A Brief History of Prop Making Books
A Brief History of Prop Making Books offers a glimpse into the earliest books on prop making. While this book does not fully explain how to build props, it is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning about this subject.
The book covers basic construction techniques, tools, and materials. It also provides photographs to illustrate the procedures. Some of the most useful material is the section on armatures and papier mAC/chA(c). Other topics include casting, ornamentations, and projections. This book is perfect for students studying costuming and theatre.
A Brief History of Prop Making Books includes illustrations and photographs, as well as instructions for making many common props. Props can be made from a variety of different materials, including wood, foam, silicone rubber, and plastic resin.
There are over 450 photographs in the book to guide the reader through the steps of the process. For example, the author shows how to create a breakaway bottle. He also explains how to use a vacuum forming machine to make replicas of three-dimensional objects for use in a theatre setting.
The author’s style is easy to follow. His writing is straightforward and personal, and he reflects his own wit and knowledge of prop making. Many of his examples are original photographs. In addition, he breaks down tasks based on stage requirements and safety.
Another book, The Prop Building Guidebook for Film, by Eric Hart, teaches the art of building props for film. He begins with an overview of the basics, defining the various props, including props used for magic, and explains how to make them. Afterward, he teaches how to use fluids and electricity to give props a life-like quality.
This book has seven chapters, covering a variety of subjects. However, the book’s structure is more like a collection of magazine articles, and the chapter selections are odd. The book is aimed at amateur and school theatres. Also, the book is not entirely clear on the terminology and technique.
Finally, we have the two-part series, A Brief History of Prop Making Books for Television, by John Motley. Although it’s a good reference for professional theater properties, it’s a bit dated, and the author doesn’t cover all the aspects of prop building. Despite this, the book is full of useful information and photographs.
Another book, Creating a Props Shop: Tools and Techniques, by Ross MacDonald, is not a step-by-step how-to. The author covers the basics, but doesn’t spend enough time to explain the various tools and materials that are needed to run a prop shop.
Another book, The Prop Building Guidebook, by Eric Hart, is not a beginners’ guide, but it’s great for anyone who wants to learn about this field. The author discusses the construction of props in wood, metal, and papier mAC/chA(c) and breaks down the tasks into categories based on the stage requirements and safety.
Props are an essential part of film and television production, and this book is an excellent resource for amateur or professional theatre owners. As an added benefit, there’s an online component with additional resources, including a listing of specialty suppliers, a shop, and a how-to video.