 |
August 23rd, 2010
Special effects and props are both very important in any film or TV production, whether it’s a few simple props, or a full blown CGI explosion, having something visually interesting to look at is vital. Below are some examples of the various effects used in film and TV, in order to give the viewer a much more exciting visual experience.
Special effects are expensive to add to film. They are used to create sequences and images which either do not exist in reality, or those which it would be too dangerous, time consuming or inconvenient to produce solely for a movie. Today, one of the most popular means of creating special effects is to use computer generated images. A recent example of CGI in film is the blockbuster movie, ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’. The werewolves in this film have been created using CGI. Another popular form of creating special effects is to use animatronics, as seen in ‘The Thing’ or, stop motion animation such as in the classic ‘Jason and the Argonauts’.
Props are very important in film. They help to set the scene and give the actors something to work around. Props are not usually classified as special effects, unless they do something out of the ordinary. For example, in the short film ‘The Horse Hair Chair’ an ordinary household chair begins to grow hair, before enveloping the owner completely and pulling him into its depths. In this instance, a simple prop becomes a special effect. At Keeley Hire, we offer a huge selection of film, stage and TV props for hire, at affordable prices.
Tags: film props, filmmaking, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
August 8th, 2010
If you are a horror movie junkie, there is nothing more fun than throwing a horror movie party for you and your friends. The great thing about a horror movie party is that it can be as extravagant or as low key as you wish.
If you are looking to throw a low key bash for you and a few friends, all you need to do is rent a few of your favourite horror films and buy some snacks, then settle yourselves down for a fun filled frightfest.
However, if you want to throw a more extravagant party for a special occasion, there are a few more things you will need to do. Below are a few ideas which could make your party perfect:
Send out spooky invitations. A horror movie party is always more fun if the guests wear fancy dress, so, put a request on the invitation.
Hire some horrifying props. No horror movie party would be complete without some seriously spooky props to scare your friends. At Keeley Hire, we have some great horror props, from spooky spiders to chilling coffins, which will definitely give your guests a scare.
Cook themed food. Vampire’s blood punch, marshmallow ghosts and devilish eggs will all go down a treat and will complement your theme perfectly.
Consider hiring a projector. You can then show some of your favourite horror films on a large screen. This will add to the spooky atmosphere and will hopefully give you and your guests a scare or two.
Tags: film props, hiring props, Movie Props, prop hire company
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
August 5th, 2010
If you look at the biggest blockbusters of the last few years, chances are, most of them will feature some CGI. Computer generated images have provided film makers with an amazing tool, which has opened up the possibilities for their films. In the recent blockbuster Avatar, James Cameron showed us just what could be done with technology when he created a beautiful new world for our viewing pleasure, but, no matter how great this technology is, some of us miss the old-style movie props we grew up watching on-screen.
When the new Indiana Jones movie was released, long time fans were dismayed at the use of CGI, preferring real props instead. It has to be said, there is something magical about seeing something amazing on screen and wondering how it was made. Much of this magic is taken away when props are replaced with CGI. Of course, there are many effects, such as those in Transformers, which it would be impossible to achieve with props, but many directors today are too quick to use CGI when they could find a great alternative in the real world. When it comes to horror films, props are almost always the best option. Think of Michael Myers’ mask in Halloween or Freddy Krueger’s latex make-up in Nightmare on Elm Street; modern CGI images are just not as personal and wouldn’t have the same creepy effect as the originals.
At Keeley Hire, we can help you with all of your movie prop needs. We have props which will not only look great in your movie, but which are also affordable and practical.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
July 27th, 2010
Both props and costumes play a very important role in any film. A good costume will look great in the print and will give the audience an enjoyable viewing experience. It will also tell them something about the character, and will contribute to the opinion of the character before they know too much about them. Film makers use this trick to good effect all the time. Often, they do not have the time to fully establish every aspect of the character, and so they give the viewer information about the person. The clothes they wear add to their personality, and round them off much more quickly than could be done otherwise. Think about movies you have seen where the bad guy wears black leather; we know he is bad from the second he arrives on screen, or the typical ‘damsel in distress’ who appears in a flowing white gown, immediately telling us she is pure.
Props work in much the same way. They give us a little extra insight into the person using them. A good example of this would be that of the character Dale Cooper in the 90’s TV show Twin Peaks. His main prop was a tape recorder, on which he would regularly record his thoughts. Not only did this serve as a way of getting into his head and hearing what he was thinking, but it also showed us a little of his methodical personality.
At Keeley Hire, we have a huge supply of props for use in the TV and film industry, which can be hired at reasonable prices.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
July 14th, 2010
Making a movie is a challenge. There are many different elements which come into play, so it is vital that you are prepared with a plan before you begin shooting your film. Before you do anything else, you will need a script to work from. When it comes to film making, it is not really viable, in most circumstances, to work without a detailed screenplay. Having a finished script will not only ensure you and your actors know what to do but will also help you work out the likely cost of your production, allowing you to budget for essentials such as props.
Once you have a script, you should be able to work out a budget for your film. The budget should cover everything from props, actor’s wages and post production. Post production covers things such as special effects and editing. You should always aim to stick to your budget strictly, if possible. To save money, hiring props from prop hire specialists from Keeley Hire is a good idea. We can supply movie props at a competitive price. Also, look for friends who have experience with editing or effects and ask them to help you out. Try to keep a contingency fund which can be used in case of emergencies or set backs too, so you do not get caught out with no money left to finish a project.
When you have a budget and a rough idea of a schedule, you will need to audition for a cast. Advertise locally and on actor’s websites for cast members.
Tags: film props, filmmaking, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
July 5th, 2010
Modern life can be hectic and stressful. If the daily strain is getting to you, it can be fun to sit back, relax and spend some time in the past, when gadgets and gizmos didn’t rule our life. Historical movies and period dramas are great for watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon. They have the ability to transport us to another period in time, when life was simpler and the pace of life was much slower.
Period movies, by definition, are set somewhere in the past. Most period films are set in one specific time period, which they aim to encapsulate perfectly during the 90 minutes of screen time. When making period movies, it is important to ensure that the audience can suspend their belief for the entire runtime, and feel as though they are actually living in the time period they can see on screen.
In order to achieve this successfully, authentic props must be used. Whether you are filming a sepia-hued western or an extravagant Bronte novel, you must have the correct props and costumes on show at all times. Vintage shops, antique stores and prop hire stores, like ours at Keeley Hire, are great places to seek out period pieces which will give your period film a touch of ambition and authenticity, and be believable in the modern world. Bad, ill-fitting props can ruin the illusion generated by a period film, as chronological inaccuracies can be very distracting for the viewer, leaving them unable to truly believe in the film they are watching.
Tags: authentic props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
June 27th, 2010
Props play a large role in any movie. There have been many popular movie props over the years, a good few of which have gained notoriety in film history and are now part of popular culture. Using props in your film is a great way to stand out, and ensure your film is remembered for years to come. Below are some examples of the most memorable movie props ever to have been used in Hollywood.
1. The Bullwhip in Indiana Jones: One of the most loved of Spielberg’s movies, Indiana Jones proved a big box office draw. Indy is mostly remembered for his bullwhip and fedora hat.
2. The lightsaber in Star Wars: This is arguably one of the most popular props in film history. If you show most people a picture of one of these gadgets, they will have at least some idea as to what it is. There are few little boys who have not dreamed of owning a lightsaber of their very own.
3. The potter’s wheel in Ghost. All the ladies out there will be familiar with this prop, which provided one of the most enduring moments in the movie. The scene in question is now lodged firmly in the collective psyche, and is one of the most recreated scenes in pop culture history.
If you would like to use props in your movie, check out Keeley Hire. We have many excellent props available for hire, which could enhance your film and help to make it a big success.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props, star wars props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
May 17th, 2010
The Importance Of Movie Props
Using props in a movie is absolutely essential if you wish to create an exciting, believable and vibrant setting for your characters. Movie props fulfil a wide range of roles on the screen; whether it be setting the scene for your characters or providing a subtle hint of things to come. Some of the best ever made are great not only because of the story they tell, but also because they are so richly designed. Directors like David Lynch uses subtly placed props or set design to give the viewer a clue about the plot. Each time you watch one of his movies, you will notice something new which helps with your understanding of the film. Alternatively, consider the movies of directors such as Steven Spielberg or George Lucas. Their films would be nothing without the use of good movie props. Can you imagine Star Wars without the light sabres or the spaceships?
When sourcing props for your movie, it is important to do some research. After all, you want your set to look authentic and using a 17th century table in a movie set in the 15th century does not do anything for its authenticity. One of the advantages of buying props nowadays is there are many available to you. At Keeley Hire, we have a great reputation built from years of dealing with the biggest names in the business and you’re now able to view everything we have to offer on our website.
Tags: hiring props, Movie Props, Props, set design
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
May 13th, 2010
Make Your Own Movie
With the huge advances in technology and the availability of high quality digital cameras, it is now possible for aspiring film makers to create their own movies on a shoestring budget. There have been quite a few cases, reported in the media recently of film makers who have made very low budget movies and seen them become huge successes. A recent example of this was the movie Colin. The film was made by Mark Price for a reported sum of £45. Shown at the Cannes film festival, it was a hit and sparked a bidding war between two Japanese distribution companies.
Equipment is one thing, but you still need a good idea, solid actors and some great props. Writing a screenplay can be difficult but it is a skill that can be learnt.
Finding actors in your local area who are competent and able to do justice to your script is the first major hurdle you will face. After all, it doesn’t matter how good a script is if the actors are awful, no one will watch.
The use of props has always been important in the movies. Imagine your favourite films without the props. Not as exciting, are they? Giving your film the perfect setting will help to realise your ideas and transport your audience into another world. Props can be expensive, but here at Keeley Hire we offer a huge selection of props for hire at affordable prices, allowing you to bring your ideas to life.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
May 9th, 2010
Props For Hire Online
Stage and movie props are essential tools to be used when staging any theatre production or making a movie. Try to think of a single film you have seen which does not feature any kind of prop. The likelihood is that you will find this an impossible task. Even simple household items such as chairs or tables are considered stage props and must be purchased or hired by a member of the production team in order to add authenticity to a production piece.
The theatre and movie industries are still doing great business in spite of the recession. However, there has been a recent need to minimize costs, even in Hollywood. This is where we at Keeley Hire can help you out. Buying props outright can be an expensive business and storing them when not in use can be even more of a financial burden, so, it stands to reason that hiring props from a reputable prop hire company is a much more cost effective way of acquiring vital props.
Another benefit of buying from us is that we maintain an internet presence which will allow you to browse through our hundreds of props in your own time, rather than having to fumble your way around a prop hire store hoping you will find the things you need. All our stock is of a high standard and we regularly update our selection of props so the chances are, you will find what you are looking for on our website.
Tags: hiring props, Movie Props, Props, Stage Props
Posted in Movie Props, Stage Props | No Comments »
|
|
|
