3. How is it used in film?
• Props are used in film as signifiers. Props are usually objects that
the characters interact with.
• They are items that are often significant to a character and can
sometimes be part of their costume.
• Props can either be an existing object which is then incorporated into
the production or an object that is made for the sole purpose of being
used in the production.
• Therefore, props can be customised to fit with the design and needs
of the production.
4. Why is it important?
• Props are important as they can be used as signifiers to mean that
something important will occur when it appears or so the audience
knows the item itself holds importance.
• Props are also important because they can be used to create more
authentic scenes and help the characters blend into the correct era or
create the right atmosphere in the setting.
• A prop can create a completely different time period by matching the
surroundings to what they would have been. This helps the plot
become more realistic and believable.
• Some props are also significant to a certain character and recognised
as part of their ensemble.
5. Examples in similar genres
• Props are used as signifiers in ‘The Mortal
Instruments: City of Bones’.
• The whip and pendant are used as part of
Isabelle’s ensemble and are significant to
both her character and the plot.
• The cup is an integral part of the plot since
it is the main focus of the majority of the
production.
• Most of the props have a magical aspect
which relates to the fantasy genre it fits in.
It also has a religious aspect since most of
the plot and props links to the existence of
angels.
6. How will this be used in my
production?
• In my production, the main props are a key
and a wooden chest. These are both significant
objects that will be integral to the plot.
• The key will be used in my production as the
main focus. The prop key I will choose will
have a vintage style which will match the time
period of the initial scene. This item also
appears throughout the rest of the production,
therefore creating a common aspect in all the
scenes and linking them together.
• The chest will also seem to be vintage which
will match the appearance of the key and also
link together with the plot.
• Another prop I will use will be a heavy sketch
pad which is used to add the postmodern
aspect to my production.
