktube]

You ARE a story teller in the best possible light. I might like to hear you read the phone book…

[@billbucktube]

@Adamsavagestested......... Scamming much?

[@garywilloughby6893]

2019 Blade Runner Blaster !!

[@xKatjaxPurrsx]

Adam: Why didn't you put stabilizing fins on the JATO cars? It's like setting off a model rocket motor with no rocket and fins attached.

[@hunterbaywolf577]

Like the Light Saber in Star Wars.

[@benjiespinosa4703]

“ENOUGH” is a good JLo movie. Billy Campbell as the baddie did a good job. Final fight rocks. JLo v Rocketeer.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Interaction with other actors and the set?

[@joelsbowlsarejoelsgoals9636]

Enough is an amazing movie. J-lo is a superb actress

[@BlasterShow]

If you like the "hero/heroine who is qualified," you gotta check out "You're Next."

[@gavingiant6900]

Character is/can be the charaterisitics to distinguish a person or thing. For example, Wednesday Addams is kinda abit of a sociopath and she likes to wear black and has pigtails. Ghostbusters you have different characters but the proton packs etc makes them Ghostbusters, a character in that sense too.

[@tpseeker3367]

Still say there NEEDS to be a Savage Museum.

[@coreyennis9411]

A traveling one.

[@KennyLenny0]

yall should check out rtfkt studios and see if you can make something like that!

[@Mncdk]

I imagine Adam likes, or would like, the Librarian movies. :D

[@billkew5385]

Amy Farrah Fowler came up with the Indiana Jones plot hole, not Sheldon.

[@jimcox8162]

What makes the character other than the actor? Ans. The wardrobe and the staging.

[@shanejayell]

Oliver: "I am working on my dissertation so I'm gonna try to make ADAM SAVAGE do the work for me." Dude, you have HUGE fucking balls, man. Just saying. *lol*

[@vjsoeifi]

Is it hard for Adam to really get into a movie? It would seem with his thought processes and knowledge of movie production it could be difficult to watch the movie for the story without analyzing the effects, props, camera movements and so forth.

[@coreyennis9411]

He can probably switch off. I used to have a hard time since I did lights and sets. But first time I would be all in and 2nd or 3rd time would be all about "how'd they do that?"

[@tomhorsley6566]

Indy's bullwhip. Leeloo Dallas' Multipass. Humphrey Bogart's fedora...

[@captaindunsell8568]

The Candlestick Phone on a desk

[@captaindunsell8568]

Static prop or dynamic prop? Static props like the items on the desk of a 50s PI’s desk, or dynamic like the weapons or even the clocks in the opening scene of Back to the Future … Each and every prop must have a reason to be there in the scene. Too many things on the desk implies a well paid PI when the PI is supposed to be struggling or just getting by. The clocks told the story of docs obsession with time…. One more… music is also a prop…

[@tpseeker3367]

Wardrobe, Props & Set? (Dives behind couch) Should have waited to watch the WHOLE vid first.

[@alancranford3398]

Related question: at what point does a prop become a character? Is HAL 9000 a character or a prop? Then there was "Precious" in Lord of the Rings--that ring could influence behavior and physically change other characters. The seven horcruxes in the Harry Potter series could be pure prop or regarded as characters--Harry Potter and Voldemort's snake were obviously characters. This question came up to me in the early Sixties because of all the cowboys on television. Roy Rogers had animal characters: Trigger and Bullet come to mind. Nellie Belle was a jeep--prop or character? Songbird on Sky King was an airplane, but so central to the series that I'll argue Songbird was a character. In the US Navy a ship is regarded as a living thing--would Enterprise of Star Trek be a character or a prop? Movie props did define some characters. Paladin had his custom Colt revolver. James West of Wild, Wild West had the Remington double derringer. James Bond had his Walther PPK. Dirty Harry carried his .44 Magnum. Lucas McCain carried his iconic Winchester rifle set up for rapid fire. Sergeant Saunders had a tommy gun. Arthur wouldn't have been king without Excalibur. Is there a point when a prop becomes a character? Where is that point?

[@Michael_Insects]

Hi

[@canadiancactus3528]

yo

[@HeyThatWeirdGuy]

Hello there

[@Michael_Insects]

When the imposter is sus. Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo dumdum dum.

[@Dannyboyefc]

Props, costume and weapons make a character. Get rid of Clint’s poncho and the character loses a certain something imo, same with Indy with the hat, jacket and whip etc

[@rickhunter1984]

Rippley in alien 1,2,3.

[@liquidmeme6019]

it's the Wachowskis sisters, slight correction. love your one day builds and guest showcases.

[@andrewrehm1600]

The above is a fake tested account

[@ushereonyoutube]

🤔

[@sleepingninjaquiettime]

Where's the tourniquets, pressure bandage's, gauze, and tampons (tubes, perfect for puncture wounds)?

[@mailleweaver]

Watching that open bottle sit there amid all the hand-waving was kinda stressful. Especially after the phone took a couple of bumps. I wish it had just been capped.

[@kustomkool]

I asked "ChatGPT" (A.I.) this question: In order to understand what makes a prop work in its universe, it's important to first understand what a prop is. A prop, short for "property," is an object that appears in a film, television show, play, or other form of performance. Props are used to help tell the story and create a sense of realism in the performance. In order for a prop to work in its universe, it must be appropriate for the time period, location, and context of the story. It should also be consistent with the other props used in the performance. For example, if a character is using a smartphone in a modern-day setting, it would be out of place for them to also be using a quill and inkwell. Props should also be functional and serve a purpose within the story. If a prop is simply there for decorative purposes, it may not be necessary to include it. Props should also be well-made and believable, so as not to distract from the overall performance. In summary, for a prop to work in its universe, it should be appropriate, consistent, functional, and well-made.

[@coreydelahunt3631]

Why hello

[@unadomandaperte]

He's trying so hard to process the person who's asking the question but doesn't know what the heck they're trying ask! 🤪

[@acemarvel1564]

When its wrapped in special effects

[@b.jkeogh1145]

The only answer is " A writer."

[@toribrown3871]

Hey Adam, love your work, just a note: The Wachowskis are actually sisters. They both transitioned several years ago :)

[@SethChase42]

Adam, my friend, your work has brought many, many hours of joy to my life over the years. That said, I've had many people express to me the challenges that they've faced in their lives because of their transgender status. To hear you refer to the "Wachowski Brothers", at @5:07 ... when it seems that they've expressed an existence as something other than male, or brothers, for over a decade now ... really conflicts with a significant amount of the respect that you've built, in my eyes, over the years. I've always appreciated when you've focused on things like "I would" instead of "you should", and other verbal structures that create a more precise, and accurate, representation of the world that we share. I hope that you're able to hear, and incorporate this, as we all move forward.

[@MOYAHORROR]

I’m sure he is fully aware, but working for years for them must make it pretty hard to no use the term brothers in part tense when reminiscing the time making the matrix for them. I’m sure in any other context he would had said sisters, but that’s muscle memory for you. Unfortunate, but definitely not deliberate. I also didn’t even notice the slip first, but then rewinded back as something felt off and found what happened there. But I’m sure no harm was meant.

[@MorningDusk7734]

I think Adam's brain would actually short circuit if we ever got to talk, because I have somehow found a love for film without seeing what would probably be his "must watch" list of films (i.e. Blade Runner, The Matrix, The Original Karate Kid, any James Bond, a good chunk of the MCU, Spirited Away). Meanwhile my "must watch" list would probably be films he would be unlikely to consider for his.

[@Dreadnought242]

Wachowski SISTERS. Please, Adam.

[@SteveC-id6dq]

Nice job working through a questionable question Adam.

[@Maxine_silverfox]

You'll probably never even see this but love you Adam but it's the wachowski sisters

[@JoshSweet]

Wachowski *siblings*/ *sisters*

[@elle3562]

"Wachowski BROTHERS" ouch :(

[@joshgooding3273]

damn they both changed teams, i wonder if adam knows that?

[@LethalShadow]

I think it's fair to slip up on that considering most people would know them from a time when that was how they were referred to. Case in point; He was talking about Matrix.

[@BINDIJUICE]

I genuinely don't think Adam meant to say that as a way of offending anyone. When he worked on The Matrix sequels, they would've still identified as 'brothers' and given the rapid train of thought he was on talking about world building, it would've just been a slip of the tongue. We all know how inclusive and genuinely respectful Adam is

[@Robroy333]

Midsummer is a rip on Wicker Man lol. Hereditary same with Rose Mary’s baby … same director ( hmmmm? ) lol

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

…sisters?

[@GeomancerHT]

Wachowski Sisters

[@headwyvern11]

I know you meant sisters but you did say brothers...

[@dpastor6631]

It's okay to say "man", just sayin' :-)

[@randelbrooks]

Don’t apologize for using the word man there’s nothing wrong with that. And besides it’s Latin and genderless.

[@xliquidflames]

Wachowski *sisters

[@Micah__]

“Brothers”

[@kevwatson7965]

Crap

[@Ztex]

Apologizing for saying "man"... when quoting something from the 50's... love you , but come on.

[@timgelder4263]

OMG did he really just justify saying "man" because that's what they said back in the "old days"? Is that where we are now?

[@GreenMachine1975]

He means how the whip, the jacket and the hat are part of what make Indiana Jones the character that he is... Like Glamdring, your favorite sword, Adam... That THING is part of what makes Gandalf, Gandalf...

[@GeneralOsik]

Huh, I have that exact ITS ETA Tallboy. I never realized it's the same one used by Sapper! I bought it years before Blade Runner 2049 came out. I use it to hold my IFAK, trauma kit, TQ, and naloxone on my city cycling bag GoRuck GR0.