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

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“Auction Hunters” Stars To Go “Deep Inside the Lucasfilm Archives” as Part of Spike TV’s Labor Day Star Wars Marathon

According to a press release published today, Spike TV will be broadcasting a Labor Day Marathon special that will include a tour of the Lucasfilm Archives, with a look at many of the original props and costumes from Star Wars on display at Skywalker Ranch.  The Marathon will be hosted by Allen Haff and Ton Jones of “Auction Hunters” and will be part of their programming that will feature all six Star Wars films and a special preview of the upcoming “Complete Saga” on Blu-Ray.  The release promises a “hands on” look at an original R2-D2, Leia’s slave costume from Return of the Jedi, a Darth Maul costume, and AT-AT model, and more. [Read more…]

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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: Prop Store Brings “Comic Khan”-Centric Exhibit to Show

2011 marks Prop Store’s third year as an exhibitor at Comic Con in San Diego, and as has been the case in the past, they have brought an assortment of props and costumes from an assortment of film and television programs.  As part of their t-shirt promotion this year, they have billed their experience “Comic Khan”, which is emblazoned across the shirts and the Khan costume from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is in the coveted display case spot at the corner of their exhibit. [Read more…]

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“Star Wars: The Blueprints” Book To Feature Original Production Material from Lucasfilm Archives, Now Available To Order Online

A new book, Star Wars: The Blueprints, has been announced via the official website for the work, which includes a video trailer, sample pages, and a great deal of information about the incredible tome.  The limited release book features blueprints from the Lucasfilm Archives and has been put together by author J.W. Rinzler, who has previously produced amazing works about the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. [Read more…]

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Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia Auction to be Held in Knightsbridge, England on June 29th, Catalog Available Online

The second of two Entertainment Memorabilia auctions to be held by Bonhams in the month of June has published its catalog online. This event will be held at their Knightsbridge location in England on June 29th for their “Entertainment Memorabilia” auction (Sale 19036). The first auction will be held in Los Angeles on June 29th. [Read more…]

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Prop Talk Podcast #011 – Brian Muir, Film Industry Sculptor (“Darth Vader Sculptor”) | Interview by The Original Prop Blog with Jason DeBord

Brian Muir, special guest. This is the eleventh ‘Prop Talk’ podcast by the Original Prop Blog.  Mr. Brian Muir is a veteran in the film industry, working as a sculptor on an incredible number of movies, including Star Wars: A New Hope, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, numerous James Bond films, Harry Potter films, and more.  Notably, Mr. Muir is credited as the sculptor of the iconic helmet for Darth Vader early in his career.

[Read more…]

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Bloomberg Report on Lucasfilm vs Ainsworth ‘Star Wars’ Stormtrooper Helmet Copyright Lawsuit; UK Supreme Court Decision Still Pending

Bloomberg today published a video report on the Lucasfilm Ltd. vs. Andrew Ainsworth dispute.  After Ainsworth prevailed in the UK Court of Appeals in late 2009, the case was argued before the UK Supreme Court in early March.  Mr. Ainsworth features prominently while giving a tour of his studio; Lucasfilm is represented by a two sentence written statement.  While the short broadcast captures an interesting mainstream media perspective of the case, it lacks a substantive review of the two specific legal issues under consideration in the pending UK Supreme Court decision, noting  that “the legal arguments are detailed and complex“. [Read more…]