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April 30th, 2011
If you love Halloween, hosting an elaborate Halloween party is probably a dream come true for you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go all out, but this is the first chance you’ve had to really put all your effort into a great party. Here are some ideas for decorating for an elaborate Halloween party, sure to spook even the most stoic guest.
Use realistic-looking props to decorate your party and you’ll create a creepy, Halloween atmosphere sure to be remembered for years to come. The Halloween section of movie props at Keeley Hire offers a wide variety of props that will be perfect for the occasion.
Movie props, such as those from Keeley Hire, can make great Halloween decorations. You’ll find everything from coffins and skulls to gravestones and mummies.
Add creepy gargoyles, statues, and gravestones to your front lawn, and pose a Jack the Ripper or witch statue just inside your front door to scare guests when they arrive. Fake skulls can be used as centre pieces on the tables, or hide a few in a corner in the hallway to startle guests when they head for the restroom.
From Keeley Hire, you’ll also find props like tombs, torture chairs, skull poles, fancy candelabras, pumpkins, cauldrons, and more.
Once you have chosen your props, all that remains for a perfect party is to choose your menu, music, costumes, and start inviting your friends. Remember to warn them that it will be a scary party—or, if you prefer, don’t warn them!
Tags: hiring props, Movie Props, party props, themed props
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April 23rd, 2011
Choosing period movie props can be a complex process. And, depending on the budget and profile of your film, you may want to be extremely careful that each piece is historically accurate. Here are some ideas for choosing period movie props.
First, whenever choosing furniture and backdrop or scenery items, make sure that these pieces add to the scene rather than making it look awkward or cluttered. Choose props that make your imaginary world look real, rather than like a stage.
For thousands of authentic looking period pieces, try hiring some props from Keeley Hire. Keeley Hire offers all kinds of different items including furniture, trade equipment, household items, personal belongings, and much more.
Many of Keeley Hires props have been used in high profile fantasy and historical films such as one of the Harry Potter movies, Band of Brothers, Gladiator, A Knight’s Tale, and Saving Private Ryan.
If you’re unsure if items will fit into your movie’s timeline, try looking at old photographs or paintings from that period. Do some research online or at your local library to find out what life was like then. You can also talk to people who remember those times.
Antique shops are great places to find period pieces, and chances are the owners of the shop will know something about the pieces. Ask them what period they are or how old they are, and ask them if they know anything else about the piece.
Only use an item or prop if you know it fits well in that period. You don’t want to be embarrassed later when viewers notice that it’s not historically accurate.
Tags: authentic props, importance of props, Movie Props, prop hire company
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April 5th, 2011
Thinking about making an amateur movie? It can be a lot of fun, and you can learn a lot. Sometimes you can even make some friends. Here are some things you will need if you plan to make a film.
1. Actors. You can hold local auditions if you want, or you can just ask your friends or family members to take part. Make sure you have a few back-ups in case someone can’t do it at the last minute.
2. Costumes. Costumes can be handmade, bought from charity shops, or even come from your own wardrobe. Use your imagination.
3. Props. Movie props can be as simple or as detailed as you want. You could cut things out of cardboard or use toys and furniture from your house. Or you could even look into prop hire for some more professional movie props. Keeley Hire is a great prop hire company.
4. A set. This could be a stage that you build, a porch or balcony, or even your front garden. Decide where you want the movie to take place well in advance so that if you need to clear the area, or get permission to film, you won’t be disappointed.
5. A script. You could write your own story completely from your imagination, or you could adapt a favourite book that you have read. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it and make sure you give each actor some good lines.
So, now that you have everything you need, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get rolling.
Tags: film props, filmmaking, hiring props, Movie Props, prop hire company
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March 17th, 2011
Stage props are items used by theatre actors to help convey drama and elaborate narrative in a particular scene. Props used in feature films serve much the same purpose, although frequently on a grander scale. Although often overlooked, these essential visual aids are an important element of feature films for several reasons.
Plot development
When used adeptly, movie props can be used to help a story unfold and develop. They can also be used in a narrative as metaphors or visual symbols in order to elaborate on the film’s overall theme or underlying message. Good examples of this kind of plot development can be seen in films like Forrest Gump, when Tom Hanks uses a box of chocolates to help illustrate his character’s thoughts on life, and in Ghostbusters, when Harold Ramis uses a Twinkie Bar to describe spooky goings-on in New York.
Authenticity
Movie props can be a great way to make an audience believe more in the time or location in which a film is set. Whether by using a guillotine in Revolutionary France or tommy-guns in prohibition America, the setting of a film can be brought to life far more effectively. Science fiction films which are set in the future often use shiny gadget-type props in order to illustrate the advanced technology of the time.
Sword-and-sorcery films also do much the same thing, bringing their fantasy worlds more vividly to life with familiar favourites such as magic wands and enchanted amulets.
Tags: importance of props, Movie Props, organising props, Prop Hire, Props
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February 17th, 2011
Although we’re more than happy to supply props to any stage production at any scale, much of our business revolves around the big screen. You will see Keeley items in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 21st Century as well as many of the well-loved movies and television dramas of previous decades. Movie props for 1973’s The Wicker Man (now a cult horror classic) were supplied by us, for example. We’ve provided items to Harry Potter films, Dr Who, and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Our work is also on show in big budget historical epics like Braveheart, Gladiator, and Saving Private Ryan. These films demand the highest standards of historical accuracy and flawless construction in everything that goes on set. We’re proud to say we can and do deliver that kind of quality.
However, it’s not all about accuracy. Sometimes spectacle is more important, and our ability to create or find movie props that look amazing is demonstrated in outstanding fantasy cinema portfolio. Our movie props appear in the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust, in The Golden Compass, in Sleepy Hollow (one of Johnny Depp’s finest performances), and in The Mummy alongside Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and John Hannah.
Whenever you hire from us we’ll do our best to make sure your project ends up looking just as good as those Hollywood movies. We can’t make sure you’ve got the scripts, camera equipment and acting talent – you still have to take care of that- but we can make sure your set looks amazing.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier
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January 30th, 2011
Props and theatre sets can make an incredibly important contribution to a piece of art. Of course, it makes sense fo us to say that, but sometimes we like to talk about just how versatile, effective and powerful the right props can be in your production. Here are a few examples of films we believe were made even better thanks to finding the right props.
Stardust (2007)
The fabulous fantasy of Stardust was intrinsically linked to excellent props. Set in a surreal Victorian England, accurately representing familiar aspects the audience would naturally associate with the real version of that period (e.g. weapons, costume, dining tools etc) helped suspension of disbelief no end.
Band of Brothers (2001)
Historical accuracy of prop details in any production is important. When that production is set during the lifetime of a living audience member, the right props are crucial. The wrong weapon or flawed set design could have severely damaged the production’s context and authenticity.
Braveheart (1995)
The depiction of history is rarely more important than when conveying the story of a national hero. Can you imagine Braveheart with the wrong sword? The despicable King Edward eating from a modern plate?
Harry Potter (2001)
To die-hard Harry Potter fans (us included) the faithful representation of Diagon Alley – its shops, carts and buildings – was crucial for a loyal depiction of J.K.Rowling’s creation.
The Wicker Man (1973)
This one’s easy – what would the movie have been without our wicker man?
The right theatre sets, props and costumes can create worlds, set context, allow us to glimpse far-off history and – most importantly – help us visualise fantasy.
Tags: authentic props, film props, Movie Props, Props, props suppliers
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January 11th, 2011
Without wanting to get bogged down in university film studies essays, we’ve done a little digging to help us outline a few dos and don’ts when it comes to horror props and production value. Basically, there’s no point investing a huge portion of your budget in authentic Dr Frankenstein-esque movie props when your audiences suspension of disbelief needs to be steered towards accepting a naturally occurring horror (think serial killers, the Saw movies etc).
Natural Terrors (it COULD happen to YOU!)
Realism is incredibly important in this case. You want your audience to be quaking in their seat that a rabies-addled Labrador or maniac serial killer could come careering through their patio window AT ANY MOMENT. Realistic props and effects are crucial.
Scientific Panic (genetic engineering gone bad!)
Plausibility is essential. Your regular Hammer Horror maniacal laugher and fluorescent bubbling lab equipment likely does nothing for the credibility of your production. The easiest example is perhaps the genetic engineering in the Jurassic Park trilogy. Deep down we know it’s not REALLY possible (at least, not for a good few decades) but the premise of the plot was real enough to terrify audiences and have folks the world over secretly wondering “What if….”
Supernatural Shock (monsters in the closet….)
Movie props and effects have come on a lot in the last twenty years. The age of CGI has made the authentic representation of props and sets into a complex and vital industry. Imagine if E.T came out now – we’d all expect MORE in terms of visuals. Supernatural horror is perhaps the least forgiving of the three sub-genres. Audiences are harder to fool these days, making your choice of props imperative to success.
Tags: filmmaking, importance of props, Movie Props, Props, set design
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December 30th, 2010
Ever wondered where all those movie props in films come from? Probably not, but next time you go to the cinema, try to check out as much of the background detail as possible. If you do, you’ll be amazed at the commitment to authenticity and just how many items are required to make each shot look and feel accurate.
If you think about the movie industry, your thoughts turn automatically to the actors and a few of the big name directors. But behind the glamour there are all sorts or organisational and logistical challenges to bring these films to life. You’d be amazed at what goes on behind the scenes to help create the movies you love. So where do all these movie props come from?
Well some enterprising companies have thought about this little problem for the film companies, so they stockpile, store and source any sort of props any director could want or need for his or her forthcoming production. If you had to get them all from different sources, or have them made to order, you’d probably never get started on filming. Instead you can browse thousands of items online and hire the props you need. What a great idea.
So given the time, effort and toil that goes on behind the magic to make it happen, spare a thought for the unsung heroes of the film industry who take care of these little details to make these movies look and feel so incredible.
Tags: film props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props
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December 23rd, 2010
It seems incredible that some people out there are lucky enough to make movie props as a living. All those things you take for granted in all your favourite films, sitting there in the background giving the whole thing an authentic look and feel. It’s easy to forget how much time and effort goes into creating a movie. We only pop to the cinema and see the final ninety minutes of footage and then go home again, but when you think about it, the money time and effort that goes into creating these things is just phenomenal. And we don’t even notice half of it. Do you ever go and watch a film again for the second time and starting picking up on all sorts of things you missed first time around. The depth and accuracy of some films is just incredible.
Take a historical epic for example. First you need to research what weapons, clothes and everyday objects people were using. Then you have to source a whole load of props for your movie to make it look real. Not an easy task. If you can’t find what you need, then you have to have some movie props made to order. Not easy when you need an authentic spear or chariot. Specialist suppliers plug the gap for film makes and house all sorts of weird and wonderful props ready for use by film crews as and when they need them.
Tags: film props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props
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December 20th, 2010
What’s your dream job? I bet you have one. I’m guessing you didn’t really want to be an auditor or a customer service agent. Some people get to work in the most amazing environments. Have you ever wondered where movie props come from? Specialist suppliers keep vast stores of props ready for use in films or on TV. And they have the most bizarre, random and fascinating collections of bits and pieces you could imagine.
Demand is of course huge. Think about the last ten films you saw, or just stop and think about the range of TV shows you saw last night. They probably ranged from the historical to the futuristic. And every single one of those films and TV programmes needs props. Tonnes of them. Now your average office is a pretty dull place. It’s just computers, desks, partitions and maybe few pot plants. It seems unlikely that the workplace at a movie props hire company is like that. Just think what’s stored there. Anything and everything.
Some items are actually authentic, others are made by specialists to recreate period pieces. It’s a whole fascinating industry. Just think, there are people out there who still know how to make a sword or some chain mail armour. It’s big business too. Lots of movies are shot here in the UK because we have some great studios and a lot of industry expertise and know how. Maybe it’s time to hand your notice in and get a job in an environment that’s just a little bit more exciting.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props suppliers
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