The Best Cast in the Biz

When Ronald D. Moore reimagined Battlestar Galactica, he realized one way to distance it from the typical trappings of space opera was to hire top-notch actors. He envisioned casting Oscar-caliber actors like Edward James Olmos (1988 best actor nominee for Stand and Deliver) and Mary McDonnell (1990 supporting actress nominee for Dances with Wolves). Surprisingly, both actors saw past the science fiction title and realized therein lay defining roles of their careers.

But having seasoned veterans ground the cast was not enough. The rest of the BSG ensemble needed the “chops” to stand toe-to-toe with Olmos, McDonnell, and veteran character actor Michael Hogan. The fact BSG actors continue to be in demand shows that Moore and fellow executive producer David Eick assembled what Entertainment Weekly calls “the strongest ensemble cast of the past decade.”

To wit:
• Katee Sackhoff will be on the Fox hit 24 this fall
• Jamie Bamber plays Detective Sergeant Matt Devlin on Law and Order: UK (side-by-side with Doctor Who’s Freema Agyeman—Yowza!)
• James Callis plays the titular role in the upcoming Sci Fi Channel original Merlin and the Book of Beasts
• Tricia Helfer has guest starred on Burn Notice and Chuck, as well as the forthcoming Fox series The Human Target
• Grace Park co-stars in TNT’s series The Cleaner
• Aaron Douglas plays the lead in the new police drama The Bridge
• Tahmoh Penikett is part of Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse

And the list goes on…

I’ve had the privilege of meeting most of the above actors and happily report they are some of the nicest I’ve encountered in my 16 years of working in “the business.” As the Propworx eBay auctions draw to a close in the next few weeks, now is the time to pick up that special memento used by your favorite BSG cast member. Who knows, if you go to Comic-Con or Dragon*Con you may be able to get him or her to sign it for you.

Thomas

Prop & Costume Collecting Terminology

There is sometimes a lot of confusion on the part of those who are new to the hobby of collecting original TV & movie props & costumes, so I thought I would share the terminology we use in an expanded way. Please feel free to email me with any questions.

There are two main classifications of original props & costumes:

Production Made

98% of all props fall into this category. This term refers to any original prop that was specifically made for a production. All the Battlestar Galactica assets fall into this category. This prop or costume may or may not have been seen on-screen. Sometimes, it is simply that there is no way to prove that it is. Most collectors are perfectly happy with this category of item (I certainly am, and I have a big collection!)

Screen Used

A prop or costume is identified as “Screen Used” if it either is noted that way from the prop or costume shop in the item’s tagging, or can be screen matched (see below). This is a very high level of verification that is needed, and 98% of all props and costumes can never meet this level. Sometimes we know an item is screen used because it is the only item made, and therefore we know it is the one on screen. Other times the item is tagged specifically as the “hero” item and we know that the prop master has identified it as the one used on screen. And sometimes we can screen match the item and that is verification.

Additional Terminology:

Hero Prop

A “hero” prop is a prop that has been identified as being directly used in the show for a specific scene or a specific episode. “Hero” props are generally of higher quality, durability and functionality. They feature finer details, as such props may be meant for—or have been used in—close-ups. At Propworx, all items marked “hero” have undergone verification, which includes referencing to behind-the-scenes materials (continuity books) and screen-matching the item, or finding the item specifically marked “hero” from the prop shop or costume department.

Stunt Version

A “stunt” version of a prop is typically a low-quality version of a “hero” or detailed prop so that the “hero” version is neither destroyed nor causes harm to the people involved with the stunt. For instance, in the fight scene between Kara Thrace and a Number Six in “Kobol’s Last Gleaming, Part II,” a stunt version of the Arrow of Apollo (made of rubber) was used in that scene. There were two versions of metal and two of rubber made. Stunt versions of props are typically of rubber. Stunt versions of costumes will be the same quality, though specifically marked “stunt”. They may be old versions of the costume, used by the main actor and then given for use by the stunt actor, or they may be new versions, specifically tailored for a stunt actor.

Stunt Version

A Production Made version, which was not used by the main actor. A “double” may have been used by a stunt actor or photo double, but not by the main actor. It may have been used for an insert or close up shot not involving the main actor. (For BSG there were specific “doubles” boxes for all actor personal items.) It may or may not be screen used.

Back-up

A Production Made version which was not used on screen. Multiply items are made for most props. Generally only one or two make it on screen and the rest are just back-ups.

Screen Matched

The process of matching a prop or costume to what is seen on-screen, ensuring that it is exactly the same item as seen on screen. This means looking for specific identifying marks such as specific bends in paper or pitting and scratching in a prop, or fabric patterns or markings in a costume. The process requires a DVD player (preferably Blu-Ray) and patience as you need to look carefully for identifying marks that will positively identify the item in your possession as the one on-screen.

In addition, there are generally multiples of any prop or costume, so never expect to own the only example made. There may even be multiple “hero” props, as more than one was used on screen in close ups. As always, I highly suggest you join our forums at http://forums.battlestarprops.com/ and join the conversation. There are many knowledgeable collectors there willing to share their insights.

Alec

What the Frak is Gak?

Quite often you may see us use the term “gak” in some of our eBay listings or in the Live Auction. You may think to yourself, “What the frak is gak?”

“GAK” is a slang term used in the film industry to describe stuff that is used to add detail to props, set dressing or costumes.  It is the acronym for “Goods All Kinds,” but I like to think it stands for “Garbage And Knick-nacks.” Typically, props made from used items purchased at junk yards or flea markets can be said to be made from “gak.” For those in the Vancouver film industry the word gak is used quite often to describe props in general. “I have to wear all of this ‘gak’ in the next scene.”

The following image is a great example of “gak.”

As you can see “gak” is nothing more than bits of everyday stuff or goods, acquired from pretty much anywhere, that can be used to make a prop or set look more interesting or realistic to the camera and the audience.

How do you display costumes?

So how do you display costumes? The way I display my costumes is the way Christie’s did at their big Star Trek auction. They are half-forms and stands that look great. Here are some Star Trek costumes as they are displayed in my house. Now here are what the displays look like: It is two pieces and costs $ 15.95 for the form and $ 29.95 for the stand. Well worth it. Find them here: http://www.advantagefixtures.com/htmldocs/halfroundforms.html Here is how my living room looks now! Some costumes require a mannequin, for example a costume that would look better when filled out. I hope this helps! Alec