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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 23rd, 2011
Rather than puff this blog entry up with advice about working with children and animals, we’ve decided to make today’s props blog all about…. taxidermy.
We currently carry a rather diverse stock of taxidermy animals, but it’s come to our attention that lots of people are a little uneasy/confused concerning the law of the land and using taxidermy stage props. Here’s a little advice and legal clarification to help you get to know your inanimate furry friends.
The Guild of Taxidermists is an organisation whose members we tend to favour when on the hunt for ethical, brilliantly crafted stage props. The Guild provides comprehensive legal advice to members, meaning we know everything we buy has come from a 100% legally sound background and been created using 100% legally recognised processes.
Of course, there are some things most folks know from the word go e.g. the sale of rhino horn is illegal, so if anyone turns up offering to sell you one, head for the police station! But knowing the right questions to ask and the right documents to see as proof is something we know well.
For example, UK taxidermy law lists numerous animals such as the Big Cats, Elephants, Pandas etc as being on banned lists for contemporary taxidermy (if you want proof, take a look at the taxidermy panda in the London Natural History Museum; it’s bio informs the viewer that the panda’s coat has faded and will not be replaced by a newer version due to the unethical practice of replacement) so we always ask for proof of origin when buying new specimens.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Stage Props
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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 27th, 2011
Hosting a medieval fair is a fun way to bring together the community, raise money for a school or event, or exercise your talent for the dramatic. Here are some tips for setting the stage for a successful medieval fair.
First you are going to need a wide, open space, preferably a field or a park rather than a car park or other modern setting. This will make your fair feel more authentic.
Now you will need to hire some tents or stalls for vendors, activities, etc. You can hire circus tents, wedding tents, or anything else that you think will do the job, but that looks like it could belong in a medieval fair.
Now you need to look into prop hire. You should have some tables for people to sit at while eating. Why not use frame wood tables from Keeley Hire? People can share a bench and eat together, for a chance to talk and make new friends.
People you field with authentic looking medieval items like wood barrels, blacksmiths equipment, wood carts, and of course a pillory. You may also want some thrones if you intend to have a king and queen at your medieval fair. You can get all of these and more from Keeley Hire. Prop hire allows you to save time you would otherwise have spent making your own medieval props or trying to track down individual items. Instead, use this time to work on other aspects.
When your backdrop is ready, now all you need are people to run events and stalls, and people to enjoy the fair!
Tags: authentic props, medieval props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
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April 23rd, 2011
Choosing period movie props can be a complex process. And, depending on the budget and profile of your film, you may want to be extremely careful that each piece is historically accurate. Here are some ideas for choosing period movie props.
First, whenever choosing furniture and backdrop or scenery items, make sure that these pieces add to the scene rather than making it look awkward or cluttered. Choose props that make your imaginary world look real, rather than like a stage.
For thousands of authentic looking period pieces, try hiring some props from Keeley Hire. Keeley Hire offers all kinds of different items including furniture, trade equipment, household items, personal belongings, and much more.
Many of Keeley Hires props have been used in high profile fantasy and historical films such as one of the Harry Potter movies, Band of Brothers, Gladiator, A Knight’s Tale, and Saving Private Ryan.
If you’re unsure if items will fit into your movie’s timeline, try looking at old photographs or paintings from that period. Do some research online or at your local library to find out what life was like then. You can also talk to people who remember those times.
Antique shops are great places to find period pieces, and chances are the owners of the shop will know something about the pieces. Ask them what period they are or how old they are, and ask them if they know anything else about the piece.
Only use an item or prop if you know it fits well in that period. You don’t want to be embarrassed later when viewers notice that it’s not historically accurate.
Tags: authentic props, importance of props, Movie Props, prop hire company
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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 14th, 2011
When looking for a prop supplier, whether for a movie, theatre, or a themed event, there are many options out there. But for a choice of more than 500,000 props from a company with years of experience in the industry, try Keeley Hire. You won’t be disappointed.
Keeley Hire was established in the 1830’s and they’ve been supplying movie props and stage props to clients all over the country ever since. They pride themselves on their wide variety of realistic, well made props, and if they don’t have what you are looking for they are willing to do custom pieces at your request.
Available movie props and stage props are arranged alphabetically by category or type so that you can easily find what you want. Or you can use the search feature to find items with keywords.
Choose from thousands upon thousands of items including books, furniture, lanterns, radios and televisions, school equipment, toys and games, and weapons. Choose from themes like American, Christmas, jungle and native, Titanic, circus and fairground, and Pirates. Everything is photographed in high detail so that you can tell exactly what it looks like.
Keeley Hire has supplied props and sets for a lot of well-known films including Stardust, Prince of Thieves, Braveheart, Shakespeare in Love, The Mummy, and The Golden Compass. To follw in the footsteps of such inspiring films, you know you’ll get only the best props from Keeley Hire.
For more information or to make a list of props you want, visit: keeleyhire.co.uk, or ring them on 01992 464040 or 01992 444584.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, prop suppliers, 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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April 2nd, 2011
As well as hiring props, making your own stage props is a great way to save some money on any production you plan to do. But if you’ve never made any before, you may not know where to start, or how to find the materials you will need. Here are some tips to help you get started making your own props.
First, make a list of all the props that you will need. Sometimes you will be able to find a few useful items around your home, or borrow some from a friend. Find anything you can before you start making things.
Now figure out what kind of materials you need. For instance, do you expect to build furniture? You will need some wood that’s easy to work with. Try scrap yards, or ask friends with barns or sheds if they have any old scrap wood they aren’t using. Alternatively, but cheap plywood from a DIY shop. Figure out what else you need—ie paint, glue, paper mache, cardboard, fabric, etc.
Now you can start to build and create. If you’re doing a period piece, look at photos online or in magazines to find out what the item would have looked like. Try to replicate it. If you’re doing a modern play, try to make items look like things in your own home, or the home of someone you know.
If you need help making your stage props, enlist the help of your cast. Most people will be glad to help and to do as much as they can to make your production a success.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Stage Props
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March 30th, 2011
In relation to entertainment, the word ‘prop’ has its origins in the period of the Renaissance. At this time, groups of actors travelled around Europe in performing troupes and all the items that they used for performing such as weapons or furniture were labelled as ‘company property’, or ‘property’ for short.
Over time, this term got shortened to ‘props’. Some years after the Renaissance but roughly 180 years before today, Keeley Hire got in to the business of buying, selling and renting props. Today they have one of the largest collections of props to be found anywhere, with over 500,000 items available to hire. Keeley Hire is a major supplier to the Film, TV and theatrical industry and have supplied items for well-known television and stage shows, as well as large Hollywood movie productions.
In recent years Keeley Hire has branched out to satisfy a more diverse market and now provides prop hire to the Themed Event Industry. Items from their huge collection have been utilised in creating themed sets for events ranging from corporate parties to new product launches. Other clients who have also benefited from using Keeley Hire’s supplies include HM Armed Forces, educational establishments and amateur theatre groups.
If you need prop hire services for an occasion, function or production then have a good look around the Keeley Hire website. It really is so easy to use that you will find exactly what you are looking for straight away.
Tags: hiring props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props
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