![]() The sequence feels very real, in part because Friedkin (as he’s wont to do) consulted with real counterfeiters.Īs relayed in Nat Segaloff’s Friedkin biography Hurricane Billy, despite the production’s burning of the near one million dollars of prop money, some of the counterfeit cash found its way into circulation. As the essay keenly points out, sometimes prop masters are penalized for doing too good of a job when it comes to replicating money.Ī great example of this ( not mentioned in the video) comes from William Friedkin‘s To Live and Die in L.A., which begins with a scene of the film’s villain printing forged bills. Filmmakers are required to follow a long laundry list of rules to avoid jail time for forgery, including everything from the size of the bills to tweaking federal emblems. The video essay below offers a quick primer on how realistic prop money can look without breaking the law. But it can’t be so real that the filmmakers get slammed with counterfeit charges. It has to look real enough to seem authentic to the audience. The fake money you see in films has to walk a fine line. But there’s one notable exception: money. And usually, when it comes to on-screen fakery, the more believable something is the better. Faking explosions, faking identical twins, faking dinosaurs, you name it. Movie magic, by and large, is about faking things. Today, we’re watching a video essay about how prop money works. ![]() See if you can spot any the next time you watch your favorite show.įor many more blog posts on the arts and the like, you’ll want to check out our blog.Welcome to The Queue - your daily distraction of curated video content sourced from across the web. We hope you enjoyed our informational piece on prop money in the film industry. Have you spotted a fake 100 dollar bill in your favorite film? ![]() Words like “Unreal Fake Currency Reserve” and “Not Real Currency” are marked on RJR’s money for example. They also need to be cognizant of the federal rules in place.Ĭertain insignias or words will be printed on the prop money to ensure they do not cross any lines. The phony money needs to be convincing enough for the audience’s eye. It is a fine line for these prop companies when it comes to designing currency on film. ![]() Some notable companies include Independent Studio Services and RJR Props. Hollywood now relies on third-party prop companies for their prop money needs. Some would argue they are too strict and are too obvious to detect when on screen. The counterfeit laws in place have streamlined the process for filmmakers. And lastly, every aspect of the design and printing process needs to be destroyed or deleted upon completion. Only one side is allowed for printing bills. The Counterfeit Detection Act of 1992 imposed three federal rules for the use of prop money in TV and film.įor starters, the illustration must follow certainly dimensions. This didn’t last and studios began printing prop money. Filmmakers would use the currency as an attempt to escape the regulations. Post Civil War, approximately 1/3 of the money in circulation was faux.Īs a result, new federal laws were born including the ban on photographing real money.Īfter the Mexican Revolution in 1920, Mexican cash had lost its value. alone, counterfeit money and real USD almost go hand-in-hand through time. This forced the regulation of movie money into action.įake money has made its way throughout history. The infamous film, “ The Great Train Robbery ” of 1903 used actual money in the stickup scene.ĭuring this time, counterfeit money was flooding the country. One of the earliest appearances of it showing up was Thomas Edison’s “Cockfight” in 1895. Money has made its way onto sets since the dawn of the medium. Scenes using large stacks of movie money that gets destroyed are one prime example. If a production studio were to use real money, this would create ripples of logistical problems down the line. This starts with how it’s made and then used on set.Įverything on set must be accounted for. There is a system of processes and distribution when using real money. It’s more a logistical nightmare to use real money. ![]() There are several hoops needed to jump through when a film uses prop money. It’s true, the money you see depicted on screen isn’t real.Ĭurious to know more about the history and rules regarding movie money? Read our post below!Ĭan filmmakers and producers use real money? Do they need to trouble themselves with using fake money? One thing you will want to look out for next time is prop money. How close attention do you pay attention these movies and shows? Have you spotted anything fishy? Have you rewound it just to see if your eyes weren’t fooling you? Seen any good movies lately? With popular streaming services making films readily available, it has never been easier to consume film. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |