The Replica Prop Forum, more commonly referred to simply as “The RPF”, has added a new “Screen Used Props” sub forum to their website. While there has always been a small percentage of talk dedicated to original props and costumes, as well as many topics that would be of interest to both replica and original prop collectors, this is the first time that a special area has been dedicated exclusively to talk about original props on the board.
I believe that this offers a great opportunity for more fans of film and television to learn about and become interested in original prop collecting. There has never been a very productive public discussion forum for original props, and I definitely feel that there is a place for one. Many original prop collectors either begin by collecting replicas or collect both.
While original prop collecting discussion forums tend to be 1) private, members only and 2) relatively small, with a few hundred members at most, it would be great if this could be expanded upon so that new and perhaps more casual hobbyists have a place to talk and learn about the hobby.
The RPF currently has over 7,000 members, and as a casual reader of the board myself, there are some notable members in their ranks, as well as industry professionals, and it is both higher profile and more active than any forum dedicated exclusively to original props.
There has also always been some disagreement over certain issues and topics, and in some cases outright animosity between a minority of replica and original prop collectors, this could perhaps also provide an additional opportunity to work some of those issues out.
While there will always be a place for private discussion on forums that discuss original props exclusively, I believe that this change with the RPF will allow for some additional discussion and debate that would otherwise be missed.
Below is the announcement made by Art Andrews of the RPF staff last night:
The new Screen Used prop and Wardrobe Forum is now located in the Props Costumes and Models section of the site. Many of our members collect both original and replica props. We feel this will be a community builder and something that will help unite the screen used and replica prop communities and provide an area for fans of screen used props to discuss research and show off their collections.
The new area on the RPF can be found at www.TheRPF.com or by clicking the portal below:
Jason DeBord