Prop Reference Generator Skill
Purpose
Generate reference images for signature props and objects that need consistent appearance across shots.
Trigger
CANON_DB.json and STYLEGUIDE_VISUAL.md exist.
Inputs Required
- •
CANON_DB.json(props data) - •
STYLEGUIDE_VISUAL.md - •
CHARACTER_SHEETS/*.md(for signature props)
Outputs Produced
- •
PROP_REFS/{PROP}/refs/*.png- Reference images - •Updated
CANON_DB.json(reference paths added)
Reference Types Required
For each signature prop:
1. Isolated Object
- •Clean background
- •Multiple angles
- •Detail visible
2. In Context
- •With owner/user
- •In typical usage
3. Detail Close-ups
- •Specific important features
- •Texture and material
Process
Step 1: Identify Required Props
From CANON_DB.json and CHARACTER_SHEETS:
- •Signature props (character-associated)
- •Plot-critical objects
- •Recurring items
Priority:
- •Signature character props (high)
- •Plot McGuffins (high)
- •Frequently seen objects (medium)
- •Background props (low - may not need refs)
Step 2: Extract Prop Data
From CANON_DB.json:
json
{
"type": "signature",
"owner": "CHARACTER_ID",
"description": "...",
"significance": "..."
}
Step 3: Generate Isolated Reference
Load prompt template:
code
prompts/isolated_prop.txt
Create clean object shot:
- •White/neutral background
- •Multiple angles if possible
- •Clear detail visibility
Save as refs/{prop}_isolated.png
Step 4: Generate Context Shots
Show prop in typical use:
- •With character (if signature prop)
- •In typical environment
- •Natural interaction
Use character reference as input for consistency.
Save as refs/{prop}_context.png
Step 5: Generate Detail Shots
For important props:
- •Close-up of distinctive features
- •Texture/material clarity
- •Any text/markings
Save as refs/{prop}_detail.png
Step 6: Update CANON_DB
Add reference paths:
json
"reference_images": {
"isolated": "PROP_REFS/ALICE_NOTEBOOK/refs/notebook_isolated.png",
"in_hand": "PROP_REFS/ALICE_NOTEBOOK/refs/notebook_hand.png",
...
}
Prompt Template
prompts/isolated_prop.txt
code
{{PROP_DESCRIPTION}}, product photography style, clean white background, studio lighting, multiple angles visible, high detail, {{MATERIAL_DESCRIPTION}}, {{STYLE_KEYWORDS}}
Negative: people, hands, cluttered background, shadows, low detail
Prop Categories
SIGNATURE PROPS
Items associated with specific characters.
- •Generate all reference types
- •Include character interaction shots
PLOT PROPS
Items critical to story.
- •Generate isolated + detail
- •Ensure distinctive features are clear
ENVIRONMENT PROPS
Items that define locations.
- •May only need establishing shot inclusion
- •Generate if appears in close-ups
Notes
- •Signature props get full treatment
- •Plot props need distinctive features visible
- •Background props may not need dedicated references
- •Use character references when generating interaction shots
- •Props should match show's visual style