Venturing into Mediacorp’s Props Wonderland: Where Emperor’s Thrones, Golden Retrievers, and Severed Limbs Dwell
As we immerse ourselves in the world of television drama, it’s easy to overlook the significance of the intricate details that breathe life into every scene. The chair a character sits in, the mobile phone they hold, or the fruit bowl on the table—these seemingly insignificant props play a pivotal role in crafting a believable narrative. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to curate, create, and maintain the vast array of objects that enrich our viewing experience.
Props Supply Manager Kwok Kit Chye stands as the gatekeeper to Mediacorp’s subterranean props storehouse—a labyrinth of treasures spanning genres and eras. From the iconic backdrops of The Sheng Siong Show to the Golden Pillow that graced Zoe Tay’s 1995 drama, this hidden repository houses a trove of cinematic history waiting to be discovered.
Unraveling the Depths of Mediacorp’s Props Sanctuary
To embark on a journey through Mediacorp’s props wonderland is to delve into a realm where fiction and reality seamlessly intertwine. Nestled in the depths of Mediacorp’s basement, the props storehouse beckons with trolleys laden with artifacts and movable backdrops, teasing glimpses of its eclectic collection. From giant papier-mache boulders to vintage typewriters and transistor radios, every corner holds a piece of storytelling magic waiting to be unleashed.
The sprawling expanse of the storehouse unveils a meticulous organization, with bulkier props relegated to the lower level while smaller items find their place on the upper tier. Whether it’s hospital beds and stethoscopes for a medical drama, vintage vehicles for a period piece, or regal thrones for an ancient epic, the storehouse caters to every conceivable narrative demand. A testament to its versatility, the collection boasts a life-sized golden retriever, severed limbs for crime scenes, and a myriad of other curiosities that bring stories to life.
Kwok Kit Chye: The Maestro Behind the Curtain
As the orchestrator of this props symphony, Kwok Kit Chye stands as a seasoned veteran in the realm of show business. With over three decades of experience under his belt, Kwok’s intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny of the storehouse is unparalleled. From retro rotary phones to state-of-the-art smartphones, from styrofoam tombstones to mock beer cans designed in-house, Kwok’s domain is a treasure trove of cinematic paraphernalia.
Navigating the intricacies of prop management requires a keen eye for detail and impeccable organizational skills, qualities that Kwok has honed over his illustrious career. As props are loaned out and returned, an intricate tracking system ensures that every item is accounted for, with valuable electronics kept under lock and key. In a world where authenticity is paramount, Kwok’s storehouse is a haven of realism, where even the most mundane objects hold the power to transform a scene.
Tales from the Trenches: Of Snakes, Cockroaches, and Showbiz Wonders
As Kwok regales us with tales from the frontlines of prop management, one story stands out—a harrowing encounter with a live snake during the filming of a martial arts drama. Amidst racks of baskets brimming with props, the elusive serpent sent the crew into a frenzy, evoking a sense of trepidation that only showbiz can conjure. And while the snake’s fate remains a mystery to this day, its legacy lives on as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the industry.
Beyond reptilian adventures, Kwok’s anecdotes shed light on the peculiar demands of his craft, from sourcing live cockroaches for scenes to witnessing the inflation of their market value. As sanitation standards rose, so did the price of these elusive insects, underscoring the ever-evolving landscape of prop procurement in the world of entertainment.
In the realm of Mediacorp’s props storehouse, every object tells a story, every prop holds a memory, and every item is a testament to the enduring magic of show business. As Kwok Kit Chye continues to weave his tapestry of cinematic wonders, the legacy of these props will endure, shaping the narratives that captivate audiences and transport them to realms beyond imagination.
