Sci-fi props up for auction

Sci-fi props up for auction (had this in a Canada.com newsletter and a Google alert)

Peek at studio all part of the fun
Michael D. Reid, Times Colonist
Published: Monday, June 23, 2008

Pssst ... wanna buy a moon rock? If that doesn't excite you, how about a crisp cotton dress shirt worn by the president of the United States?

Or an outfit worn by Natasha Henstridge of Species fame or by David James Elliott, the former star of JAG?

You'll find a lot more where those came from on Wednesday when the producers of Impact, the $14-million sci-fi mini-series that just wrapped a 40-day shoot here, sell off thousands of dollars worth of costumes, props and furnishings.

For years, "set-dec" and wardrobe sales were one of the best kept secrets in B.C.'s movie industry. When a production wrapped, everything was sold off to other shows or bargain-hunting industry insiders and fortunate friends.

Impact producer Ted Bauman says it makes sense to open up set-dec sales to the public in a market like Victoria. He did it last summer when a sale was held downtown to blow out props and costumes from the Hallmark film Pictures of Hollis Woods.

Those who show up between 10 and 4 Wednesday for the cash-only sale at the former NOW furniture building, 2269 Douglas St., will get more than just a chance to buy a piece of the action. They'll get a sneak peek inside the studio where interiors were shot.

"A lot of the movie sets should still be in place," Bauman says. "People can come in and take a look at the lunar lander on the moon, and they might see 'the war room' and the European Space Agency control room -- parts of it, anyway."

Impact, which co-stars James Cromwell, Benjamin Sadler and Steve Culp (Thirteen Days) as the U.S. president, wrapped Friday. Victoria doubled as several worldwide locations including Ottawa, Washington, Munich and New Mexico.

The German-Canadian co-production, directed by Mike Rohl from a script by Emmy-winning screenwriter Michael Vickerman (Superfire), focuses on the impact of a meteor shower that sends the moon on a collision course with earth.

Items will be priced to sell, Bauman says -- much of it going for 50 per cent of what the company paid for it.

"We have lots of electronics, great clothing and lots of Ikea furniture," he said. Unsold items will go to charity.

It's not just Ikea couches, computers, dress suits, tables, office chairs and houseplants, set decorator Terry Lewis explains.

"The beauty of set-dec sales is they're very eclectic. There can be everything from nice high-end furnishings to what we ended up selling after I did The Egg Factory -- not one, but two gynecological examination tables."

Lewis, an 18-year industry veteran, refers to the "One man's junk is another man's treasure" axiom.
He still remembers the "old days" when studios would pack up sets and costumes in a trailer and send them to Los Angeles for storage.

"That's the world of higher-budget features," he says. "Nowadays the cost of making these lower-budget projects is so close to the line it's almost an economic necessity."

Consumers should be aware sale items have been used on film sets and might show signs of wear, he says.
Unusual items include a roll of copper sheeting bought in Kentucky to form the lunar lander's heat shield; and German light switches imported from Cologne.

"I challenge you to find a German light switch anywhere else in Victoria," he jokes.
"Or a Soyuz space capsule."

An estimated $50,000 worth of costumes will also be up for grabs, says costume designer Trish Flynn.

"This was a big show," she says.

"We fit over 100 actors with 15 costume changes on average, and 500 background."

While you won't be able to buy spacesuits, Red Cross uniforms or military apparel, expect lots of sportswear, business attire, clothes worn by scientists and some kids' clothing, sizes 8 and 9.

The featured actors get first crack at the costumes.

"They've worn it and they get used to it," Flynn says, adding prospective buyers should be aware costumes are altered.

"You might have a size 40, with the arms short or the pants long, depending on the actor," she cautions.

Oh, and just so you know. Those moon rocks are made of Styrofoam.

© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2008