For me, one interesting diversion is trying to figure out what brings people to the hobby: why we collect.
It is easily apparent in some instances, difficult to determine in others. But I do feel there are some distinct motivations driving why each and every original prop hobbyist collects props and participates in the hobby. In many cases, I’m sure there are a variety of reasons. So this is by no means intended to oversimplify, or to suggest anyone is purely one of these things or another. I think many of us reflect bits of several of these categories. In any event, this was an interesting and “fun” article to both ponder and write, so I hope readers understand the tone of the article.
The Film Lover
Many collect out of a pure love of film and television. An original artifact from the production is a “piece of the magic”. It’s not much more complicated than that.
The Specialist
Some are a fan of one thing and one thing only – be it a film, television show, or franchise – and original props and wardrobe are one of the many sorts of memorabilia to collect. Posters, toys, trading cards, comic books, whatever – it is all about an appreciation for and celebration of that property (film or television program) that is a favorite.
The Archivist
There are collectors who have a more elevated sense of culture and the role of entertainment and its impact on society, our history. I think some of these hobbyists are motivated first and foremost to preserve those pieces from important works which reflect the times. Their approach is more akin to seeing over a personal museum, with an emphasis on preserving pieces for future generations to enjoy.
The Prop Enthusiast
Some hobbyists are drawn to the actual object, whether it be a prop or costume. The construction, materials, workmanship, the maker – they view such pieces as works of art. There is an appreciation of these pieces in of of themselves, regardless of the film or television program they may have been featured in.
The Worshiper
There are collectors who are not necessarily a fan of any particular film or television program, but the Star/Actor/Actress. In our culture, our celebrities have in many ways supplanted what was once royalty in other cultures. For many, having something a favorite Star has touched, used, or worn is where the excitement and thrill resides.
The Casualist
Some people with wealth see props as yet another rare object to acquire. It is just another acquisition, and may be purchased on a whim, but they likely do not see themselves as hobbyists, but collectors of rare and desirable antiquities, of which props are one of any number of things.
The Borg
Others have the means with which to acquire a number of pieces. While typically true hobbyists, the thrill is in acquiring as much as possible – having the most toys – and this becomes the primary driver. The hunt and pursuit to “win” the most pieces and store them away.
The Fisherman
For some collectors, a significant amount of gratification is in the “show and tell” of the piece. I think there is a bit of this in many of us collectors. Some do take it to a different level, however, in that somehow they always end up featured prominently in every photo along with the prop or costume (or in some cases, wearing it). It is as much about the owner of the prop as it is the prop itself. It always reminds me of the fisherman holding the giant fish he has just caught.
The Halloweenist
Every day is Halloween. Some collect props and costumes – particularly costumes – in order to wear them. In photos, at conventions and events… identifying with the collectible is taken to another level entirely. There is a certain thrill in embracing and identifying with the piece in such a significant manner.
The Trader
Yet for others, a core component of the hobby is in the transaction itself – buying and selling. Some hobbyists do not have a static collection, but buy, sell, trade. I think, for them, the excitement is in the hunt, perhaps it is showing new pieces regularly, part of it might be constantly acquiring new pieces with limited resources (necessitating turnover), or it could be a matter of making a profit by finding deals – buying low and selling high. There is also, for some, the thrill of the new piece, that wanes quickly, and they move on to the next hot property. Overall, it might be a combination of a few of these things. But their activities are characterized by a lot of business transactions and a collection that is perpetually turned over.
The Businessman
While for many of these individuals, there is a strong likelihood their pursuits grew out of a hobby or love of movies, it has absolutely been transformed into a business, first and foremost. And, as with most all businesses, the number one priority is running it as a business, with concerns of profit and income at the forefront.
The Replica Entrepreneur
Some in the Replica Prop hobby enjoy and/or make money from the development of “fan made” (i.e. unlicensed) replica props and costumes. Because of a penchant for making accurate replicas, original props and costumes are an attractive source from which to make replicas. So some replica hobbyists acquire original props and costumes from which to study and/or make castings to sell as accurate replicas.
The Industry Guy
Some involved in the making or production of the film or television show first hand (prop makers, producers, directors, writers, actors, etc.) collect pieces from works that they themselves are involved in as a keepsake or memento.
The Icon Collector
Unlike the Casualist, who has the obvious means with which to acquire important pieces (which is more price/value-driven), for the Icon Collector, the motivation is more akin to that of the Archivist – not for show, but preservation. Only the Icon Collector is interested in those few pieces that transcend the hobby in importance. Recognizable pieces from the Wizard of Oz, Citizen Kane, Gone with the Wind… These are things that have become ingrained in our culture, from classics that have long stood the test of time. These are pieces that would find home in the Smithsonian.
The Conflict Junkie
Though rare, there are a handful of people who seem to have no vested interest in the hobby, or original props or costumes. For the most part, they do not really collect (or might own a few inconsequential pieces just so they can claim that they do), but essentially troll the community looking to start a fight or conflict or create problems. The hobby is anecdotal.
The Unscrupulous Opportunist
Also rare, some participate in the hobby in an attempt to profit through illicit means. This differs from The Business Man, in that the methods used to make profit are oftentimes unscrupulous and/or fraudulent.
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If you can think of any other categories/profiles/motivations for participating in the hobby, please feel free to respond to the article – I’m sure I’ve overlooked several.
Jason De Bord