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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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February 17th, 2011
Although we’re more than happy to supply props to any stage production at any scale, much of our business revolves around the big screen. You will see Keeley items in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 21st Century as well as many of the well-loved movies and television dramas of previous decades. Movie props for 1973’s The Wicker Man (now a cult horror classic) were supplied by us, for example. We’ve provided items to Harry Potter films, Dr Who, and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Our work is also on show in big budget historical epics like Braveheart, Gladiator, and Saving Private Ryan. These films demand the highest standards of historical accuracy and flawless construction in everything that goes on set. We’re proud to say we can and do deliver that kind of quality.
However, it’s not all about accuracy. Sometimes spectacle is more important, and our ability to create or find movie props that look amazing is demonstrated in outstanding fantasy cinema portfolio. Our movie props appear in the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust, in The Golden Compass, in Sleepy Hollow (one of Johnny Depp’s finest performances), and in The Mummy alongside Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and John Hannah.
Whenever you hire from us we’ll do our best to make sure your project ends up looking just as good as those Hollywood movies. We can’t make sure you’ve got the scripts, camera equipment and acting talent – you still have to take care of that- but we can make sure your set looks amazing.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier
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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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November 8th, 2010
If you are involved with a local theatre and intend to put on a production, you will have probably chosen the cast and decided on the play’s staging and arrangements. If it is a period play, you will have to select the costumes for the actors. If you don’t have these outfits already, you can get them from a prop hire store. In fact, these hire companies will be able to help you find whatever stage props you need.
You can visit them yourself but if there isn’t a prop hire company near you, it’s easy to go online to find the stage props you need. Directors have different ideas about which props to use in their productions. Some like to keep them to a minimum, while others prefer to use as many as possible, believing that this enhances the look of the play, both for the audience and the actors.
Whichever option you decide to go for, it’s important to have the props available during rehearsals as this will allow the actors to get used to them. Of course, all of this is dependent upon your budget. Most amateur dramatics companies face this problem, but with a little bit of research they are able to find the best deals in prop hire and other areas which allows them to stage their production. If this sounds like your situation, have a look at the wide range of props available from Keeley Hire and you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
Tags: Props, props supplier, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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September 17th, 2010
There are many iconic props that have featured in films, TV series and on theatres sets throughout the decades. Some people decide that seeing them from a seat in an auditorium or from their sofas at home does not sufficiently reflect their passion for the objects.
A trend that has emerged in recent times involves prop collecting. Individuals keen on this way of passing the time build up impressive assortments of items that have been wielded by the stars of stage and screen. Of course, getting their hands on the originals can be tricky so to get round this problem some people fabricate the movie props themselves.
So dedicated to the cause are the fans that they often manage to achieve complete accuracy for their homages to the film and theatre pieces. Sometimes, conventions are staged during which items can be exchanged and bought. With many travelling across countries and occasionally internationally to attend such get togethers, there is no shortage of enthusiasm.
As a special treat, actors – including the occasional Hollywood A-lister – make an appearance at the events. This provides followers with the opportunity to add signatures and photographs to their collections of movie props. Some of the props that have generated the most attention over the years include the lightsabers featured in Star Wars and the bullwhip used in Indiana Jones.
Indeed, those hoping to get their hands such artefacts – well, replicas anyway – will have no problem in sourcing them from the internet, with many companies realising the commercial potential they possess.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier
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August 30th, 2010
Putting on a show is not an easy task. In order to succeed you will need to be patient, methodical, and organised. You will need to expect the unexpected and be able to think on your feet. No matter how many times you stage a dress rehearsal, or how many props you source, something will always go wrong. However, if you are up to the challenge, putting on a show can be very rewarding indeed.
Props are used in most stage plays, and are very important in most shows. They can be simple objects such as a basket or a book, or they can be more elaborate items, like a katana sword or a machine gun. As a props person, it will be your job to source all the props needed for the show. Most props people tend to make their own props, or hire them from a company like ours, Keeley Hire, because it is much cheaper than buying everything you will need. Many items can also be difficult to track down.
Sourcing props can sometimes be difficult because, you will need to ensure that they are exactly right for the show. If the show is set in, for example, the 17th century, you will need to find appropriate props which are either from that time period or replicate pieces from that period. If you do not get the right props, your show will be less believable, and much less enjoyable for the audience. Fictional worlds should allow the viewer to become immersed in them, and so the stage must be set properly if the illusion is to be maintained.
Tags: prop scenery, Props, props supplier, set design
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August 2nd, 2010
The word ‘cosplay’ is short for ‘costume play’. Cosplay is a Japanese pass-time which is gaining popularity elsewhere. The main objective in Cosplay is to wear outfits and use props based on those used used by your favourite fictional characters, whether it is from books, films, anime, Manga or video games. However, most cosplay centres around Manga and anime, which originated in Japan. This means that most of the costumes worn by cosplayers have a distinct Japanese quality.
Cosplay is one of the most popular hobbies in Japan at the moment and is fast becoming a favourite with teenagers and young adults in Europe and the United States. Groups of like minded cosplayers organise gatherings in their area, where they dress as their favourite characters, have contests for the best costume and generally present their outfits to each other. In Europe and the United States, it is more common for cosplayers to deviate from the traditional Manga and anime styles and incorporate outfits and props from a range of different sources, including American TV shows, such as Buffy. They also reference British and American movies, and even period costumes, which are more akin to historical re-enactments and fantasy role playing.
Cosplay is now so popular in Japan, that teenagers have actually adopted the look as part of their daily wardrobe, and they can often be seen wearing eccentric, Manga inspired outfits or carrying props, which would once have only been used during cosplay.
If you are interested in trying out cosplay, check out Keeley Hire, where we have a massive range of props available for hire.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, props supplier
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June 30th, 2010
It is the job of a prop master to take responsibility for all of the props used on stage or set. Props are any item used on stage which is moveable. Actors use props for a variety of reasons whilst on stage. They can be used to further the plot. For instance, a mobile phone used for an important phone call in a play, or a newspaper which reveals some new and important information to the actor, are both good examples of the ways in which props can be used. If the script requires props to be used, it is up to the prop master to source them and ensure they are ready and waiting to be used.
The prop master will source props from many different places. Props can be hired from a company, such as here at Keeley Hire, they can be bought outright, or, they can be made by the production design team. The prop master will usually work very closely with the production designer, to ensure that they have the same vision for how the set will look. Creating the right atmosphere is a very important part of staging any play, or producing any film. It can be the difference between an average production and a great one; this is why the job of prop master is an important one.
If you are interested in becoming a prop master, it is wise to study art or work in an art and design based industry. This will give you a good background knowledge, which will help you succeed in the field.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, props supplier
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June 8th, 2010
Props, in film and theatre, are objects which are either handled by an actor on stage, or used to dress the stage itself. For example, a newspaper held by an actor, or a newsstand on stage, would both be considered as props. Props are used in a production to create interesting visuals, and to further the dialogue and performance of the actors. Props should be used only when they are really needed to improve the production.
Too many props can ruin an otherwise excellent production and, adversely, an excellent prop can improve upon an already great production, too. Below are just a few ways that props can enhance your production.
1. Props can draw the viewers’ attention. An interesting prop will make the audience take notice – no matter what.
2. Props can be used as a focal point. A truly great prop will convey something about the production, and add extra information not conveyed by the actors. If you want to bring a certain theme to the table, without pushing it overtly, a well-chosen prop can do the trick.
3. They are memorable. Good props stick in your mind. No one forgets the TARDIS in Doctor Who, or the pen from Casino. Remembering visuals is much easier than remembering dialogue, and scenes such as the ‘pen scene’ become legendary, and are remembered long after.
If you wish to enhance your production with props, check us out at Keeley Hire. We offer good quality props for hire at a great price.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier, Stage Props
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June 2nd, 2010
If you are a professional photographer, it is essential that you use props in your work. Photo shoots would be boring and uninspiring if you did not. Every photographer knows that they must use a backdrop and good lighting, as well as a great subject to photograph, but all these things on their own do not make an amazing picture. Using props to enhance your photographs helps you to create unique photographs, which will set you apart from the competition.
Props can be used in a variety of ways when taking a picture. For example, you could hire stage props from us at Keeley Hire, and use them to create a whole new world for your subject to inhabit. You could create an atmospheric, Gothic picture simply by adding a few stage props, such as coffins and skulls. You could even change the way people see your subject, simply by giving them a specific prop to hold. Give them a sword and they will instantly appear more heroic, or a hairbrush and they will appear vain. Using props can make your job much easier, and can give you the look you need with minimum effort.
Of course, the quality of the pictures will depend on the quality of the props, just as much as your ability to shoot the scene skilfully. It is important that you source just the right props for your needs. They should be good quality pieces which fit the context of your pictures, and enhance the scene, without detracting from the subject.
Tags: hiring props, importance of props, props supplier, Stage Props
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