Smallville Superman Leather Jacket - Attention davidyr1!!!!!!
- Thread starter MattMunson
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DAVIDYR1
Official Licensee
This in no way is meant to derail the original topic of the SmallVille jacket because I have nothing but respect for Rob:thumbsup...but I'm still mentioned in the title, seeing my name come up now and again:lol.....and still getting requests for this jacket ....which we respectfully direct to ReplicaProps:thumbsup...but since this thread started, we have had our own developments regarding a very similar design.
Before I get into that though...here's some food for thought, that I'm sure is already well known and certainly accepted common knowledge but, never the less...:angel
Garment production, specifically a leather jacket like this SmallVille replica is not easy or traditional by any sense of the word when it comes to production. They're certainly not impossible, obviously:cool but there's more to them then just sleeves and a bust.
The biggest challenge is that as a replica, by nature of what it HAS to be poses all sorts of challenges to the person making it. Those of us that do work in this type of field, all operate under different productive and cost based structures that lead to a final 'bottom line' if you will that is different from company to company...and manufacturer to manufacturer.
Making things one at a time has an incredibly higher cost ratio production wise than it does producing 500, 750 or more. That said, this replica is outstanding...I can't tell you how much I personally love it. It doesn't get any better and I certainly wouldn't claim to be able to do 'better' from a quality aspect, or visually from the replica stand point either. Let's face it, it's the original manufacture so it's as bang on as Bang-On gets.
That said, we do have an all black version with the Batman Begins Bat chest logo already in the works, and naturally will be part of our officially licensed collection of Batman leather outerwear. Other than the color, Bat logo and removal of perforated diamond pattern located at the top back under-collar ours should be pretty spot on....but we are facing some design challenges simply because, it's not as easy as it looks.
Personally, I'd love to see ours priced at $350.00...if not less. I'll be ready to confirm this once we're ready with the final garment but at the same time we're looking at selling as many as possible, so that logic alone does allow me to gamble with the price and hopefully make it accessible to all potential buyers.....but no one has the proverbial crystal ball, so at best...for me, our price point can only be based on an educated guess to what the market will positively respond to....ultimately based on final sold quantities, hopefully.:cool
A different price point certainly doesn't indicate inferior quality or workmanship. I do hope that over the years we've established ourselves as a 'quality' first kind of manufacturer, regardless of how low we're able to keep certain costs.
The jacket being offered by Rob is a rather unique piece, where there's really nothing to question replica wise...and that doesn't happen too often in the garment industry. :thumbsup
David
Before I get into that though...here's some food for thought, that I'm sure is already well known and certainly accepted common knowledge but, never the less...:angel
Garment production, specifically a leather jacket like this SmallVille replica is not easy or traditional by any sense of the word when it comes to production. They're certainly not impossible, obviously:cool but there's more to them then just sleeves and a bust.
The biggest challenge is that as a replica, by nature of what it HAS to be poses all sorts of challenges to the person making it. Those of us that do work in this type of field, all operate under different productive and cost based structures that lead to a final 'bottom line' if you will that is different from company to company...and manufacturer to manufacturer.
Making things one at a time has an incredibly higher cost ratio production wise than it does producing 500, 750 or more. That said, this replica is outstanding...I can't tell you how much I personally love it. It doesn't get any better and I certainly wouldn't claim to be able to do 'better' from a quality aspect, or visually from the replica stand point either. Let's face it, it's the original manufacture so it's as bang on as Bang-On gets.
That said, we do have an all black version with the Batman Begins Bat chest logo already in the works, and naturally will be part of our officially licensed collection of Batman leather outerwear. Other than the color, Bat logo and removal of perforated diamond pattern located at the top back under-collar ours should be pretty spot on....but we are facing some design challenges simply because, it's not as easy as it looks.
Personally, I'd love to see ours priced at $350.00...if not less. I'll be ready to confirm this once we're ready with the final garment but at the same time we're looking at selling as many as possible, so that logic alone does allow me to gamble with the price and hopefully make it accessible to all potential buyers.....but no one has the proverbial crystal ball, so at best...for me, our price point can only be based on an educated guess to what the market will positively respond to....ultimately based on final sold quantities, hopefully.:cool
A different price point certainly doesn't indicate inferior quality or workmanship. I do hope that over the years we've established ourselves as a 'quality' first kind of manufacturer, regardless of how low we're able to keep certain costs.
The jacket being offered by Rob is a rather unique piece, where there's really nothing to question replica wise...and that doesn't happen too often in the garment industry. :thumbsup
David
I understand your point of view, but, most people are in this business to make money, not to make friends with fans/costumers, although they could have made good money of selling a license to an outsider.
IMHO, most of the high-end licensed stuff they sell isn't friendly for everyone, actually. We make it a big deal over a $2,500 jacket, while the rest of the world looks down on us for paying $300.00, repeatedly, for a licensed metal pipe with greeblies screwed to it and does nothing but seat inside a plastic display. I would never pay that much for a lightsaber. A jacket, at least, I can wear and shock-and-awe a room.
Pretty much, David explained it better, when it came to what goes into this jacket. Understanding that, I can see why the maker would charge that much. Heck, you should see what this guy charges for his exclusive, non-traditional leather jacket work. Exclusively cost this much:
Logan Riese Custom Leather Jackets and Accessories | New Jackets Arrive | Los Angeles | New York | Tokyo
Fair argument due to the limited amounts being made the overheads must be quite steep and although probably everything filmed for the series any additional callback stuff may mean they still have to make these for the final series to a certain extent, if everyone could work in leather I wouldn't be forced to own a dozen pleather costumes lol
My benchmark/argument usually is though it's a tv series not a movie piece it is a replica, has only been shown sparingly so far in the recent series, so isn't exactly an instant classic (if had been in the last say x3 seasons fair enough) and the likes of screenused.com or prop store london I would imagine would only charge about that price for production used, plus jacket may only feature in x6 episodes for all anyone knows right now =p
My benchmark/argument usually is though it's a tv series not a movie piece it is a replica, has only been shown sparingly so far in the recent series, so isn't exactly an instant classic (if had been in the last say x3 seasons fair enough) and the likes of screenused.com or prop store london I would imagine would only charge about that price for production used, plus jacket may only feature in x6 episodes for all anyone knows right now =p
Onigiri
Sr Member
David only reinforced the points I was making but the reasoning is the same. When its one guy, with other commitments, youre going to pay a premium. If its produced under the auspices of a manufacturer in quantity you will get a better price point. The tailor doesnt want to relinquish his control of his creation. It makes sense for him but the decision by those who ultimately control licensing is not 'fan friendly'. I think my example of the Klingon boots (which I own) was pretty spot on to the current situation. A lot of people bitched that these werent more affordable but they were handmade by the guy (not a factory) and were difficult and time consuming. Several other individuals since then have tried their hand at these boots and all have quickly jacked up their price or given up. The boots were done to the individuals measurements and custom crafted and required at least two fittings. If you watch later incarnations of Trek where the boots were re-used on other actors they fit poorly. Motor Cowboy was interested in producing them but even they threw in the towel. A standard size range of this jacket could effectively be massed produced at a lower price point without the custom tailoring (as could the Klingon boots). They would not be 'tailored' or 'by the guy' but they would be available. Having worked in this industry I think I have a solid understanding of the 'ins and outs'. A nice replica by someone like Dave at a $350 price point is 'do-able'. It would appeal to a much larger audience and be more fan friendly. Financially it makes more sense to licensing (although I suspect the tailor in this situation probably got a sweet deal as Smallville licensing is so sparse ). Im not putting down the man or his work or his cost merely commenting on the big picture as far as licensing and merchandising. The proof is in the pudding. David's stuff sells out. Only one of these jackets has sold. Which makes more sense from a merchandising and fan standpoint?
Smallville Superman Leather Jacket
Alright, so we know people aren't happy that they can't afford it. I sure can't spend that much money on something I would never wear in public! :lol
Even the Smallville license holder is not able to advertise the jacket with the logo or produce the jacket with the logo. The logo itself falls under a completely different license, hence why a "custom monogram" has to be requested when you order it...At the end of the day, it's up the legal folks and the studio what gets made.
Also, the price point also wasn't decided by Rob. It was put in place by the maker. I understand your frustration, but all of these variables were fixed, but not by replicaprops. Rob's even mentioned that he's trying to get the maker to agree to use a less expense cowhide leather in order to make these more available, but again, that's up to the maker.
All in all, the fact that the jacket is even being offered is something good, why turn it into something negative? We've already established that there are other runs of this jacket happening elsewhere for cheaper. I think I even sent you a PM about it.
Alright, so we know people aren't happy that they can't afford it. I sure can't spend that much money on something I would never wear in public! :lol
Even the Smallville license holder is not able to advertise the jacket with the logo or produce the jacket with the logo. The logo itself falls under a completely different license, hence why a "custom monogram" has to be requested when you order it...At the end of the day, it's up the legal folks and the studio what gets made.
Also, the price point also wasn't decided by Rob. It was put in place by the maker. I understand your frustration, but all of these variables were fixed, but not by replicaprops. Rob's even mentioned that he's trying to get the maker to agree to use a less expense cowhide leather in order to make these more available, but again, that's up to the maker.
All in all, the fact that the jacket is even being offered is something good, why turn it into something negative? We've already established that there are other runs of this jacket happening elsewhere for cheaper. I think I even sent you a PM about it.
Onigiri
Sr Member
Im not turning it it in to anything positive or negative...Im merely commenting on what it is. I havent blasted anyone on this...it is what it is and it will sell or it wont. Its merely a good discussion on what the market will bear in replicas and what decisions are made as to how these replicas come to market ...no more no less.
meherenow7
New Member
Hi, The new red jacket is pretty awesome. It may be a bit strange and different, but Smallville is all about rewriting the superman legend in my opinion, so its great to see something different.
Has anyone ever come across this Superman jacket, NWT Superman Black Leather Jacket, Large It was sold by Warner Bros store a few years ago and I always intended on buying one. Unfortunately by the time i could afford it, they no longer had them for sale and now i'd give my left ball of steel to get my hands on one.
If anyone has seen one for sale in size XL or XXL, can you please let me know, or if you have one to sell I'd be so grateful to hear from you.
Thanks.
Has anyone ever come across this Superman jacket, NWT Superman Black Leather Jacket, Large It was sold by Warner Bros store a few years ago and I always intended on buying one. Unfortunately by the time i could afford it, they no longer had them for sale and now i'd give my left ball of steel to get my hands on one.
If anyone has seen one for sale in size XL or XXL, can you please let me know, or if you have one to sell I'd be so grateful to hear from you.
Thanks.
oh there is a market just not for $2,500 but i reeeealy want one
Licensing does not work that way.
Each license is franchise specific, and Item specific (props, Costumes, lunch boxes etc)
There is also a minimum commitment for each license in money and years.
Each license is franchise specific, and Item specific (props, Costumes, lunch boxes etc)
There is also a minimum commitment for each license in money and years.
DAVIDYR1
Official Licensee
A little update....
Our Black Batman Version is just about ready. :thumbsup
This is going to be an easy-to-wear and affordable leather jacket...with zero compromise on quality.
A few more days and it'll be ready.:cool
That said, it has not been an easy one to make...but the final outcome is going to be gorgeous.:angel
David
Our Black Batman Version is just about ready. :thumbsup
This is going to be an easy-to-wear and affordable leather jacket...with zero compromise on quality.
A few more days and it'll be ready.:cool
That said, it has not been an easy one to make...but the final outcome is going to be gorgeous.:angel
David
KorrickUSCM
Well-Known Member
Looks great!
DAVIDYR1
Official Licensee
Here's a peek at our newest jacket prototype.
The Bat Chest Logo is being made bigger...I think it's a bit small here, and while really cool looking I think a bit bigger will really make this element pop.
The shoulder, elbow and neck details are smooth, crisp and just gorgeous. Full around pics are coming as soon as the larger Bat logo is ready.
Notice the lack of seam along the torso zipper. Clean, simple....Bad A$$!
Final Version is just about ready.
David
The Bat Chest Logo is being made bigger...I think it's a bit small here, and while really cool looking I think a bit bigger will really make this element pop.
The shoulder, elbow and neck details are smooth, crisp and just gorgeous. Full around pics are coming as soon as the larger Bat logo is ready.
Notice the lack of seam along the torso zipper. Clean, simple....Bad A$$!
Final Version is just about ready.
David
lobotomizer
New Member
Killer jacket
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