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Archives for July 2011

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Lucasfilm vs Ainsworth UK Supreme Court Ruling: The Mainstream Media Interviews Andrew Ainsworth

Having followed the news reported by the mainstream media following Wednesday’s UK Supreme Court decision, there have been some interesting accounts coming from the Ainsworth camp yesterday and today, including a very simplistic characterization of how the helmet and armor made their way from two to three dimensions (completely leaving out the sculpture contributions by Ms. Liz Moore and Mr. Brian Muir).  It will be interesting to see how this saga will continue to play out following the ruling in England. [Read more…]

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UK Supreme Court Rules in Lucasfilm vs Ainsworth Star Wars “Stormtrooper Helmet” Copyright Legal Battle

Since 2007, the Original Prop Blog has been covering the legal battle between Lucasfilm Limited and Andrew Ainsworth of Shepperton Design Studios over the sale of unlicensed replica Star Wars props and costumes.  The UK Supreme Court is today published their ruling on the two issues presented to them.  Of the two, the most critical came down to whether the stormtrooper helmets themselves constituted “sculptures” in a way consistent with UK law.  The court ruled that they do not, and thus delivered a victory to Ainsworth, which also leaves those following the case wondering about the ramifications to copyrights and copyright law and the consequences of the decision.  The second question before them was decided in favor to Lucasfilm, which involves IP holders and their rights to pursue copyright claims in those cases where such laws are violated in other jurisdictions. [Read more…]

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San Diego Comic Con 2011: Event Recap, Impressions, Experiences

As has been tradition with coverage by the Original Prop Blog (2010, 2009, 2008), I thought I would share my overall impressions of Comic Con in San Diego this year.  As always, it was an incredible event, though if I came away with one overall thought, it would be looking to the future and how the convention will continue to evolve over the coming years.  More than ever, this year it seemed to come off the rails a bit more (in both good and bad ways) and the big question that remains outstanding is if San Diego can continue to both accommodate and manage the incredible attraction as it remains the “all things to all people” global pop culture celebration phenomenon. [Read more…]

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San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Brandon Alinger, Prop Store (Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Predator)

As a continuation of the Prop Store booth at this year’s Comic Con (see previously published interview with Stephen Lane), this next video segment includes an interview with Brandon Alinger, COO of the Los Angeles office, along with Ian Mutch from the London office.  This feature takes an in-depth look at pieces from Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Drive Angry, Gladiator, Batman Returns, and Predator. [Read more…]

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Prop Talk Podcast #016 – Mike Schultz, “The Shark Guy” | Interview by The Original Prop Blog with Jason DeBord

Mike Schultz, special guest. This is the sixteenth ‘Prop Talk’ podcast by the Original Prop Blog. Mike Schultz, known as “The Shark Guy” has done extensive research into the “Bruce” prop sharks made for and used in the classic Steven Spielberg film, Jaws (1975). This special edition of ‘Prop Talk’ was recorded on site at Comic Con 2011 in San Diego.

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San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Stephen Lane, Prop Store (Star Trek, Scarface, The Fifth Element)

As part of my ongoing coverage of Comic Con 2011 and as has been tradition (see 2008, 2009, 2010), Prop Store CEO Stephen Lane took the time to show off some of the amazing props and costumes on display at their exhibit area.  This year, Stephen provided some insights and a closer look at the ZF-1 weapon from The Fifth Element, Tony Montana’s green card from Scarface, and a uniform worn by Uhura in the original Star Trek series. [Read more…]

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Prop Talk Podcast #015 – Dan Hill, Prop Store | Interview by The Original Prop Blog with Jason DeBord

Dan Hill, special guest. This is the fifteenth ‘Prop Talk’ podcast by the Original Prop Blog. Dan Hill is Warehouse Manager for Prop Store, Los Angeles.  This special edition of ‘Prop Talk’ was recorded on site at Comic Con 2011 in San Diego and reflects the spirit of fellow hobbyists getting together and having fun at the annual pop culture event.

[Read more…]

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San Diego Comic Con 2011: Studio Art Technologies Offers Preview of Original Movie Props from ‘Men in Black 3’

Movie prop and costume designers/dealers eFx Collectibles, UD Replicas, Anovos, and Studio Art Technology shared space and brought a lot of great material to Comic Con this year showcasing their sci-fi franchise memorabilia.  In addition, they brought a number of original props from the upcoming Men in Black 3, not due to hit theaters until 2012. [Read more…]