If there is one thing geeks love more than anything its collecting. From comic books to rare import vinyl, geeks use the emphemera of their obsessions to gauge their standing among their peers.
Someone has finally figured that out and they are bringing an inside look at the world of high end entertainment collecting to a television near you.
This week, NBC Universal and SyFy are debuting Hollywood Treasure.
From the press release:
Two back-to-back half hour episodes
Wednesdays (10:00 – 10:30 p.m. and 10:30 – 11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on Syfy
Starting October 27Syfy’s new reality series, Hollywood Treasure, featuring Joe Maddalena, will premiere Wednesday, October 27 with two back-to-back half-hour episodes at 10:00pm and 10:30pm.
Hollywood Treasure is a weekly documentary-reality series that delves into the intricate world of collecting of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia, including science fiction and fantasy props and costumes. The series follows Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History and the world’s largest auctioneer of original movie, television and pop culture collectibles.
Each episode follows Joe and his crew as they travel the globe searching for the most compelling, rare, and sought-after Hollywood memorabilia. Sometimes combing through basements and attics to uncover lost Hollywood treasure, and other times meeting with celebrities to view their personal keepsakes, Joe tracks leads and does whatever it takes to seal the deal for a piece of Hollywood history. From the Wicked Witch of the West hat to the vintage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car to the Mary Poppins carpet bag, Maddalena will stop at nothing to hunt down some of Hollywood’s most legendary and mythical items. Episodes culminate with Joe presiding over a world-class auction, where all of the collectibles are sold to fans and collectors from around the world.
Hollywood Treasure is produced by Shevick*Zupon Entertainment. Jerry Shevick, Mark Zupon and Bruce Toms are Executive Producers, and Co-Executive Producer is Steve Longo.
I got an early look at the first two episodes and I really dug it. The show takes us into the business of entertainment memoribilia collecting. Joe and his team scour the globe looking for one of a kind pieces that will appeal to their clients.
This takes the form of a flight to Chicago to secure a rare Mary Poppins carpet bag, as well as acquiring the original Wicked Witch of the West hat. Of course, the acquisition is only part of the process. Once they have the items, authenticating them is often nearly as difficult as the actual acquisition.
And then there is negotiating with celebrities for their memories. I can only imagine how tricky it is to develop and maintain those relationships.
Each show ends with an auction that features the week’s big ticket item. What I learned from the shows I saw was that some geeks have a LOT more money than me.
I really enjoyed Hollywood Treasure. Its a really interesting peek behind the curtain. Geeks, collectors, fans of reality television, you’re all welcome to come to the auction. You never know what you’re going to find.
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