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July 27th, 2010
Both props and costumes play a very important role in any film. A good costume will look great in the print and will give the audience an enjoyable viewing experience. It will also tell them something about the character, and will contribute to the opinion of the character before they know too much about them. Film makers use this trick to good effect all the time. Often, they do not have the time to fully establish every aspect of the character, and so they give the viewer information about the person. The clothes they wear add to their personality, and round them off much more quickly than could be done otherwise. Think about movies you have seen where the bad guy wears black leather; we know he is bad from the second he arrives on screen, or the typical ‘damsel in distress’ who appears in a flowing white gown, immediately telling us she is pure.
Props work in much the same way. They give us a little extra insight into the person using them. A good example of this would be that of the character Dale Cooper in the 90’s TV show Twin Peaks. His main prop was a tape recorder, on which he would regularly record his thoughts. Not only did this serve as a way of getting into his head and hearing what he was thinking, but it also showed us a little of his methodical personality.
At Keeley Hire, we have a huge supply of props for use in the TV and film industry, which can be hired at reasonable prices.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
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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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July 11th, 2010
These days, it is possible to make a decent movie using digital film equipment. In recent years, the cost of electronic devices such as digital cameras, laptops and even film editing software has fallen to such a level that it is affordable for lots of people. This has, in turn, led to the rise in amateur movies, which are now popping up all over the place on sites such as Youtube and Google Video. Now, anyone who wants to make their very own film can do so.
In order to make a digital movie, at the very least, you will need a competent computer, the best digital video camera you can afford, lighting equipment and some basic movie editing software. All of these electronics can be purchased at reasonable prices at most large electrical retail stores. It would also be desirable to have some decent props as these add an extra, and important, dimension to any film. Props and set designs also help to make your movie seem more realistic to the viewer. At Keeley Hire, we have a range of props available for hire at affordable prices.
Once you have arranged prop hire and equipment, you will need to recruit actors to star in your movie. You could ask, or bribe, your friends to star in your movie, or you could advertise for amateur actors to work for free. Local performing arts students, particularly graduates, are likely to be interested.
Once you have all of these elements in place, you can go ahead and shoot your movie.
Tags: film props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props
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July 5th, 2010
Modern life can be hectic and stressful. If the daily strain is getting to you, it can be fun to sit back, relax and spend some time in the past, when gadgets and gizmos didn’t rule our life. Historical movies and period dramas are great for watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon. They have the ability to transport us to another period in time, when life was simpler and the pace of life was much slower.
Period movies, by definition, are set somewhere in the past. Most period films are set in one specific time period, which they aim to encapsulate perfectly during the 90 minutes of screen time. When making period movies, it is important to ensure that the audience can suspend their belief for the entire runtime, and feel as though they are actually living in the time period they can see on screen.
In order to achieve this successfully, authentic props must be used. Whether you are filming a sepia-hued western or an extravagant Bronte novel, you must have the correct props and costumes on show at all times. Vintage shops, antique stores and prop hire stores, like ours at Keeley Hire, are great places to seek out period pieces which will give your period film a touch of ambition and authenticity, and be believable in the modern world. Bad, ill-fitting props can ruin the illusion generated by a period film, as chronological inaccuracies can be very distracting for the viewer, leaving them unable to truly believe in the film they are watching.
Tags: authentic props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props
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July 2nd, 2010
There are few places more glamorous and exciting than Hollywood. Most of us grow up fascinated with American movies and the many celebrities who grace the silver screen. The glamour and intrigue of Hollywood is so exciting and has touched most of our lives at some point. For this reason, a Hollywood themed party is one of the best ways to make a big impact for your special occasion.
There are many different themes you could cover when throwing a Hollywood party. For example, you could base your party on one particular movie or base it around your favourite actor; you could even throw an academy awards ceremony type bash. Once you have decided on a theme, you can start assembling props.
Props are probably the most important thing when throwing a Hollywood party. They will help you to transform the party area into the perfect Hollywood setting to wow your friends and family. At Keeley Hire, we have a vast range of props for hire which will help you recreate the glitz and glamour of Hollywood perfectly, without breaking out of your budget. Props you could use include replica awards, cardboard cut outs, signs and extravagant furniture.
Once you have the theme and prop design sorted, you should think about sending invitations. Buy some thick card or paper, and handwrite all your invites in the neatest style you can manage, perhaps in gold or silver ink.
Finally, you will need a killer outfit for the night. Depending on your theme, you will either need black tie and evening gowns, or film character costumes. These can be hired for a modest sum if money is tight. All that’s left to do is party.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
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June 27th, 2010
Props play a large role in any movie. There have been many popular movie props over the years, a good few of which have gained notoriety in film history and are now part of popular culture. Using props in your film is a great way to stand out, and ensure your film is remembered for years to come. Below are some examples of the most memorable movie props ever to have been used in Hollywood.
1. The Bullwhip in Indiana Jones: One of the most loved of Spielberg’s movies, Indiana Jones proved a big box office draw. Indy is mostly remembered for his bullwhip and fedora hat.
2. The lightsaber in Star Wars: This is arguably one of the most popular props in film history. If you show most people a picture of one of these gadgets, they will have at least some idea as to what it is. There are few little boys who have not dreamed of owning a lightsaber of their very own.
3. The potter’s wheel in Ghost. All the ladies out there will be familiar with this prop, which provided one of the most enduring moments in the movie. The scene in question is now lodged firmly in the collective psyche, and is one of the most recreated scenes in pop culture history.
If you would like to use props in your movie, check out Keeley Hire. We have many excellent props available for hire, which could enhance your film and help to make it a big success.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props, star wars props
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June 14th, 2010
One of the props you will most often see used in the movies is the prop gun. When an actor uses a gun in a scene, it can be one of several types of gun which are commonly used on screen. These are: a real gun (which fires blanks), a replica gun (usually rubber), a ‘toy’ gun or, occasionally, an air gun. There are various advantages and disadvantages of each of these gun props, some of which are outlined below.
Using a real gun, which fires blanks, will give an authentic sound and look to the scene, but can be dangerous. One famous incident, in which a real gun proved fatal to an actor, is that of Brandon Lee. Whilst filming the popular comic book movie, The Crow, Lee was fatally wounded when a live bullet accidentally found its way into the gun. For this reason, the use of real guns is not recommended.
Replica guns are great for scenes which do not require the actor to actually fire any shots. A good replica prop gun will look just like the real thing, but will not fire or produce any sound at all. Rubber props guns are usually used when a scene requires many weapons in shot, where the actors will not pretend to fire them.
At Keeley Hire, we have a wide range of replica weapons, as well as a huge choice of other stage and movie props, which are available for hire at competitive prices.
Tags: film props, hiring props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, prop suppliers
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June 11th, 2010
For as long as there have been theatre productions, there have been props. Props are items which are either handled by the actors on stage, or used as set pieces to enhance the design of the set. Props can enhance a theatre production, film or TV show immensely, and can even help to drive the plot.
Props are a great way to establish setting in any show, whether on stage or screen. For example, if you want to set your play in a cafe, you will need tables, chairs and maybe a mug for your actor to drink from. Without these props, setting could be unclear, and the audience may be left feeling confused. Similarly, if you wish to set your production in a particular time period, the use of props is a great way to convey the era in a subtle way.
In order to engage your audience and make your production more authentic, it is desirable to use only good-quality props, which are both authentic and desirable. Your audience will quickly spot any props which are out of place, or which are of the wrong time period for your production.
If you are going to use dangerous props on set such – as knives or swords – it is important to buy purpose-made film props, rather than an actual knife. Purpose made props have built-in safety features, to ensure no one gets hurt.
At Keeley Hire, we offer a massive range of props for both stage and screen, and can help you with all of your prop hire needs.
Tags: authentic theatre sets, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
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May 22nd, 2010
The Difference Between Set Dressings And Props
Props and set dressings both play a very important role in movies as they create a visual impact as well as a narrative one. Props and set dressings are very similar in many ways and can both be used as a device to reveal more about characters or to leave a clue as to the direction of things to come. Some are even used to create symbolism and mythology which can be very important to the dynamics of a film. There are, however, a few differences between the two.
Set Dressings
Some people classify props and set dressings in the same category but others make a distinction between the two as set dressings are slightly different to props, in that they tend to be background items rather than more tactile items. They include things like curtains, picture frames, carpets and anything which can be used to add authenticity and make it look good. Set designers spend many hours painstakingly creating the desired environment and they rely on good set dressings to do so.
Movie Props
The use of props is usually written into any film script at an early stage. Props are items which are used by the actors to further a story or to give the movie a more authentic feel. Props include phones, guns and even cars. At Keeley Hire, we have a huge selection of props and set dressings available for hire at affordable prices, ensuring your films have a distinctive feel.
Tags: hiring props, Movie Props, Props, set dressing
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May 20th, 2010
Props Can Make Your Party Memorable
‘Keeping up with the neighbours’ has always been an aspect of modern life. Whether it’s the car you drive or the clothes you wear, it seems like everyone is trying to outdo each other. Shows like My Super Sweet Sixteen are perfect examples of the lengths people will go to ensure their party is remembered for years to come. If you want your party to go with a bang, there is a sure fire tactic you can employ: hire some movie props.
Using stage or movie props to decorate your party venue is a great way to add the wow factor to your party. If you decide to use props for your special event, it is a good idea to have a theme which will pull your décor together and inspire your guests to get into the spirit of it. Fancy dress parties are always popular and by using movie props at your venue, you will take your party to a whole new level.
Choosing a theme for your party will be your first task. There are many to choose from and here at Keeley Hire, we have props for whatever ideas you may have. If you want to throw a classy and sophisticated roaring twenties party, we can supply you with feather boa’s, flapper dresses and some period furniture or if you are looking for something a little different you could throw a New York themed party complete with street signs, cocktails and gangsters.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, themed props
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