A few days ago, there was an interesting ABC News interview with LiveAuctioneers CEO Julian Ellison about this week’s Profiles in History auction events (see Hollywood Auction 33 & Hollywood Auction 34) – with absolutely no mention of Profiles in History whatsoever. The trend continues, with a Fox News Channel “Strategy Room” round table discussion in which the auction is discussed with absolutely no mention of Profiles in History.
Given that it is merely a video segment, I honestly don’t know if there was any mention of Profiles in History that is not part of the video on the Fox News website.
The two and a half minute discussion can be found at FoxNews.com:
Interestingly, Mr. Ellison appears to struggle with the pronunciation of “lightsaber” (vs. “lifesaver”) in reference to the Luke Skywalker prop attributed to use by Mark Hamill.
As was the case with the ABC interview (see ABC News Interviews…), an opportunity was presented to discuss the auction house (in this case, an inquiry as to where an item came from), and no reference was made to Profiles in History:
Jill Dobson, Fox News Anchor: This is the actual lightsaber used, in one of the movies?
Mr. Ellison: Absolutely, yeah.
Fox News Guest #1: By Mark Hamill?
Mr. Ellison: Himself. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Jill Dobson, Fox News Anchor: How did you get a hold of that?
Fox News Guest #1: Yeah, what does he got money problems, has to sell it?
Mr. Ellison: Uh, who knows? It’s, uh, there’s a lot of that going on at the moment. The economy isn’t where it should be…
Fox News Guest #1: That’s right. It affects the Force, It affects the Force!
Mr. Ellison: …so people are liquidating.
Fox News Guest #2: Mark Hamill hasn’t had a job in 30 years, so he needs to sell some things.
Mr. Ellison: Well, this could be his lifesaver.
Fox News Guest #3: Do we know which film it’s from, because that actually will have an impact, on price.
Mr. Ellison: Um, uh, I know it’s obviously from Star Wars, but I couldn’t, but it’s probably from the las- the first one. It’s $150,000 to $180,000 estimate, so I imagine it’s going to be probably…
Note: Transcription is as best as can be determined viewing the video; I recommend that viewing it in its entirety for full context and accuracy of interpretation
It appears that LiveAuctioneers obtains a percentage of the Buyer’s Premium on those items purchased through the LiveAuctioneers.com website, while eBay earns a percentage if purchased through eBay Live Auctions. Bidders pay a lower Buyer’s Premium if purchased as a floor bidder, or via mail, fax, or phone bids directly with Profiles in History.
The Buyer’s Premium if bidding through LiveAuctioneers or eBay Live Auctions is 20%.
If bidding direct with Profiles in History, the Buyer’s Premium is 15% (cash) or 18% (credit card).
Hollywood Auction 33 is today, and I will provide a report of my own observations of the results following the event. Hollywood Auction 34 is Friday and Saturday, and will offer memorabilia from the Collector’s Book Store.
Special thanks to Jason White (MoviePropKing.com) for the notice about the video.
Jason De Bord