Production Diary Week 10 Talks About Hero Props Crafted for 'The Pendragon Cycle'

When making a fantasy or sci-fi, a production team will craft life-size and fully operable props (typically called hero props on set), because these are the specially-crafted items that the heroes will use, or they are the items that will get close-ups under the unforgiving scrutiny of the camera's eye. This means they must possess a particular quality in their craftsmanship, or they may need lifelike detail, usability, or heft. These items must be extensively discussed and worked on, often multiple times before they are good enough to be filmed.

Just imagine if Frodo's sword Maegnas (aka. Sting) hadn't been crafted properly on Lord of the Rings? Imagine if it didn't glow properly (which could have happened if it reflected too much light) or if it fell apart as soon as Elijah Wood swung it towards an orc? It wouldn't have sold the story to you, your suspension of disbelief would be shattered, and it would not have been nominated for an Academy Award.

So, these kinds props are incredibly valuable not just to the story, but also to the filmmakers and the production houses, as they are often actual working replicas or original items made with exceptional quality. Just imagine what the actual Sting used in The Lord of the Rings would be worth today on eBay? Likely thousands, possibly even over a million dollars for one sword, made by expert bladesmiths.

There are also the prop swords used by extras or supporting characters, and the stunt props, which are actually used to cross blades, so-to-speak, without being destroyed or causing harm. Just like with gun props, you are dealing with numerous copies, reproductions, and original craftsmanship that sometimes must function safely.

Then, "how to use them"... as this is another craft altogether, and in film it has less to do with a proper swordsmanship job and more of a "cheating it for the camera" sort of job. It is not altogether without usefulness, as in, often it can still be a form of true swordsmanship or fencing, but being that this is not it's ultimate purpose, it is an different kind of training which is more showy for the camera and for the purpose of the scene. In a movie fist fight your job is to refrain from hurting someone while appearing to be brutal and animated, but in real life, the opposite purpose is often true. Instead, you seek to do actual harm efficiently and without flourish, in real life.

So, once again, the Daily Wire impresses with their filmmaking chops here.

Inside joke: Who noticed the metaphorical "Pander Stone" that gets chucked across the room? Comment down below!

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