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July 23rd, 2010
Hollywood movie budgets might extend to millions of pounds, but it is possible to make a great movie on a much smaller budget. However, it will require some detailed planning in order to successfully pull it off. When making a movie on a budget, there are some things which you can save money on and some things which you should try not to scrimp on too much. Things which you should invest more money into include a decent camera and a great script. You can then afford to spend less on everything else.
Low budget movies rely on a strong script and a great cast. If you have friends who can act and are willing to help you out for free or for little pay, you should take full advantage of this. If not, you could always look for budding actors and actresses who would be willing to star in your movie to gain experience of working on a film set.
All good movies need props. Film props help to make your movie more visually dynamic and more believable. Getting good props on a budget can be difficult. But by hiring props from Keeley Hire, where we have a large supply, you can lower costs. Also, if you have any artistic friends or know any designers, you can always ask them to make props for you cheaply.
When it comes to the camera and sound equipment, it is always a good idea to use the best you can afford.
Tags: film props, hiring props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props
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June 30th, 2010
It is the job of a prop master to take responsibility for all of the props used on stage or set. Props are any item used on stage which is moveable. Actors use props for a variety of reasons whilst on stage. They can be used to further the plot. For instance, a mobile phone used for an important phone call in a play, or a newspaper which reveals some new and important information to the actor, are both good examples of the ways in which props can be used. If the script requires props to be used, it is up to the prop master to source them and ensure they are ready and waiting to be used.
The prop master will source props from many different places. Props can be hired from a company, such as here at Keeley Hire, they can be bought outright, or, they can be made by the production design team. The prop master will usually work very closely with the production designer, to ensure that they have the same vision for how the set will look. Creating the right atmosphere is a very important part of staging any play, or producing any film. It can be the difference between an average production and a great one; this is why the job of prop master is an important one.
If you are interested in becoming a prop master, it is wise to study art or work in an art and design based industry. This will give you a good background knowledge, which will help you succeed in the field.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, props supplier
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June 23rd, 2010
Props are used in many different industries and fields today. Of course, they are most commonly used in films and on the stage, but they can also be utilized in photography studios, motivational speeches, as teaching aids and so on. Props are objects which are used to illustrate a point, or by an actor or actress on stage as part of their character. For example, the umbrella carried by Mary Poppins, the sword Tybalt uses to kill Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, or a book held by the subject in a photo shoot, are all examples of props in action.
Most props which are used, particularly in film and theatre, are meticulously researched before use. Most films and plays are set in a certain time frame, and this means that any props used in the course of the production must have its roots in that particular time. Imagine the audience’s reaction if Romeo pulled out his mobile phone and called Juliet; all credibility would be lost. In any production, there is usually a person whose sole job it is to source good quality, authentic props which, will fit seamlessly into the production and enhance the atmosphere.
It can be difficult to source good quality props; especially in these financially difficult times, when budgets have to be stuck to – or else. This is why prop hire can be a better solution than buying or designing your own props. At Keeley Hire, we have a vast selection of props, just waiting to star in the next big production.
Tags: authentic props, organising props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
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June 17th, 2010
Stage props are used on theatre sets by the actors in a play. Props have been around since actors would use props to make their plays more entertaining for audiences in ancient Greece. It was common for ‘theatre groups’ to travel around Greece at this time, and their shows were often huge events. At this time, props were usually supplied by the actors, who would use their own property to flesh out their character. However, some props were communally owned too. These days, props are usually bought outright by the production company, or hired from a company such as ours, at Keeley Hire.
Props are usually defined as objects which are used on stage by actors, but which are not used as part of the set design or costume. This includes objects such as guns, telephones, books and newspapers. However, sometimes clothing and set pieces can be included under the bracket of props. For example, if an actress on the stage was to hold up a cardigan against her body to see how it looked, the cardigan would be classified as a prop rather than costume.
Props are usually sourced by a member of the production team, known as a ‘prop master’. Prop masters often have a tight budget to stick to, so needto be shrewd in their purchases. Props come in many forms, whether they are original vintage items or modern replicas. They vary in price too, and it is often more economical for the prop master to hire, rather than buy, objects for a production.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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June 8th, 2010
Props, in film and theatre, are objects which are either handled by an actor on stage, or used to dress the stage itself. For example, a newspaper held by an actor, or a newsstand on stage, would both be considered as props. Props are used in a production to create interesting visuals, and to further the dialogue and performance of the actors. Props should be used only when they are really needed to improve the production.
Too many props can ruin an otherwise excellent production and, adversely, an excellent prop can improve upon an already great production, too. Below are just a few ways that props can enhance your production.
1. Props can draw the viewers’ attention. An interesting prop will make the audience take notice – no matter what.
2. Props can be used as a focal point. A truly great prop will convey something about the production, and add extra information not conveyed by the actors. If you want to bring a certain theme to the table, without pushing it overtly, a well-chosen prop can do the trick.
3. They are memorable. Good props stick in your mind. No one forgets the TARDIS in Doctor Who, or the pen from Casino. Remembering visuals is much easier than remembering dialogue, and scenes such as the ‘pen scene’ become legendary, and are remembered long after.
If you wish to enhance your production with props, check us out at Keeley Hire. We offer good quality props for hire at a great price.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier, Stage Props
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May 6th, 2010
Staging A Play
The decision to stage a play is not one to be taken lightly. A lot of work is required to organise and stage a theatre production, so it’s advisable to take some time to plan and evaluate your situation before taking the plunge.
First, choose a script. This could be an original work specifically written for the occasion, or it could be an existing script. If you opt for an existing script, you will need to obtain the rights to perform the play. This is not always easy, but it’s likely a popular script will attract a larger audience.
Next, you will need to find actors and actresses. Casting a play is one of the most important elements to staging a successful show. You should always audition and get the best actors you can afford. At this point, you will also need a director, make up artists and other backstage production staff.
When everything is in place, you will need to consider your surroundings. Theatre sets and stage props play a vital role in any play. It is important for both the actors and the audience to be in the presence of quality props. For instance, a period piece performed in modern surroundings by actors in modern dress would be a confusing. Money may be tight but you should always go for the best props you can afford. At Keeley Hire, we offer an excellent range of affordable props for hire, which will enrich your setting and help your play to succeed.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, theatre set, Theatrical Props
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April 28th, 2010
In the theatre, when a production is taking place, there will always be a props table backstage. A props table is basically a table that has all of the stage props for the evening’s show placed on it. The actors will take their props from the table before appearing on stage with them. It is important that actors can find the stage props they need to use in any given scene quickly, in order to avoid missing their cue. This makes setting the prop table correctly an important task. Below is a brief guide to setting the props table correctly:
Compile a list of props to be used in the show. You can hire props from a company such as ours at Keeley Hire; we have a vast array of stage props waiting for you.
Then you need to work out the order in which they will be used on stage. Once this is done, you can arrange them on the props table in the correct order, making it easy for the actors to find the right prop at the right time. Heavy props should be placed on the floor for safety reasons.
Many stage managers like to cover the props table with a thick fabric, so that in the event a prop is hastily thrown onto the table, it will not make a loud sound which could disrupt the show. You should also be aware that things can change on stage and you may need to change the order of the props on the table to accommodate this, so keep an eye on proceedings through the night.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, Props, props table, Stage Props
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March 25th, 2010
Next time you’re watching a television drama or a feature film, let your eyes stray to the background. Sadly, you will sometimes find what’s going on in the background more interesting than the actual story being told. There are two things in particular to look out for.
The first is the extras or, as they often prefer to be known, the BAs, or background artists. These lovely people turn out in all weathers, often at ridiculous times of the day or night, wear whatever outlandish costume the wardrobe department has for them and often sit around waiting for hours.
It is perhaps not surprising therefore that their concentration isn’t all it might be. Looking at them will often help you realise just how difficult it is to look natural on screen.
The other thing to look out for is the background detail. It is often taken for granted especially when watching a BBC costume drama, but the props and settings which the designers produce are often nothing short of works of art.
This is where we come into our own as at Keeley Hire we have been supplying prop hire to the film and television industries for more than forty years. In particular, we have some amazing period props which can evoke pretty well any period in history. We have a soft spot for the medieval props which are used to great effect in films like ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ and the Victorian ones used in TV series like ‘Little Dorritt’.
Tags: medieval props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
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March 24th, 2010
Planning events has become big business. That is certainly reflected in the increasing number of customers we have from that business sector. Events are organised now for everything from the traditional occasions of parties such as birthdays, anniversaries and retirements, through to product launches and corporate away days.
Just like a wedding planner, an events planner or organiser is there to take away as much of the stress as possible. One of the ways in which they are able to do this is by being the type of person that is able to organise their own time and priorities efficiently.
This is why we find many of our most popular props get booked out so far in advance. Of course some themes are especially popular such as science fiction. In fact, we’ve found those so popular that we have recently introduced special packages which are more specific within the science fiction heading. These include ones based on ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Doctor Who’.
At Keeley Hire we have over half a million props which can be used to enhance your event. In fact we even have theatre sets, so with our help, you can transform any space into exactly what you need.
Some of our other most popular themes include a suggestion of travel, with subjects such as American, Oriental, Around the World and Jungle. Naturally, there are plenty of props appropriate for the annual celebrations, in particular Christmas and Halloween.
Pirates in a Caribbean setting, the Wild West and the Titanic are some of the other party themes we can help you to achieve.
Tags: doctor who props, Prop Hire, Props, star wars props, Theatre Sets
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March 23rd, 2010
Actors will tell you just how tough their life is at the drop of a hat, or at least that is what some will tell you. Trying to get a job and working with animals, children and props are just some of the well-known difficulties faced by actors.
However, it goes without saying that applying sweeping statements to entire groups of people is not helpful.
Actually, many actors love their work despite the fact that some are perpetually broke and have to deal with constant rejection. The odds of getting any acting work are frankly quite low if you’re new to the business, so it is a wonder anybody tries.
There are difficulties once an actor gets a job in the theatre. They need to be able to adjust to a new crowd of people who may well all be unknown to them before rehearsals commence. They have to learn their lines. They also have to be able to adapt to whatever is thrown at them once they arrive at the venue where they will be performing, including awkward props or even co-workers. This is typically no more than a few days before the play opens.
Add to this the props and costumes that appear at the last minute, and the whole concept is practically a trigger for nervous breakdowns.
In fact, the solution to the last problem is to start using props and costumes as early as possible in rehearsals.
At Keeley Hire, we are happy to hire out our props for as long as you need them, so they’re available from the first day of rehearsals; making your life and the life of your actors a lot easier.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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