By now, you might be familiar with a Twitter account called “Movie Promotional Merch Unlimited,” otherwise known as @NightPromoting. We’ve featured them on our Fav 5 lists a few times. Basically, it’s a fan-run archive of promotional movie merch through the years, and they always post some pretty wild and entertaining stuff both new and old.
Well, they’ve partnered with possibly the trendiest name in film distribution, A24 (also plenty celebrated around these parts for their promotional merchandise) for auctions of old movie merchandise from A24’s new book on the subject, with proceeds from each sale going toward different charitable organizations.
So, if you’ve always been coveting items like a “Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” inflatable radio, “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous” fake eyelashes, or a double-sided pencil (eraser-end only) from “Dumb and Dumber,” now’s your chance.
Own a piece of movie promo history—for good. A24 Auctions, presented in partnership with @NightPromoting are now open with all proceeds to benefit @Vidiots. https://t.co/Sggf4RBttJ pic.twitter.com/hoUpROFwv0
— A24 (@A24) November 4, 2021
losing my mind scrolling the a24 auction pic.twitter.com/mFjRApozmN
— jay ell (@pigletfartface) November 4, 2021
Right now, proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Vidiots Foundation, which preserves film history in the form of physical media, showcasing the work of up-and-coming and underrepresented artists, and hosting film events and educational programs.
Some of the items have racked up pretty impressive bids, like a pack of “Friday” rolling papers for $220 with six days left on the clock, “Casino” playing cards for $135 so far, and a “Kill Bill” katana-shaped letter opener for $350.
The products are categorized into themed groups like “This Exists…Weird,” “One Man’s Trash,” “Head to Toe Promo,” and an entire group made up of “Uncut Gems” products.
Celebrating the boom-era of Hollywood movie merch and promo swag with a new book, 'For Promotional Use Only.'
Grab a copy ⟶ https://t.co/kuVorsZlgk pic.twitter.com/ro8ZMGqcNZ
— A24 (@A24) November 3, 2021
For every story about how promotional products just end up in landfills, there’s one about someone searching far and wide for a “Wayne’s World” cup or selling a “Jackass” whoopee cushion for big money. That’s not to say that sustainability isn’t important. And the people who hold onto products like this forever are likely the exception rather than the rule. But, it’s great to see products decades old still valuable enough to fetch some cash for good causes.
A24 pretty much has its finger on the pulse of what movie fans want, both in terms of the films it distributes and the products it puts its logo or its films’ logos on. Obviously, they know movie lovers are also often collectors.
