ICONS Authentic Replicas Interview clip?

[James Latta]

I am going to focus only on new questions or pertinent questions. I'm done repeating what has already been written and defending myself when the same false accusations are posted.

Hi EvilRockteer. Yes, working on The Rocketeer as Stage Manager was a defining moment in my life and an incredible experience. I have some very interesting stories to tell but would that be like my trying to turn this into a blog? More then happy to email you about them and share directly if that is better. I do have many unseen photographs of the set and aviation mock-ups you might enjoy.

In the meantime...how about my walking into my office at the stage and catching actors Bill Campbell and Jennifer Connelly making out on my office desk during a break in filming? lol. So many good stories. And so many unfortunate ones for the Director. Such is life I suppose.

 

[scarf man]

I have some very interesting stories to tell but would that be like my trying to turn this into a blog? More then happy to email you about them and share directly if that is better.

A bit childish, no?
Trying to draw the info. away from the very site you're using to "clear your name"?

My blog comment was in reference to your droning on about "Icons was a pioneer in the industry" I was first.... Steve is a doody head... me... me... me... but all your customer problems were not me... not me.... not meee!
You've blurred the disconnect between telling a story about Icons, and telling your story about Icons. I don't think you're capable of presenting the facts without injecting your skewed sob story.

For every dig against you in this thread, you've given as well or better than you got, and chose to respond to the "negative" posts in kind.

 

[SD Studios]

Wait. dude. what?

How did *I* get back in this?

I just wanted to confirm...

-I haven't coordinated any attack against you here Jim. If people want to bag on you, that is their prerogative. There is a lot of bad history out there, so ya GOTTA expect that you are gonna get some smackin', right?

-I am just not smart enough to orchestrate some complex insidious program to "zetz ya". Nor do I care-enough to bother. I am really busy right now. I said what I needed to say. fin.

-I have no "financial gain" in your silence. I am not sure what you were trying to say there, but I think it came out wrong. I have no deep dark secret that requires me to summon my minions to silence you immediately, lest the world discover it. Plus...I don't have any minions...see below.

-Who are THEY and why must you not speak about them? this is so Harry Potter. Lemme get some popcorn...

-I wasn't jealous of your collection. I thought it was amazing, but I was never a "hata." I was happy for you.

-I was never behind any coordinated attack on you or Icons. Ever. I just frankly didn't care enough. I was really busy just trying to keep my own tiny shindig going...I was certainly ASKED to join in, but it was too creepy. Raz wanted me in his "possee" but I told him no on several occasions. As stated, he is a loon of the highest order.

-I do not have "cronies". Nor do I have "minions", "sychophants" or "disciples". I DO have two girls, and they are sometimes "witchy", if that counts. I also have two teacup pomeranians, but that is another story.

-Please don't insinuate that I have orchestrated some attack here. I haven't. I told you I was standing down and would stop debating you and I have. Please keep me out of this.

Again folks... James needs to address serious questions and I am glad that he is doing so. Really. I do not agree that he should be "attacked'. Nor do I think people should be silent in fear of him leaving.

As Art said, a civil discourse CAN occur if people keep their wits. (and add; keep me out of it).

Now kids...DON'T make me turn this thread around... :lol

 

[KitSmasher]

I joined the RPF and the hobby in 1999, while the collapse of ICONS was still fresh on collector's minds, and some still stung from losing money, product, or sometimes both.

It seems like for some it's still as fresh as the day it happened.

So, I'm curious- Now that Jim has begun posting here, and everyone that has a bone to pick is- well, doing just that- what can Jim do to make this okay for you?

A refund? An apology? Can an amends that will satisfy you even be made at this point?

I'm just wondering. I don't have a dog in this.

 

[Lear60man]

Stormleader,

You pose an interesting question. What can you do to console someone who has been wronged? For some, nothing less than being drawn and quartered is going to make them whole. At what point do you stop beating down the person you believe scammed you?

In any situation there are many sides of the story. I have never heard Jim's insights on the final days. I only heard bits and pieces from friends who were still there and what I read on the internet. Now that I have another side of the puzzle it has definitely changed my opinion. Do I think that Jim has responsibility? Absolutely! Do I now understand that I might have made the some of the same decisions in his shoes? Absolutely!

Pump and Dump IPO's were the craze back then. This is no different than Chase buying your local bank and telling the employees that nothing will change but the signs. Next thing ya know, the drive up teller window is gone and replaced with ATM's. Fire all the high wage earners and hire Collage kids for $9/hr. That small bank has just bumped its bottom line 20% for Chase shareholders.

The question is did Jim have specific knowledge that the company was about to be sunk? Only Jim can answer that. The Jim I worked for was a skinny, quirky dude that had a passion for movie props and preservation. That passion was evident every day I was there. Why would you pour your heart, soul and every last dollar into a company you KNEW was going to fold? If I had a group of bankers pumping $$ into my company telling me to expand my product line etc, I would expand. Then one day they turn off the spigot because the other business down the street has a better chance of being the gold mine.

At the end of the day good people watched their hard earned cash go up in smoke. The 'how' and 'whys' aren't going to get it back or take the sting away for some. BUT...BUT.. at least you all know a different side to the puzzle. It might be complete BS, but it makes partial sense. The guy loved his company and I couldn't see him torpedoing it.

I know most of you way better than I know Jim. Im not taking sides or trying to rewrite history. I am just trying to sift through what I knew VS what is now being presented to formulate my own opinion. Its not like the dude just popped in and said, "Hey guys, how do I post for sale threads in the Junkyard?" He came in, introduced himself and did some splainin'. What you choose to take from that I leave up to you the reader. Most people want to paint him as the villain, Jim probably wants to be viewed as a victim. In the middle is probably the truth.

I was just as shocked as the next cat to see him here, (where is the popcorn icon?) All Im saying is just keep an open mind and keep things professional (im talking to to everyone....you too JIm:lol)


Stranger things have happened. If you would have told me Jedifyfe will actually get his Stormtrooper from the Australian internet crook, I would have laughed. Then Brad got a package from Oz:eek

This is Arts site. We all just get to play here. Hopefully Jim will contribute by posting pics, specs and knowledge from behind the scenes.

Just trying to clean up a bit....cuz thats what a janitor does:lol

 

[Steamtech]

I'd love to hear some stories about launching the company and getting studios, directors, etc on board with the idea. Funny stories from on set, or in the workshop, or even business meetings. You've got a history in the industry and while I'll happily admit I'm pretty new here, you're the first insider I've seen decide to share his stories...except you really haven't shared any yet! It's been a flame war and while entertaining its not very interesting.

I've also learned there's some other originators of the hobby here too. Ok I knew that, but didn't know who they were lol. I'd love to hear some of SD Studio's and others stories too but probably in another thread

I'm not aiming to insult anyone with this. As an outsider looking in I'd really love to leave the mud slinging behind and hear some interesting tales from the inside - from anyone who's been there!

Cheers all

 

[Commander Max]

I too would like to hear these stories. It shows a prop world before the net, which I only saw glimpses of at Cons. And rumors here and there.

From what James has been describing, ICONs looks like it was a garage kitter on steroids. With the same appetite for preorders(that's never a good thing). You can't get a better lesson than that.

I joined the RPF in 05 just after a number of things settled. ICONs was one of those topics that was heavily moderated in the past. I understand why when seeing some of the posts here. I'm more on the side of the guys who got taken, I do think they should be made happy(after this much time I don't think that's possible).

If I have learned anything about the prop world, it's you can't believe everything you hear. ICONs was one of those subjects that seemed mythological. I've heard all sorts of stories about it, but what really happened? At least James can put out his perspective.

One of the stories I heard was staff was walking away with all sorts of props near the end. And those props(castings) have been floating around the prop world ever since(I know, I own some of them).

 

[James Latta]

Thanks for the civility. I was cringing as I logged on to see how bad it was going to be tonight and was relieved. I know I am fortunate to even be able to communicate here with anyone. My apologies for being defensive. I think I must still have some PTSD from everything that happened.

I'll just try to stay focused on what might be interesting. And if anyone flames me just try not to respond in a negative way.

So will go back over the thread to see if I missed anything that was asked. Thanks again. Some of the stories are downright bizarre. And I've wanted to share them for over a decade with someone.

 

[dblank]

I've made MANY Icons customers whole again over the past decade. Many still keep in touch with me. I didn't this not because I was forced to. Not because I legally had to, I didn't have to do anything.

Since you're making icons costomers "whole" again, What about me? You/Icons stole a lot of money from me and I would like it back. I still have receipts, postcards saying items were coming, and even a letter from lucasfilm saying icons never had permission sell han Solo blasters.

Can I have a refund?

 

[IFA]

I'm still amazed to read some of the comments here !!! A few of you should do some comic stand up !!! But it is better to read those things than to be blind !!!

Look around you guys : you lost some money ? OK. Did James Latta steel from you or lie to you ? Maybe.....I was not there to attest to what happened. But please, you're still here, you're still alive in this world, for some you're in pretty good shape and with enough money to spend it on props or replicas. Some others are not among us anymore, some are suffering all over the world.....so please, stop looking at your navel, open your mind and take a good breath....

Just my two cents...

 

[dblank]

I'm still amazed to read some comments here !!! Some should do some comic stand up !!! But it is better to read those things than to be blind !!!

Look around you guys : you lost some money ? OK. Did James Latta stole you/lie to you ? Maybe.....I was not there to attest but please, you're still there, you're still of this world, for some in pretty good shape and with enough money to spend on props or replicas. Some others are not among us anymore, some are suffering all over the world.....so please, stop looking at your navel, open your mind and take a good breath....

Just my two cents...

Are you insane? People get lied to and ripped off but since we are still here in this world we shouldn't mind getting ripped off? Are you part of the Bernie Madoff fan club?

Your two cents isn't even worth that!

 

[defstartrooper]

........

 

[James Latta]

I'll be posting in just a bit here.

As far as making Icons customers who did not receive their orders "whole again", these were arranged through personal introductions via a few key collectors / brokers who are members of the RPF. I couldn't really encourage a pile-on as you can imagine, so I just dealt with making amends customer by customer. I'm not promising the world to anyone, I'm just saying that if you like you can post message or email me directly and / or post your story here and I will respond.

I don't know what I can do immediately, but I am getting an overview presently and discussing what is possible. That is all.

Thanks.

 

[James Latta]

*** To Steve D.

Wait. dude. what?

How did *I* get back in this?

I just wanted to confirm...

-I haven't coordinated any attack against you here Jim. If people want to bag on you, that is their prerogative. There is a lot of bad history out there, so ya GOTTA expect that you are gonna get some smackin', right?

*** Correct, there are members here who don't like me or have a bone to pick without your encouragement. However there are other members who are telling me that although you may pull back and be civil, you'll have your pals come in and flame me. All I am asking is from civilty from you for the time being, as we both have been through the ringer and I have paid a lot of dues for what happened. You weren't an Icons customer so you don't have to stir that pot. Were we both highly competitive, yes we were. Did you thrown some low blows too? Yes indeedy. Even if you attack me again I'm not going to respond.

-I am just not smart enough to orchestrate some complex insidious program to "zetz ya". Nor do I care-enough to bother. I am really busy right now. I said what I needed to say. fin.

*** You are very smart and capable. You got me back for what you have accused me of 10 times over the past decade so I hope you let it go soon.

-I have no "financial gain" in your silence. I am not sure what you were trying to say there, but I think it came out wrong. I have no deep dark secret that requires me to summon my minions to silence you immediately, lest the world discover it. Plus...I don't have any minions...see below.

*** We both know that competition in the licensing industry is fierce. I don't have any licenses, nor do I have a company to compete with. I'm not in the business any more so there is no reason to silence me.

-Who are THEY and why must you not speak about them? this is so Harry Potter. Lemme get some popcorn...

*** I'm not going to get drawn into a game of finger pointing. I'm just going to focus on the Q & A of members on this thread. I've already answered specific questions regarding accusations etc. so as far as I am concerned that is over.

-I wasn't jealous of your collection. I thought it was amazing, but I was never a "hata." I was happy for you.

*** Thanks. And there was much that you accomplished where contrary to popular belief I was happy for you too. You achieved many things I once dreamed of and failed at. Like the Romulan Commander said in that classic Star Trek episode "Balance of Terror" said to Captain Kirk, after a fatal hit to his ship: "In another life...I could have called you friend."

-I was never behind any coordinated attack on you or Icons. Ever. I just frankly didn't care enough. I was really busy just trying to keep my own tiny shindig going...I was certainly ASKED to join in, but it was too creepy. Raz wanted me in his "possee" but I told him no on several occasions. As stated, he is a loon of the highest order.

*** But you have to admit that you did join in at times. I understand why you did it, as the gloves had come off.

-I do not have "cronies". Nor do I have "minions", "sychophants" or "disciples". I DO have two girls, and they are sometimes "witchy", if that counts. I also have two teacup pomeranians, but that is another story.

*** The Witchy comment made me laugh out loud.

-Please don't insinuate that I have orchestrated some attack here. I haven't. I told you I was standing down and would stop debating you and I have. Please keep me out of this.

*** A bit of residual effect. But fine. I will stand down when it comes to flaming you in return.

Again folks... James needs to address serious questions and I am glad that he is doing so. Really. I do not agree that he should be "attacked'. Nor do I think people should be silent in fear of him leaving.

As Art said, a civil discourse CAN occur if people keep their wits. (and add; keep me out of it).

Now kids...DON'T make me turn this thread around...

*** Steve...thank you. I actually do want peace with you. I do wish we could speak someday and compare war stories. But regardless if that happens I do respect your talent and craftsmenship. And there can be no doubt you were a pioneer visionary in the field.

 

[ghostryder]

So will go back over the thread to see if I missed anything that was asked. Thanks again. Some of the stories are downright bizarre. And I've wanted to share them for over a decade with someone.

The Aliens locker story Love to hear anything and everything about coming across all the goodies back in the day... Armor, loader, weapons, etc...

 

[jedimaster]

Just wondering James, sorry to go off topic, but when you did the x wing and Tie fighter, did you have any reference pix from Lucasfilm and do you still have them? :love

 

[ONEYE]

There is a movie in this thread! All props spoken of have to appear on screen for at least 17 seconds. Think of what it will do for the economy. New jobs created, selling and casting of screen used props. The dawn of a new age in collecting.

 

[James Latta]

Oneye - That is funny, even recently I've had producers ask me about a possible documentary about the rise and fall of Icons. I wish everyone involved was still on speaking terms so they each tell their side of the story.

The Star Wars Men Behind the Masks Tour ( 23 actors who were in costume and 160 cities worldwide ) and all of the drama with a key member ( and a few others ) of the Lost in Space cast and the property would make for an unbelievable story.

When Jonathan Harris ( Dr. Smith ) and I spoke ( he was a gentleman ), it was so fascinating and enlightening. He knew Icons was going through a lot at the time as the politics with the studios continue to escalate and he gave me some good advice I have never forgotten. When ever things got too tough for me and I felt like I was going insane, I thought of what he said.

He told me that when he was a contract player ( actor ) at 20th Century Fox he had to tolerate a lot of politics and idiotic executives. Here's what he said in that trademark Dr. Smith voice:

"Each day I would be called into a studio meeting. And I would sit well behaved in front of a 20th Century Fox executive sitting behind a large desk in his studio office. And they would tell me their idea. And I would have to pretend that I was in complete awe of them. Smiling I would say: " Ohhhh ! How on Earth did you EVER think of such a thing? It's marvelous, simply marvelous. You're Brillant !" I would fawn over them again and again and again and then depart shaking their hand in congratulations.

And then on the way home while driving, I would say to myself: "WHAT AN ******* !!!"

You have to keep ONE BRAINCELL pure Jim. Just one. And what ever you do. Don't let them in. DON'T let them in ! Just keep ONE braincell pure....and you'll do just fine."

lol.

 

[James Latta]

Hi Jedi-Master. Yes, still have all of the negatives / slides of the close-up photos of an X-Wing and Tie-Fighter miniatures shot at Skywalker Ranch in 1996. More then happy to post them and share them here if that is of interest.

The Indiana Jones photos of the prop artifacts are interesting too, although I don't know what has been shared here over the years on the RPF or what has been shown in books that have been published.

I am concerned about posting on this thread and bumping it up to the front of the message board, so hesitant to keep posting often. Open to suggestions on how to best do this. Thanks. Check back in soon.

And thanks for the private messages and emails, will be staying in touch with anyone who writes.

 

[the Pawn]

James, it would be nice to see any reference photos you have posted in a separate thread.