|
Movie memorabilia collection is not only a fun
hobby, but it can also be an effective way to
own a piece of movie history and sometimes a
good form of investment too. No one would have
though back in 1932 that a one sheet poster of
the movie “The Mummy” would sell for 453,500 US
dollars. There can be several reasons behind
pursuing this hobby. You can do it for pure
sentimental value and capture the memories of a
particular movie that you loved watching. It can
help you bring back a lot of personal memories
like your first experience of watching a movie
in the theater, the first movie with your wife
or an actor whose performance moved you
immensely. By hanging the poster of that movie
in your room or collecting a memorabilia, you
can live the memory all over again, as you grow
old. Sounds interesting? If the answer is yes
then read on for more useful information on how
to get started with this wonderful hobby.
Movie
memorabilia collection-an interesting hobby:
There are many
people all over the world who have taken up this
hobby to express their passion for movies and
stars. Some don’t even hesitate in spending
their income to buy an expensive movie
memorabilia. You can collect anything from
posters, props and costumes to star autographs
and postcards of your favorite movies. Many
movie lovers even have a library where they have
kept books pertaining to movies of past and
present and autobiographies of famous stars. You
don’t always have to spend in order to show your
love for movies. You can collect anything
related to the movie or a star that you feel is
valuable, sentimentally if not financially. The
concept of collecting memorabilia of movies
started with things like photographs, autographs
and industry magazines. Today, it is an
internationally recognized community of serious
collectors.
Types of movie
memorabilia you can collect:
-
Lobby cards
-
Movie
posters
-
Autographs
-
Still
photos
-
Costumes
-
Movie props
-
Programs
-
Press kits
and press books
-
Glass
slides
-
Heralds
-
Storyboard,
original art concept and script
-
Industry
magazines
-
Commercial
collectibles
-
Any kind of
promotional material like caps or t-shirts
Movie
memorabilia as a hobby!
Being able to
keep a part of your favorite movie in your room
or getting your t-shirt autographed by your
favorite movie star is something incomparable.
You don’t have to worry about starting with this
hobby because it is as simple as visiting movie
trade shows, premieres or any other event for
getting collectibles or autographs from actors
and directors. Just don’t forget to carry a
camera, autograph book and a pen before visiting
any such event. Who knows, a movie poster you
bought 50 years ago can fetch you a few thousand
dollars, if you wish to sell it.
Steps to start
your collection:
Thanks to
millions of movie memorabilia collectors, stars
like Charlie Chaplin, Marlyn Monroe and many
others will always be alive. There can be no
better way of becoming the greatest fan of your
favorite stars by collecting their autographed
postcards, scripts and costumes. Even though
this hobby is very interesting you need to do it
the right way so that your efforts and money is
not wasted. The first thing you need to do is
provide a theme to your collection. Start with
things that you are interested in, like
musicals, film noir or silent movies. In case
you like movie posters your collection can be
built around Oscar winners or foreign films.
Collection of Disney artwork and cels is perfect
for animation lovers. One you have decided on a
theme you can start your research on it because
if you are well informed about the history of an
item you will be able to make a good investment.
Where to look
for movie memorabilia?
You can get a
good selection of movie memorabilia at online
retailers, auction websites, estate auctions and
sales and collectors’ shows. In case you want
something specific, place an ad in movie related
publications. One of the best methods of
determining the value of an item you come across
in a swap meet or estate auction is to search
for similar memorabilia on the Internet. On eBay
you will find “Completed Listings” to look for
prices of items sold recently. Try to find out
how the seller obtained the item you are willing
to buy. Sometimes the worth of an item increases
due to personal stories and owners. Always make
sure that your purchase is authenticated.
Sometimes items like animation cels come with an
authenticity certificate and prints, genuine
figurines and sculptures carry lot numbers.
Points to
remember:
Whether you
have an expensive movie memorabilia or a simple
poster, make sure that it is safe and taken care
of. Very old posters must be kept away from
acids and moisture because it can damage the
print. You can either get the postcards or
posters framed or keep it in acid free clear
bags. A professional framer must do the framing
and a complete archival process should be
followed from the start to the finish.
If you are a
movie buff and crazy about collecting
memorabilia more tips and information are
available on the above websites. |
and other events to get actor and director
signatures. All you need is a photograph or
shirt where they can sign and a sharpie. It
is also helpful to take a picture and take
to a licensed company for authentication.
