The Shallows – Screen Used Prop Whale Carcass

Screen used prop Humpback Whale carcass from The Shallows (2016). ***Please note: The following may contain film spoilers!***

A prop Humpback whale of six metres and weighing three tonnes is hard to miss! It’s a key production piece from “The Shallows” (2016), a horror survival thriller starring Blake Lively.

I tracked down the monster production made model at a business where it has sat for the last few years.

Shooting finished in 2015 at Village Roadshow studios on the Gold Coast, Queensland. The prop whale carcass was given to Tangalooma Island Resort, which operated whale watching tours.

The “life-size whale” was expected to fit right in. However, the downside of the exchange was the amount of fake blood and movie gore still on the whale.

Too much gore!

“When we got it delivered to bring it over to the island, it had too many shark marks all over it,” the resort manager said. “Since it was from a thriller movie, there was just too much blood hanging from it”.

He’s right! There are “many shark marks all over it”!

The Shallows - Screen Used Prop Whale Carcass
Prop Humpback whale shark victim

Standing beside the massive prop, the level of detail is remarkable. The “rubber on foam” over a fibreglass shell gives it such a real feel! The “bite marks” and wounds are genuinely unsettling.

The work that goes into making props of this magnitude is truly inspiring!

The Shallows - Screen Used Prop Whale Carcass
Whale watching!

Not only a beautifully crafted prop, the whale carcass was central to the film’s storyline. It’s been widely speculated that the whole reason for the shark’s hostile behaviour was due to the dead carcass. Thus triggering the great white’s territorial protection of its feeding ground.

The carcass is key in saving Nancy’s life and provides her brief respite following the initial attack from the massive predator.

Towards the climax of the film, the carcass provides our heroine with a means of attacking the Great White. She ignites the whale oil from the dead Humpback.   

Making memorable pieces

So, the lifeless Humpback whale carcass prop which causes peril for the heroic lone surfer was badly in need of re-housing. Size and weight of a prop this size is problematic when looking for a new home. Preservation of such wonderful pieces of cinema history is best left to private collectors.

A welcome decision was made by the owner to allow movie prop collectors a chance to own their own screen used piece. Offering a limited number of sections of this one-of-a-kind piece should make for some amazing displays

The Shallows - display size prop piece

It is currently in the process of being dismantled and shared in limited numbers with movie memorabilia prop collectors. This is brilliant news for those who are keen to own a display size piece of this key prop from a film that consistently ranks as one of the scariest shark movies of all time! 

Please check out my ebay store for a chance to pick up your own display size piece of this remarkable film that’s destined to become a classic of the horror survival genre!

If you haven’t seen the film yet, pick it up here on Blu-ray at Amazon

To see these “The Shallows – Screen Used Prop Whale Carcass pieces”, and many more items that form part of my collection, please check out my “YourProps” page.

If you would like some hints and tips on collecting film memorabilia, I have several free guides I’ve written here. I am constantly updating and adding to the content. I hope you find them helpful.

Enjoy!

When Real Art Becomes Reel Art!

I have always believed that motion picture and television production “prop makers” and “set designers” to be, unsung artists. Moreover, their artistic talent or contribution will always be somewhat constrained in order to fit within the parameters set by production. I believe lines blur when real “commissioned” art is used as a production prop. Is there a distinction when real art becomes “reel” art?

“Set Dec” Treasures

In 2017, I attended a set decoration “wrap” liquidation sale for the thirteen-part television series “Grace Beside Me” (2018). A fantasy drama based on the book by Sue McPherson. Knowing very little about the production (after all it wouldn’t premiere until 16 February 2018 on NITV), the premise intrigued me. Having a daughter around the same age as the principal characters, my family were eagerly looking forward to the series. We weren’t disappointed. The show was absolutely wonderful!

I strongly urge families to track it down and please watch it as a family. The series was deservedly nominated for (and won) many awards.

After the show’s debut on NITV, it later premiered on the ABC (Australia) on 8 July 2018 and later on the Disney Channel in March 2019.

"Grace Beside Me," set dec sale

I headed off to the wrap sale with my daughter (who shares my love of production used props & wardrobe).

She was excited at the prospect of picking up a number of cast worn wardrobe pieces.

If I’m completely honest with you, not only do set dec sales offer some amazing collectables for film & TV memorabilia fans, they also offer a terrific way of picking up clothing/shoes & accessory bargains too!

The items are usually of good quality and have often been worn just long enough to get a good “take”! But that’s a whole other post!

Anyway, my daughter scored a number of wardrobe items and I grabbed some interesting pieces.

Picture Perfect

when real art becomes reel art

One of the joys (for me at least) of purchasing props and set decoration from “wrap” sales prior to a production’s release, is the thrill of later identifying & screen matching those pieces when finally viewing the show.

Every now and then with this hobby, there comes along a magical piece that transcends that item’s status as a production prop!

My Luke Mallie original acrylic on canvas screen used painting of “Aunty Min” played by Roxanne McDonald in the series is one such piece.

I eagerly snapped it up with our other treasures on the day of the sale.

I fell in love with this the first time I saw it! Remember, I had no idea in what context they used this in the show! But I found the colour, vibrancy, youthful spirit and sense of fun depicted in this work so enticing.

As I discovered after viewing the series, Luke Mallie’s painting perfectly captured the personality and character of “Aunty Min”.

Brief But Lasting

As often happens with props, the painting only featured in the series for a split second. I won’t spoil it by telling you where. Anyway, I’m happy to say “Aunty Min” has been gracing my office wall for three years. Just like her character, she is totally unique, helps keep me positive, focussed and above all, makes me smile!

If you haven’t yet caught “Grace Beside Me”, please make sure you do! Check out Sue McPherson’s book on Amazon.
Please have a look at artist Luke Mallie‘s amazing work.
You can check out some of my “Grace Beside Me” pieces on my “YourProps” page.

Want some hints & tips on collecting motion picture & television props & memorabilia? Why not check out my guides!

Lost World Tree House Chairs

The Lost World tree house chairs (1999-2002)

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.

Lost World Tree House Chairs
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
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!

Have Fun!

Moby Dick Bowsprit Crucifix

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. Moby Dick (1998).
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.

Moby Dick bowsprit crucifix. Gregory Peck 1998 Father Mapple's sermon.
Gregory Peck as Father Mapple
Moby Dick bowsprit crucifix. Gregory Peck 1998
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” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. And in addition, if you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–check out my new guides here, packed with hints & tips!

Catch-22 (1970) Screen Worn Bomber Jacket

I had the greatest pleasure of acquiring this genuine original 1942 bomber jacket. Moreover, it’s a screen worn bomber jacket used in the film classic Catch-22 (1970). Therefore, I was thrilled the previous owner shared his first-hand history. His involvement in the film as a flight engineer/extra in the production was similarly fascinating. His story below.

The Story

I wore the jacket on the set of Catch-22 Outside Guaymas, Mexico. I believe in 1968. A complete Army Airforce base was constructed in the desert. Complete with a 5,000-foot runway. I worked every day wearing a WWII uniform. We never knew when we were being filmed. That is to say, we just went about our business. I was 22 years old and a mechanic at Tallmantz Aviation. We had contracted with Paramount Pictures to furnish the film’s aircraft flight crews for the 16 Mitchell B25s used in the film

I flew in most of the scenes during the movie. I was a flight engineer/aircraft mechanic. For example, I was in the bombardier/nose compartment of one of the aircraft in the opening scene. I recall we did three takes. 16 aircraft rolling for takeoff at the same time! The most dangerous and demanding scene shot in the movie.

And lastly

He shared some never before published photos he had personally taken on set. Orson Welles and Buck Henry featured in some of his pics.

Did you enjoy seeing my “Catch-22” screen worn Bomber Jacket? Check out my “Your Props” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. If you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia – Check out my new guides here all packed with hints & tips for the movie memorabilia collector.

Original WWII bomber jacket - Screen worn in Catch-22 (1970)
Original WWII bomber jacket – Screen worn in Catch-22 (1970).
Catch-22 (1970) flight crews / extras on set.
Catch-22 (1970) flight crews / extras on set.
Catch-22 (1970) Orson Welles and Buck Henry on set.
Catch-22 (1970) Orson Welles and Buck Henry on set.

Screen Used Salvage Tug. Ghost Ship (2002)

Presenting the Ghost Ship (2002) Screen Used Salvage Tug “Arctic Warrior“. I have always loved this film. Above all, it has one of the most effective horror film intro sequences in modern cinema. I was, as a result, excited at the prospect of owning this piece. Aware the previous owner had it sitting in his yard was concerning. However, firstly, I can’t abide seeing amazing pieces like this just left to rot away. Second, I figured how bad could it be? I gravely underestimated its poor condition.

Plans Sunk!

I had originally anticipated it would require “some” restoration. But, I expected it would not be in quite as bad a shape. I was wrong! What I discovered was a complete wreck! For example, Lots of warping and separation of the upper panels and hull. Much of the detailing had loosened & fallen off. It’s a real shame but, a full restoration was not feasible. The boat was in such a dire state, and requiring such extensive renovation and subsequently, little of the original would have remained.

All of the vessel’s sections were damaged, loose and brittle from years of neglect and as a result of prolonged exposure to the elements in a Brisbane backyard. I could however screen match the boat to the pyro (explosion) sinking scene. The cutaway section (aft) is a definite screen match. I guess that sequence alone contributed to a fair amount of production damage. I discovered further clues. For example, still present, were wiring & bulbs so lighting & power was active at some time during production.

Please check out the video (below) I shot it, in short, to record the boat’s condition after bringing her home.

Did you enjoy seeing the “Arctic Warrior” screen used salvage tug? Click to my “YourProps” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. And in addition, if you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–my new guides packed with hints and tips are here.

Miniature Filming Vessel “Arctic Warrior” from Ghost Ship (2002).
Closer look at the damaged “Arctic Warrior” miniature filming vessel from Ghost Ship (2002)

Screen-Used Prop Bollard A Little Piece Of Asgard

Direct from the film set of “Asgard” is this screen-used prop bollard. Custom made, it appeared as part of the set decoration in the blockbuster motion picture Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Fashioned on the styling of ancient quayside bollards, these were part of the set design.

For example, the Asgard Piazza set incorporated a man-made canal and positioned along its length, were several of these bollards.

Hundreds of workers contributed to building the Piazza and the additional 35 sets during filming at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.

The cast enjoyed an increased level of realism due to these Impressive sets. All the studio sound stages were required for filming.

First, the bollard looks exceptional, standing approximately 21″ (53cm) high. Second, the resin construction makes it lightweight, but above all, solid. Originally connected at the base, it does however display some minor production wear. For instance, where it was bolted. Most importantly, however, it remains in overall good condition.

So, by clicking on the link below, you’ll be able to check out lots more of my collection on Yourprops. In addition, if you’re new to collecting props and therefore would like some help? Click here for my guides on collecting movie props & memorabilia. The guides are updated regularly and they’re packed with helpful hints and tips.

screen-used prop bollard