subject: Props For Film And Television [print this page] Props originated for theatrical performance as a way of enhancing the authenticity of the setting. Actors have used theatrical props since the time of early theatre, and props can have a significant effect when it comes to creating a particular time and setting. Today props are used not only on stage, but during the production of film and television, and often movie props will be made to look fantastically realistic yet designed in a way that is safe and economical to use.
Movie props stand alone from elements such as costume and scenery. The only item of clothing that might be considered a prop is one that would not be worn by the actor at any stage during production. For example a belt worn by an actor would be costume, but a belt used by an actor to strike another character would be a prop.
It is essential that the prop looks realistic to the audience, and where sometimes genuine objects might be used for this effect, often they have to be specifically designed to look real under the production lights. A typical example might be a prop sack which is designed to a specific size and shape, and starched to stop it collapsing, like a real sack.
Film props such as prop weapons are designed with safety features to avoid injury on set. Often the guns will fire caps or blanks, and knives or swords are made from rubber or plastic. In film and television glass props such as windows that need to be smashed will be made from crystallized sugar so as to give a shattering effect with no danger to the actor.
At Keeley Hire we have a range of props for film and television, and can provide you with anything form period to modern equipment, specifically designed for screen productions.
