 |
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
Posted in Props | No Comments »
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
Posted in Props | No Comments »
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
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
February 18th, 2010
Whenever you watch a television programme or film that is set in a particular time, you can be certain that the prop buyers on that production have gone to painstaking trouble to ensure that the props used are as authentic as possible. One of the most common comments for filmmakers to receive is that something was not correct.
For example, the lantern held by the Great Northern Railways porter was not issued to staff until 1946 whereas the film is quite clearly set in 1945. This might seem pedantic on the part of the viewer and most people suspend their disbelief so that they can enjoy the story being told, but props are a vital part of the film’s overall atmosphere.
The most difficult periods to get right are the more recent ones because many viewers will have their own memories of those times. However, there is nothing better than being transported to another time and place and the props team have a huge part to play in that. The everyday items such as bicycles, bags and telephones, whilst all relatively minor, add up to give a real flavour of a particular period.
At Keeley Hire we have over half a million props covering everything from mundane everyday articles to the positively exotic. Our premises are just outside London and you can arrange to collect your items or we can have them delivered to you if you prefer. Don’t let a lack of attention to detail spoil the reception of your production, especially when such an efficient prop hire company is at your disposal.
Tags: film props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier, TV props
Posted in Props | No Comments »
February 10th, 2010
The British film industry has a reputation for quality and expertise far greater than you would expect when you look at the number of films made. People from all over the world come to the UK, particularly places like London and Pinewood Studios to learn about filmmaking.
These students usually start off making short films as part of their course and the most successful ones quickly realise what it takes to be noticed as a film director. A good script is, of course, very important, but remember once you start working in the industry you will be hired to work on a script and will probably accept the job even if the script is awful, so you need to know how to make the best out of anything.
It is vital to have a good Director of Photography as they will be able to not only make your film look good, but also be able to suggest shots you should get while you’re filming which may come in useful during the editing stage.
The two areas where inexperienced directors foolishly cut corners, usually for financial reasons, are actors and props. A bad actor always shows up on screen. If the actors are not relaxed it will undoubtedly be highly visible and obvious to almost any viewer.
Props contribute to the setting of the film and should be absolutely right. Firearms, for example, need to look completely convincing or it’s just somebody waving a toy gun. That where a good props supplier comes in.
At Keeley Hire, we have over half a million props and have supplied film and television companies for over forty years.
Tags: authentic props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
February 9th, 2010
Planning ahead is vital to any business. Many people base all their plans on the calendar year and are quite happy to coast as the year comes to an end, just waiting for the New Year to begin. One business that does not work like that, in our experience, is event planning.
There are two particular reasons for that, other than good business practice. After all, it’s always a good idea to be planning as far ahead as possible whatever your business. Specifically, though, the end of the year is an especially busy time for those who plan parties and themed events. The events are often tied in with Christmas and the New Year. In fact, providing Santa’s grottoes has almost become a business in its own right. The second reason for the planning ahead is the need to ensure that the best props will be available.
At Keeley Hire we have found the organisation of themed events has become an increasingly big business, and prop hire has become increasingly popular. We’ve noticed our props are in demand for all manner of themed evenings. These include specific events such as Halloween, Christmas, St Valentines, St Patricks and Easter. There are also some themes which are especially popular such as 70s, 80s, Pirates and the Wild West.
This means that some of our props, such as our Doctor Who and Star Wars items are very popular indeed, and it is never too early to book them. In fact we would recommend early booking as we would hate to see you disappointed.
Tags: authentic props, Prop Hire, Props, props supplier, themed props
Posted in Props | No Comments »
February 4th, 2010
One of the most enjoyable programmes on television over the Christmas period was arguably Victoria Wood’s ‘Midlife Christmas.’ At its centre was a spoof of the BBC’s costume dramas. What made the comedy particularly effective was the setting. Because Victoria Wood was working for the BBC she was able to use the sets, costumes and props from the series ‘Larkrise to Candleford’ in her spoof ‘Lark Pies to Cranchesterford.’ The fact that we supplied props for the original television series only makes this slightly more interesting for us!
Whether you’re making a period drama, something very topical or a story set in the far future, it is vital that the props look like the real thing. Think how disappointing it would be if Doctor Who appeared on our screens with a sonic screwdriver that looked like it came out of a breakfast cereal packet.
At Keeley Hire, we have over half a million props which have been used in Hollywood blockbusters, popular television series and award winning advertisements. We have a selection of these items listed on our website but these are just the tip of the iceberg.
We have been supplying television, film and events with the perfect props for over forty years. Our personnel have a wealth of experience. In fact any problems you’re having with regard to sourcing props have probably been dealt with by our experts before. We have everything in our covered warehousing where you can collect your requirements or we can arrange to have them delivered.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, props supplier, TV props
Posted in Props | No Comments »
January 21st, 2010
Farmers are a staple of comedy and commercials. In fact, there is a long tradition of farming and agriculture in the UK, so it should come as no surprise that they appear on our television and cinema screens so often. In fact, they still frequently pop up on stage, as well.
At Keeley Hire we have been established as a leading supplier of props since the 1830s. You will not be shocked to learn, therefore, that we have amassed an enviable collection of props suitable for any farmer, be he a gentleman or a tenant.
We have a number of farm implements in stock. These include many tools that a modern farmer would not recognise, as farmers often pop up in dramas set in the past. For example, adaptations of Thomas Hardy’s novels, set in rural Wessex are still popular. We also have tools that a modern farmer would recognise such as mattocks (similar to a pick axe), rakes and spades.
We also have props that enhance the setting, rather than being carried by the farmer. Even the names of these items invoke a bygone age. We have orchard pumps, cake crushers, chaff cutters and even a cheese press wheel. Perhaps you would prefer a cider press or a corn mill.
At Keeley Hire we regularly provide props for top television shows and feature films. However, you don’t need huge budgets to benefit from our fantastic selection. If you just need one specific item, you can get it from us.
Tags: farming props, Movie Props, Props, props supplier, Stage Props
Posted in Props | No Comments »
|
|
|
