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October 14th, 2011
The idea of props is relatively simple. In order to fully engage film, TV and stage production audiences, it is important to make sets as realistic as possible and this involves the use of certain objects to help the actors convey their stories.
However, in reality there is a delicate art when it comes to creating and using the perfect movie and stage props. For example, as strange as it may seem, sometimes real items do not look correct when used in the bright lights of a studio or on stage and it is therefore necessary to exaggerate some of their features and play others down.
Creative experts are adept at coming up with new versions that seem more real than the real things.
Meanwhile, certain objects used by actors have to be altered from their true nature for safety reasons. For example, we have all watched scenes in films, soap operas and so on when characters smash glass objects, sometimes over the heads of fellow performers.
Of course, if this glass were real, serious physical harm would be caused.
But, with the magic of stage props, such problems can be overcome. Rather than glass, crystallized sugar is used to make the objects. This looks real but does not cause the same level of harm.
These are just two of the tricks of the trade. There are many more and so getting the perfect props means choosing providers that know their stuff.
Here at Keeley Hire we have decades of experience in the field and can provide a vast array of items that may be perfect for your needs. Our extensive selection includes everything from horror movie props to Star Trek props.
Tags: importance of props, organising props, Stage Props, star trek props
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September 18th, 2011
Looking for props to suit your film, play or event is never as simple as it first appears. Unless, of course, you know where to look. We’ve made the process of arranging prop hire quick and simple to ensure you get the items you need in the quickest time possible. With the help of our online catalogue, you can stay in the comfort of your home (or film set) while you find the best props.
Our extensive selection of products ensures we have just what you’re looking for. We cater to all genres, so there is no need to look elsewhere. The best thing about our online arrangement is that you can instantly see the items available – just search through our catalogue (either according to the theme or by searching for specific keywords) to find all available options. You’re free to make your choices according to your individual requirements.
Then, all you need to do is add the items you’re interested in to your enquiry list, submit it, and we’ll get straight back to you with stock availability and pricing. You’re then free to come and collect your items or arrange delivery as you see fit. This keeps the process simple and straightforward, whilst making sure you get the products you need. If you’re looking to arrange prop hire, we should be your first and only port of call. So, for the perfect combination of convenience and quality, make sure to browse our selection and see how easy it can be.
Tags: Movie Props, organising props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Stage Props
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June 5th, 2011
The vast majority of films, theatre productions and other such things rely on props. Admittedly this is much more the case for certain creations than others but it is virtually impossible to get through a movie, play, musical or other such offering without making use of such items.
In a bid to save money on your production, you might be tempted to use your own team to create some of the objects you need. Although in some cases this might be okay, often such attempts are unsuccessful. There is an art to creating realistic props and that is why in most cases you may be better off leaving it to the experts.
For example, here at Keeley Hire, we specialise in such creations and know exactly how to achieve the desired effects. There is a huge difference between the level of objects offered by firms like us and those produced by individuals lacking in the necessary skills and experience.
It is important to bear in mind that substandard props can ruin the impression created by movies and stage shows, so generally speaking it is not worth risking poor quality items.
Instead, you might benefit from engaging in prop hire. And, as well as being highly effective, this also means the process of getting the necessary objects should be quicker and more straightforward.
To find out more about our prop hire and see what we have to offer, simply take a look around our website. You might be surprised by the level of choice facing you.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, prop suppliers
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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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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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April 11th, 2011
If your prop room is a disorganized frenzy, you’ll never be able to find the stage props you need when you need them. And if you own some props and have hired out others, you may find it hard to remember which props belong to you and which props need to be returned. Here are some tips to help you organise your stage props.
1. First, empty the room entirely. Once you have a clear, open space, you can put in some shelving or some plastic tubs that you can use to store various items in.
2. Label different areas. Make separate sections for props you own and ones you’ve hired—such as on different walls. Label individual shelves and plastic tubs with categories so that each type of prop will be easier to find.
3. Instruct everyone to put things in the right place. One of the main reasons a prop room gets disorganized is because actors tend to just drop things or stuff them in the easiest place instead of taking the time to put them in any sort of order.
4. Make sure that actors know which props belong to you and which ones are hired. This way everyone will know and nothing will be lost. If necessary, mark the ones you own somehow to distinguish them.
Once your prop room is organized, you will find it much easier to find things when you need them, and both rehearsals and performances should run more smoothly.
Tags: hiring props, organising props, Props, smaller props
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March 17th, 2011
Stage props are items used by theatre actors to help convey drama and elaborate narrative in a particular scene. Props used in feature films serve much the same purpose, although frequently on a grander scale. Although often overlooked, these essential visual aids are an important element of feature films for several reasons.
Plot development
When used adeptly, movie props can be used to help a story unfold and develop. They can also be used in a narrative as metaphors or visual symbols in order to elaborate on the film’s overall theme or underlying message. Good examples of this kind of plot development can be seen in films like Forrest Gump, when Tom Hanks uses a box of chocolates to help illustrate his character’s thoughts on life, and in Ghostbusters, when Harold Ramis uses a Twinkie Bar to describe spooky goings-on in New York.
Authenticity
Movie props can be a great way to make an audience believe more in the time or location in which a film is set. Whether by using a guillotine in Revolutionary France or tommy-guns in prohibition America, the setting of a film can be brought to life far more effectively. Science fiction films which are set in the future often use shiny gadget-type props in order to illustrate the advanced technology of the time.
Sword-and-sorcery films also do much the same thing, bringing their fantasy worlds more vividly to life with familiar favourites such as magic wands and enchanted amulets.
Tags: importance of props, Movie Props, organising props, Prop Hire, Props
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January 14th, 2011
On a production of any size, props and their care are paramount. Clearly identifying who takes care of props, who uses them and who’s responsible for their supervision can help your production run more efficiently, free from the stresses and emotional meltdowns associated with those moments when everybody realises that collection of bicycles WASN’T for folks to borrow at their leisure to nip to the shop, but was in fact rented from us for your production…. and now three of them are missing.
Store props safely and securely
Elementary as it may sound, taking the proper precautions when it comes to safeguarding even the smallest of props is vital. Particularly small productions sometimes suffer a little when it comes to storage space.
However, if you lose a prop or it becomes damaged through poor storage, it creates a troublesome situation for all of us.
Create a schedule
Film and stage props are more likely to be lost or damaged when left lying around or unused for long periods of time. Create a schedule and do your best to stick to it, keeping stage props and other components out of harm’s way as much as possible.
Handle with care
Some larger film and stage props can be dangerous when handled incorrectly. Avoid letting folks on set mess about with props. We know how tempting it is to dress-up in our hired suits of armour and play knights (you should see our warehouse), but safety and sensibility should always come first.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, prop scenery, Props
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November 20th, 2010
Finding the perfect stage props for your production can be more difficult than it sounds. This is especially so if you are involved with a play or opera which is a period piece, where costumes and other props must reflect the age the show is set in. Even if you find the perfect period piece that sums up the looks and themes you need to convey, it may look wrong when you finally get it on stage if the stage props are not right.
Lights and perspective – the way the audience sees the props – may change how an item looks, while their relationship with the other parts of the theatre sets may make them look unrealistic. You can see already why it is important to modify your props or have them designed specially for the show so that they end up looking more authentic than the item themselves. Finding such an item or making it yourself could end up being costly, and if you belong to a small amateur dramatics society, this will put a big dent in your budget.
But there is a solution to this problem. Instead of buying or making the necessary stage props, you can rent them from a company which specialises in prop hire. Providing you choose the right props company, they will have a lot of experience in working out the best ways to achieve authentic stage props and movie props. Have a look at some of the great ideas for stage props right here on the Keeley Hire website and you can see for yourself just how authentic they will look on your stage.
Tags: organising props, prop hire company, Props, props supplier
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