Hidden Gems: Meet Damian Hattori of Props Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Damian Hattori

Hi Damian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started working in the film industry as a PA in the Costumes department at 19 years old. I was fortunate enough to work on awesome movies like Django Unchained, Looper and Seven Pounds just to name a few. I was then hired in the Prop department on Big Brother and met my mentor, Jon West. Over the 8 years I worked with Jon, he showed me all the ins and outs of how to guide a crew and fabricate props.

In 2017, I started to get contacted by other people on other shows to make props for them. I then I realized it would be in my interest to start a business, thus “Props Inc” was born. Shocked that no one already had registered a business under the name “Props”, it was a clear sign for me.

Since, we’ve worked with Dancing with the Stars, Nike, Coachella, Masked Singer, Activision, Red Bull, Pepsi and many more. We just moved into our 4th location, such a new and improved space, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely has not been smooth, there’s a new problem everyday, but with greatness comes adversity. Constant problems solving is what comes with running a business, so you just have to be fluid and go with the flow. Solutions are the answer.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We make stuff.

-Fabricate props for TV and Film
-Design trophies
-3D Printing, CNC services
-Build hero set pieces
-Make art installations
-Build pop up shops
-Full brand build outs

Some of our clients included:
-Dancing with the Stars
-Nike
-Masked Singer
-Activision
-Pepsi
-Red Bull
-CBS

We are perfectionists, always striving to fulfill the clients vision to the T and we work fast! Able to make the tight deadline you so desperately need. Masters of our craft, we get things done.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles (818), so I’ve seen the city change a lot. Traffic’s always sucked, but at least we all have something to agree on. I love this city, its my home. Its a lot sometimes but I don’t really see myself anywhere else at the moment. We have some of the best food, best shows there is to see, endless amount of entertainment and Kendrick Lamar. Can’t really beat that…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madprops-la.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madprops_la/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/propsincla/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/propmaster_la/

Image Credits
All images by Damian Hattori and Props Inc