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What Happens to the Clothes & Props From Movies?

A movie production requires a number of art elements that are made by the art department, led by the production designer and art director. Other key members of the art department include the costume designer, makeup artist, hair stylist, props master, wardrobe assistant, painters and carpenters. All of them contribute to the physical look of the movie's varying scenes. After filming, the clothes and props used for the movie are either thrown away or kept for different uses.
  1. Gifts and Giveaways

    • Some clothes and props are given as tokens of appreciation to cast or crew members. For instance, a wardrobe piece worn by an actor or a prop he used can be gifted as a remembrance. Such clothes and props may be also given to the director or any other member of the production as giveaway treats and memorabilia items. While some are automatically given to these people after the wrap, the movie studio may also give items away to charities and other organizations.

    Museums

    • The iconic pieces used in legendary movies with vital contributions to world cinema or a country's domestic film industry can end up in art and film museums. The props and costumes used in a number of historical films can be donated to museums, or sometimes they buy the pieces from the movie studios or the collectors who own them. Some local museums also find interest in acquiring movie pieces that were shot in their state or city.

    Prop and Costume Rentals

    • A number of clothes and props used for movies, especially the strong and sturdy ones that don't readily succumb to wear and tear, are usually kept by movie studios. Most of them have their own prop and costume rental shops that become extra sources of income. Other third-party prop and costume rental shops may also buy these items from movie studios so they can rent them out of their own shops.

    Auctions and Retail

    • Movie clothes and props are sometimes sold in a number of online and physical stores to the general public. Auction shops and even individual collectors also buy them from movie studios for their businesses or personal collections. The more popular items used in blockbuster movies and historical films and those worn or used by A-list stars are usually more expensive when sold or auctioned.

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