Props Research

Props range from the small, unnoticeable things to the iconic pieces in films that help complete and sell the verisimilitude of the film to the viewer as well as represent character and sometimes stimulate the plot. In "the business" The Properties Department is responsible for creating, handling and designing the props for film. From my research I have discovered there apparently five different types of props within the department- Dressing Props (surroundings e.g. furniture), Hand Props (things actors will carry or hold), Hero Props (objects central to action in a scene), Stunt Props (  I think this means props used in movie combat or stunts that have been replicated into softer materials), Mechanical Props (props that move). In some cases (such as in our film) the McGuffin of the film is the main prop.

We initially decided on the map to be our lead prop during the narrative discussions as it ties in with the plot. The map was something initially created by Ariadne and Isaac when they were kids- it plots the locations they wanted to visit in and around London. Later the map gets lost in archives and various paperwork but luckily comes into the possession of Ariadne. It was redrawn by Isaac before it became lost- blank of names, just red lines and dots all joining up in a mysterious but logical way. When it came to making this prop we were advised to create multiple copies for the purpose of accidents and when it came to filming the drop shot- so if we wouldn't get the shot we wanted the first time we would have a non-stained back up map. On "the day" we also nearly lost it so it was a good job we had three extras!

Designing Specifications for The Red Map

• Map must be worn- look like it's been used by Ariadne and been lost through archives
• Must be blank of names
• Red lines and dots 
• Map must be fairly large to be able to film the drop shot
• Must look like it's been drawn by Isaac- graph paper, straight lines - nothing too fancy         

Our final product (after it was used for the drop sequence!) 

 Due to the fact that ultimately this was our McGuffin, we wanted the audience to wonder what this map meant, what it was and why it was in Ariadne's possession to stimulate enigma and propel the plot. It's significance was also hinted with it's mention in the voice over.

The bag to the left is what Ariadne wears in the opening two minutes. The design is simple, to show her lack of concern for being fashionable, the canvas material also reflects this theme of practicality evident throughout her costume. To begin with, we saw her carrying a rucksack of the same material, but due to our limited budget we decided to use something already in our possession and slightly worn.
During the exhibition at the V & A about costume design, I remembered something mentioned by Meryl Streep's approach to acting. In her role as Margaret Thatcher she filled the contents of her bag on set with similar props she imagined the real Thatcher to have carried round as a way to get into character as much as possible. This is called method acting. We applied the same theory to Ariadne's character. After having discussed her situation at this time in the narrative, we filled her bag with two maps- the Red Map she would be trying to decode, a London map- probably for reference, many pieces of ripped out paper which is to represent her identity through others' eyes and her way of  communicating, as well as practical things such as tissues, money, water, snacks etc... We tried to make it as full as possible to communicate to the audience that this character is on the run- she isn't there on a day trip.

The contents of Ari's bag