Movie Prop Collecting with Jason DeBord's Original Prop Blog Film & TV Prop, Costume, Hollywood Memorablia Pop Culture Resource

By

UK Supreme Court Rules in Lucasfilm vs Ainsworth Star Wars “Stormtrooper Helmet” Copyright Legal Battle

Since 2007, the Original Prop Blog has been covering the legal battle between Lucasfilm Limited and Andrew Ainsworth of Shepperton Design Studios over the sale of unlicensed replica Star Wars props and costumes.  The UK Supreme Court is today published their ruling on the two issues presented to them.  Of the two, the most critical came down to whether the stormtrooper helmets themselves constituted “sculptures” in a way consistent with UK law.  The court ruled that they do not, and thus delivered a victory to Ainsworth, which also leaves those following the case wondering about the ramifications to copyrights and copyright law and the consequences of the decision.  The second question before them was decided in favor to Lucasfilm, which involves IP holders and their rights to pursue copyright claims in those cases where such laws are violated in other jurisdictions. [Read more…]

By

San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Brandon Alinger, Prop Store (Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Predator)

As a continuation of the Prop Store booth at this year’s Comic Con (see previously published interview with Stephen Lane), this next video segment includes an interview with Brandon Alinger, COO of the Los Angeles office, along with Ian Mutch from the London office.  This feature takes an in-depth look at pieces from Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, The Empire Strikes Back, Drive Angry, Gladiator, Batman Returns, and Predator. [Read more…]

By

San Diego Comic Con 2011: Video Interview with Stephen Lane, Prop Store (Star Trek, Scarface, The Fifth Element)

As part of my ongoing coverage of Comic Con 2011 and as has been tradition (see 2008, 2009, 2010), Prop Store CEO Stephen Lane took the time to show off some of the amazing props and costumes on display at their exhibit area.  This year, Stephen provided some insights and a closer look at the ZF-1 weapon from The Fifth Element, Tony Montana’s green card from Scarface, and a uniform worn by Uhura in the original Star Trek series. [Read more…]

By

A.V. Club Visits Iconic Filming Locations as Part of Their “Pop Pilgrims” Video Series

A.V. Club has started publishing a series of short videos highlighting their visits to famous filming locations, as a part of their “Pop Pilgrims” series.   Highlights include the iconic steps in Philadelphia that Sylvester Stone runs up as Rocky in the first film of his franchise, the “Nakatomi Plaza” building seen in Die Hard, the office park in Office Space, and the diner from Reservoir Dogs. [Read more…]

By

In Plain Sight… Political Flap Over “Misuse” of New Mexico State-Owned Planes for Scouting Film Locations, as Television Prop

KRQE-13 in New Mexico aired a news broadcast last night questioning whether use of a state-owned airplane as a TV prop on the USA series ‘In Plain Sight’ was misuse of the property and violation of their “official use” only policy.  This follows an earlier controversy from a prior investigation into the employment of official planes used to help NBC Universal scout filming locations for their television pilot, ‘The Crossing’. [Read more…]

By

“Inside the Secret Planet Hollywood Vault” Video News Broadcast & Interview by WOFL FOX 35

Tonight WOFL FOX 35 in Orlando, Florida broadcast a news segment about the 20 year anniversary for the popular themed restaurant, Planet Hollywood.  “Inside the Secret Planet Hollywood Vault” includes a written article as well; both feature Planet Hollywood Chairman and Owner, Robert Earl. [Read more…]

By

Bloomberg Report on Lucasfilm vs Ainsworth ‘Star Wars’ Stormtrooper Helmet Copyright Lawsuit; UK Supreme Court Decision Still Pending

Bloomberg today published a video report on the Lucasfilm Ltd. vs. Andrew Ainsworth dispute.  After Ainsworth prevailed in the UK Court of Appeals in late 2009, the case was argued before the UK Supreme Court in early March.  Mr. Ainsworth features prominently while giving a tour of his studio; Lucasfilm is represented by a two sentence written statement.  While the short broadcast captures an interesting mainstream media perspective of the case, it lacks a substantive review of the two specific legal issues under consideration in the pending UK Supreme Court decision, noting  that “the legal arguments are detailed and complex“. [Read more…]

By

Peter Jackson Launches Video Blog for Making of ‘The Hobbit’; Highlights Sets, Props, Pre-Production Insights

Academy Award-winning director Sir Peter Jackson has launched the first in a series of video blogs, which provides a behind the scenes look into the making and production of The Hobbit.  Jackson literally walks the viewer through sets and stages and shows off props and other production material. [Read more…]