Amid the topics of copyright ownership, enforcement of a U.S. judgment in the UK, determination of “works of art”, and other issues as featured in mainstream media reports about the ongoing legal battle between Lucasfilm LTD (LFL) and Andrew Ainsworth and his Shepperton Design Studios (SDS), what has not garnered as much focus is the debate over which artist originally sculpted the iconic stormtrooper helmet design that was adopted for use in Star Wars: A New Hope and the films that followed. [Read more…]
UK Mainstream Media Report on Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Star Wars Stormtrooper Helmet Copyright Lawsuit on Eve of Supreme Court Case
As reported two months ago (see “Lucasfilm vs. Ainsworth Legal Battle Continues in 2011; UK Supreme Court Case To Be Heard in March”), the dispute between Lucasfilm and the British prop maker who built the stormtrooper helmets used in Star Wars: A New Hope will be heard by the United Kingdom Supreme Court beginning tomorrow. [Read more…]
Padmé “Phantom Menace”/”French & Saunders” Costume Update (BBC, Angels Costumiers, Cameo Fine Art Auctioneers, Profiles in History, eBay)
Thanks to input from readers and friends of the OPB, I have more information to share regarding the article published last night about the “Padmé” costume that appears to have been made for and used in the BBC televsion series, French & Saunders, not the film at the source of their parody, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. [Read more…]
Padmé Costume with BBC Wardrobe Tag – “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” or “French & Saunders”? (Rebelscum Story/Discussion)
A few days ago, the popular Star Wars fan site Rebelscum published an “eBay Today Express” article about a costume attributed to use by Natalie Portman as Padmé in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), and subsequently posted a retraction based on further research. Per the article, it appeared to match a costume worn on the BBC series, French & Saunders in a parody Christmas 1999 episode titled “The Phantom Millennium”. [Read more…]
Story About Prop Masters on National Public Radio (NPR) Academy Awards Feature
National Public Radio (NPR) has broadcast a radio feature about the world of the prop master, talking with principals from History for Hire, ISS Props, and The Handprop Room and others. [Read more…]
Update on Collector Lawsuit Against Julien’s Auctions Over Canceled Michael Jackson Memorabilia Sale Event
As reported throughout 2009 and last updated over one year ago, efforts by Julien’s Auctions to offer for sale memorabilia owned by Michael Jackson were embroiled in controversy and legal action, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the event following a settlement between the auction house and MJJ Productions. The pop star died just two months later. [Read more…]
Heritage Auction Galleries February 2011 “Signature Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction″ Catalog Available Online
The Heritage Auction Galleries has published on their latest online catalog and listings for their upcoming event, “Signature Music & Entertainment Memorabilia Auction – Auction #7031”, to be held February 18-19 at their Beverly Hills, California location. [Read more…]
ABC News Coverage of FIDM “19th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” Wardrobe Museum Exhibit
As reported last month, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is hosting their annual costume exhibit (see FIDM Hosts “19th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” Wardrobe Museum Exhibit”). Today, ABC news provided coverage of the exhibit in a television news broadcast, which can also be viewed on the web. [Read more…]








