Pluribus: The Official Podcast
Episode: S1E5: Mark Hansen (Bonus Episode)
Host: Chris McCaleb
Guest: Mark Hansen, Property Master
Date: December 4, 2025
Episode Overview
This bonus episode of Pluribus: The Official Podcast shifts from the regular roundtable format to a conversational one-on-one with Mark Hansen, the veteran property master behind Pluribus, as well as Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Host Chris McCaleb explores Mark's journey into the world of props, his work on the new show, the intricate details of prop creation, and what makes for great collaboration on set. The episode is full of behind-the-scenes insights and practical wisdom for fans and aspiring filmmakers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Mark Hansen’s Journey into Props
- Chicago Roots & Move to Albuquerque (01:05)
- Mark began his career as a photographer’s assistant in Chicago, but a desire for change led him—and his dog—to New Mexico.
- He stumbled into film production through local commercials, was channeled into the art department, and evolved into prop work as New Mexico’s film industry grew.
“I literally started doing commercials out here in the 90s, and late 90s is when the commercials started dying off, but the film incentive started here. And so we started getting more films out here in New Mexico.” — Mark Hansen (01:22)
The Scope of the Prop Department
- Defining ‘Props’ (03:05)
- Props go far beyond what actors hold: includes computer graphics, food, labels, license plates, and even chairs.
- Graphic Design Collaboration (03:23)
- Close cooperation with graphic designers is required for items like dog food labels and custom graphics on screens.
- Chairs as a Persistent Challenge (04:13)
- Chairs for actors are humorously described as “the bane of my existence.”
“It’s a weird thing...the loose definition is anything an actor handles or consumes. But you’re right, it goes beyond that.” — Mark Hansen (03:24)
Involving Animal Trainers
- Working with Wranglers & Animal-Safe Trash (04:26, 05:44)
- The prop department liaises with animal trainers, especially for immersive scenes like wolves rummaging through trash.
- Trash must be safe for animals; created to look authentic but contain only props or embedded treats.
Crafting Signature Props for Pluribus
- Milk Cartons: Art, Logistics, and Volume (06:30)
- Milk cartons—an iconic prop for the season—were sourced, customized, and mass-produced between art and prop departments using industry mainstay Earl Hayes Press.
- Designing Fictional Brands (07:38)
- Writers and legal teams agree on names, while the graphic design team crafts visuals and flavor options.
“That’s a labor of love there because of them putting it together and coordinating...it became quantity at a certain point.” — Mark Hansen (07:21)
Script Preparation & Prop Vetting
- Early Access to Scripts & Outlines (08:41)
- Hansen benefits from Pluribus’s detailed outlines, enabling early identification and vetting of major props, like the nuclear football and book covers.
- The Waikaro Book Series (10:04)
- A collaborative detail: the idea that each book in the fictional series gets thicker, reflecting how series often evolve.
“For somebody to mention that was great...it’s now been, you know, a year and a half or better since that conversation.” — Mark Hansen (10:23)
The Vince Gilligan Working Environment
- Inclusivity & Open Ideas (10:30)
- Vince Gilligan’s approach encourages best ideas from any department, fostering a collaborative spirit.
“Vince has never stopped anyone from throwing out a suggestion from any department. He’s great because sometimes it’s gold when somebody offers something and it’s a really great detail...” — Mark Hansen (10:45)
Comparing Shows: Pluribus vs. Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul
- Evolving the Prop Process (11:22)
- Prop research on Breaking Bad led to some humorous “watch list” moments.
- Pluribus benefits from a finely tuned process with advanced vetting and fewer surprises on filming days.
“On Pluribus, I’m on less watch lists online from research than I was on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul...” — Mark Hansen (11:22)
Standout Props from Episode 105
- Dog Food Bag & Personal Touches (12:29)
- Created custom-sized bags using a special machine for flexibility; even the dog used on packaging was selected after a fair “casting” process.
- Show & Tell Before Shooting (13:34)
- Prop presentation sessions with Vince, directors, and producers are a cornerstone for buy-in and creative alignment pre-filming.
Practicality and Authenticity of Props
- Shortwave Radio & Camcorder (15:09)
- Research included consulting local ham radio experts to ensure accuracy.
- The camcorder journey: sought period-appropriate models and landed on a design that balanced functionality and visual character.
“I’ve learned more doing props on this show. Like, when would I ever have the—an excuse to go learn about ham radio?” — Mark Hansen (16:01)
Advice for Aspiring Directors & Filmmakers (17:42–18:59)
- Know the Crew, Know the Jobs
- Mark values directors who understand multiple departments and communicate efficiently.
- Clear understanding of roles avoids mix-ups and improves workflow.
- Communication is paramount; in the “Vince world,” crew members proactively relay any cross-department insights.
“If I get a piece of information that would help costumes, I call them right away and just let them know. So communication is really key...” — Mark Hansen (18:28)
Fun Film Set Lingo: Swing Gang
- Explaining Set Lingo (19:02)
- The ‘Swing Gang’ refers to the on-set crew under set decoration, led by the lead man, responsible for moving or “swinging” set dressings as needed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It’s a weird thing...the loose definition is anything an actor handles or consumes. But you’re right, it goes beyond that.” — Mark Hansen (03:24)
- “I can’t even imagine the watch list I’m on from some of the research, but Pluribus is a little more straightforward...” — Mark Hansen (11:25)
- “Milk cartons. Boy, I’ll tell you, that’s a labor of love there...” — Mark Hansen (07:21)
- “I’ve learned more doing props on this show. Like, when would I ever have the—an excuse to go learn about ham radio?” — Mark Hansen (16:01)
- “If I get a piece of information that would help costumes, I call them right away and just let them know. So communication is really key...” — Mark Hansen (18:28)
Key Timestamps
- 01:05: Mark’s origin story in props
- 03:05–04:20: Expanding scope of prop department
- 04:26–06:18: Animal props and animal-safe trash
- 06:30–08:29: Milk carton creation & design process
- 08:41–09:53: Script vetting for major props (nuclear football, book covers)
- 10:04–10:30: Detail on the Waikaro book series’ increasing thickness
- 11:22–12:15: Prop research and process differences across Gilligan projects
- 12:29–13:24: Creating the custom dog food bag
- 14:27–14:45: The logistics and fun of show-and-tell for props
- 15:09–17:22: Shortwave radio and camcorder breakdown
- 17:42–18:59: Advice for new directors and on-set communication
- 19:02–19:28: “Swing Gang” set lingo explained
Tone & Style
The tone of the conversation remains friendly, warm, and appreciative, with playful asides (jokes about being on watch lists, the “herding cats” analogy, and sharing set lingo). Both Chris and Mark share an obvious respect for crew collaboration and a delight in the craft, making this an episode rich for viewers curious about the unsung effort that props bring to the Pluribus universe.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a deep dive into the unsung artistry and logistical mastermind behind the props of Pluribus. Mark Hansen’s anecdotes illuminate the planning, creativity, and camaraderie vital to immersive TV worlds. Aspiring filmmakers and fans alike will gain both practical tips and a new appreciation for the everyday items that make their favorite shows so believable.