I just read an article about artists who have their works used in movie and TV productions...and getting paid well for it.
Background scenery, plot points, interior design, atmosphere, etc.
In fact, it said "The demand for background art is so great, in fact, that middleman firms have sprung up to help connect artists with filmmakers."
I always think that finding new ways to sell (or in this case "rent") their works is worth looking into.
Here's the link if you're interested (and who wouldn't be!)
Artists find profitable niche: renting their work to movie makers
Some artists are turning a tidy profit by renting their work to movie makers as set decoration.
Comments
This is strange but I take a look at the art used in films. It catches my eye and I try to see what it is. I also pay attention to the products a show or movie uses - whether it is a made up cereal name or one from Kelloggs, coke, etc.
Karen how coolis it that you have seen a couple of your pieces in a movie. When my son was working on a movie he grab lots of things from our house. I suppose that happens on the big screen, too. Maybe the set designer owns something and brings it from home to get it in the movie.
Although we have never been paid for its use, we have actually seen a couple of our pieces show up in various films over the years...makes you wonder how they got there. I've also seen pieces by other artists that I'm familiar with. Upon mentioning it to them, they've had no idea their work was used. Generally it's nothing the plot revolves around; just set decoration. Still, nice to see your piece up on the big screen...
Renting out art is a very cool niche, John. Here in Michigan for a few years there was a nice bit of film business going on as we had a tax break initiative to get movies made in the state. The prop people were all over the place renting backdrops, furniture, art, etc. Friends of mine own an architectural salvage place in rural Grass Lake and they had lots of visitors from the movie business. You're right, this is another angle. Multiple streams of income ... ++
Here's the link I have...it is a subscription site so maybe it doesn't go through because of that?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444450004578002283053...
You might want to check that link again. It doesn't work.