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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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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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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 11th, 2010
A trip to the cinema is pure escapism. You probably get too caught up in the movie to notice all of the background details that go into setting up that shot or scene. Have you ever stopped to wonder just how much time, effort and attention to detail goes into creating the right look for a film, be it a mainstream blockbuster, or a budget art house effort?
Because it’s not all special effects. A lot of the detail is provided by good old fashioned props. That 1960s police car or that authentic top hat. Someone had to source them. Sometimes they are historical originals and sometimes they are copies.
Movie props are most often sourced from specialist providers. Can you imagine what it would like if you have to track down every single item from a hundred different suppliers? Luckily, a lot of the hard work has been done already. It’s just a case of making a call or ordering online and you get your hands on a whole host of movie props, ready to put your new film together.
Once you’ve identified the props you need, you can just hire them for the duration of the shoot. How many different films some of them have turned up in? Old traditions and methods live on as modern workers recreate historical practices to give our films the accuracy and period detail that we’ve come to expect.
Tags: film props, filmmaking, hiring props, Movie Props
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August 27th, 2010
If you have always dreamed of making your own films, you might be considering whether or not you should apply for a place at a film production school. Before applying, the first thing you should do is work out exactly where in the film industry you wish to work. Do you want to be a director, production manager or work with props?
One you have decided which area you would like to go into, you should start researching schools and colleges which offer appropriate courses. Look for a school with a good reputation in your required field.
When you actually get to film school, you will be required to work extremely hard. It is the job of a film crew to create beautiful, interesting films and you will get plenty of experience of this. The majority of film schools will require you to take the brunt of the cost of creating your own films, and this does not come cheap. Things like props, casts and film itself are all expensive. Of course, there are ways to save money – use friends as cast, hire props from us at Keeley Hire, but you are going to need considerable funds whilst attending school.
However, the cost of the course and the added extras is worth it for the skills, experience and opportunities you will gain. You are more likely to be successful in your field if you attend a film school. It is also more likely that you will obtain work in the film industry with some qualifications and experience behind you.
Tags: film props, filmmaking, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
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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
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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
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March 11th, 2010
There seem to be new film schools popping into existence every day. This is particularly so in London, where reputable and not so reputable schools capitalise on the reputation for filmmaking that the UK has around the world.
One thing film makers soon discover is that they need a strong team of professionals around them if they are to make memorable, or even competent films, and start a career in their chosen profession. Getting the right props, actors and production team is essential, as these components form the backbone of any production.
It is vital, for example, that a good Director of Photography is appointed. On smaller projects, this person will often also operate the camera. Whether making a film to entertain, educate, or further an agenda, it will not succeed if the audience are turned off by shoddy camera work.
If the piece being filmed requires acting, it is vital to use professionals. Many of the actors, or perhaps one should say would-be actors, out there are unable to appear natural or engaging on camera. Until the director recognises the importance of good actors, they will never produce anything worthy of note.
The theatre sets and props for a film need to be of the highest quality. Whilst it is possible to get away with poor props on stage, provided that the audience are far enough away, they will not work on film.
At Keeley Hire, we provide movie props to Hollywood blockbusters and student film makers alike. If a project is worth doing, it is worth doing well and you can be sure that our props will stand up to the closest examination.
Tags: filmmaking, Movie Props, Prop Hire, prop suppliers, Props
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