Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544153
8 PROP CULTURE I SPRING 2026 MEET NIKKI HICKS Growing up, Nikki developed a love of film and television as it brought her closer to her family. They held regular movie nights, watching less for the story and more for the visuals, imagining themselves holding the iconic props and eventually trying to recreate them using whatever materials they could find around the house. That early fascination with props and the craft behind them eventually led Nikki into the film industry, where she now works as a sales associate at Independent Studio Services. Nikki started in the film industry as a special effects makeup artist and eventually, her craft led her to props where she found her true home and calling. She prides herself on looking at the small details, adapting in real time, and working in depth with clients to make their visions come true on the big screen. Two years ago, she had the honor to work directly with Russell Bobbitt and his team for the feature film Thunderbolts*. "I am to this day, a die-hard Marvel fan and the idea of being able to assist on such a large-scale project was a dream come true. Working on this project was the best challenge." Nikki learned, studied and focused on details about tactical weaponry, tactical setups, helicopters, tanks and so much more. She took firearms training classes and spent one-on-one time with weapons specialists so that she knew that the product she provided to the team was accurate and no detail was overlooked. She led a large team to assemble hundreds of tactical setups and prop firearms, and every prop was handled with the utmost care. "I don't think I'll ever forget being asked to personally build Yalena's (Florence Pugh) tactical vest and helmet setup, and when I saw it on the big screen, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. That little girl who would use her imagination and pretend to someday be a hero on screen, got to eventually have a part in propping the heroes on screen. Dreams do come true!" PROP HOUSE SALES ASSOCIATE NIKKI HICKS THUNDERBOLTS*