This is an update to the ongoing research into concerns about the authenticity of slates and clapperboards circulating in the marketplace. Previous articles examined clapperboards from Quantum of Solace and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines as case studies. Today’s feature includes a message from 365Films/Clapperboard.net.
Below is a Reader Comment published today by Richard of 365Films, in response to the original article in this series:
For the benefit of doubt I thought I would make our position clear.
We are 365Films a commercial company(Part of the 365Group) and owners of clapperboard.net
And we produce a range of clapperboards to suit all tastes from a £15 budget board to £1500 digital boards. And everything else in between.
We also offer a bespoke service in which anyone can ask us to engrave or print ANYTHING on any type of board. And we charge £150 per board for this service.
In reading the above post in might appear to some readers that we would produce copies of original boards but to be clear to date we have not been asked to make any boards other than by the major film and tv studios. We have supplied many film houses with many types of board (including engraved ones similar to the ones above) but we have not supplied individuals or people outside of the movie industry with single boards.
Most companies pay on recognisable invoices and we do know whos who so we do not just produce boards for anyone. However if we were asked to do so (and we havent) then we would question the motif of the requester.
What we do very well is to produce excellent quality clapperboards with bespoke and custom printing for movie houses, tv, film and we have an excellent standing in this role.
Where things seem to get a bit murky is the aftersales of these items or props as merchandise with providence or authenticity.
To be clear it is very very easy to duplicate the boards. A basic CNC machine and some time and you will have a result.
So to sum up
1) We have never been asked to make duplicate boards for anyone other than known industry contacts.
2) It is very easy to make a copy of a board with a standard CNC machine
3) We are well known and respected by organisations like the BBC, Paramount and others for high quality work, excellent customer care, great pricing and a good product.
I know this doesnt help your cause but I wanted to make sure our point was clear in that we are a legitimate manufacturer and supplier to the world of clapperboards.
If anyone has any questions please contact me on 01992 410636 [email protected] or visit us at http://www.clapperboard.net
I would like to thank Richard and 365Films for taking the time to share information with regards to this series of articles.
All related articles can be found via the link below:
Further information will be published as it becomes available. If anyone has any additional information or concerns about clapperboards in the marketplace, please contact me.
Jason DeBord