I do not think “virtual prop” is a commonly used term. This is a term I coined to describe these projects when someone undertake the challenge of making a real life version of an accessory only seen in a video game or in an animated movie.

These projects are the most fascinating and challenging. Creators of virtual accessories have much more latitude since technology and possibilities are endless in imaginary worlds. When making a real life replica of an accessory which only exists in a video game or in an animated movie, you encounter the limits of reality.

I had the opportunity to collaborate with several devoted fans who have been up to that challenge. One such example is a real life version of the Proton Pack seen in the video game version of GhostBusters (GhostBusters – The Video Game, released in 2009).
Here is a video of the result:

Typical industry materials include fiberglass, foam, wood, papier-mâché, polystyrene and steel.

Too often, prop makers are short on time and will use whatever is the most convenient to work with in order to achieve the right look. This is interesting since fans will go to great lengths trying to study and figure out how some props were made and will attempt to duplicate them. What these fans do not seem to realize is that their replica might turn up to actually be a better piece than the screen prop they were trying to duplicate. Without the magic of the camera lens, editing and added special effects, some fans create better and more functional replicas than the original without even being aware of it.

break the ice
1. Fig. to attempt to become friends with someone.
2. Fig. to initiate social interchanges and conversation; to get something started.

Hello, welcome to my new blog: LEDpropfan

Today I decided I needed to start a blog to share my passion for TV and movie props using LEDs. The first few posts will be experiments with this new medium, a blog.