Local Store Lands On Its Feet Selling Movie Props

PLEASANT RIDGE (WWJ) - Despite the cap on incentives, Michigan's film business has turned into big business for a store owner in Pleasant Ridge.  Steve Humphreys opened Vogue Vintage on Woodward in Pleasant Ridge in 2008, selling the furniture and other items from the 1950's and '60's that he loves.  He didn't think the store would be open long.

But then the movies came calling.

Humphreys was asked to provide props for an independent movie called "Kill The Irishman."  He asked the producers to spread the word, and has now sold or rented props to 30 films.

"Kitchen tables, the chrome dinette sets.  They'll want them over and over," said Humphreys.  "old TV sets with knobs on them, old liquor bottles.  You gotta have the old bottles.  You can't have the newer stuff, because people can tell the difference."

His latest big sale has been for the blockbuster film "Oz" starring James Franco, which is filming in Pontiac.  "They wanted old farm implements," said Humphreys.  "and luckily enough, I had bought out a barn a few years ago and they had 30 to 35 pieces of farm equipment...And they came in and took it all."

Humphreys says the movie business has not just been good for him.  He's putting the money back into the community.  "All the money I've earned, I've had to spend on overhead, props, and I've hired five or six people," Humprheys said.   "I opened the shop, by myself and one part-time employee."

The movie business now accounts for half of Humphreys' business.  And by his account, he's having a ball.  "It's a lot of fun.  They're easy to work with.  They know what they want, we're able to lend them some help with some ideas...we work together."