Movie Prop Collecting with Jason DeBord's Original Prop Blog Film & TV Prop, Costume, Hollywood Memorablia Pop Culture Resource

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“Off The Shelf” and “Found” Props & Wardrobe

One of the most inherently problematic props, in terms of issues with authenticity, are of the “off the shelf” or “found” variety.

What are “off the shelf” props?

Props, wardrobe pieces, set pieces, and any other artifacts used in a production that are:

1) Mass produced (past or present),
2) for non-production purposes (i.e. not specifically manufactured for use in the production), and
3) are or were available for purchase from those not associated with the production. [Read more…]

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High Definition Screencaps: Overview of Blu-Ray Disc, HD-DVD, & Initial Experiences

As noted previously (see article “The Discerning Original Prop Collector Waits… The Dual Format HD Drive for PCs“), I’ve been very anxiously anticipating the ability to capture screen images from the new high definition disc formats for use in researching original props and wardrobe used in film and television. Since that article, I’ve found both disappointment and promise. [Read more…]

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Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK: Update

This is an update to the prior article (Research & Dialogue About Importing Firearms to the UK), which raised issues and questions related to the implementation of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 in the UK and the affect of this legislation on prop collectors and dealers. [Read more…]

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Trend: The “Hype Premium” – Follow-Up

I’ve received some interesting responses to the article posted earlier today, Trend: The “Hype Premium”.

Some have pointed out that part of the reason for the significantly lower price realized on the Spider-Man mask yesterday (to coincide with the home video release), compared with the one sold back in May (during the theatrical release), is in part due to the eye lens being missing on the more recent auction. [Read more…]

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Trend: The “Hype Premium”

A trend that comes and goes with the theatrical release of hit films (and sometimes not so “hit” films) and “hot” films (i.e. a small but enthused following) is that of “Hype Premium”. This trend manifests itself in conjunction with the theatrical release of films that include complimentary promotion in the form of prop offerings by the studio or studio affiliate. Well, I just now made up the terminology – “Hype Premium” – but it’s descriptive enough…

This is an oft discussed trend – even in the midst of it actually occurring – but it rarely fails to deliver.

Companies like Hollywood Vault and Premiere Props often schedule auctions by 1) offering props from films at the time of the theatrical release and then, 2) offering additional props later, at the time of the DVD release.

This is done to maximize promotion of the film (in theaters and for home video release) via the sale of props and wardrobe pieces.

So what does this have to do with the “Hype Premium”?

The “Hype Premium” is the difference in price realized for the same or similar items offered at the theatrical release compared with the home video release. [Read more…]