The film and TV industry relies heavily on creativity, speed, and innovative materials to bring their ideas to life.
Cardboard display tubes are one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.
They are used in everything from ancient battlegrounds, all the way through to futuristic cityscapes.
These tubes are often used as props and set pieces. You have most likely already seen them on screen.
Whether they’re cut and shaped into trees, shields, pillars, or even industrial elements, when used in film and TV, display tubes are a flexible, affordable and eco-friendly way to turn creative ideas into something real.
In this blog, we will explore how they’re used in film and TV sets, why they work so well, and the important role they play in modern production design.
The Versatility of Cardboard Display Tubes in Film and
TV Sets
In set designs, the most effective materials are often the most adaptable. That’s where cardboard tubes come in.
With their smooth finish and simple structure, they are the perfect blank canvas for set designers. They come ready to be cut, painted, stacked, or even wrapped.
Whether you need them to build small props or large set pieces, cardboard tubes are a practical solution to bring your creative ideas to life.
At Essex Tubes, our display tubes have been used in some major film and TV productions. They’ve become trees in Band of Brothers, Roman shields in Gladiator, sewage pipes in Jack Ryan, and even oil drums in James Bond.
But one of the most notable uses for our tubes involved the building of nearly the entire paddle steamer for the film The Legend of Tarzan.
From historical drama to action-packed thrillers, the use cases for cardboard display tubes really are endless.
Image Source: Plunge Creations
From Concept to Reality: Turning Ideas into
Realistic Props
To create believable on-screen props and set pieces, you need materials that are flexible and reliable. Cardboard tubes are the perfect mix of the two.
These tubes aren’t just placeholders or temporary fixes. They are the new go-to solution for experienced set designers and prop builders.
Why Cardboard Display Tubes Work So Well for Prop Creation:
- Highly customisable: Tubes can be cut, joined, and reshaped into nearly any form. Their uniform structure makes it easy to build props to scale, replicate shapes, or even adapt them on the fly when changes happen mid-production.
- Surface-ready: With their clean and smooth finish, cardboard tubes can support even the most complex decorative materials. Thanks to their strength and durability, they won’t warp or lose integrity once decorated.
- Cost-effective: If you’re producing a film or TV show with a tight budget, cardboard tubes offer a low-cost material that gives that premium finish once fully dressed.
- Quick to work with: Tubes are easy to cut and assemble without the need for any specialised tools. They are the ideal solution for fast-paced builds and last-minute additions.
From functional structures to scene-stealing props, cardboard display tubes help turn creative ideas into something tangible, but most importantly, production-ready.
Why Cardboard Display Tubes are Ideal for Film and TV Productions
The film and TV industry moves fast, and so does production. Every material used on set, including props, needs to be able to keep up with the speed of production.
That’s where cardboard tubes prove their worth. They’re lightweight enough to be repositioned quickly between different scenes, yet sturdy enough to support creative, large-scale builds.
Unlike alternative solutions, tubes reduce the strain on the transport of the set, rigging, and even crew logistics.
In an industry where time is money, cardboard display tubes strike the perfect balance between functionality and creativity. They simplify logistics, speed up build times, and allow set designers to focus on what matters most, bringing stories to life on screen.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Aspects of Cardboard Display Tubes
Sustainability is no longer an added bonus in film and TV production, it’s an expectation. Choosing cardboard tubes is a simple yet effective way to reduce the environmental impact of modern-day set design.
Made from fully recyclable and biodegradable materials, these tubes are becoming the low-waste alternative to plastic or metal props.
At Essex Tubes, all our cardboard tubes are manufactured with sustainability in mind. They’re strong enough to be reused across multiple projects, and most importantly, easy to recycle once their job is done.
Whether you’re building a one-off prop or a full-scale set, using cardboard tubes will support greener production practices from beginning to end.
Bringing Bold Ideas to Life, One Display Tube at a Time
At Essex Tubes, we are proud to support the film and TV industry with high-quality, eco-friendly cardboard tubes, designed for maximum creative impact.
Whether you’re working on a historical film, a sci-fi set, or a tight-turnaround commercial shoot, we supply display tubes that are durable, versatile, and fully customisable to your project’s needs.
With a smooth finish for easy decorating and fully customisable sizing options, our tubes will help bring your visions to life (without sacrificing on your sustainability goals).
Contact us today to find out how our display tubes can support your next production project.