FACILTIES FRIDAY: BRINGING METALWORK TO THE REGION

Metalworker Harry Prescott of Proper Sets Limited has recently brought his craft, and young family, to the Wirral, joining a region he believes is full of opportunity for people working behind the scenes in Film and TV.

With seven years’ experience across theatre, props, events and film, his path into the industry began at the Royal Opera House, where he trained as a scenic metalworker. “As soon as I was shown around, I thought, I really need to be part of this,” he says. “We built huge steel structures, bridges, frames, once they were clad, they looked amazing.” 

After his apprenticeship, Harry jumped between creative departments, engineering roles and prop workshops, picking up skills across carpentry, 3D designs and CNC operation. His metalwork, however, always pulled him back. “I love doing everything, but once people see what I can do with metal, I end up in that area,” he says. “And I’m good at it – so that’s what I want to keep doing up here.” 

Since moving north, he has worked on projects with Manchester’s Take One (including a Blue Peter build), and Warrington’s Do Not Bend Productions. But his long‑term ambition is simple: to give productions in the region a specialist metalworker they can call on. “Metal isn’t as daunting as people think. It’s strong, reusable, easy to bolt together, and in some cases it’s cheaper than hiring scaffolding.” 

Harry’s experience in studios has shaped a flexible way of working that avoids unnecessary overheads. Rather than relying on a full-time workshop, he prefers to build what he needs on-site. “We’d roll up with a welder, make a bench out of steel and get started,” he says. “It’s clever and cost‑effective, you don’t need a massive workshop to do big jobs.” From small props like handrails and prison bars (“People always ask why prison bars are made of wood!”) to large frames, bridges and bespoke structural work, he focuses on solutions designed specifically for each production. 

Teaching is another part of his ambition. “Because I came through an apprenticeship, I’d love to take apprentices on,” he says. He’s often found himself showing colleagues the basics of welding on set. “A lot of people in manufacturing don’t realise they can get into this industry. I’d love to help them make that jump.” 

For Harry, relocating to Merseyside has already felt like the right move, both personally and professionally. “You don’t have to be in the capital anymore,” he says. “The Wirral’s lovely, Liverpool’s brilliant, and you’ve got coastlines, countryside, cities, everything in one place.” 

And as production activity continues to rise in and around the region, Harry sees a clear space for what he does. “If anyone’s curious, they can just message me,” he says. “I’m always happy to talk through how I’d approach a set in metal. Even if they only want an opinion – I’m here.” 

For all enquiries, you can contact Harry at [email protected]