Press books and press kits have historical significance and are of interest to people in this field, as well as for those who collect arcane movie memorabilia. The movie, its stars, and its director as well as the condition and completeness of the books and kits all play a key role in their value and collectability.
Movie posters are highly collectible if they are original and not reprints, and if they are limited in how many were released. The significance of the movie is also a key factor in a poster’s value. When storing a poster, try to keep it flat and protected. If that is not possible (true if it is a large poster), keep it rolled and sealed in a cardboard tube. Authenticated autographs on the poster will add to its value.
Photographs of actors and directors have a fluctuating value. They are a sound investment if they are autographed and the autograph is original, not a reproduction. Stills from movies have the same value variables. For sustained value, keep the photographs in protective sleeves to prevent deterioration and damage.
Collecting movie merchandise and promotional items can be both an investment and a speculative endeavor. If the items are from the history of certain films, they can be a good investment (a Davy Crockett coonskin cap bought at a theater when the movie premiered is a good example). Items from recently produced movies are more speculative, and their long-range value depends on the mini-industry they trigger. The key to receiving the best return on an investment is to acquire the items at the movies premier, and then keeping them in mint condition.
Lobby cards, because of their scarcity, are of interest to collectors of movie memorabilia. Like other promotional items, they are of the greatest interest if they come from movies that are famous or have actors or directors of note. Collectors must take care to protect these items from damage or they will be worthless.
Films cells, single frames from movies and shorts (especially animated), are of interest to collectors. At times, a film cell can appeal to several groups – fans of the film, fans of the artist (if it is an animated film), fans of particular scenes, and so on. When looking to invest in film cells, select those that are from well-known productions.