Screen Matched and Production used
When one is collecting props and memorabilia from the screen, the devil is in the details. The worth of a prop and proximity to the magic of the scene can be the distinguishment of the pattern in an item of clothing, or the blood stain on a jacket in an action scene. This is what we call ‘Screen Matching’. This is a distinction from “Production Used” which means that it was a part of the filming process but not necessarily worn on screen. “Screen Matched” not only guarantees its use during filming, but the exact scene it was used in. For example, take a look at the two shirts below. Both from the production and part of filming, however one is a back-up/unused version, the other is screen-matched with studio blood across the outfit.
This is important because unlike the days of classic cinema where they had to glue the cowboy hat to Clint Eastwood’s head because they only had one and couldn’t afford to have it blow away, productions today often make several of each character’s costume. Therefore, that creates a difference between having an Indiana Jones hat used in the production, and one spotted as being in the temple chase scene via the scuffs on the brim or the trim of the leather. It makes both of them valuable, but one significantly more special than the other.
Authentication
Screen matching is a good scrutinizing tool for spotting the usage of a given prop, but before either a buyer or collector begins screen matching, most importantly is authentication. Often a prop will come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), either from the studio or the organization selling it. While this is often essential, what backs this up is research. Such as knowing the provenance of an item’s ownership and history. In one such example, we obtained a shirt worn by Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can, which we were able to track down as originating from the prop rental house in New York that supplied the wardrobe for the film.
Sample COA
Stunt and Hero Props
When it comes to distinguishing a prop or costume’s classification, while Screen Matching of course plays a part, knowing its function during filming is similarly important. For example, during filming of the Daniel Craig James Bond films they made two different sized suits; one sized smaller for when he is still during “Hero Shots” or close-up scenes. Whereas stunt or more comfortably fitting suits for movement during action sequences. This is why you get distinctions between props and costumes that vary in detail, size, and material depending on whether they are the "Hero" or the "Stunt" version.
For a Hero Prop, this distinguishes it as the item or piece of clothing meant to be best represented. Offering finer detail, these are the most recognisable pieces, used for close-ups and Establishing shots. A stunt version can vary in detail based on its function; whether that be hidden padding, holes in the back to accommodate stunt wires, or foam and lightweight versions for ease of movement.