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July 8th, 2011
If you are looking for high quality props and theatre sets for your production, you need look no further. Here at Keeley Hire, you will find everything you need to enhance your production, whether you are involved with a local theatre group or a major film company.
Keeley Hire have more than forty years experience in supplying all kinds of props and theatre sets, so you can be assured of a great service when you use us. The props we offer range from guns to period vendor carts and everything in between. So no matter what kind of show you are involved with, you are sure to find the perfect props and theatre sets right here.
No matter which end of the entertainment business you are involved with – whether it is a film or a local stage show – the props you use are an integral part of the production. If you get it right, the audience won’t even notice the props, which is the way it should be. Imagine for a moment that one of your actors has to use a gun. If it is obviously a fake, the audience will spot this and you will get laughter when you don’t want it. Bear this in mind if you are thinking of making your own props. Instead, let us supply the props and theatre sets which will look great on your stage, and you can get on with looking after the rest of the production.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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July 4th, 2011
Whether you are in the cinema watching a Hollywood Blockbuster or a production at your local theatre, the actors you see on the screen or stage will be using props. Props have been a central factor in plays performed by actors going way back to the ancient Greeks who used them to help get the story across to the audience, but they only became known by this name in the 19th century. The items used by the actors were kept in a box marked Theatre Property, which became shortened to the term we know today.
Props cover just about everything you can imagine which could be used on stage or screen, but some might ask why production companies don’t just use the real thing, rather than a fake? The reason for this – apart from the practicalities of having guns on stage, for example – is that often the genuine objects do not look so real under the lights.
Keeley Hire has been supplying stage and movie props for more than forty years, so it’s safe to say that they have both the reputation and the experience to provide everything you need for your production, from theatre sets through to period carriages and realistic looking gold bullion.
For more information about what Keeley Hire can do for you, whether you are involved with a local production company or a major film unit, have a look at their website and see for yourself the great selection of movie props and theatre sets they have available.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
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June 27th, 2011
Organising events such as civic celebrations, company parties and other things can be great fun and very rewarding, at least if the occasion goes according to plan and attendees have a good time. However, there is a lot of hard work involved in ensuring that all the details of your bash run smoothly and that individuals there have an experience to remember.
This is where prop hire can come into its own. By selecting items that are in-keeping with the theme of your gathering, you can succeed in adding a real sense of drama and occasion.
The great news is, it has never been easier for you to get your hands on such offerings. For example, here at Keeley Hire we provide a range of props that may be of interest to you.
Indeed, we offer a vast array of such items, ranging from small and subtle to large and eye-catching. The objects you go for will be determined not only by the subject you are celebrating but also by your budget. The more money you have to spend, the more dramatic effects you can succeed in creating.
You might also want to team up your prop hire with the use of live actors to bring the objects to life.
Whichever effect you are going for, you should be able to create it with our help. To find out more about what we have to offer, simply take a look around the rest of our website. You might be surprised by the number of props we stock.
Tags: authentic props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
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June 14th, 2011
The range of props available these days is immense. This is great news as it means you should be able to find the perfect items for you, whether you are seeking movie props, objects for stage shows, corporate or civic events or anything else.
However, because of the number of options open to you, you might find the process of sourcing such provisions daunting. While the ideal objects may well be out there, you might find yourself engaging in long and frustrating searches for them.
But there is a way to avoid such hassle and that is by coming here to us at Keeley Hire. We have many years of experience in such matters and have a huge storage area in which to keep our offerings. This means that we might well have the props you want.
So, rather than going to a number of smaller providers, you may be able to get all you need from us, making the process far easier and more efficient. Even if we don’t have the necessary movie props or whatever else you are seeking, we might be able to create them for you.
Furthermore, our website has been designed for maximum ease of use, meaning you can look for the items you are after with the minimum of effort. All you need is a spare few moments and an internet connection.
So, don’t fret when it comes to getting your hands on props. Simply come to the experts and source what you need without any fuss.
Tags: hiring props, importance of props, Movie Props, prop suppliers
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June 11th, 2011
If you are involved in the production of films, stage shows and other such things, you might well get to work alongside some of the most talented and creative people around. Indeed, careers like yours can be extremely interesting and rewarding.
For instance, there is something captivating about watching top-class actors doing their thing in front of a camera lens or a live audience. Such individuals have the ability to draw in those watching them and make them believe the words they are saying.
However, even the very finest actors struggle to look good if they are given inappropriate or substandard props. Such items can distract the audience and they detract from the performances, which is a great shame.
Often, when fantastic movie props and other such items are used, people watching are not particularly conscious of the objects because they are so life-like. Instead, they can concentrate fully on the words and actions of the characters. But when props are not of the necessary quality or look out of place, it is hard for individuals to avoid having their attention diverted.
So, if you have the privilege of working with great actors, make sure you do not let them down by supplying stage or movie props that do not fit the bill.
To get your hands on fantastic props, you can come here to Keeley Hire. We have been operating in the field for many decades and know exactly what is required by our customers. Also, we stock a vast array of items.
Tags: authentic props, film props, importance of props, prop hire company
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May 17th, 2011
Props help to set the scene. It’s not just big budget productions we supply props to; we also spend a great deal of time helping amateur dramatic societies, educational programmes and private clients find the right props for their production. Perhaps one of our most prominent sectors of growth is in the field of short films. By short films we mean things like university projects, information shorts, website videos and so on.
Clients producing short films tend to be less interested in theatre set-sized props, and more in those vital basics that can make all the difference. For example, let’s say you’re shooting a ten-minute zombie movie short for a university project. Sets are no trouble – the woods, your university bedroom, you’ll figure something out! But the props can create a more dynamic story. Think along the lines of simple basics like severed limbs, authentic-looking weapons and so on.
Professional prop hire is a fantastic way to add priceless new dimensions to your short film. If you’re not 100% sure of the best props to invest in, get in touch with our prop-mad experts and have a chat about what we’ve got in stock or might be able to source for you. We take prop hire seriously (as seriously as you can take an industry that promotes the use of giant polystyrene dinosaur claws), so our guys really are experts in the field.
So, what props do you think your short film needs to take it from low-budget blunder to indie hit?
Tags: film props, filmmaking, importance of props, prop scenery, science fiction props
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May 14th, 2011
On every theatre set and for every screen production the world over, there are certain fundamentals in terms of manners and on-set behaviour that help things to run as smoothly as possible (although we’re fairly certainly Stanley Kubrick flouted them all in the name of his brilliant art!) Whatever the size of your production, here are a few basics to consider when mulling over prop hire on-set props-related behaviour!
• Respect the prop guys! If you ARE the prop guys, then we urge you to show this post to all the folks on set who have tendencies to do things like use the prop trishaw (a rickshaw with a bike on the front) to pop out for sandwiches, and other such frustrating behaviours that leave you running about the entire set/location/town/world trying to locate all the props on the inventory.
• Put safety first. Making sure everybody on set is a) aware of the dangers presented by a prop, and b) capable of handling the prop if required, is essential. We tend to advise clients that it’s better to slow production for a moment to explain how to use a prop, rather than for a month thanks to an accident!
• Don’t touch! Props are lots of fun; heck, we have an entire warehouse filled with them! Do you know how hard it is not to don a suit of prop armour at every opportunity? Our prop hire service is successful because we put human safety and prop care first.
Tags: importance of props, organising props, Prop Hire, Props
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May 5th, 2011
We don’t just interact with production managers and theatre set designers, you know. Our experts have spent a lot of time on theatre sets and at movie locations making sure our props are safe, effective and as useful as possible to everyone involved in the production (even the poor guy who has to lie in the coffin for an entire scene before his one line and gruesome death!)
We’ve been in this crazy business long enough to feel like we can impart our wisdom to on-set newbies and prop assistants, so here are a few basics for folks like extras, assistants and temporary staff.
Patience is a Virtue
Movie and theatre sets are notorious for frayed tempers and tantrums. If you’re working as an extra, for example, avoid the arena of confrontation as much as possible. Take a book, be quiet and do your best not to get caught up in main cast or production team issues.
Every Cog is Important
Replacing the odd awful props assistant or extra is pretty easy, but in a large production it’s essential to remember that every piece of the production mechanism plays a vital role. Do your job properly. Do it sensibly.
Respect Boundaries
Use common sense! We tend to advise our clients that the best place for our props is in a safe, secure location. If you’re not 100% sure it’s ok to play in the prop rickshaw on your lunch break, or dress in the Crown Jewels whilst waiting for a safety certification to clear on set – don’t do it!
Tags: organising props, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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May 2nd, 2011
The modern word might seem rather small now we can head to Japan from the UK and be standing at the gates of Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple in less than twenty-four hours, but that’s no reason to skimp when it comes to creating an authentic Asian atmosphere on set, at your event or on the stage.
Our props could be the thing that takes your Asian/Oriental theme from minimal effort to maximum mystery! We stock heaps of Oriental themed props from different eras, including Chinese dragons, bamboo fans, rickshaws, trishaws (the ones with a bike attached to the front), various hats and tons of bamboo artefacts!
Our prop hire services are simple, quick and created to cause all of us the minimum in terms of organisational nightmares. Just choose what and how many items you want using our online service and add it to your checkout list. You can use the service to simply make an enquiry about a piece or place an entire order.
We add to our catalogue continuously, so if you’ve got some special props in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch (we secretly love the thrill of sourcing really, really odd props!) and we’ll see what we can do.
Creating the best atmosphere for your Oriental themed event or production is pretty simple with the right props, a little imagination and a bunch of great actors! And don’t forget, we’re here for all your prop needs throughout the year!
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, props supplier
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April 20th, 2011
Getting kids involved in acting can be really fun and exciting, both for the kids and the teacher. Whether this is a class you teach in a school, or you run your own business, here are some tips to help you teach kids acting.
1. Make it fun. Choose stories children will enjoy portraying characters from. Familiar fairy tales or movies make great workshops for children to learn acting from.
2. Get the kids involved in everything. Let them help you with stage props. Kids can be pretty creative with making props, or helping you choose things that can be used as stage props. Let them help paint scenery or build sets.
3. Don’t get too technical. Try not to bombard children with too much information about acting that might confuse them, or discourage them from wanting to get involved.
4. Be an inspiration. Make acting a magical thing, and children will love it. Let them believe in the excitement of being whoever they want to be, and imagining other words.
5. Ask their parents to help them. Parents can help their children learn lines at home, and if they are willing, they can help you with the rehearsals and performances as well. Sometimes the more people involved, the better things will run. But make sure everyone knows who is in charge.
Once you have everything you need to do a performance—children who want to act, a stage and scenery, props, and costumes—invite the whole school, or all the families of the children to sit back and enjoy the show.
Tags: hiring props, organising props, prop hire company, Props
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