I have many thoughts and reactions to the WFAA Television investigative report that aired last night, as covered in the article posted this morning, (see WFAA Television News Report on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop and Wardrobe: “Systematic Misrepresentation of Provenance”). [Read more…]
WFAA Television News Report on Heritage Auction Galleries, L.A. Prop and Wardrobe: “Systematic Misrepresentation of Provenance”
Dallas/Fort Worth’s WFAA TV Channel 8 aired a report last night about Heritage Auction Galleries and L.A. Prop and Wardrobe, based in part on Rick Spector’s research and investigation early last year (see OPB article, “Heritage Auction Galleries & L.A. Prop & Wardrobe Company“), and Rick Spector is interviewed and featured in the news investigation.
I was also contacted last week by WFAA reporter David Schechter, and supplied him with e-mails from my correspondence with Heritage Auction Galleries as part of their investigation, and as evidence that myself and other collectors questioned the provenance of certain offerings and the consignor, L.A. Prop & Wardrobe. [Read more…]
Story on Premiere Props, Dan Levin, “27 Dresses” at Daily News Tribune
There is a news story today at the Daily News Tribune about the Premiere Props studio auctions for the film, “27 Dresses”.
This is the first interview with Dan Levin at Premiere Props that I can recall. It is interesting to have some insights into his view of the original prop hobby, and the role and function his company plays, as well as the profile of the typical customer for these auctions.
Of note is the view expressed as to the fate of many pieces offered in the marketplace by Premiere Props – buyers wearing the wardrobe pieces as well as using costume accessories. While I could personally care less about “The Devil Wears Prada” or “27 Dresses”, I’m not fond of the notion of original props and wardrobe being worn and/or used, in that actual artifacts from films should be preserved. [Read more…]
Internet Crime Complaint Center
I thought the Internet Crime Complaint Center would be a potentially important resource for any original prop collector that becomes a victim of fraud. Given that significant dollar amounts are typically at risk in hobby-related transactions, and communication and/or payment usually involve the Internet, this is a valuable resource to be aware of. [Read more…]
“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…]
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…]
The “Production Protection Program” & The United Movie Collectors Guild
One development in the hobby that comes up as a topic of conversation from time to time, and is directly related to the opinion piece article posted a few days ago (see Original Prop Marketplace Oversight) as well as recent discussions about the Return of the Jedi lightsaber currently at auction (see Elstree Props “Original” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber at Auction), is the “Production Protection Program“, or “P-3”. [Read more…]
Original Prop Marketplace Oversight
One topic that comes up with original prop collectors now and again is the notion of “marketplace oversight”. Given the nature of these collectibles, where value is intrinsically tied to provenance and authenticity, how do we, as a hobby, move away from the “Wild West” environment, and perhaps implement some sort of oversight (whether organized or informal) to help guide and share information with new and seasoned collectors and identify those individuals or entities that trade in inauthentic pieces? [Read more…]