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May 27th, 2011
If there’s something we get a kick out of down here in the bowels of Keeley Hire HQ, it’s a really bizarre prop request. We try to keep our entire online catalogue as up to date as we can, but if you’re after a bunch of weird movie props or unusual additions to theatre sets, we’d love to hear from you!
We’ve had some pretty weird and wonderful requests in the past (giant polystyrene teacup anyone?) so the odds are good we may already have what you’re looking for in stock (“These ARE the droids you are looking for!” – sorry, can’t help but get a Star Wars joke in every now and then!) We even keep a happy (and very quiet!) menagerie of taxidermy animals on hand for those productions that simply MUST have an angry fox head in them (not body, just head).
Screen productions and theatre sets often require bespoke or custom props. Our team thoroughly enjoys their job of sourcing every stage and movie prop imaginable to add to our immense catalogue of products (remember the Wicker Man? He was ours!) Our current catalogue stands at almost 3500 products, so you can imagine how much fun our 50,000 square foot warehouse is! Only kidding, we don’t play with the props … much!
If you want to chat to one of our warehouse experts or customer service reps, get in touch today and we’ll do our best to fill your obscure props brief!
Tags: film props, Props, props suppliers, science fiction props, themed props
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March 23rd, 2011
Props are often used by movie actors to help give their characters a little something extra. Aside from the costumes they wear, props are the main way to help lend a sense of identity to the character an actor is playing.
The extra sense of realism which movie props bring to a film can help actors get a much better feel for their role. When reading through a script about a heroic Viking warrior, an actor can only get in to their character so much. However, once the same actor gets a Viking broadsword in their hand, they are much further down the road to becoming that character. If a film script calls for a weapon like a sword to be used in anger then props can ensure actors remain safe while helping them to remain in character. Actors playing characters in big-budget films with lots of special affects also rely on the reassuring presence of their character’s key prop to ensure they can deliver a decent performance in the imagination-sapping confines of a green-screen studio.
Well-suited movie props can become central to a character’s personality and even become as identifiable as the character themselves. Classic examples of this are the Magnum revolver used by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies and the bullwhip used by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones series. The props used in both of these instances have become so synonymous with their respective characters that that they would simply seem incomplete without them.
Tags: importance of props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props suppliers
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January 30th, 2011
Props and theatre sets can make an incredibly important contribution to a piece of art. Of course, it makes sense fo us to say that, but sometimes we like to talk about just how versatile, effective and powerful the right props can be in your production. Here are a few examples of films we believe were made even better thanks to finding the right props.
Stardust (2007)
The fabulous fantasy of Stardust was intrinsically linked to excellent props. Set in a surreal Victorian England, accurately representing familiar aspects the audience would naturally associate with the real version of that period (e.g. weapons, costume, dining tools etc) helped suspension of disbelief no end.
Band of Brothers (2001)
Historical accuracy of prop details in any production is important. When that production is set during the lifetime of a living audience member, the right props are crucial. The wrong weapon or flawed set design could have severely damaged the production’s context and authenticity.
Braveheart (1995)
The depiction of history is rarely more important than when conveying the story of a national hero. Can you imagine Braveheart with the wrong sword? The despicable King Edward eating from a modern plate?
Harry Potter (2001)
To die-hard Harry Potter fans (us included) the faithful representation of Diagon Alley – its shops, carts and buildings – was crucial for a loyal depiction of J.K.Rowling’s creation.
The Wicker Man (1973)
This one’s easy – what would the movie have been without our wicker man?
The right theatre sets, props and costumes can create worlds, set context, allow us to glimpse far-off history and – most importantly – help us visualise fantasy.
Tags: authentic props, film props, Movie Props, Props, props suppliers
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December 20th, 2010
What’s your dream job? I bet you have one. I’m guessing you didn’t really want to be an auditor or a customer service agent. Some people get to work in the most amazing environments. Have you ever wondered where movie props come from? Specialist suppliers keep vast stores of props ready for use in films or on TV. And they have the most bizarre, random and fascinating collections of bits and pieces you could imagine.
Demand is of course huge. Think about the last ten films you saw, or just stop and think about the range of TV shows you saw last night. They probably ranged from the historical to the futuristic. And every single one of those films and TV programmes needs props. Tonnes of them. Now your average office is a pretty dull place. It’s just computers, desks, partitions and maybe few pot plants. It seems unlikely that the workplace at a movie props hire company is like that. Just think what’s stored there. Anything and everything.
Some items are actually authentic, others are made by specialists to recreate period pieces. It’s a whole fascinating industry. Just think, there are people out there who still know how to make a sword or some chain mail armour. It’s big business too. Lots of movies are shot here in the UK because we have some great studios and a lot of industry expertise and know how. Maybe it’s time to hand your notice in and get a job in an environment that’s just a little bit more exciting.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, props suppliers
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July 8th, 2010
In today’s world, first impressions and perfect presentation are seen as being the key to success. This is particularly important when hosting a party or special event. People expect glitz and glamour now, more than ever. When they attend a party or social function, they will be scrutinizing the décor from the moment they arrive until they leave. A badly presented party can cause negative reactions in the guests from the off, whereas a glamorous, well-decorated event room can set the tone and increase enjoyment significantly.
One of the best ways to ensure your event goes off without a hitch and impresses your guests is to use props. Prop hire is becoming more and more common when throwing a party or special event. Items which were once confined to the movies or stage are now being used to decorate party venues across the UK. No matter what theme you have for your party, you can hire props from us, at Keeley Hire, which are sure to impress every one of your guests.
Using props at your venue will make your event stand out from the rest. We are all used to the usual, boring decorations at parties, so, when we turn up to an event to find it decked out with stage props that we would normally only see in one of our favourite films or TV shows, we are immediately impressed and excited. This creates a great buzz for the entire evening, and provides an excellent talking point for all of the attendees.
Tags: film props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, props suppliers
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February 25th, 2010
It is a commonplace that fashions come and go. This is the case even where the most traditional theatre is concerned. Shakespeare’s plays are still performed today, and it has to be said, are as relevant as they ever were. However, the fashions in how to speak Shakespearean language, how to stage the Bard’s plays and what sets and props to use have altered over time.
For many years, everybody wore ruffs around their neck and got clad in doublet and hose. Nowadays, anything goes as far as costumes are concerned. It might be that everybody is in a black shirt and trousers. They might just wear modern dress or the play may be set in a particular time and place.
Theatre sets are usually avoided with productions of Shakespeare. This is because the settings for scenes fly around the world. Unlike modern plays which often seem to happen inside a single bedsit, Shakespeare’s plays often present wider spaces.
In the 1960s the Royal Shakespeare Company famously reinvigorated Shakespeare’s history plays. They did this with no permanent set, although they did use banners to show, for example, the opposing sides in The War of the Roses. Props became even more important than usual. In particular, weapons had to be both historical and practical.
Many of Shakespeare’s plays suit a medieval setting and we at Keeley Hire have lots of fantastic props and settings to help establish that atmosphere. In fact, however you want to stage your Shakespeare, take a look at the over half a million props we have.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, props suppliers, settings, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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