June 20th, 2010
A scenic designer can sometimes also be known as a set designer or stage designer. Their job is to design theatre sets in an interesting way. Their main aim is to create realistic and atmospheric theatre sets, which enhance a production and allow the actors to perform in a much more convincing manor. The design of the set can be a very important factor in any production. After all, theatre is a very visual medium, and the stage is the first thing to be seen by the audience, setting their expectations for the rest of the show.
Scenic designers have to have a good artistic vision in order to do their jobs well. They initially work in conjunction with the director, in order to establish the tone and atmosphere which they wish to create. The set designer will then come up with a series of sketches from which to work on. Once they have a design in mind, they will set upon building and hiring props and set pieces to be used during the production. Often, set designers will need to do a great deal of research in order to get their designs just right. This is particularly true if the production is an historical piece, because the set designer will need to ensure that every item on the stage fits into the right time period. Using prop hire specialists, like Keeley Hire, is a great way for set designers to find realistic period pieces for their design, without spending too much cash.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop suppliers, Theatrical Props, traditional theatre sets
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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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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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February 23rd, 2010
It used to be that film directors were very experienced by the time they started making feature films. Often they had to devote years to making commercials or corporate films and had a fair few grey hairs by the time they made it big. That seems to have changed with young filmmakers seeming to appear from nowhere. Of course, they have often taken their time to get to the top as well. It’s just that by starting at ten years old, they can be a veteran by the time they’re in their twenties. This is made possible, of course, because of the affordability and availability of good quality video cameras.
There are a number of things these young filmmakers quickly learn. One of these is that your neighbours, friends and relatives probably aren’t the greatest actors in the world. Whilst they can’t always put their finger on exactly what is wrong, they know that it is not how Brad Pitt acts.
Another area where these directors quickly learn to lavish attention is that of settings and props. The importance of a setting of a film cannot be overestimated. After all, if they manage to film somewhere that is inherently interesting, it is as if that setting has become an extra character. Atmosphere can be the key in many genres of film. Poor props will simply make a film look amateurish.
At Keeley Hire we work for top television companies and Hollywood film producers. You can be confident that our props and settings will enhance your production. With such a diverse range available, prop hire has never been easier.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, prop suppliers, Props, settings, Stage Props
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