Archive for August 2011

“There are nearly seven billion people on this planet. Each one unique, different. What are the chances of that? And why? Is it simply biology, physiology that determines this diversity? A collection of thoughts, memories, experiences that carve out our own special place? Or is it something more than this? Perhaps there’s a master plan that drives the randomness of creation, something unknowable that dwells in the soul, and presents each one of us with a unique set of challenges, that will help us discover who we really are.” With those words spoken by Mohinder and written by Heroes creator Tim Kring, the beginning of the final episode of Heroes’ third season – “An Invisible Thread” – commenced; fittingly, by the end of the episode, many loose ends were seemingly tied with Sylar’s burning corpse.  Perhaps no conflict was more memorable, however, than Claire and Sylar, as the cheerleader promised that his diabolical life would come to an end. “I’ll keep trying to kill you – for the rest of my life,” the indestructible Claire warned him – and “Oh, you can die. I’ll make sure of it.” While the series is gone, however, fans can still keep a piece of it – literally. The outfit Claire (played by Hayden Panettiere) wore on-screen (pictured above) as she spoke these memorable lines in this pivotal episode is now available to one fan at VIP Fan Auctions – along with a number of other one-of-a-kind, screen-used Heroes props and wardrobe items. Check out the details and stake your claim to this piece of television history!

In the second installment of SGU prop master Kenny Gibbs’ exclusive interview with VIP Fan Auctions, he talks troublesome props, the weapons he never created and the best thing about working in the Universe.

VIP: What is the most memorable prop malfunction?
Gibbs: Prop malfunctions, huh? One word: Armband. Check out season four in the early episodes – a present from the Tok’ra that I wish never came through the Gate.

VIP: Were there specific props that translated much better or worse when going from concept to on screen?
Gibbs: Always. Most of the time I’ve been fortunate to work with world class model builders led by a gentleman named Gordon Bellamy. It’s always fun creating props that light up and go. Those are the best to watch on screen.

VIP: Is there a prop that you wish you could have created for SGU?
Gibbs: I had ideas brewing with Stargate’s production designer (James Robbins) about weapons we were hoping to find on the Destiny. We’re keeping those ideas under wraps for now.

VIP: What is the best thing about your career on Stargate?
Gibbs: The experience is one I will never forget. I spent over a decade of my film career working on a show that made the fans happy, and working with actors and crew members that will remain a part of my life forever. That’s quite a thing to realize after it was all finally over.

VIP: Any words of wisdom for aspiring prop masters?
Gibbs: I don’t know if this is wisdom but the most important thing I believe is have fun doing whatever you do. Always remember there are others lining up to do the same job so you should always try to raise the bar higher with every prop you make.

VIP: Any parting words for Stargate fans?
Gibbs: Thanks for the years of support and loyalty. I’m sorry it had to end but eventually, everything does.

To check out some of Kenny Gibbs’ handiwork up close, check out the unique, screen-used SGU props now available at VIP Fan Auctions. Items available right now range from pieces of the Destiny – including a door lock from its hatch, a remote door opener and a vent – to a rubber alien squid (from season one, episode nine)!  Don’t miss these and more at VIP Fan Auctions.

Stargate Universe wardrobe designer Valerie Halverson isn’t coy about naming her favorite cast member to dress. The answer: Robert Carlyle, who played Dr. Rush.”He really appreciated that costume helped define his character,” Halverson says. “Because he had such a great personal style, it was always fun to come up with a costume for him. There is an interesting story about how his original costume (pictured above) came to be: Robert arrived in town for his first fitting and as we had had some dialogue he was prepared for what I had envisioned him wearing, which was a layered costume. It included pants, a short-sleeve T-shirt with a vest and a suede jacket. Since Robert arrived in jeans, he just kept them on, which we realized was a much better look than the pants I had made for him. I then explained that I had wanted to make a beautiful lining for his vest and what I came up with was piecing together silk to look like the surface of a planet. Robert embraced this idea so much that he had me make some pockets in the lining for his pencil and notepad and we both knew that the fans would be seeing it every episode. It was an homage to the sci-fi genre.”

The story continues: Right now, one fan can own Dr. Rush’s screen-worn outfit from the first SGU episode – but you better hurry, because the auction on this unique item expires Tuesday! Check out the details – blazer, jeans, tee-shirt and the one-of-a-kind VEST that Valerie Halverson describes – available right now at VIP Fan Auctions. Do not let this piece of SGU – and sci-fi history – get away!

Two unique, screen-used wardrobe items are currently battling for the unofficial title of COOLEST… THING… EVER! Right now at VIP Fan Auctions, there is an “ancient” space suit worn on-screen by SGU’s Dr. Nicholas Rush (played by Robert Carlyle) in multiple episodes – as well as an ancient warrier suit used on-screen in the Heroes episode “Four Months later” (the second season premiere). The auctions on both items (pictured above) are ending soon, so check out the details on both items (and many other cool props and wardrobe items) and place your bid at VIP Fan Auctions today!

If the end of Friday Night Lights left a void in your television-watching heart, there’s still a little more to see – sort of. An Easter egg hidden on the fifth season DVD reveals an alternate ending to the series finale. Entertainment Weekly reports that a farewell speech by Coach Taylor (played by Kyle Chandler) was originally planned to play over the final minutes showing where the main characters’ lives took them (the voiceover was ultimately replaced by the song “Devil Knows You’re Dead.”) To access the alternate ending, go to the menu screen on the Season 5 DVD, turn the commentary off, and then select the football that appears. Of course, you can also keep a piece of Friday Night Lights for yourself – literally. Check out the Dillon Panthers and East Dillon Lions gear (and other outfits) actually worn on-screen by cast members Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, Taylor Kitsch and more at VIP Fan Auctions.