atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Antique Telephones My phone put to use

So, here's something cool. I did a photoshoot with my phone, seen here: https://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/041/8/7/Old_Telephone_by_blackevilweredragon.jpg

And someone apparently has noticed my phone in some of my pics where my desk is seen. A certain movie company would like to use my phone as a prop in a movie.

They didn't say much about the movie, but apparently it's a horror movie that takes place in an old mansion (oh how i have heard so many movies with this kind of setting, yawn), but they want the phone used in the movie.. Of which will be used by an actor only for the line to go dead..

Interesting :p I verified the phone number and callback number, it's authentic.. Apparently though the movie hasn't begun shooting yet and is still in the process of preparing and getting rights to do it, but they'd like to use my phone as a prop.

Why MY phone I don't know, when they can get a better one probably from their own prop company. But, who cares, my phone could be on the silver screen!

Probably because todays movies are shot in HD. HD shows EVERYTHING down to a mis-shorn face. So a prop will look like a prop and not authentic.

Your phone looks good so why not ask to rent it for a bit. But do not let them trash it. Movie makers care very little about things they don't own.

Decent rental with a huge deposit.

About how much should I ask for, for rental and deposit? And yes, I will TELL them (not ask) that the phone remain in it's condition that was handed to them. Not one little scratch, not a cut cord, or smashed phone, ORIGINAL condition, and of course, remind them this is my main phone, so I do use it.

Oh, and I'll have to remember to remove the number card, cause that's MY number..

how did they happen to find you ?

its not that rare a phone , they shouldn't have a problem buying one

I would get the rental and deposit in Cash up front if it where me

I saw a piece recently about a woman who's house was trashed by a film company , the deposit check bounced and the film company went belly up

They found the picture online then contacted originally by email, then I requested that they call me. I wasn't there to receive the call and got a voicemail, in which the callback number was valid. I called back, and told them, it's not a period accurate phone, as it's retrofitted with a cloth cord and no Western Electric 500 came with a cloth cord. They told me they didn't care and that's why they want my phone to be used, because it's cloth corded but a more stylish model.

Skip, that's a sad story, and I feel bad for that women. But this company isn't likely to go down, at least I doubt it. (I don't want to dwell into details on whom, but it's not a top of the line company like Disney or Universal, but it's not a low budget name either).

Ok so I no longer have the phone. They have it. I'm charging $30 a week for rental, which I think is fair, if a little generous.

As far as deposit, I charged only $100.. Price I paid for phone, labor to restore it, and price of the cords I installed and bought..

They were happy that it works, so they can "ring" it on the set, and it not be simulated ringing..

I hope it all works out well for you , post back when the movie is released

Oh I will. They told me it was polished for the movie, which is awesome, cause that was what I was going to do..