In some ways it was inevitable (damn you, reality TV!), but this legendary prop-shop is closing their doors. 
Essentially, the studios (several years ago) began outsourcing their prop needs. This allowed them to clear space on their own lots, for other uses, and to get rid of the need for maintaining masses of props.
In some ways it worked out well for the indie filmmaker (who now had access to all kinds of crazy props), without having to jump through studio hoops.
At any rate - with the combination of the rise of so-called reality TV, and California losing many projects to other states & countries, and a pretty crap economy.... 20th is now down for the count.
There's an article about it, over at the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/movies/18props.html
Will studios now have to build up prop-assets again? Will non-studio productions be losing access to valuable resources, especially if other similar business fail?
Bit of a weird situation, really.
Essentially, the studios (several years ago) began outsourcing their prop needs. This allowed them to clear space on their own lots, for other uses, and to get rid of the need for maintaining masses of props.
In some ways it worked out well for the indie filmmaker (who now had access to all kinds of crazy props), without having to jump through studio hoops.
At any rate - with the combination of the rise of so-called reality TV, and California losing many projects to other states & countries, and a pretty crap economy.... 20th is now down for the count.
There's an article about it, over at the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/movies/18props.html
Will studios now have to build up prop-assets again? Will non-studio productions be losing access to valuable resources, especially if other similar business fail?
Bit of a weird situation, really.
