From Movie Props to Successful Products: An Analysis of Iconic Products Inspired by Filmmaking

Ever wondered how movie and TV props transform into consumer products that become household names and collectibles? This article explores several products that originated as movie props and the impact of their inclusion in films on their commercial success. From the “automatic” doors seen in Star Trek to the Reese’s Pieces that bombarded theatres in the 1980s, the story behind these products is fascinating.

Introduction to Movie Props

Movies and TV shows often feature items and objects that capture the imagination of viewers. These movie props, beyond their on-screen appearance, can become part of pop culture and even inspire new products. In many cases, the appearance of these props in a beloved film can create a fervent demand, leading to their mass production and commercial success. This phenomenon is often referred to as successful product placement.

TV props: Star Trek's Automatic Doors

Not every story in this article comes from a movie, but from a TV show. One of the most iconic TV props is the automatic” doors from the original ldquo;Star Trek. This prop inspired inventors to innovate with the development of the infrared door sensor. Growing up watching ldquo;Star Trek,rdquo; I remember ldquo;automatic doors being a marvel that required people to step on rubber trigger mats to engage the ldquo;automatic#39;s functionality.

It’s worth noting that the ldquo;realrdquo; Star Trek set doors weren’t even mechanized. Instead, a man would pull a drapery cord attached to the doors, mimicking the door’s movement. However, the concept of these doors and their functionality have inspired numerous real-world products, including electric garage doors, elevators, and other automatic door systems. This example demonstrates how a product or prop from a fictional setting can lead to real-world innovations and commercial success.

Movie props: Reese's Pieces

Reese’s Pieces is an excellent example of successful product placement in films. The candy became a household name and collectible after it was featured in the 1982 film ldquo;E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The protagonist, E.T., was shown frequently eating Reese’s Pieces, which, until then, were a lesser-known candy. The impact of this product placement was immense – it sold millions of Reese’s Pieces in American theatres during the movie’s debut.

The success of Reese’s Pieces in ldquo;E.T.rdquo; is a testament to the power of product placement in films. It’s a reminder of how a seemingly small detail in a movie can have a significant impact on the commercial success of a product. The movie's popularity not only increased the visibility of Reese’s Pieces but also enhanced their appeal to a broader audience.

The Process of Successful Product Placement

The process of turning a movie prop into a successful product involves a delicate balance between product quality, storyline integration, and market demand. For a product to become a phenomenon, it needs to have a strong connection to the movie. The storyline and the cultural context of the film can greatly influence consumer behavior and make the product more desirable.

Typically, the collaboration between the filmmakers and the product manufacturers is crucial for successful product placement. This collaboration ensures that the product looks and functions as expected in the film, enhancing the viewer’s experience and loyalty to the brand. Moreover, the timing of the product launch is also critical, as the culmination of the film must create a high demand for the product in real life.

Conclusion

The transformation of movie props into successful products showcases how the entertainment industry can inspire real-world innovation and commercial success. Whether it’s the ldquo;automatic” doors from ldquo;Star Trekrdquo; or the Reese’s Pieces from ldquo;E.T.,rdquo; these products demonstrate the power of product placement and the importance of a well-executed tie-in. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how future movies and TV shows inspire new products and innovations.