Props Research

The props in film range from small to massive and they complete and sell the verisimilitude of the film as well as representing the character and to stimulate the plot. The properties department is responsible for creating and handling the the designs to the film during research we found out there were different apsects such as Dressing Props (surroundings for example furniture) Hand Props ( things that the actor will carry or hold) , Hero Props (objects central to action in a scene), stunt Props (props used in movie combat, or stunts that have been replicated into softer materials such as a door made of paper, and floor made of foam), Mechanical Props (props that move). In our movie, our main prop of the film is also the McGuffin.

Our main prop was the drawn map which was discussed during the narrative discussions as it ties the whole opening together. The map was meant to be a hand drawn map written by Ariadne and Isaac when they were kids. It shows all the places they wanted to visit all around London. later on in the play the map gets lost along with other useless paperwork, but luckily just by chance it gets re-discovered in the hands of Ariadne. It was re-drawn by Isaac before it became lost, it was just blank with red lines and dots all joining up in a clever unseen sort of puzzle. When the time came to make this prop, we were advised to make several copies just in case something happened to one of them or we didn't get the effect we were hoping for we could use one of the extras. 

Due to the fact that the map was our main prop, we wanted it to be quite mind boggling so that it would draw a sense of enigma from the audience, and make them want to find out more about this strange map that has no writing and is just lines and dots. The maps importance was also drawn to attention when it was mention in the voice-over, so that the audience know that the character is quite drawn to the map as well.


Designing Specifications for The Red Map

• Map must be worn and looks like its been lost before
• Must be blank of names
• Red lines and dots 
• Map must be big enough be able to film the drop shot
• Must look like it's been drawn by Isaac- graph paper, straight lines, boy-ishh messy-ness         

Our other hand prop was the canvas bag that Ariadne carries around with her. The colour is very simple and blue which represents that that Ariadne is not that mainstream when it comes to fashion, and perhaps gives off a clue that Ari isn't like most girls. Looking at the mood boards, our original ideas for the bag that Ari was going to use was a backpack bag made out of the same sort of material with a similar colour 

scheme. but due to the fact that we don't have that much of a budget, we decided to go for something we already have and something that's a little worn out which would match Ari perfectly. We also filled Ariadne's bag with contents that we think she might have put in her bag. one of the main props in her bag was the masses of paper with writing on to show the audience that she writes her thoughts a lot. We tried to make the bag as full as possible to show that out character wasn't just going there for a visit.

Map after drop shot was captured

Map before it was used

The canvas bag used

Contents of the bag