Mark C. Auret

"PROPS to the STARS" is the banner under which Mark Auret and M. A. 'boris' Rivett-Carnac operate. My website is dedicated to supplying the public with information relating to my participation in the South African Film and Television Industry.

PROPS to the STARS, born officially in January 2003 is the combination and culmination of 19 years service within the S.A. film and T.V. Industry and approximately 40 35mm feature films, made for T.V. movies and mini-series.

After "breaking" into the industry in 1989 while studying journalism in Durban, I worked with several "Gaffers" in and around Johannesburg as a lighting assistant on some of the numerous T.V. dramas being shot in the early 90's, and I am proud to have "sparky" credits on such dramas such as Mina Nawe, Thlakantsuke and The Game. In between these employment opportunities I began working on television commercials in the Art Department, sourcing and building Props. This was to be the beginning stage of a fully-fledged career in Props and Film.

M.A. 'Boris' Rivett-Carnac

After a number of years learning, assisting and action-vehicle co-ordination and some smallish Properties Master stints, I made a firm decision to spend several years building a reputation and career as a Standby Propsman - the man ultimately responsible for ensuring that the right prop is on set at the right time. This decision allowed me the opportunity and privilege of working very closely with numerous foreign and local Props Masters and Directors. During this time I gained an acute insight into the way things work on the actual film set (behind and in front of the camera) and a clear understanding of what directors from different parts of the world expect of a prop; be it glass bottle being smashed over someone's head, a feather-quill pen and ancient ink bottle or a fine jewel - encrusted hand held heroines mirror. Be it a murder weapon or evidence bag, a particular type of walking stick or briefcase, a brand of cigarette or type of smoking pipe or simply the colour of a money purse or wallet, a actor/actress props help develop and subtly colour their particular character.

Now, in 2008, with several Props Master credits, I have been more involved in the planning phases of a film, longer pre-production and the recruitment of Props Crew able to offer reliable and trustworthy expertise and a team of excellent Props people dedicated to their work.

Once again, welcome to my website, and should you wish, I invite you to page further for a more accurate C.V., photographs and a brief summary of my PROPS to the STARS warehouse, offices, and various tools, equipment and vehicles.

Why www.grimboy.com you might ask yourself? Well, that's a whole new story. Watch this space!