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The Importance of Film Props

September 2nd, 2011

Everyone loves a good film, but consumers are becoming increasingly picky about what makes a film a success. That means it’s more important than ever to get things exactly right, from believable dialogue to realistic settings, and one aspect that should never be overlooked is film props.

Props are often underestimated in the world of TV and film, but they’re actually more important than you could imagine. They can be used to set the scene and provide added impact or realism. If a prop is out of place (either in terms of physical position or historical setting, for example) it can have a huge impact on the final result. The right props can provide the finishing touches to the whole scene to make it all gel together, so choosing the ones to suit is an essential part of movie preparation.

Finding the right props to suit the genre, setting and overall atmosphere of a film is vital. You need to ensure you’re getting exceptional items if you’re going to make the right impression to movie-goers. Background flaws will always be spotted no matter how small they may be, which is why you need to come to us if you want to be confident in your purchases.

We understand the importance of film props, which is why we offer an extensive catalogue of items to suit any film shoot imaginable. Take a look around, and you’ll soon find options which can transform your film into something truly spectacular.


Movie Props for Affordable Prices

July 30th, 2011

Props aren’t just for theatre sets! And from Indian Jones’s hat to Luke Skywalker’s light sabre, to Judy Garland’s red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, movie props are big business.

There are plenty of memorabilia and auction sites selling film props – either the real items used on screen or replicas. There are sites dedicated to items from specific genres, like horror films. And there are forums where people can discuss their passions and purchases.

Of course, if you are buying movie props, you need to be sure that whatever you are buying, if it is billed as authentic, is genuine.

Real, screen-used items can be hugely expensive, often fetching thousands of pounds.

If you want to add a touch of movie glamour to your party, without that expense, you could always consider hiring film props to create a theme. This can be a great idea, especially for a surprise party, whether someone you love is a James Bond, Austin Powers or Harry Potter fan.

At Keeley Hire, we’ve been supplying film, TV and theatre sets for decades. Whether you’re a film fan, film maker or creating a themed event, we can help. You’ll love our affordable prices, and with 500,000 items in stock we’re bound to have what you’re after.

Check out our easy to search prop database, and build your own enquiry list online, then register an account. Visit our showrooms, arrange your own collection or let us arrange for a haulier to do the hard work.


Movie Props – The Basics

July 26th, 2011

Props have their earliest origins in the theatre, but the term has transferred to TV and movie production, where they are known as film or movie props.

In recent years, the growing popularity of movie memorabilia (which is in fact a broader term also covering film costumes) has given fresh meaning to the term ‘props’, widening its existence to include a post-production life as a cherished collector’s item.

At auction, these props can fetch thousands, and are often sold for charity. They are usually not available until after a premiere, when they are billed as ‘screen-used.’

Next time you see a film, spare a thought for the team behind movie props, who rarely get any of the glory the actors do. There are no Oscars for those in charge of film props, and few honours for stunt doubles who replace the stars for shots involving breakaway props – those which don’t cause any harm, such as rubber bladed-weapons. Stunt doubles are often used even where the risk to safety is minimal.

You don’t have to be a screen hero to rent props from Keeley Hire. We’ve been supplying the TV and film industries for decades, and we can help you, too, whether you’re running a production or want to throw a themed party.

With 50,000 square feet of covered warehousing in Hertfordshire, we’ve grown in recent years. Browse 500,000 items online and we’ll confirm availability. Can’t find what you need? We’ll custom-make it to order. Learn more online.


Great Actors Need Great Props

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.


We Love Weird Stage and Movie Props

May 27th, 2011

If there’s something we get a kick out of down here in the bowels of Keeley Hire HQ, it’s a really bizarre prop request. We try to keep our entire online catalogue as up to date as we can, but if you’re after a bunch of weird movie props or unusual additions to theatre sets, we’d love to hear from you!

We’ve had some pretty weird and wonderful requests in the past (giant polystyrene teacup anyone?) so the odds are good we may already have what you’re looking for in stock (“These ARE the droids you are looking for!”  – sorry, can’t help but get a Star Wars joke in every now and then!) We even keep a happy (and very quiet!) menagerie of taxidermy animals on hand for those productions that simply MUST have an angry fox head in them (not body, just head).

Screen productions and theatre sets often require bespoke or custom props. Our team thoroughly enjoys their job of sourcing every stage and movie prop imaginable to add to our immense catalogue of products (remember the Wicker Man? He was ours!) Our current catalogue stands at almost 3500 products, so you can imagine how much fun our 50,000 square foot warehouse is! Only kidding, we don’t play with the props … much!

If you want to chat to one of our warehouse experts or customer service reps, get in touch today and we’ll do our best to fill your obscure props brief!


Short Films Need Great Props

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?


Making An Amateur Movie

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.


Making Fantasy Reality

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.


Salute the props team

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.


The amazing world of movie props

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.


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