Debbies Book Blog TheSourcebookOnline.com

The Trading Post Hire

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Debbie

Trading Post Prop House Outside Pic Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to walk through the Trading Post Hire. It’s an odd-shaped building with multiple levels full of great treasures. An amazing Egyptian collection greets you at the entrance and the adventure continues with each floor.

From Victorian to Dickens, shops to ships, interior or exterior, the great collection is one-stop shopping. The Trading Post team has seen it all, so they have plenty of experience to help you with the details for your project and see you through their extensive stock. The website is just a very small sample of their vast collection. Trading Post Prop House Taxidermy Pic

I would say that the Trading Post is a hire houses where you could find everything you need for any set. From a ship’s bell to bars of gold, it’s a treasure trove of goodies, like the fake barbed wire used in War Horse and a taxidermy collection of elephant heads, wild pigs, wild cats, rats and loads more.

The Trading Post Hire website is a great representation of the stock you’ll find there, and the opening page hints at the humor that greets you. Definitely a fun place to shop.

Website: www.tradingposthire.co.uk

Posted in London Resources, Prop Houses, Rentals | Tagged African, Asian, barrels, cannons, chairs statues, Egyptian, furniture, London Prop Hire, London Prop Houses, medieval candelabras, musical instruments, nautical, Prop Hire, roman thrones, taxidermy, tools, torture, Trading Post Hire, Trading Post Ltd, weapons | Leave a comment

Touring the Hire Houses of London

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Debbie

I crossed the pond a few weeks ago and had a delightful adventure set up by Stephenie McMillan, set decorator extraordinaire of Harry Potter (yep, every single one since the beginning), Notting Hill, The Avengers, and The English Patient fame − need I say more.

Stephenie graciously arranged for Brian Read to show me some Hire House sites in London. Now if there is any royalty of decoration in London, then I was escorted by royals. Brian Read worked at the BBC 20 years before being snapped up as a prop buyer for films. My favorite of his of course is A Fish Called Wanda, but Brian has worked on The Avengers, Notting Hill, Patriot Games and the list goes on and on.

It took a while for me to adjust to the word Hire rather than Rental, but it’s the European way. Taking a tour with Brian is like walking through London Hire Houses with a rock star. We went to several that I will cover this week, since each needs its own detailed blog. I’ll try and give you an overview of The Trading Post, Eccentric/Trading Company Ltd., ETC Trevor Howsam Ltd, Seasons Textiles and, of course, Farleys, which is an umbrella of 4 different Hire Houses − Prop Galore, Lewis & Kay, Spiller and Farley. All are very different and all are great sources if you’re working in Europe.

Posted in London Resources, Prop Houses, Rentals | Tagged Brian Read, Eccentric Trading Company Ltd, ETC Trevor Howsam Ltd, Farleys, London, London Prop Hire, London Prop Houses, Prop Hire, Seasons Textiles, Stephanie McMillan, The Trading Post | Leave a comment

Eclectic/Encore Props

Posted on June 14, 2013 by bryce

Eclectic-Encore Props Web Logo I was curious if there were any “One Stop Shop” prop houses around the Manhattan area and was pleasantly surprised to find one in Eclectic Encore Props. Suri is, to say the least, on top of it.

Upon entering I was immediately greeted by two very pink full suits of armor. This would be a perfect example of what kind of inventory I would come across; things I didn’t even know I wanted.

Just a few minutes of strolling around proved they are working hard to make shopping easy for everyone involved. Binders are placed in every section of the prop house with pictures and ID #’s of the items in that section. They have certainly taken full advantage of RT Pro.

Full china sets, all kinds of lighting, cleared artworks of an varying time periods and styles, electronics, model ships, crystal balls, and taxidermy. I could continue listing the wide variety of items they have if this post had more space. The important thing to note, however, is that Eclectic Encore is one of those places where you will want to walk up and down the aisles to find those items you didn’t know you needed.

Access to their inventory was admittedly a little difficult because the required service elevator is the only way to see all 4 floors of items, let alone get it to your truck. This is the reason Suri and her crew are moving to a new warehouse in a month. She will soon have a a building with driveup docks and much more space for you to move around in.

Stop by Eclectic/Encore Props when you have a chance, even if you don’t need to. Suri will be more than happy to show off her collection.

Website: www.eclecticprops.com

Posted in New York Resources, Prop Houses, Rentals | Tagged Antique decorations, costume jewelry, Eclectic Encore Props, Eclectic Furniture, faux books, New York Film, New York Prop Houses, Pink Suits of Armor | Leave a comment

Arenson Prop Center

Posted on June 13, 2013 by bryce

Arenson Prop Center was the first prop house with quite a bit of space I encountered in New York. By that I mean they managed to have a fairly large inventory while still being in Manhattan (a feat for anyone really).

Filled to the brim with desks, chairs (from desk chairs to airport seating and seemingly everything in between), cleared artwork from different time periods, beds, and anything else furniture related. Their selection is wide enough to be useful, and there are many multiples.

Before speaking with Richard, I had a chance to walk around and appreciate their selection. Office dressing, fake books, and even a wide selection of American flags along with some greens. One thing I was not expecting was a photography stage right in there with everything else.

The staff is personable and the selection is good. I would recommend putting Arenson on your list of places to stop by for rentals if you’re in New York.

Website: www.aof.com/p/props

Posted in New York Resources, Prop Houses, Rentals | Tagged Arenson Office Furniture, Arenson Prop Center, faux books, New York Film, New York Prop Houses, office dressing, office furniture | Leave a comment

Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

Posted on June 12, 2013 by bryce

Well lit, well stocked, and staffed with helpful and enthusiastic employees, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply would have been Mama Bear’s choice when it comes to wardrobe expendables because it’s just right.

This is the perfect stop for a costumers needs. Sewing supplies, shoe supplies, make up supplies, even clothing distressing products and laundry supplies. Walking around I saw hundreds and hundreds of yards of every thread imaginable, plenty of stage blood options, many shades of colored Velcro, and a whole bunch more.

Something to note, they are open on Saturdays. It’s nice to know at least someone out there realizes fashion doesn’t stop for the weekend. They are also proud of their online store (which they should be) so check it out. It has competitive prices and reasonable shipping.

Even if you aren’t near Manhattan, you should still check out their inventory. I’m sure you’ll soon make it one of your go-tos.

www.wardrobesupplies.com

Posted in Costumes, Expendables, New York Resources | Tagged costume, costume supplies, costumes sewing supplies, expendables, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, New York Film, New York Film Commission, New York Prop Houses, wardrobe supplies | Leave a comment

american foliage & Design Group, Inc

Posted on June 11, 2013 by bryce

I was curious to see how Greens were handled in New York considering the significantly different weather conditions (not to mention lack of outdoor space in the city) compared to Los Angeles. American Foliage was a great spot to have my questions answered.

The first thing I noticed upon entering American Foliage is that most of their inventory must not be in the city itself. After speaking with Gus, he said they had a warehouse that held most of the trees and foliage. They have live trees up to heights of 35′ and even fakes that reach 25′ over there. That being said they had an acceptable range to choose from even at their listed location.

A quick aside, the logistics behind keeping live greenery in an area with extreme conditions like snow were certainly enlightening to a Southern Californian such as myself.

It is important to note however that like many other Greens businesses they do much more than just artificial and live plants. Statuary, plenty of Christmas dressing, and even lawnmowers and lamps.

For where it is located it is a great spot to swing by. Tell Gus I said hi, I’m sure he’d be thrilled.

Posted in Greens, New York Resources, Rentals | Tagged American Foliage, artificial greens, christmas dressing, fake trees, foliage, greens, lanterns, New York Film, New York Film Commission, New York Prop Houses, Statuary | Leave a comment

New York Prop Houses

Posted on June 10, 2013 by bryce

I had an opportunity to travel to New York a couple of weeks ago and see what there is to see on the other side. I was pleasantly surprised to find there were some solid sources over there.

There was an interesting greens place in Manhattan called American Foliage, a fully stocked wardrobe expendables store conveniently in the Fashion District called Manhattan Wardrobe Supply (they also have a great online store), and two distinctly different Prop Houses only half a mile from each other; Arenson Prop Center and Eclectic Encore Props.

Over the course of the week I will break down areas of interest at each to help out anyone who needs to work over there and doesn’t have a chance to ship over.

An interesting side note, Long Island appears to be the new “center” for the prop houses. My favorites were in Manhattan but even Eclectic is heading over to Long Island within a couple of months.

Posted in Costumes, Expendables, Misc., New York Resources, Prop Houses, Rentals | Tagged American Foliage, Arenson Prop Center, Eclectic Encore Props, Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, New York Film, New York Film Commission, New York Prop Houses | Leave a comment

Lennie Marvin Enterprises Prop Heaven

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Debbie

It’s summer time and the living is easy… at first.

Knowing that some scene in your future will take you to your favorite Farmers Market may sound nice until reality begins to set in. Where there is a Farmers Market there is a very real need for fresh produce. Of course, where there is fresh produce there’s something even more difficult, flies.

Well if you don’t know what to do about that 3 day shoot that’s full of fruit it won’t hurt a bit to swing by Lennie Marvin’s to check out their produce. It all looks like the real deal but without any of the hassle.

One word of advice from some personal experience however. Don’t try to eat them, no matter how real those peaches may appear.

Posted in Prop Houses, Rentals | Tagged artificial fruit, artificial vegetables, astrological, Carnival Props, display cases, fake fruit, fake vegetables, farmers market, gambling, game tables, Lennie Marvin Enterprises, outdoor playground equipment, Prop Heaven | Leave a comment

Supply Sergeant

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Debbie

Suddenly in need of some vintage paratrooper pants for your wardrobe? It’s always a little stressful when the director calls out for that tactical piece of clothing that you need yesterday.

Zip on over to Supply Sergeant or drop them an email detailing your needs. With 2 well placed locations, one in Hollywood and the other Burbank, they are sure to have you covered.

And if you need that extra canteen or rope, maybe some SWAT or law enforcement gear to dress up, not to worry. They will be able to help you out, and even better, you’ll look good!

Posted in Costumes, Industry Friendly Business, Rentals | Tagged Camo Clothing, camouflage nets, genuine U.S. Military accessories, military props, military uniforms, netting, patches, stretchers, Supply Sergeant | Leave a comment

Acme 5 Industries

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Debbie

Acme 5 Industries has just about everything you need to put on a show with plenty of pizzazz—podiums, steps, curtains, columns, seating, plants and more. Specializing in large or small rental scenery for events and TV shows, Acme 5 also does signage, canvas prints, posters or any large format printing your event might require.

Browse the inventory online; then give them a call to reserve.

Website: www.acme5.com

Posted in Events, Rentals, Talent | Tagged Acme 5 Industries, audience seating, columns, decks, drapery, hardware, light boxes, modular systems, podiums, scenery rentals, seating, sets, steps, theatrical draperies, theatrical rigging, truss | Leave a comment