Call the midwife and other time period films/TV series.

[EveOnline2016]

Why do the producers get all the props from.

[FusionChefGeoff]

I did a stint in theatres / films and there's huge warehouses dotted around the country (but mostly outer London) of 'Prop Houses' where you really can find pretty much anything. I'd imagine the BBC etc also have their own internal prop stores. Then anything else, it's someone's job to track it down on eBay / antique fairs etc or they will also have entire prop making departments who will fashion anything you like out of some polystyrene and fabric!

[SenecaFalls]

I think they sometimes get cars from collectors; they have contacts with organizations of vintage car collectors. I have a relative who was contacted about his car being used in a movie.

[EveOnline2016]

It always amazes me how they can get it together

[silvermantela]

Yes to what pp have said. Also there are only a limited number of set designers/costume designers in the UK, and they would be working on the same things and know each other, be able to use the same things again and again, swap each other, etc.

There are websites devoted to spotting where the same dresses and things crop up repeatedly in different period shows. It's really interesting!

Bear in mind that the later the period, the more things can be reused. So Wolf Hall would have to have all props no newer (or replicas in the style of) than mid 16th c. Whereas something like Call the Midwife could have a dining table previously in Wolf Hall, furnishings used in Downton Abbey, some costumes from a WW2 drama, etc...!

[Katymac]

This is something I would love to be involved in

I am at a loose end job wise - I wonder if I can retrain?

[summerainbow]

My son did this as on stage manager course placement he lloved it. I don't you would need to retain as with your management experience just need to be theatre/Production office. And go in as uppaid worker. Am drama society also need this kind of stuff.which get you some experience. You need to good making/ bodgering stuff as well. Duct tape is your freind.

[Katymac]

I am pretty good at bodging & creating an effect rather than the fact (iyswim)

I've been doing a bot for a photo studio and want to expand it to do more - I've had an offer to alter/repair vintage wedding dresses too

This could become a 'thing' - squee!!

[summerainbow]

Goodie goodie . Just knock on the doors of people you think might able to help . What about your ex parents. What about kids fancy dress /book day hire .

[Katymac]

Sorry to hijack EveOnline

Squee!! I was always the come to lady for World Book Day!!

[summerainbow]

Katy mac my sister said something the other day that made give one more idea . The way to get working at theatre is use the skills you have . So Katymac why not take the step to become theatre chaperone. You then in .

Anyone interested in this line work either train as a stage manager or go in with skill you have and work towards the job you want.

[Katymac]

Summerrain - you are a star

I can do that & I get subsidised travel so I can work anywhere (with family in lots of places so accommodation cheap)

Genius!

[summerainbow]

Great look forward to hearing about on here

[summerainbow]

Billy Eliot, chitty chitty bang bang, Joseph , Anne, mary poppins are on tour this year. they will chaperones get going girl

[SandyMumsnet]

Hi everyone,

Just sweeping this great thread into films. OP do shout if this is a problem for you.