Long time no blog. But, we are back and so is Futurama!!!
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Greatest Show in the History of The History Channel: "Dogfights"
by Propmaster - staff writer
If you haven't watched, tune into the History Channel on Tuesday and Friday nights. The series DOG FIGHTS recreates famous air battles using state-of-the-art computer graphics. With up to 25 percent of the program consisting of animation, viewers will feel like they're in the battle, facing the enemy. First-hand accounts will drive the story. Rare archival footage and original shooting supplement the remarkable computer graphics.
Watch digital recreations of incredible aerial feats from the under dog F4F Wildcat to the WWII crowned king of dog fighters the Grumman Hellcat. Watch Sabers battle MiG 15s in MiG Alley over Korea, F4's taking on MiG 21s in Vietnam, and the Flying Tigers in their P40 Tomahawks fight to the death against Japanese I-97s.
Never in the history of the History Channel has there been a better show. Sure, their shows about pirates and ancient civilizations are good, but "DogFights" is great!
If you haven't watched, tune into the History Channel on Tuesday and Friday nights. The series DOG FIGHTS recreates famous air battles using state-of-the-art computer graphics. With up to 25 percent of the program consisting of animation, viewers will feel like they're in the battle, facing the enemy. First-hand accounts will drive the story. Rare archival footage and original shooting supplement the remarkable computer graphics.
Watch digital recreations of incredible aerial feats from the under dog F4F Wildcat to the WWII crowned king of dog fighters the Grumman Hellcat. Watch Sabers battle MiG 15s in MiG Alley over Korea, F4's taking on MiG 21s in Vietnam, and the Flying Tigers in their P40 Tomahawks fight to the death against Japanese I-97s.
Never in the history of the History Channel has there been a better show. Sure, their shows about pirates and ancient civilizations are good, but "DogFights" is great!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Forgeries, Recasts and Replicas - What's the Difference?
by PropMaster, staff writer
The idea that anyone would call a legitimate replica a forgery has always boggled my mind. Some people just can't seem to grasp the differences between the two. Therefore, I would like to discuss the facts regarding forgeries, recasts and replicas.
The prop hobby is as much infected by greed and ambition as any other field you can mention. Many prop replica makers seek recognition and wealth while often dealing with prop collectors that are more interested in the investment potential of props than they are in the "hobby" of props. It is not surprising that frauds and recasts would be flourishing in this environment. Some props, like the authentic Star Trek communicators, tricorders and phasers have huge monetary values. Authentic, screen used props are valuable because of who made them; what show or movie they appeared in; the personal preferences of the collector; and the age and condition of the item. Forgery and recasting are illegitimate attempts to cash in on these facts.
What is Forgery?
Forgery is a form of fraud. In committing forgery, a person claims their work is by another person. Forgery is when a person's name is stolen in order to add value to the wrong work. Forgery exists when a work is presented in a way that either insinuates or out right claims to be the work of another with the intent to deceive. Fraudulent intention by the maker or owner is required for a work to be a forgery. A prop presented in such a manner is a forgery and a fake. Many times, a collector will try to sell something that they are not convinced is real. They use phrases like "I was told this prop was used in..." or, after being notified that the prop is a fake, the person wishing to sell it will refuse to accept the facts and try to sell the item sticking with the story they were told when they bought it. There is a lot of this going on at eBay.
The most notorious forger in the Trek prop world is known as "ME". He created many Trek props that looked authentic and several people who are considered experts in the Trek prop field have been fooled by ME's creations. There is evidence to show that "ME" is still active in the Trek prop community.
What is a Recast?
The word "recaster" has a negative connotation. A recaster accepts credit for the work of another. Prop recasting occurs when unauthorized copies of a work are made and sometimes sold, depriving an original artist or license holder of profit and/or recognition. Prop recasters will copy another person's work without giving credit to the original artist. They do it either for recognition or profit. Usually, the recast is made by making a cast of the item and copies are made from the casting. While copying another person's work is legitimate when permission is given from the license holder or artist, there is a "gray" area for prop collectors. Some artists don't care if a person makes a copy of their work as long as it is not for profit and proper credit is given. Some license holders don't care if replicas are made and are presented as such.
However, there is no "standard" for such practice and it is advisable that the collector procure permission from the artist or license holder before making a copy of their work. Some people will mention "fair use" laws, but that is beyond the scope of this post.
What is a Replica?
A replica is a copy of a prop that is presented as a replica. It is clearly described as a replica and careful attention is given to state clearly that it is a replica. It can be recast from an original as long as proper permission is procured, or it can be scratch built or made from a licensed kit. Does anyone think George Lucas will care if you make a replica of Luke Skywalker's light saber in your garage? Probably not, as long as you don't threaten the profits of the company that has proper rights to the item. If you make a saber replica for your own use, Lucas will probably look the other way and celebrate that you are such a fan of his work. However, if you start to sell them or give enough away to threaten his license holder's profits, look out for a cease and desist order (C&D) and maybe even a law suit.
In summary, forgery is a form of fraud. A forgery can take many forms such as recasts or copies that are presented to an audience as authentic and the work of another artist. This can be done for profit or recognition but either way, it is fraud. A recast is a detailed copy of another person's work. It can be done legitimately, in many cases, or it can be done illegally. A recast made to profit from another person's work is stealing.
Replicas are legitimate copies of the real item and are presented as such. These copies can be manufactured for sale as long as proper permission is received, such as is the case with Master Replicas, for example. MR doesn't produce fakes or recasts. They produce licensed replicas, which is perfectly legitimate.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Props and the Bible
PropMaster - staff writer
The boys at Swarmy Shirts have come up with a new t-shirt for RPF members. It is emblazoned with the words "It's not a toy... its a prop replica". Well, I have heard some other folks lately saying "Its not a prop... its an idol!" So, I pulled out my trusty King James Bible and started "searching the scriptures to see if these things are so" and besides the obvious references to prop collecting such as "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me" and "Thou shalt not covet" I think I've found another passage that seems relevant. Isaiah 8:19 mentions "wizards that peep, and that mutter". Peep and mutter? You mean like "peep peep mutter mutter"? For the first time I realized that R2-D2 (Star Wars) peeps and mutters. So does a tricorder. In fact, so does a cash register and my cell phone! Now, taking this one step further we see that the word "god" spelled backwards is "dog" and, by the same token, prop spelled backwards is porp. Ok, maybe that isn't such a good point. And, maybe its not an idol or a toy. Maybe, it really is just a prop replica after all.
The boys at Swarmy Shirts have come up with a new t-shirt for RPF members. It is emblazoned with the words "It's not a toy... its a prop replica". Well, I have heard some other folks lately saying "Its not a prop... its an idol!" So, I pulled out my trusty King James Bible and started "searching the scriptures to see if these things are so" and besides the obvious references to prop collecting such as "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me" and "Thou shalt not covet" I think I've found another passage that seems relevant. Isaiah 8:19 mentions "wizards that peep, and that mutter". Peep and mutter? You mean like "peep peep mutter mutter"? For the first time I realized that R2-D2 (Star Wars) peeps and mutters. So does a tricorder. In fact, so does a cash register and my cell phone! Now, taking this one step further we see that the word "god" spelled backwards is "dog" and, by the same token, prop spelled backwards is porp. Ok, maybe that isn't such a good point. And, maybe its not an idol or a toy. Maybe, it really is just a prop replica after all.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
A Prop for the Season - The Festivus Pole
By PropMaster - staff writer
I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately. I have been busy preparing for the upcoming Festivus celebration. While preparing, I realized that something has turned very wrong in the last few years. If things weren't bad enough, our capitalistic society has stooped to the low point of trying to desecrate Festivus - the holiday, that is supposed to be, for the rest of us. In today's consumer oriented society, Festivus is unfortunately subjected to a sort of commercial 'pollution' that is in danger of altering its true spirit, which is characterized by the "Feats of Strength" and the "Airing of Grievances".
I believe we have lost the spirit that Festivus truly represents. Festivus is becoming nothing more than the greatest gimmick for corporations to make millions at this time of the year. From the commercial stores selling Festivus poles to Ben & Jerry's selling "Festivus" ice cream things are taking a turn for the worse.
Festivus was a very special time, however corporate commercialization of Festivus hit about three years ago. How sad that we have relinquished our spirit of tradition to the way of commercialization. Traditional Festivus festivities are effective ways of teaching the holiday's values to children. But, what are they being taught when we buy commercial, pre-printed forms to fill in with our list of grievances?
In the old days, our fathers used to make their own Festivus poles from left over aluminum stock they found in the garage. But today, Festivus is being desecrated with commercialization. There are actually people selling Festivus pole props on the Internet! And, the prices are greatly inflated. A six foot long, 2" diameter aluminum pipe won't break the bank, so why buy a commercialized one that will? I guess it is just a sign of the times.
But, it doesn't have to be that way. Frank, George's Dad, gave us all the detailed information we need to make our own Festivus pole. "It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio." You can make your own Festivus pole and save some money in the process. It is an easy, screen accurate prop to make.
So, let's return to the old time, heart felt Festivus celebration and to the simple act of making a donation in the name of a friend or loved one to the Human Fund. I wish you all a very happy Festivus and a lengthy and emotional "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength" celebration.
I haven't had a lot of time to blog lately. I have been busy preparing for the upcoming Festivus celebration. While preparing, I realized that something has turned very wrong in the last few years. If things weren't bad enough, our capitalistic society has stooped to the low point of trying to desecrate Festivus - the holiday, that is supposed to be, for the rest of us. In today's consumer oriented society, Festivus is unfortunately subjected to a sort of commercial 'pollution' that is in danger of altering its true spirit, which is characterized by the "Feats of Strength" and the "Airing of Grievances".
I believe we have lost the spirit that Festivus truly represents. Festivus is becoming nothing more than the greatest gimmick for corporations to make millions at this time of the year. From the commercial stores selling Festivus poles to Ben & Jerry's selling "Festivus" ice cream things are taking a turn for the worse.
Festivus was a very special time, however corporate commercialization of Festivus hit about three years ago. How sad that we have relinquished our spirit of tradition to the way of commercialization. Traditional Festivus festivities are effective ways of teaching the holiday's values to children. But, what are they being taught when we buy commercial, pre-printed forms to fill in with our list of grievances?
In the old days, our fathers used to make their own Festivus poles from left over aluminum stock they found in the garage. But today, Festivus is being desecrated with commercialization. There are actually people selling Festivus pole props on the Internet! And, the prices are greatly inflated. A six foot long, 2" diameter aluminum pipe won't break the bank, so why buy a commercialized one that will? I guess it is just a sign of the times.
But, it doesn't have to be that way. Frank, George's Dad, gave us all the detailed information we need to make our own Festivus pole. "It's made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio." You can make your own Festivus pole and save some money in the process. It is an easy, screen accurate prop to make.
So, let's return to the old time, heart felt Festivus celebration and to the simple act of making a donation in the name of a friend or loved one to the Human Fund. I wish you all a very happy Festivus and a lengthy and emotional "Airing of Grievances" and "Feats of Strength" celebration.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Screen Accurate Pepsi Can Props
October 27, 2005
By the PropMaster, staff writer
Purchase, New York - Pepsi-Cola North America, headquartered in Purchase, N.Y., is now making screen accurate prop replicas. The real props can be seen in movies, TV shows, and commercials. "Propgod", his name on several Internet prop boards, says, "This is great! I can finally get my hands on some affordable, screen accurate replicas. I am already working on an elaborate, wall mounted display mount for them."
The Pepsi cans can be purchased at local convenience stores, super markets, vending machines, and some yard sales. Some claim that Pepsi is following Coca Cola's lead. Coca Cola started making screen accurate prop replicas of the prop seen in the balcony scenes in "Attack of the Clones".
A spokesperson for a major studio told us, "I think this is a trend that is only going to grow. Besides the soda cans, we are seeing screen accurate props from car manufacturers, cell phone makers, airplane manufacturers, and even gun manufacturers."
PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America also comprises PepsiCo's Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker Foods businesses in the United States and Canada.
Pepsi-Cola North America's carbonated soft drinks, including: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Sierra Mist, and Mug Root Beer account for nearly one-third of total soft drink sales in the United States.
By the PropMaster, staff writer
Purchase, New York - Pepsi-Cola North America, headquartered in Purchase, N.Y., is now making screen accurate prop replicas. The real props can be seen in movies, TV shows, and commercials. "Propgod", his name on several Internet prop boards, says, "This is great! I can finally get my hands on some affordable, screen accurate replicas. I am already working on an elaborate, wall mounted display mount for them."
The Pepsi cans can be purchased at local convenience stores, super markets, vending machines, and some yard sales. Some claim that Pepsi is following Coca Cola's lead. Coca Cola started making screen accurate prop replicas of the prop seen in the balcony scenes in "Attack of the Clones".
A spokesperson for a major studio told us, "I think this is a trend that is only going to grow. Besides the soda cans, we are seeing screen accurate props from car manufacturers, cell phone makers, airplane manufacturers, and even gun manufacturers."
PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America also comprises PepsiCo's Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker Foods businesses in the United States and Canada.
Pepsi-Cola North America's carbonated soft drinks, including: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Sierra Mist, and Mug Root Beer account for nearly one-third of total soft drink sales in the United States.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
1933 King Kong Prop Re-Animated After 72 Years
October 22, 2005
By PropMaster – Staff Writer
Bob Burns visited Peter Jackson at Wellywood Studios in New Zealand and he brought with him a very special prop- the original, 1933, stop motion puppet of King Kong. There were three puppets used to make the original 1933 film. The one owned by Bob Burns is the only one that still exists. Now, after over 70 years, the original Kong puppet has been re-animated by the WETA FX crew. You can see the new stop motion footage at http://www.kongisking.net/index.shtml.
By PropMaster – Staff Writer
Bob Burns visited Peter Jackson at Wellywood Studios in New Zealand and he brought with him a very special prop- the original, 1933, stop motion puppet of King Kong. There were three puppets used to make the original 1933 film. The one owned by Bob Burns is the only one that still exists. Now, after over 70 years, the original Kong puppet has been re-animated by the WETA FX crew. You can see the new stop motion footage at http://www.kongisking.net/index.shtml.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
News From Art Asylum
October 19, 2005
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
Art Asylum just re-released their popular Star Trek Original Series phaser II. They can be purchased at several online shops. They have also released a special Black and White, first season color scheme phaser sold exclusively by NewForce Comics.
And, for you BattleStar Galactica Fans-
As reported in ToyFare #100, Art Asylum will be offering products based on Battlestar Galactica. Though the agreement covers both classic and new versions of the series, the line will kick off with Minimate 2-packs based on original series characters, including Adama, Apollo, Starbuck, Cylon Warrior, and others.
Products from the new series will include busts (Baltar and Six are slated to be the first two) and full-body statues (Adama, Six, and Cylon Centurion are planned but not finalized).
But that's not all. AA will also be offering a line of replica ships, starting with the new Galactica. AA's Robert Yee boasts "You'll be able to mount it in different modes of operation, for instance with the landing bays tucked in as the ship prepares for hyper-jump." Start saving now; Yee estimates the price range for this "very, very highly detailed" line will run between $175 and $195.
By PropMaster - Staff Writer
Art Asylum just re-released their popular Star Trek Original Series phaser II. They can be purchased at several online shops. They have also released a special Black and White, first season color scheme phaser sold exclusively by NewForce Comics.
And, for you BattleStar Galactica Fans-
As reported in ToyFare #100, Art Asylum will be offering products based on Battlestar Galactica. Though the agreement covers both classic and new versions of the series, the line will kick off with Minimate 2-packs based on original series characters, including Adama, Apollo, Starbuck, Cylon Warrior, and others.
Products from the new series will include busts (Baltar and Six are slated to be the first two) and full-body statues (Adama, Six, and Cylon Centurion are planned but not finalized).
But that's not all. AA will also be offering a line of replica ships, starting with the new Galactica. AA's Robert Yee boasts "You'll be able to mount it in different modes of operation, for instance with the landing bays tucked in as the ship prepares for hyper-jump." Start saving now; Yee estimates the price range for this "very, very highly detailed" line will run between $175 and $195.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Welcome
October 17, 2005
Hi,
I am the PropMaster. (Yea, I know "prop masters" don't necessarily make or collect props, but who cares?) I bring you news from the world of movie/TV props. As any prop aficionado can tell you, this is a great hobby for getting dates. Girls love it when I pull out my Star trek original series phaser II, or flip the lid on my communicator while standing in line at the super market. Boy, are they impressed by my full scale Han Solo in Carbonite sitting in my living room. And don't even get me started on how impressive it is when I wear my screen used Spock ears.
Some would call us aficionados geeks, but we are just misunderstood. To be successful in this hobby you have to be artistic, determined, lonely, and have a lot of money to spend on the latest cool prop replica. I mean, those Master Replicas props aren't exactly cheap. If you want the best you have to pay for it, right? Even if you have to drive a 1974 Vega as a result.
So, this blog will be dedicated to all the "proppers" out there who have a deep affection for those little, make believe gadgets we all see in movies and on TV. Maybe it's the mystique of the props. Maybe it's the fun that we imagine the props can give. Or, maybe it's just the fumes from glue, resin and paint that we use to build our prop replicas. Either way, it's a fun ride. Stay tuned and see what comes next.
PropMaster
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