Props

What are the things to think about when your club sets about making a film? Good Script, Locations, Actors/Actresses and last but not least Props.

We, at Valley Films, have had our fair share of obtaining objects we thought we could never obtain.

For one film we required a Hearse and after a call to a local Undertaker explaining our need, hey presto, we obtained a Hearse (with optional Coffin)!

For another film we needed a bus - and eventually we obtained one complete with driver.

On yet another occasion we needed a steam train, and after a friendly visit to the Spa Valley Railway and a bit of negotiation, we obtained a complete carriage for our sole use for the day.

Even a very expensive, genuine Crystal Ball was acquired on loan after some arm twisting (and a large, returnable deposit was agreed with the shop manager). We’ve also begged, borrowed, but not stolen, things like flowers from a local florist, costumes, including a Red Indian Outfit and a Wedding Dress from various sources.

But our proudest achievement was when one of our group asked if we could board HMS Kent in order to film her coming into the Chatham Historic Dockyard for a three day celebration of the 60th Reunion of HMS Cavalier.

I really believe that almost anything can be obtained if one has the courage to search out and JUST ASK.

Mavis Gibson