An easy, totally unique hand painted lamp that anyone can make!
The only skill needed is the ability to trace an outline!
Something To Pass The Time.
So, following an accident and finding myself with lots of time while recuperating, I came up with this neat idea for decorating children’s rooms / media rooms or to use as a great Halloween decoration!
Great For A Themed Look!
The only limit is your imagination!
What characters will you put on your lamp?
TV Movies & Music Themes.
These are very cheap to make (at around $20) and would make great gifts, or maybe they could be useful for a market stall seller.
The lamp is the IKEA GRÖNÖ (around ten bucks at my local IKEA store).
Paint Pens – I like the uniPOSCA paint pens – they give great results. I use a Fine & Extra Fine.
Your choice of images.
Method
Get the images you would like to use. You will need a “high contrast”, Silhouette type image – there are heaps online. If you can’t locate one you like, you can make your own high contrast silhouette image by selecting a black-and-white picture & using your paint (or similar) program to adjust (increase) both the brightness and contrast.
Size and print out your picture.
Trim your picture to fit the lamp panel.
Place the picture on the inside of the lamp panel & stuff the lamp with a tea towel to force the image to sit flush up against the glass.
Trace around the picture’s dark outline.
Fill in all the dark areas and remove the image & tea towel.
Repeat on as many panels of your lamp as you would like. I chose three panels & left the back one (facing the wall) blank. With three panels, you can make a nice theme.
And that’s how you DIY Your Own Movie Star Lamp For Around $20.
Congratulations! You now have your very own one-of-kind, hand painted lamp!
Enjoy!
Interested in collecting screen used Movie props & memorabilia?
Today marks the anniversary of the opening of “For Your Eyes Only” (1981) in cinemas across the US. This was Sir Roger Moore’s fifth outing as Bond and I’d have to say it’s one of my favorites. Hard to believe it’s been thirty-nine years!
I currently have a production used shooting schedule (for the Greek scenes) in my ebay store for anyone chasing a genuine piece of Bond history. It comprises 51 pages held together by a metal clip. I acquired it from the late Australian (Ozploitation) filmmaker John D. Lamond’s personal collection. It’s dated September to October 1980.
For Your Eyes Only (1981) Greece shooting schedule.
For Everyone’s Eyes…
If there’s one thing this shut-down has done, it’s brought me closer to my book collection. I’m currently re-reading “Last Man Standing” by Sir Roger Moore. If you haven’t read it, it’s an absolute treat! Funny, touching, a fascinating insight, not just of Moore. It’s packed with outrageous stories featuring a host of celebrities. So well written (with Gareth Owen), it’s impossible not to read it in Moore’s own voice (if that makes sense?).
Last Man Standing Sir Roger Moore
I consider myself most fortunate to own a signed copy from a personal appearance in Leeds (2013).
Moore Fun In Tinseltown!
Sir Roger Moore.
You can get your copy of Last Man Standing at Amazon.
Check out my “YourProps” page here to see more of my movie props & relics.
If you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–my new guides, packed with hints & tips, are here !
Why collect movie props? Well, it’s certainly for fun! But do we collect for profit? Apparently, genuine production props from motion picture films and television shows have tripled in value compared with ten years ago, according to industry sources. Add to this, the increase in interest & record number of collectors & collector groups out there, it’s timely to look at some factors affecting this hobby and their likely impacts.
Why collect movie props? Every collector has their own motivation and reasons to be a part of this hobby, and I’m sure we could fill a book with tales of how we all got started.
For me, I was that child in the cinema who never left until after the closing credits ended. The sheer number of people involved in each motion picture production amazed and inspired me. The artisans building the props, designing the sets, producing the storyboards, etc. To me, prop collecting is more than just having something seen on screen or “touched” by a star. It’s also about celebrating the behind-the-scenes creativity and processes. The thousands of hours and the hundreds of talented people who contribute to bringing us that ninety-odd minutes of entertainment.
My art analogy….
If a completed film is the finished masterpiece, then the production pieces are the brushes & palettes that go towards creating it!
Who wouldn’t want to own Picasso’s brushes & palettes?
Saved from The Bin!
Over the years, I have been lucky to connect with so many of these talented industry people. Their stories are (to me) fascinating, yet many of them remain somewhat bemused by the interest & attention their work attracts from us collectors. I guess, after all, it is just a job!
Sadly, one of those “jobs” often involves summarily tossing production used items into skip bins!
Thankfully, these previously all too-easy-to-discard pieces are increasingly finding their way to market and into the hands of collectors through official studio sales, auctions (via prop houses) and sales by private individuals.
More studios/production companies realise the growing potential of selling production used items through their own wrap sales or through auction houses.
The irony is not lost on me, yet I certainly don’t care that currently gracing my walls & filling my cabinets is apparently lots of other people’s trash…. And very expensive trash at that!
Anyway, most importantly, for now at least, lots more production pieces are available for lots more collectors!…. This is an excellent outcome!
Seven Reasons More People Are Collecting Movie Props.
Apart from us simply wanting to own a “piece” of a celebrity or a movie we love, some significant changes are attracting more collectors to the hobby.
For example:
Increased use of CGI in the movies means less practical fx, resulting in fewer props! This could severely limit the number of screen used props into the future and significantly increase prices. The savvy collectors are aware of this.
We now have more and varied social media groups for prop collectors across all platforms. Record numbers of members offering expert advice, debate, guidance and connecting buyers with sellers. Quality information has never been so accessible, nor has there been more effective ways to showcase your collection.
Screen matching your props and wardrobe has become easier through higher resolution images. It’s easier now to see your prop on 4K blu-ray than your old VHS tape! After all, we want to see our prop in its natural habitat!
Recent high profile celebrity memorabilia auctions have increased awareness of prop collecting. Think of the late Debbie Reynolds or Russell Crowe auctions. Often, the publicity surrounding these events drives prices up. So on a cautionary note, the private collector relying on their ebay auctions should probably not expect to reach similar prices!
Dedicated cinema / media rooms in our homes invites and allows for specialised prop displays. Everything from fully outfitted mannequins to framed props, production artwork, scripts & cinema relics add to the experience.
Australia (2008) Hugh Jackman’s Hand Signed Custom Akubra Hat
An increase in fan conventions (before Covid-19) offers the collector an opportunity to have their props signed (not my preferred choice, but there’s a whole other article on that subject later).
And of course, the “investment” side of prop collecting! More on that next.
Is Movie Prop Collecting A Good Investment?
Any financial investment requires serious consideration and consultation with qualified individuals. The following points are personal observations based purely on my experiences in this hobby. They are general in nature and do not constitute any form of financial advice.
It’s hard to dismiss the apparent increase in prop prices. But buying production used items as pure investment pieces means relying on many factors we, as collectors, cannot control.
The following points assume that the prop is 100% genuine and due diligence has been done!
In general terms, the value of a prop spikes around the time of the film’s release. If the film is popular, maybe wins some awards and attracts a following, then it’s probably a sound investment.
If a film reaches cult status, it was probably an excellent investment and over time should easily appreciate in value.
Blockbuster titles will usually be a safe bet.
Jaws (1975) Section of Sinking Orca.
Horror, fantasy, action-adventure & sci-fi props are (with very few exceptions), the most popular and therefore financially viable pieces in the marketplace. The good news is, the Horror genre has grown considerably in the last ten years!
It’s a sad truth that props and wardrobe attributed to and offered for sale immediately after the demise of someone famous will almost always be overpriced. The seller is attempting to cash in and it likely will not achieve that price again.
It’s also important to understand that things can (and sometimes do) occur to damage a prop’s value.
For example, I remember scooping up a number of key pieces from a certain production. The props arrived on the very day the star became embroiled in controversy (not the good kind). I could hardly give the stuff away!
In Short
Why collect movie props? Simple! if you’re a fan of a particular movie, television show, star, director etc. Buy the piece because you love it and want it in your collection! That way, it hardly matters what happens with its value. Because chances are, you won’t ever be getting rid of it!
Important!
As with any valued collection, please consider updating your home’s “contents insurance” and possibly your security arrangements.
Comment
If you read this far, please leave a comment, share your own story. If you disagree with anything or believe I have missed something, please let me know, I would love to hear from you.
Want to see more of my props & relics? Clickhere for my “YourProps” page. Please consider subscribing to receive periodic news, updates and stay informed of exclusive members draws.
Showreel Relics’ ebay store is happy to announce this freight update and some great news as we resume shipping to selected international destinations.
Delays are still inevitable in some locations, but our carriers report improvements daily.
Now Shipping to US, UK, Japan & NZ
Shipping Update – Great News!! We have resumed shipping to the US, UK, Japan and NZ with more countries to follow in coming days/weeks. If your neck of the woods is not yet included, please contact me. I can provide you with an update, estimated time frame and “heads up” on future inclusions.
Please note, while I rejoice knowing that air parcel deliveries are speeding up, there’s still a long way to go. I cannot resume shipping where carriers are forced to use sea mail, it’s just too long a wait.
All parcels carry a tracking number for your peace of mind.
A Heads-Up! – Production Made Box from Se7en (1995)
I will continue to monitor advice and I expect worldwide shipping to recommence very soon.
In the meantime, check out my “yourprops“ page to see more of my collection – including, for example, a production made box from Se7en (1995).
Above all, please stay safe, and thank you for your continued patience.
I have long been a believer of not spending more on a display than I paid for the actual prop I’m displaying! So, it thrilled me to find these excellent cheap coin frames!
Often in this hobby, getting a display right, means outlaying serious cash, especially for larger items. But let’s face it, even the cost of small shadow boxes and neat perspex cases will add up if you have multiples of smaller pieces you want to show off.
I love collecting production used prop coins, and I’m proud of the number and variations I have acquired. However, with the exception of a few very special ones, the rest have been sitting unceremoniously in cigar boxes. I never got around to doing much with them. This has changed since discovering these “floating” suspension frames.
My POTC coins in “floating” frames. Best cheap coin frames.
Maybe you already know about them (I’m usually late to the party). To me, they’re a revelation when it comes to displaying coins and small jewellery pieces. The flexible membrane is surprisingly strong and once snapped shut, will hold pieces even with considerable depth. For coins, they’re brilliant! Check out the pic (above) with some of my “Pirates of the Caribbean” coins safely housed & ready to display.
The frames can be used over & over, but best of all, they’re so cheap! So if your collection has small items that you really want to display with both sides visible, these could be just what you need!
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hugh Jackman’s Hand Signed Custom Akubra Hat from “Australia” (2008).
Presenting Hugh Jackman’s Hand Signed Custom Akubra Hat. Worn by Jackman in the role of “Drover” in the Baz Luhrmann epic “Australia” (2008).
Hugh Jackman starred alongside Nicole Kidman in the 2008 romantic drama. The film received an Academy Award nomination for best costume design (Catherine Martin) ultimately losing out to “The Duchess” (Michael O’Connor). Catherine Martin went on to win two Oscars for “The Great Gatsby” (2013). Martin had previously picked up two Academy Awards (Art Direction & Costume Design) for “Moulin Rouge” (2001).
It was hand signed by Hugh Jackman (see pic) before being offered for sale in a charity auction. Personally, I’m not a big fan of having my props and wardrobe pieces signed, but I’m happy to have this iconic piece in my collection.
Some light wear from production use is evident, likewise, some minor traces of make-up residue. Overall, it remains in very good production used condition.
In addition, the hat is production tagged on inside band “HJ DROVER“.
Check out more of my collection on my “YourProps” page here.
New to collecting props? Check out my guide here. Above all, please join in the conversation!
Showreel Relics’ Covid-19 Shipping Update. Showreel Relics‘ ebay sitedecided on restricting international shipping during the worst of the pandemic. We made this difficult judgement as a result of delays experienced with international carriers. For example, in some cases up to 35 days from Australia to the US. We are constantly monitoring advice from our carriers and will lift restrictions as soon as possible. Already, we are seeing some positive signs and I hope to provide a further update with pleasant news during this next week.
Please stay safe, and I look forward to offering everyone some impressive deals on lots of great production used pieces very soon!
Thank you for your patience,
Stu
The Great Gatsby (2013). Screen Used Newspaper.
Latest!
Great News! Covid-19 Shipping Update! We have resumed shipping to the US, UK, Japan and NZ. Hopefully, more countries to follow in coming days/weeks.
During a trip to pick up some props in the Gold Coast hinterland, almost by accident, I discovered these brilliant pieces. Tucked away in a storage facility were these wonderful. I certainly had to add them to my collection.
The Lost World (1999-2002) television series was based on Conan Doyle’s 1912 novel. Coote-Hayes Productions filmed the popular series on the Gold Coast (QLD, Australia). Jennifer O’Dell, Peter McCauley, Rachel Blakely, William Snow, David Orth & Michael Sinelnikoff played the principal characters. In addition, lots more great local Australian talent appeared in the series.
These three Screen-matched, unique production made chairs graced Veronica’s (Jennifer O’Dell) “tree house” and were used extensively. For example, characters had been “tied up” in them & in each episode’s closing scene we saw the main cast seated on these chairs at the table. They are showing significant signs of wear & some structural damage, but remain instantly recognisable. They had been in storage for a considerable time, and not too far from the studio where the series was originally filmed.
The Lost World Tree House Chairs
Hat’s not all, folks!
Along with the chairs, I found this very cool helmet. Screen worn by a Hikari warrior in season one, episode twelve (Tribute). It remains in very good condition. I believe the show “Beastmaster” (1999-2002) re-purposed and used some of these helmets.
Hikari Warrior Helmet
At the time of writing, this Hikari Warrior helmet is available in my ebay store for anyone who would like their own screen used production piece of The Lost World.
Did you enjoy seeing “The Lost World” chairs? Check out my “YourProps” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. Maybe you’re new to collecting production used television and movie props. If you’d like some hints & tips, please check out my new guides with lots of great info here!
Moby Dick bowsprit crucifix from the 1998 mini series starring screen greats, Patrick Stewart and Gregory Peck.
Gregory Peck‘s portrayal of Father Mapple came about over forty years after playing Captain Ahab in John Huston‘s 1956 cinema classic.
Moby Dick bowsprit crucifix
Peck’s powerful final on-screen role consequently earned him a “Best Supporting Actor” Golden Globe award.
Bowsprit crucifix close up
This one-of-a-kind piece, made of solid timber, appeared in the church and can clearly be seen during the powerful sermon scene.
Gregory Peck as Father Mapple
Gregory Peck – sermon
I was fortunate to pick this up from a collector who was making some space. It was separated from the rest of the pulpit (which was massive). The collector had (up until that point), Queequeg’s (Piripi Waretini) coffin. I unfortunately missed out on that!
Despite Gregory Peck’s vast body of work, there’s surprisingly little out there in the way of production items. Little wonder I’m thrilled to own a piece like this that shared some screen time with a film legend!
Click here for my “YourProps” pagehere to see more of my movie props & relics. And in addition, if you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–check out my new guideshere, packed with hints & tips!
So, you’ve decided to buy that prop from your favourite movie or tv show? Any beginner’s guide to screen used props, must help you address the following questions…
Do you know if you are buying a screen used, screen matched piece? Is it a production used, production backup, a production made prop? Is it a hero, background, stunt piece? Or something else?
Collecting props from our favourite motion pictures and television shows can be a rewarding and fun hobby. It can also at times be a bit of a challenge! With often scant information about the prop we are considering buying, we need to invest in doing some due diligence! We will want to know some important things about our prop and it’s part in the movie or television show it came from.
For example, was it used, held, carried, or worn by a principal character? Did it appear on the screen? Was it used by an extra in the crowd? Is it a stunt piece? Was it used by the stunt team? And did it even make it on to the set?
Standard industry terms.
By understanding some key terms and descriptions used by prop collectors and sellers, you will feel more confident in making that purchase. Knowing its intended use will help enrich your prop’s history and potentially add to the value of your prop. This beginner’s guide to screen used props will focus on these industry terms.
Most studio prop departments (as a part of their inventory management) will often label or tag some props as “hero” or “stunt” and may include a character’s name. But the vast majority of props that make it to the market, bear little or no studio markings or identification. Original tags do not always remain with the props, which can lead to confusion, assumptions, and interpretations. Third-party prop sellers will likely not have the full history of the item or had enough time to research the prop you are considering purchasing. So, do not accept on face value, a cobbled-together description that misses some basic and often easy to assert information. The marvellous news is that most experienced collectors and sellers will be able to classify your prop into one (or more) of the categories we’ll discuss shortly.
Very few one-offs!
First, (and importantly) without exception, almost every prop will have multiples! Imagine the massive cost involved in halting production to replace a damaged or missing “one-of-a-kind” prop! That said though, production do not make props to last beyond their purpose, and since they’re often destroyed or discarded, attrition means you may end up with the “last of the remaining…..” which can make that piece rare and special.
So, what are these categories and terms? In other words, how did the prop fit into the production, and did we see it? Who was likely to have used it? In place of studio tags & official identification, let’s explain these common terms and categories used by collectors and sellers to describe their props.
What is it?
A “screen matched” prop is one you can point to on the screen and match it (by way of imperfections or unique markings) to your prop! Ideally, you will have identified scratches/color imperfections, etc. to enable the match. Any props can potentially be screen matched whether hero, stunt, or even background!
Screen Matching A Hero “Sonic Pistol” Terra Nova (2011).
A “screen used” prop (unless it is screen matched) is hard to label as “screen used”! I prefer the term “production used” which is easier to categorize because most production used props will display some obvious wear, consistent with use on set. Not every production used prop will enjoy screen time, or be easy to spot.
A “Production backup” may be any hero, stunt, or background prop sitting on the bench waiting to join in. In other words, the production may never have used it, but they made it just in case!
“Production made” relates to any prop created specifically for that single production, irrespective of whether it was used during production!
So who used it?
A “hero” prop is generally a more detailed & realistic looking piece and will appear in close-ups. It may have moving parts allowing for greater interaction with the actor, and the principal characters will more likely have used it. “Hero” props will always be the most expensive props to buy.
“Stunt” props are usually (but not always) less detailed & generally static, made mainly of rubber and foam to minimize risk. These fall into two user categories: Members of the stunt crew used it, or the principal characters used it for the sake of safety. “Stunt” props will be less expensive to buy than hero props.
“Background” props aren’t made to feature in close-ups and thus require less detailing and subsequently not finished as well. Often, seams from molds, etc. are more obvious. Prop makers will mostly use combinations of rubber, resin, and foam to fashion background props. Background props are the least expensive props to buy.
As a prop collector, you can expect to come across these terms and classifications in many descriptions relating to props. As a seller, it is important to include these descriptors in your listings to accurately represent the prop. A buyer should understand the different terms and ask the seller for clarification whenever necessary.
Any beginner’s guide to screen used and production used props must explain these terms and their meaning
A couple of things to consider.
If you aim to own a prop used by the lead actor and you don’t want to pay a fortune for the “Hero” prop. Consider a “Stunt” version used by the actor instead! After all, if it’s an action film, the main cast would likely have spent more time with the stunt props than with the hero versions!
Also, if you want to own an inexpensive item that probably had lots of screen time and likely to be a one-of-a-kind piece, consider a piece of set decoration!
Set decoration is often overlooked, but it offers some benefits for the collector. For example, static sets in a film or television show are usually one-offs since nobody is touching (damaging) them. It likely will have had a lot of on-screen use. For instance, think about the frequency your favorite television shows used apartment/diner/school sets!
Likewise, and as a personal example, one of my favorite items is a barrel I acquired cheaply. It is unique, one-of-a-kind, and visible in “Executioner’s Square” in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. I have plenty of great props from the film, however, this piece of set decoration is the only one in existence… and I have it! So, with this hobby, don’t always equate dollars spent to the satisfaction gained!
Have fun!
Prop collecting offers anyone a chance to collect and connect with just about any of their favourite movies or television shows. It caters for most budgets, depending on what items interest you most.
I hope you found the Beginner’s Guide To Screen Used Props [part one] helpful. Thanks for reading and enjoy this wonderful hobby!
If you’ve read this far, please leave a comment, share your own story. If you disagree with anything or believe I have missed something, please let me know, I would love to hear from you.
Want to see more of my props & relics? Clickhere for my “YourProps” page. Please consider subscribing to receive periodic news and updates. Stay informed of exclusive members draws.
