Prop Builds

A selection of hero props, architectural models, and fabrication work from film and television.

Coming Soon

Iskander Sayapov

I approach every project as a logical problem before an artistic one. A brief is a set of constraints. A mood board is a set of questions. My job is to work backward from the image in someone's head to the physical reality that produces it.

My practice spans commercial production design, film and television prop work, and digital fabrication. I design in Fusion 360 and SketchUp, build in every material, and lead art departments through every phase — from the first concept sketch to the final day of strike.

Fifteen years in this industry have taught me that the best design solution is almost always the simplest one that still does everything asked of it. Budget is a design constraint, not a limitation. So is time.

Based in Toronto. Available for production design, exhibition, and environmental design commissions.

Freelance Production Designer

Commercials & Advertising · Toronto, ON

Lead the full design process from concept through strike: spatial planning, set design, material specification, AV and multimedia integration, practical and stage lighting, graphic design, and on-set art direction. Manage art departments of 6–8 direct crew including set decorators, buyers, construction coordinators, scenic artists, and graphic designers, plus multiple external shops and suppliers. Collaborate directly with directors, DoPs, advertising agencies, and clients to synthesize competing creative requirements into a unified vision. Managed production budgets up to $150K within compressed 10–14 day windows. Progressed through all art department disciplines — set dresser, set decorator, production designer — since 2010.


Selected Clients: Volkswagen · Tim Hortons · Cadbury · New Balance · OLG · Staples · The Source · University of Phoenix · National Lottery of Ireland · Winners · Concrobium · Valvoline · GO Transit · Ministry of Education Ontario · Jack Link's · WoodGreen · Lincoln Canada · Huggies Canada · Ascensia · CME Group · Mucho Burrito · Juicy Fruit · Jumpstart · John St. · Crown Royal · Pizza Hut · Mike's Hard Lemonade · Budweiser · Best Buy


Selected Directors: Shane Griffin · Jon Noorlander · Michael Fueter · Mark Mainguy · Docter Twins · Evan Dennis · Bugsy Steel · Wayne Craig · Eric Thompson · David Quinn · Shawn Zeytinoglu · Chris Muir · Jon & Torey · Marc Schoelermann · Michael Downing · Daniel Sheppard · Ben & Dave · Mathew Bissonette · Lionel Coleman · Brennan Stasiewicz · Jono Hunter · Steve Chase

2010 – Present
Fahrenheit 451 Prop Maker HBO Film
SEE, Season 2 Prop Maker Apple TV+
Sneakerella Prop Maker / Buyer Disney+
The Hot Zone, Season 2 Prop Maker / Buyer National Geographic
The Apprentice Prop Maker / Buyer Theatrical Feature
FUBAR, Season 2 Prop Maker / Buyer Netflix
Ready or Not 2 Prop Maker / Buyer Theatrical Feature
Boston Blue, Season 1 Prop Maker / Buyer Network Television

Spatial & scenic construction at any scale. Digital design in Fusion 360 and SketchUp, broken down into CNC routing, laser cutting, FDM and resin 3D printing, or traditional methods as the piece demands. Hero prop fabrication across genres: architectural maquettes, sci-fi devices with live electronics, articulated mechanical rigs, weapons, decorative objects. Full finishing capability: casting and moulding, vacuum forming, foam sculpting, metalwork, paint and patination. Material reuse and waste reduction applied as standard practice.

AutoCAD Fusion 360 SketchUp Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Unreal Engine 3D Printing (FDM / Resin) CNC Routing Laser Cutting Arduino Practical & Stage Lighting

Diploma, Film & Television Production

Toronto Film School · Concentration: Production Design & Set Design

2008