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”.
The Production Protection Program (“P-3”)
What is the “Production Protection Program”? What does it mean? What does it do? Who runs it?
Per the official website:
We are a group of collector professionals dedicated to fight against fraudulent sales of movie props and wardrobe. This program was formed to work with the movie studio directly to stop fraud. We believe the sale of these items hurts us all… the collectors and the studios.
To react to this opening mission statement, speaking for myself, I had to wonder who precisely are the “we” are that prefaces the entire proposition.
Looking at the “MEMBERS” tab/page, only one member is listed: Elstree Props/Paul Harrison
Interestingly, if Elstree/Paul is the “we”, he characterizes himself among “collector professionals”, whereas I view Elstree Props as a dealer, but perhaps my view is too simplistic, or I’ve misinterpreted the website altogether.
So with the first word of the first sentence, I am personally a bit perplexed.
The premise of fighting against fraudulent sales of movie props and wardrobe… this I am obviously in concurrence with.
The notion of working with the studios directly to stop the sale of fraudulent pieces – I find that to be an interesting concept in the abstract, but am left curious to know the details of how exactly this would work. Given the number of items sold on eBay that are inauthentic, it could be a full-time job.
Clicking on the “REPORT FRAUD” tab/page provides a framework for the information the “P-3” solicits:
In review, the report form collects information involving the details of the original prop or wardrobe piece of concern, who’s selling it, and where to find it.
So what does the P-3 do with this information? Per this page, they “investigate it”.
Of course, the primary questions that arise are the following?
- Who investigates these reports? Who is involved?
- Is the person who makes such reports notified of the consequences or resolution?
- What are some examples of fraud identified and/or prevented by use of this service?
- In what manner and context is information shared with studios?
- What are the studios expected to do?
- What is considered “fraud”? Items in which the seller fails to demonstrate authenticity (i.e. “Inconclusive”)? What if an item is suspected to be inauthentic but cannot be absolutely proven so? Or would it be limited to items proven to be inauthentic?
- What about stolen items?
I would believe studios would be more interested or just as interested in theft of property in addition to fraudulent pieces being offered for sale.
What about the sale of unlicensed/fan made replicas and memorabilia that infringe on the IP of studios?
I am honestly curious about the questions above, and would be happy to have those involved with the “P-3” post a Reader Comment or get in touch with me with additional information.
Getting back to the other articles referenced in the opening, I think this is an interesting example of Original Prop Marketplace Oversight, in that, as with the Movie Props Association, it is built around the notion of dealers policing the activities of other dealers.
As an example, with the Luke Skywalker Lightsaber from Return of the Jedi currently up for auction at AuctionSpecialists.com, it is consigned/offered by Elstree Props, the apparent principal or one of the principals (by virtue of the “MEMBERS” tab/page on the “P-3” site) of the Production Protection Program:
So, as is the case with the questions raised about the lightsaber up for auction, how would the P-3 be in a position to objectively research their own offering?
And if Elstree Props, by their prominent involvement in this organization, is promoting the practice of clear authenticity, should they not take the time and care and effort to clearly delineate the provenance and authenticity of this piece for which as much as $55,000 is expected at auction?
Please note, I am not making a charge that the lightsaber in question is inauthentic (i.e. fraudulent). However, I do not feel that authenticity has been proven either. With information at hand, I personally find it to be inconclusive, in regards to authenticity. But it is currently offered for purchase at auction, with a “Snap it Up” (akin to eBay’s “Buy it Now” option) and I find that to be a problematic proposition.
If Elstree Props and the Production Protection Program truly have prominent and favorable relationships with the studios, I think it would be productive to leverage those connections to truly authenticate this lightsaber before offering it at auction to ensure the mission of this organization – to fight against fraudulent sales of movie props and wardrobe – is honored.
A prominent link on the “P-3” site references the “sister site”, the United Movie Collectors Guild (“UMCG”)…
United Movie Collectors Guild (“UMCG”)
What follows is the goals and mission statement of this organization:
Who is the UMCG?
We are a group of dealers & collectors of movie props and wardrobe who adhere to Strict values and standards in props ,wardrobe or collectibles that we sell. Our Eyes and Ears are open to our members to ensure that we continue to operate with our policies and goals in mind. Members must either sell movie props OR have a INFO website about something to do with movies.
What ARE your policies and goals?
Simply put, the UMCG believes in always dealing in an ethical manner. Our clients feel confident that the item is REALLY and TRULY as described. Buying from one of our members means that the clients never have to worry and that what they are getting is REAL and ORIGINAL items.
Specifically:
1. The UMCG members are here to help. If we know someone who has the item you are looking for we will tell you. If we don’t know the answer to a question right away we will do our best to find an answer for you. Research is our strong point and Collecting should be fun. For us to be a family group we have to be able to help each other when needed.
2. The UMCG has zero tolerance for people who misrepresent items as being the “real thing” when they are merely replicas or copies. This type of practice harms the hobby and is just outright fraudulent. Without trust the whole hobby is worthless.
3.The UMCG does not deal with the trading or selling of stolen props PERIOD!!
4. If we hear of any dealers, collectors or people on auction sites or at any other site, who have cheated people in any way we will make sure that we warn our clients and our group about it since we all have to protect everyone. We are all a family and need to care for each other.
5. Have an item you need authenticated? We have members that can do that for you too!
6. Have items you would like for us to sell for you? We conduct auctions at eProp Auctions and eBay. We also have a list of private collectors that are looking for items. Contact us for more information.
Again, laudable overall intent, but being fairly active in the hobby, I’ve never seen this group have any presence on any of the online forums, nor hear of any actions taken to combat fraud. I’m just wondering if there is any action or function beyond a website.
A few comments from the policies above I personally would challenge. In particular…
Buying from one of our members means that the clients never have to worry and that what they are getting is REAL and ORIGINAL items.
Personally, I think collectors should always worry about whether their prospective purchase is authentic. Everyone makes mistakes, some research and authenticate better than others, and there is always risk, no matter who you buy from. The notion of “buying blind”, because a dealer belongs to a group of other dealers who make a pledge is a very dangerous way to navigate the marketplace.
And what are the qualifications for a dealer to join the UMGC?
DEALER MEMBERSHIP:
MUST have a website and Email
MUST be clear about what you sell.
Must be clear on WHERE you get your items from.
Must have your own COA.
Must agree with our Policies and ethics about selling props, wardrobe, etc.
Must have the UMCG logo on your site once you have joined.
I, personally, do not see how this organization can have such a limited vetting process and then encourage collectors to “never have to worry” about the authenticity of any pieces purchased from such dealers.
Without trust the whole hobby is worthless.
Again, I personally disagree. I believe trust is the wrong way to go about pursuing authentic props and wardrobe. Material facts and history and documentation and knowledge of fellow collectors should be relied on.
And, as discussed in the Original Prop Marketplace Oversight article, it is inherently problematic to have oversight organizations owned/managed by dealers or those not completely focused on collecting.
Interestingly, there does not appear to be any cross-membership between the The Movie Props Association and the UMGC, and again, I think it speaks to the inherent politics involved in dealers managing oversight organizations.
Other websites related to the Production Protection Programs & The United Movie Collectors Guild are Hollywood Prop Collector, ePropAuctions, and My Prop Collection (which I’d never seen before, but appears to serve much of the same purpose of Your Props).
Jason De Bord