How Fake Movie Money Gets Made!
Adam Savage’s Tested・17 minutes read
Adam Savage and Michael Corey delve into the complexities of film money, focusing on Earl Hayes as a prominent supplier with strict guidelines enforced by the Secret Service to prevent counterfeiting issues and ensure authenticity in film productions. They highlight the evolution of prop money designs, the use of replica US currency, and the challenges in creating realistic film money while adhering to regulations and avoiding potential circulation risks.
Insights
- Film money plays a crucial role in movies, often sourced from Earl Hayes, a company with a long history of producing money for films, but strict regulations and oversight from the Secret Service are in place to prevent counterfeiting issues.
- The evolution of film money creation, from using Mexican pesos to digital "Blue money," showcases the industry's adaptation to modern standards, with a focus on realism while avoiding the risk of circulating replicas of real currency, highlighting the intricate balance between authenticity and legal compliance.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of money in films?
Money in films serves as a crucial plot device, often driving characters' motivations and actions. It can symbolize power, greed, or the pursuit of wealth, shaping the narrative and character development.
Who oversees counterfeiting in the film industry?
The Secret Service is responsible for monitoring and regulating counterfeiting in the film industry, ensuring that fake money used in films adheres to strict guidelines to prevent illegal circulation.
How has film money production evolved over time?
Film money production has evolved from using Mexican pesos to replicas of US currency, with advancements in digital methods like "Blue money" to create realistic prop money while meeting industry standards.
Why are exact replicas of real currency discouraged in films?
Exact replicas of real currency are discouraged in films due to the potential risks of illegal circulation, counterfeiting issues, and the need to differentiate between prop money and genuine currency to avoid legal implications.
What challenges are faced in creating realistic film money?
Creating realistic film money involves navigating strict guidelines on design elements, color accuracy, and size restrictions, while adapting to evolving industry standards and technological advancements to produce authentic-looking prop money for film productions.
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Summary
00:00
Film Money: Significance, Restrictions, and Evolution
- Adam Savage and Michael Corey discuss the significance of money in films, referencing a movie quote about money being a motive.
- They mention that most film money comes from a specific company, Earl Hayes, which has been producing money for films for years.
- The Secret Service oversees counterfeiting, and the film industry has strict restrictions on using fake money.
- The Secret Service has raided Earl Hayes due to misuse of film money, emphasizing their seriousness about counterfeiting.
- Specific restrictions include the size and design of film money, with examples of stop-motion commercials needing bills above 200% size.
- Earl Hayes initially used Mexican pesos for film money due to US currency restrictions, later transitioning to replicas of US currency.
- The Secret Service guidelines for film money have evolved over time, with restrictions on design elements and color accuracy.
- Earl Hayes has adapted to digital methods for creating film money, known as "Blue money," to meet modern standards.
- Making exact replicas of real currency, like pre-Castro Cuban money for a film, is discouraged due to potential circulation risks.
- The history of Earl Hayes includes key figures like William Bailey, known for his signature on film money, and the ongoing challenges of creating realistic film money while avoiding counterfeiting issues.
14:03
Evolution of prop money in film industry
- Different types of prop money are used in film production based on the lighting requirements of the scene, with variations in color tones to suit different lighting conditions, stemming from the era of black and white television.
- Prop money, one of the most commonly reused props in films, has undergone numerous design changes over the years, making it challenging to determine the most frequently used version, with its history revealing more questions than answers.
