 As a massive fan film one thing that has always fascinated me is that of the world of movie props - and as a collector the chance to own a part of my favorite movie is something I have taken advantage of in recent years.
The great thing is that movie props can be purchased by anyone and these days the internet makes it even easier to obtain such items - especially given specialist sites that now work not only with the studios directly but also as agents by obtaining rare older pieces they sell via auctions and on their websites. The initial thought of collecting movie props is that you have to be super rich to afford them - however that is certainly not the case and I for one am proof of that. Now of course its not a case of the items you purchase being those that rival the $612,000 paid for the Ruby Red Slippers worn by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz - and on the same level your unlikely to end up with a main item from a movie that's screen used for a bargain price - however..... what you can get is perhaps a screen used item that's a shown briefly in the film or part of the set dressing - either way something you can own and enjoy without breaking the bank. For example - I am a fan of the 1998 film Small Soldiers. I really wanted to own a piece of the movie however after failing in successive auctions to obtain one of the toys from the film I turned to the wardrobe section where I was able to pick up a 'Giant Toy World' vest from the movie that features for all but 30 seconds in the whole film. Whilst not a key part of the movie it features in the movie none the less - and thus I completed my goal of owning an item from the film. The cost of buying this item ...... just £35.... not expensive at all. Don't get me wrong - if I get the chance to own another item from the film at the right price I will - but for now I am happy with this. Likewise - take my all time favorite movie series Back to the Future - over the last 3 years I have been able to obtain one of the Pizza Hut Wrappers from Back to the Future 2, letterhead paper from Lou's Cafe in Back to the Future, and Cafe 80's Slides used for the menus from Back to the Future 2 at reasonable prices - all legit - all with certificates of authenticity. Again - they aren't necessarily key items - yet if you show them to people they will remember them from the films - and you have the knowledge that you own a part of a movie history! So the question I am sure you are wondering is where can I look at movie props to buy? I have two favorite sites - www.screenused.com www.propstore.com Both sites have items ranging from the cheap to the expensive and offer certificates of authenticity with any items brought. Equally every year auctions are held on sites such as icollector.com for movie props (screenused run a couple a year) where you can bid on legit movie pieces. So to recap on how to own Movie Props without breaking the bank? Simple - start off on low value items linked to your favorite films - over time you may want to invest higher. Sure you may not own the Delorean from Back to the Future - but by buying these smaller items you still own a part of movie history and won't spend a fortune doing so. Once you get your items frame them - display them - they make incredible conversation pieces!! Before I finish I think we need to touch on the major auction site eBay ...... which is another great place to buy props however a couple of MASSIVE tips - if you buy off eBay be sure to check the following things -
So there you go....... Have a great time searching for items - I really hope you enjoy collecting props as much as I do - be sure to post your pick ups on here!
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