As reported leading up to this past weekend’s event (see Hollywood Roadshow: “Prop and Pinball” Auction in El Segundo – June 21-22, 2008), the Premiere Props “Hollywood Roadshow” live auction event was held Saturday and Sunday. Based on my discussions with fellow collectors who participated, it seems to continue to be plagued with the same problems involving post-auction outcome manipulation [Read more…]
There are five original prop live auction events scheduled over the next ten days, including two Bonhams auctions, a Julian’s auction, a Christie’s auction, and a Premiere Props/Hollywood Roadshow auction: [Read more…]
This upcoming Saturday and Sunday, Premiere Props and Hollywood Roadshow will hold one of their “Prop and Pinball” auctions. This “roadshow” auction will be held at Premiere Props in El Segundo, CA on June 21-22, offering 1,200 items. The catalog is available online at icollector.com. [Read more…]
Here is the latest updated list of upcoming original prop auction events. Please contact me if you are aware of any coming events of interest to original prop collectors. [Read more…]
Over the past several years, the Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) issued by two of the biggest “studio resellers” – Premiere Props and Hollywood Vault – have evolved. Unfortunately, the changes made have been to the detriment of provenance and is a significant missed opportunity given that these companies are in the position of releasing props and wardrobe into the marketplace that are sourced direct from the studios in a fully authorized capacity (making the pieces both authentic and with clear title).
I thought it would be informative to compare and contrast COAs issued by Premiere Props and Hollywood Vault to see exactly what changes have been made over the years, and the current state of certification and provenance offered by these two dealers. [Read more…]
eBay Vice President Jim Ambach announced today that eBay is discontinuing its Live Auction format services at the end of the year, citing an effort to improve “buying and selling experiences”. The “Live Auction” format differs from eBay’s traditional business model of scheduled, “online-only” auctions, and typically (as it relates to original props, wardrobe, and memorabilia auctions from movies and television) provides collectors the ability to bid on items auctioned “live” over the Internet, in real time, in lieu of being present at the actual auction event with people bidding in person, with the auctioneer recognizing “floor” bids, telephone bids, absentee bids, and online bids. [Read more…]
There is a news story today at the Daily News Tribune about the Premiere Props studio auctions for the film, “27 Dresses”.
This is the first interview with Dan Levin at Premiere Props that I can recall. It is interesting to have some insights into his view of the original prop hobby, and the role and function his company plays, as well as the profile of the typical customer for these auctions.
Of note is the view expressed as to the fate of many pieces offered in the marketplace by Premiere Props – buyers wearing the wardrobe pieces as well as using costume accessories. While I could personally care less about “The Devil Wears Prada” or “27 Dresses”, I’m not fond of the notion of original props and wardrobe being worn and/or used, in that actual artifacts from films should be preserved. [Read more…]
One of the most inherently problematic props, in terms of issues with authenticity, are of the “off the shelf” or “found” variety.
What are “off the shelf” props?
Props, wardrobe pieces, set pieces, and any other artifacts used in a production that are:
1) Mass produced (past or present),
2) for non-production purposes (i.e. not specifically manufactured for use in the production), and
3) are or were available for purchase from those not associated with the production. [Read more…]