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July 30th, 2010
We have been telling stories for thousands of years. The simple story was the chief source of entertainment for a long time, that is, until some great person came up with the idea of staging a play. The play simply improved upon the art of storytelling by making it a much more visual and exciting experience. No longer did you have to imagine how the beautiful heroine would look or wonder how the hero looked as he saved the day, you could see it all. Of course, when the play was first invented, it was in a much more primitive state than the huge productions we see in the West End today, where props and expensive theatre sets are the order of the day. Back then, there would have been few props, and actors would supply their own garments for their parts. Back then, there was still a lot of imagination involved.
Today, however, theatre is an amazing spectacle. Theatre sets are so detailed that you could almost believe you had been transported to another time and place and the actors wear expensive costumes which have been painstakingly created for the role. The actors now use authentic props which look realistic, no matter what time period they are representing. We at Keeley Hire have props ranging from the futuristic to the primitive, available for hire. No expense is spared in creating a new world for the audience to relish and revel in, before coming back down to reality. But, at the heart of this entire spectacle, is still the simple story.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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July 27th, 2010
Both props and costumes play a very important role in any film. A good costume will look great in the print and will give the audience an enjoyable viewing experience. It will also tell them something about the character, and will contribute to the opinion of the character before they know too much about them. Film makers use this trick to good effect all the time. Often, they do not have the time to fully establish every aspect of the character, and so they give the viewer information about the person. The clothes they wear add to their personality, and round them off much more quickly than could be done otherwise. Think about movies you have seen where the bad guy wears black leather; we know he is bad from the second he arrives on screen, or the typical ‘damsel in distress’ who appears in a flowing white gown, immediately telling us she is pure.
Props work in much the same way. They give us a little extra insight into the person using them. A good example of this would be that of the character Dale Cooper in the 90’s TV show Twin Peaks. His main prop was a tape recorder, on which he would regularly record his thoughts. Not only did this serve as a way of getting into his head and hearing what he was thinking, but it also showed us a little of his methodical personality.
At Keeley Hire, we have a huge supply of props for use in the TV and film industry, which can be hired at reasonable prices.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
Posted in Movie Props | No Comments »
June 17th, 2010
Stage props are used on theatre sets by the actors in a play. Props have been around since actors would use props to make their plays more entertaining for audiences in ancient Greece. It was common for ‘theatre groups’ to travel around Greece at this time, and their shows were often huge events. At this time, props were usually supplied by the actors, who would use their own property to flesh out their character. However, some props were communally owned too. These days, props are usually bought outright by the production company, or hired from a company such as ours, at Keeley Hire.
Props are usually defined as objects which are used on stage by actors, but which are not used as part of the set design or costume. This includes objects such as guns, telephones, books and newspapers. However, sometimes clothing and set pieces can be included under the bracket of props. For example, if an actress on the stage was to hold up a cardigan against her body to see how it looked, the cardigan would be classified as a prop rather than costume.
Props are usually sourced by a member of the production team, known as a ‘prop master’. Prop masters often have a tight budget to stick to, so needto be shrewd in their purchases. Props come in many forms, whether they are original vintage items or modern replicas. They vary in price too, and it is often more economical for the prop master to hire, rather than buy, objects for a production.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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June 11th, 2010
For as long as there have been theatre productions, there have been props. Props are items which are either handled by the actors on stage, or used as set pieces to enhance the design of the set. Props can enhance a theatre production, film or TV show immensely, and can even help to drive the plot.
Props are a great way to establish setting in any show, whether on stage or screen. For example, if you want to set your play in a cafe, you will need tables, chairs and maybe a mug for your actor to drink from. Without these props, setting could be unclear, and the audience may be left feeling confused. Similarly, if you wish to set your production in a particular time period, the use of props is a great way to convey the era in a subtle way.
In order to engage your audience and make your production more authentic, it is desirable to use only good-quality props, which are both authentic and desirable. Your audience will quickly spot any props which are out of place, or which are of the wrong time period for your production.
If you are going to use dangerous props on set such – as knives or swords – it is important to buy purpose-made film props, rather than an actual knife. Purpose made props have built-in safety features, to ensure no one gets hurt.
At Keeley Hire, we offer a massive range of props for both stage and screen, and can help you with all of your prop hire needs.
Tags: authentic theatre sets, Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
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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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May 31st, 2010
Defining Props
Props are vital to any production, and theatre sets would not be the same without them. Here at Keeley Hire, we stock a vast array of props and set pieces which can be hired at reasonable prices to enhance your production without the hassle of hiring storage space. There are often arguments amongst some artistic directors and set designers as to what constitutes a prop. There seem to be many different opinions on which parts of a set are props and which are not. Most of us would agree that a book or a mobile phone used on the stage is a prop but disagreement occurs when a piece of furniture such as a shelf or a cabinet is referred to as a prop. Some people believe that furnishings are not props, but are in fact design settings.
In reality, it does not matter how we refer to these things. Each item in its own way is a prop. It does not matter whether the item in question can be picked up and used or whether it is a stationary piece of background furniture; it is still a prop which has been placed on stage with a purpose to either further the plot or make it more realistic. It does not matter much whether you would like to refer to them as props or part of the set; the objective remains the same. The props set the desired scene and help the actors and the audience to believe the drama unfolding before them.
Tags: Props, set design, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
May 13th, 2010
Make Your Own Movie
With the huge advances in technology and the availability of high quality digital cameras, it is now possible for aspiring film makers to create their own movies on a shoestring budget. There have been quite a few cases, reported in the media recently of film makers who have made very low budget movies and seen them become huge successes. A recent example of this was the movie Colin. The film was made by Mark Price for a reported sum of £45. Shown at the Cannes film festival, it was a hit and sparked a bidding war between two Japanese distribution companies.
Equipment is one thing, but you still need a good idea, solid actors and some great props. Writing a screenplay can be difficult but it is a skill that can be learnt.
Finding actors in your local area who are competent and able to do justice to your script is the first major hurdle you will face. After all, it doesn’t matter how good a script is if the actors are awful, no one will watch.
The use of props has always been important in the movies. Imagine your favourite films without the props. Not as exciting, are they? Giving your film the perfect setting will help to realise your ideas and transport your audience into another world. Props can be expensive, but here at Keeley Hire we offer a huge selection of props for hire at affordable prices, allowing you to bring your ideas to life.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
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May 9th, 2010
Props For Hire Online
Stage and movie props are essential tools to be used when staging any theatre production or making a movie. Try to think of a single film you have seen which does not feature any kind of prop. The likelihood is that you will find this an impossible task. Even simple household items such as chairs or tables are considered stage props and must be purchased or hired by a member of the production team in order to add authenticity to a production piece.
The theatre and movie industries are still doing great business in spite of the recession. However, there has been a recent need to minimize costs, even in Hollywood. This is where we at Keeley Hire can help you out. Buying props outright can be an expensive business and storing them when not in use can be even more of a financial burden, so, it stands to reason that hiring props from a reputable prop hire company is a much more cost effective way of acquiring vital props.
Another benefit of buying from us is that we maintain an internet presence which will allow you to browse through our hundreds of props in your own time, rather than having to fumble your way around a prop hire store hoping you will find the things you need. All our stock is of a high standard and we regularly update our selection of props so the chances are, you will find what you are looking for on our website.
Tags: hiring props, Movie Props, Props, Stage Props
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May 6th, 2010
Staging A Play
The decision to stage a play is not one to be taken lightly. A lot of work is required to organise and stage a theatre production, so it’s advisable to take some time to plan and evaluate your situation before taking the plunge.
First, choose a script. This could be an original work specifically written for the occasion, or it could be an existing script. If you opt for an existing script, you will need to obtain the rights to perform the play. This is not always easy, but it’s likely a popular script will attract a larger audience.
Next, you will need to find actors and actresses. Casting a play is one of the most important elements to staging a successful show. You should always audition and get the best actors you can afford. At this point, you will also need a director, make up artists and other backstage production staff.
When everything is in place, you will need to consider your surroundings. Theatre sets and stage props play a vital role in any play. It is important for both the actors and the audience to be in the presence of quality props. For instance, a period piece performed in modern surroundings by actors in modern dress would be a confusing. Money may be tight but you should always go for the best props you can afford. At Keeley Hire, we offer an excellent range of affordable props for hire, which will enrich your setting and help your play to succeed.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, theatre set, Theatrical Props
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