How to Find Movie Press Kits
The Digital Age Makes Obtaining Movie Memorabilia Easier and Harder
Feb 15, 2009
The Internet has made obtaining older movie photographs, production notes, and other entertainment collectibles much easier. However, fewer promotional materials are being printed because of the ease of online distribution, savings from paper, printing, and postage costs, and the pressure to go green, all of which have decreased the need for producing these materials as hard copies.
Contents of Movie Press Kits
For decades, motion picture studios sent out colorful printed folders to entertainment journalists. These kits contained various production stills, behind-the-scenes pictures, and headshots, with either black-and-white or color 8” x 10” photographs, and/or color slides. The information contained within these kits included production information, actor/director/producer biographies, story synopsis, complete list of credits, and specialized information when appropriate, such as music, special effects, or location information.
In the late 1990s, many studios switched to cheaper electronic press kits where photographs and information were sent to members of the press on CDs. Although some printed and electronic press kits still get sent out for promotional purposes, currently many studios direct members of the press to their publicity websites, where with a secret password, journalists gain access to online production information and downloadable production stills and promotional photographs.
Acquiring Movie Press Kits
Because of the Internet, it’s never been easier to locate and purchase printed press kits and other promotional material from the movies. Movie reviewers at newspapers, magazines, and online publications may receive these materials routinely at no cost, but outside the media, these printed items can be expensive to obtain.
Dedicated collectors, however, should have no trouble tracking down their favorite movie press kits through three basic sources:
- Online Auctions – many sites exist where bidders can compete for specific press kits and/or press materials (such as individual photographs or promotional items) that are described and photographed at the site. Prices can start as low as one cent, plus shipping and handling.
- Fan-based Conventions – conventions (such as horror, anime, science fiction, fantasy, etc.) have dealers’ rooms where small specialty retailers have booths with press kits and other items relating to movies for sale. Prices may be negotiable.
- Memorabilia Stores, Science Fiction Stores, and Novelty Shops – many stores carry sections devoted to movies lovers, which include production stills and entire press kits for purchase. These may be brick-and-mortar establishments or online retailers obtainable through search engines using words such as “movie memorabilia,” “movie collectibles” and “movie press kits.” Prices typically are not negotiable.
Supply and Demand of Promotional Materials
The decreasing supply of printed movie press kits (older ones lost or damaged and new ones produced in smaller quantities) makes them in greater demand from fans. Generally, the older the film and the rarer the items, the more desirable they are to collectors. Sometimes the outside folders get damaged over the years, and sellers can supply only the contents, such as stapled press books or loose photographs (often contained in sleeves) or slides (tucked into vinyl holders).
Many movie memorabilia collectors keep their stashes hidden away only to enjoy or share on special occasions. Others frame the materials or place them in showcases or shadowboxes for display. Authors may use the written material for background information and (according to their country’s laws), the photographs can sometimes be used for inclusion in their books, especially when the book content is educational rather than commercial.
For more information about movie memorabilia, read Gifts for the Movie Lover.
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