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November 15th, 2011
Throwing a themed party can be difficult. Finding the right styles of props at a good price is very difficult, especially in today’s economic climate. You can often encounter an awkward situation of trying to source a quality product whilst keeping the costs down. Well, here at Keeley Hire, we have the solution for you. As our products are used on top quality film sets, you can be sure that the props are all convincing and of outstannding calibre. As the class-leader, we have supplied props to top quality films with high production values, such as the recent Sherlock Holmes film starring Robert Downey Jr., you can be certain of their authenticity.
When discussing a themed party, you know the success lies with the realism of the props/decorations. Prop hire is our field, as we have been been in the business a long time, we know exactly what you need. Our stage props feature exquisite detail, and are perfect for a themed party at home or work. Many of our props are available in a number of sizes, so whatever the venue, we can adjust to it for you. Whether it is a home party with the friends and family, or you are organising the office party, we have everything for you.
Perhaps you want to create a themed party based around space, or your favourite science fiction films and television series’? Our range of exceptional sci-fi products includes Dr Who props and Star Wars props. No matter which you choose, your guests will be amazed when they find themselves in a galaxy far, far away.
Tags: doctor who props, science fiction props, star wars props, themed events, themed parties Posted in Themed events | No Comments »
October 10th, 2011
School plays have been around for a long time and they are a great way to get youngsters involved in projects they can be proud of. Indeed, in some cases, these stage productions lead to a lifelong passion for acting amongst those involved.
However, often the props used are of a very low quality and are botched together from items lying around in schools and in the homes of pupils.
The good news is, it is now possible to source superb, realistic objects for use on stage by engaging in prop hire. Here at Keeley Hire we offer a vast array of such things at great value prices.
Because of the sheer number of objects we stock, you should not struggle to find the ideal ones for your school’s play. And the best thing is, the process of sourcing the items could not be easier. You can peruse our catalogue online and, once you have found what you are after, you can simply get in touch with our helpful team by phone or email.
Making use of high-quality props can give youngsters a richer experience and it really helps to capture their imaginations. We stock such outstanding items as medieval, Sci-fi and pirate props kids will love.
Interacting with these quality items is great fun for youngsters and it can help to ignite a passion in them for all things theatrical. And of course you are bound to impress their parents when they come to see the productions.
To find out more about our prop hire services, simply take a look around the rest of our website.
Tags: pirate props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props, Stage Props Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
June 2nd, 2011
When you engage in prop hire, you no doubt want to use a firm that is reliable, trustworthy and capable of providing you with the ideal items for your production or event. After all, if they let you down, all the hard work and effort you have put into the creation may be in jeopardy.
This is where we come in. Here at Keeley Hire, we specialise in the provision of props for movies, stage shows, corporate and civic events and much more and we have decades of experience in the field.
Indeed, our pedigree in the industry cannot be disputed. You simply have to look at some of the great productions of recent times to see how trusted we are even among the big names of the creative world.
For example, our props were used in the 2007 production Stardust, which was a cinematic hit and featured actors such as Claire Danes, Charlie Cox and Sienna Miller, as well as comedy legend Ricky Gervais.
Meanwhile, the creative talents behind blockbuster Braveheart also made use of our prop hire, as did the people responsible for making the 2000 production Gladiator. And bear in mind these are but a few of our happy customers.
So, to benefit from peace of mind and excellent props, you might want to take a look around our website or get in touch with our friendly and professional team. We should have what you are after and, if not, we might be able to make it for you.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
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 Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
May 17th, 2011
Props help to set the scene. It’s not just big budget productions we supply props to; we also spend a great deal of time helping amateur dramatic societies, educational programmes and private clients find the right props for their production. Perhaps one of our most prominent sectors of growth is in the field of short films. By short films we mean things like university projects, information shorts, website videos and so on.
Clients producing short films tend to be less interested in theatre set-sized props, and more in those vital basics that can make all the difference. For example, let’s say you’re shooting a ten-minute zombie movie short for a university project. Sets are no trouble – the woods, your university bedroom, you’ll figure something out! But the props can create a more dynamic story. Think along the lines of simple basics like severed limbs, authentic-looking weapons and so on.
Professional prop hire is a fantastic way to add priceless new dimensions to your short film. If you’re not 100% sure of the best props to invest in, get in touch with our prop-mad experts and have a chat about what we’ve got in stock or might be able to source for you. We take prop hire seriously (as seriously as you can take an industry that promotes the use of giant polystyrene dinosaur claws), so our guys really are experts in the field.
So, what props do you think your short film needs to take it from low-budget blunder to indie hit?
Tags: film props, filmmaking, importance of props, prop scenery, science fiction props Posted in Props | No Comments »
January 5th, 2011
Sci-fi TV, movie, theatre and photo shoot props rank amongst some of our most sought after prop hire items. But what’s the base appeal of sci-fi as a genre?
The appeal of sci-fi lies perhaps in its inherent fantasy – the idea that anything is possible. The mind is free to scale mythical peaks, far-off lands and galaxies far, far away. We all love to suspend our disbelief a little sometimes, and the attraction of sci-fi is bound up in visuals. Want to captain a star-ship in the far reaches of space? Sci-fi makes it possible.
Essentially, the popularity of sci-fi is based around the idea of exploring new, otherwise inaccessible, worlds. Sci-fi also presents a broader canvas on which to explore big ideas and philosophies which more “realistic” fiction cannot. TV, stage and movie props play a massive role in the creation of these worlds (hence why our sci-fi prop hire department is in continuously high demand.)
Sci-fi movie props are distinctive, meaningful and highly sought after by fans and professionals alike. Take Star Wars for example; it’s pretty difficult to personally recreate Darth Vader or an authentic-looking Royal Guard, and we won’t even get you started on the cardboard/upturned plastic bin/bottle top hell that ensues when attempting a home-made R2D2. Star Wars movie props can make all the difference to your production or event.
Investing in the best props for your sci-fi event is imperative in creating the most authentic atmosphere for fans (and isn’t that what it’s all about?) and cast, whilst maintaining a high level of production values.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, science fiction props, star wars props Posted in Props | No Comments »
September 8th, 2010
Keeley Hire is proud to have provided movie props for some of the most prestigious, commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies and TV shows ever produced. In fact, we are often the first company which production firms call when they need premium movie props for their productions. An illustrious selection of productions which have benefitted from a touch of our prop hire magic includes Stardust, Prince of Thieves, Lark Rise to Candleford, Hovis, Little Dorrit, Band of Brothers, Braveheart, and Gladiator. Furthermore, we have provided prop hire for favourites such as Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, Shakespeare in Love, Sleepy Hollow and the Mummy.
The diverse and disparate nature of these productions emphasises the flexibility, versatility and comprehensive range of props which Keeley Hire is able to offer. From Daleks in Doctor Who, to the bizarre and outlandish creations of Alice in Wonderland, we manage to hit the right mark each and every time. Because we have an excellent and unrivalled record of supplying every type of TV, film and theatre company over the last 40 years and a depth of knowledge in the prop industry which is practically peerless, we are trusted by the biggest names in the business to deliver the goods every time.
There is a lot of painstaking preparation and research which precedes the filming of any production but by the time you sit comfortably to enjoy the latest relapse at your local cinema, and immerse yourself in the parallel world of celluloid, it seems as if it has all happened by magic. However, if you wait till the closing credits roll, do not be surprised to see ‘Keeley Hire’ under the props credits, because we put the magic into the best movies in the world.
Tags: doctor who props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, science fiction props Posted in Props | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2010
Special effects and props are both very important in any film or TV production, whether it’s a few simple props, or a full blown CGI explosion, having something visually interesting to look at is vital. Below are some examples of the various effects used in film and TV, in order to give the viewer a much more exciting visual experience.
Special effects are expensive to add to film. They are used to create sequences and images which either do not exist in reality, or those which it would be too dangerous, time consuming or inconvenient to produce solely for a movie. Today, one of the most popular means of creating special effects is to use computer generated images. A recent example of CGI in film is the blockbuster movie, ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’. The werewolves in this film have been created using CGI. Another popular form of creating special effects is to use animatronics, as seen in ‘The Thing’ or, stop motion animation such as in the classic ‘Jason and the Argonauts’.
Props are very important in film. They help to set the scene and give the actors something to work around. Props are not usually classified as special effects, unless they do something out of the ordinary. For example, in the short film ‘The Horse Hair Chair’ an ordinary household chair begins to grow hair, before enveloping the owner completely and pulling him into its depths. In this instance, a simple prop becomes a special effect. At Keeley Hire, we offer a huge selection of film, stage and TV props for hire, at affordable prices.
Tags: film props, filmmaking, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
June 27th, 2010
Props play a large role in any movie. There have been many popular movie props over the years, a good few of which have gained notoriety in film history and are now part of popular culture. Using props in your film is a great way to stand out, and ensure your film is remembered for years to come. Below are some examples of the most memorable movie props ever to have been used in Hollywood.
1. The Bullwhip in Indiana Jones: One of the most loved of Spielberg’s movies, Indiana Jones proved a big box office draw. Indy is mostly remembered for his bullwhip and fedora hat.
2. The lightsaber in Star Wars: This is arguably one of the most popular props in film history. If you show most people a picture of one of these gadgets, they will have at least some idea as to what it is. There are few little boys who have not dreamed of owning a lightsaber of their very own.
3. The potter’s wheel in Ghost. All the ladies out there will be familiar with this prop, which provided one of the most enduring moments in the movie. The scene in question is now lodged firmly in the collective psyche, and is one of the most recreated scenes in pop culture history.
If you would like to use props in your movie, check out Keeley Hire. We have many excellent props available for hire, which could enhance your film and help to make it a big success.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props, star wars props Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
March 2nd, 2010
Science fiction is as popular as ever, as demonstrated by the recent incredible success of the film ‘Avatar’. ‘Doctor Who’ returned to our television screens a few years ago and is now just as popular with audiences than it used to be. In fact, it’s become so popular that we’ve now put together a special Doctor Who package of props for your convention, or for a party that will be out of this world.
It includes no less than four daleks and their leader Davros. If that isn’t enough deadly enemies for you, we’ll also include a Cyberman. Of course you’ll need some transport to get away from that lot, so we’ve included a Tardis and the greatest of the Doctor’s assistants K-9, the robotic dog.
Perhaps you prefer American science fiction to British. In which case, how about our Star Wars props package? This includes Darth Vader, R2D2, Jar Jar Binks and a member of the Royal Guard. You don’t need to have them all of course but you will benefit from a reduced rate when you book the whole package.
We also have an astronaut and ET, the Extra Terrestrial amongst our other science fiction themed props.
At Keeley Hire, we are one of the major suppliers of props and theatre sets to the television, film, theatre and events industries. Our purpose built warehousing just outside London house over half a million items. You can call to collect your props or we can arrange delivery if that is more convenient for you.
Tags: doctor who props, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props, star wars props Posted in Prop Hire | No Comments »
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