Calling all film buffs! If, like us, you’re a fan of the Big Screen – you’ve likely got an interest in the props and costumes that take centre stage.

But did you know, Hollywood memorabilia is big business, with enthusiastic collectors all around the world paying top dollar to get their hands on it? Even here in Australia!

Take Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, for example. Julie Garland dazzled us with them on screen, so much so that one of the pairs were stolen from a museum in 2005 (fortunately they resurfaced 13 years later and are now safely homed at the Smithsonian).

A second pair of the film’s ruby slippers was sold to a collector for (wait for it)… $2 million USD in 2012!

More recently, the “Wilson” volleyball prop from Cast Away sold for a whopping £75,000 ($140,605 AUD), and Christopher Reeves’ original Superman costume for $350,112 USD.

And don’t even get us started on Marilyn Monroe’s The Seven Year Itch white subway dress, which sold in 2011 for a sweet $4.6 million USD.

Okay, we may not have that type of coin floating around… but the good news is, there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there too!

How do I become a ‘collector’?

For newbies, we suggest starting your search with props from lesser-known films. Or seek out one that comes in multiples (think, the thousands of Hogwarts letters flying around the room in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) – that way, it won’t cost you the earth!

You’ll want to consider the following:

  1. Set your budget. Before heading to a collector’s store, auction, or searching online, decide what you’re willing to spend – and stick to it.
  2. Find a trusted seller. Do your due diligence. Check out reviews and ask other collectors.
  3. Research! Knowing what did the prop sold for in the past will help when you negotiate. You should also check its authenticity: the seller should provide an individually numbered certificate of authenticity (COA) and lifetime guarantee; and you can also check if it can be screen-matched (ie set vision and photography proves it actually made it on-screen and wasn’t just a ‘spare’).
  4. Check for potential customs or delivery issues. If it’s being imported into Australia, it’s worth checking the potential customs duties payable. You should also ensure it’s not made of materials that are restricted or prohibited from entering Australia (or your state). And don’t forget to consider and plan for any shipping and packaging, for example if it’s fragile, or an awkward shape or size.
  5. Consider how you’ll store it. Ensure you’re prepared with a suitable storage space to keep your prop preserved. Will it need to be kept behind glass or framed? Do you need a temperature controlled storage space? Have everything ready to go before you take ownership.

While there’s certainly global appetite for collecting movie memorabilia, it’s a popular hobby on home soil too. Baz Luhrmann sold $260,785 AUD worth of iconic film props at an Aussie auction, including an electrified windmill prop from Moulin Rouge, and a white biscuit tin from Romeo & Juliet which went for a tidy $800!

And the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS driven by Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious was sold to an Australian for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

So, cinephiles, have we tempted you to score yourself a little bit of Hollywood history yet?