What are props?
'The word "prop" is short for "property," referring to an object or piece of scenery used by the actors as part of the scene. Movie props serve much the same purpose as stage props: enhancing the drama and helping the actors do their jobs. More specifically, they can be invaluable components in the overall story, and even come to symbolize the movie itself.' -ehow.com
Why are props important?
They’re a vital part of film, TV, and theatre...but why?
Circumstance- Props are most commonly used in conveying the time and place the narrative is set. Props are often the only indicator of what decade, or cultural movement a story is set in. For example, if a narrative is set in Ancient Rome, certain props will be used to show that. The prop maker will have to thoroughly research that time period to convey this to an audience. It helps the story come alive, and helps viewers activate their imagination more readily. Imagine a sci-fi film without a prop. It’d be a pretty drab affair.
Atmosphere- As well as helping the audience understand the narrative, a prop can also help actors get a feel for their role. An actor will find getting into their Native American role; if they have they’re dressed similar and holding weapons and tools used in that time period. Today, films rely more and more on shooting in front of a green screen. This can make it extremely hard for actors to get into their role. A prop can help them do that.
Character- Film characters often become instantly recognizable through their props. Think Indiana Jones’s hat and bullwhip. These two props serve as an extension of this characters personality, and help him become recognizable instantly.
Safety- This is often overlooked, but props can help ensure the safety of actors. A fake knife of gun can look just as intimidating as the real thing when done well, and don’t put actors in any immediate threat. Looking for props in your next theater production or film?
This text comes from research we did on a website called spurcreative.co.uk.
Circumstance- Props are most commonly used in conveying the time and place the narrative is set. Props are often the only indicator of what decade, or cultural movement a story is set in. For example, if a narrative is set in Ancient Rome, certain props will be used to show that. The prop maker will have to thoroughly research that time period to convey this to an audience. It helps the story come alive, and helps viewers activate their imagination more readily. Imagine a sci-fi film without a prop. It’d be a pretty drab affair.
Atmosphere- As well as helping the audience understand the narrative, a prop can also help actors get a feel for their role. An actor will find getting into their Native American role; if they have they’re dressed similar and holding weapons and tools used in that time period. Today, films rely more and more on shooting in front of a green screen. This can make it extremely hard for actors to get into their role. A prop can help them do that.
Character- Film characters often become instantly recognizable through their props. Think Indiana Jones’s hat and bullwhip. These two props serve as an extension of this characters personality, and help him become recognizable instantly.
Safety- This is often overlooked, but props can help ensure the safety of actors. A fake knife of gun can look just as intimidating as the real thing when done well, and don’t put actors in any immediate threat. Looking for props in your next theater production or film?
This text comes from research we did on a website called spurcreative.co.uk.
the props that we used and why?
Our main prop was a knife. We used this because 'Imprint' is a slasher film and a knife implies that there is going to be more of a slow, painful death with much more blood and gore, which is a typical convention of slasher films.