Prop Money for Music Videos: Money Guns, Cash Rain and Stacks

Cash rain, money guns and stacks on the table are staples of hip-hop and pop music videos. Prop money makes those shots possible without risking real cash — here is how to get them right.

Money guns

Novelty money guns feed single notes through rollers, so the paper has to be the right size and weight. Our money gun refills are lightweight prop notes cut to fit standard money guns and supplied in 100-note reloads. Load notes flat, squared up and all facing the same way to avoid jams, and keep a few spare reloads ready between takes.

Cash rain

For notes falling from above, lightweight loose notes float and flutter better than heavy stock. Throw from just out of frame, shoot at a higher frame rate for slow motion, and have a crew member sweep up between takes — 300 notes go a long way when they are recycled.

Stacks and flexing shots

For close-ups of an artist holding or fanning cash, use full-print prop money stacks so every note looks right. Background stacks on a table or in a bag can be filler stacks, which keeps the budget down.

Keep it safe and legal

• Shoot on a closed set or private location where possible.
• Collect every note after the shoot — loose prop money left in public can confuse people.
• Never hand prop money out as a giveaway or use it to pay for anything.
• Our notes are one-sided, under-size and overprinted PROP, which keeps them clearly within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s conditions for reproductions.