PROPS
RJR Props Creates Movie Magic By Ju l i e He r ron Ca r son
R ich “RJ” Rappaport is aptly named. The Founder and President of Atlanta-based RJR Props is rich in imagination, rich in enthusiasm for incredible movie props, and rich in expertise, helping Georgia’s booming film and TV industries create the perfect sets with his rich collection of props. Over the past decade, RJR Props has become the go-to place for TV, music videos, feature films, and commercial professionals who rely on Rappaport’s encyclopedic knowledge about the more than 30,000 items in his extensive warehouse and his ability to customize many of the props to suit each customer’s vision. RJR Props and Georgia’s film industry have grown up together, and it’s not too much of a stretch to say each owes a measure of success to the other. RJR Props has provided productions with airplane cockpits and interiors, hospital sets, computer banks, military equipment, and even a helicopter. The company also has a world-famous camera collection, including the original cameras from numerous landmark TV shows like American Bandstand and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson . Nearly every electronic item works, and Rappaport and his team can electronically customize any prop. Rappaport says he is blessed to have been in the right place at the right time, but his success is much more than good luck. Indeed, he seems ideally suited for his profession and remains extremely hands-on with all aspects of the business. His passion for the props business is contagious, drawing in his wife, two adult children, and long-time office manager Millie Gomez. “I started my career working on mainframe computers for the government, defense contractors, and the military,” says Rappaport. “I have an expertise in electronics, military avionics and medicine, so I am familiar with the equipment used in these industries. I’m also an avid collector; and started warehousing electronics, medical equipment and anything else I thought was interesting. As mainframe servers became obsolete and my work slowed, word was getting out among Georgia’s growing production community that I had an extensive collection that could be rented for film and video. “My ‘aha’ moment came when Special Effects Designer Bob Shelly called to ask if I had a building annunciator in my warehouse. Apparently, they’re very rare and expensive, and Bob didn’t sound hopeful. Well, I did have one. Bob said it would be perfect if it only lit up, which I told him I could easily make happen. He was so happy and excited the light bulb went off in
my head and I realized I could let go of the computer business and throw my energy into props rental. It’s the perfect blend of my large collection and my electrical background, plus it’s an incredible honor to work with the film industry to make movie magic.” Rappaport has another
Photography by Aiva Genys, AGpicture
specialty which has benefited the film and music video industries. He is one of only a handful of professionals in the country authorized by the Secret Service to create “fake money”. There are a number of restrictions and regulations governing prop money printing, and Rappaport takes great care to comply with every rule. He is proud his cash is endorsed by the Secret Service. And since he has literally billions of fake dollars to rent, his money has appeared in countless film, TV, and video productions. RJR Props has provided exotic electronics for Fast & Furious , the cockpit interior for Sully , money for Ozark ,
and props for Stranger Things , Hunger Games , Fast & Furious , Avengers: Infinity Wars , Captain America , NCIS , and many other productions; including music videos for Lil Baby and Gucci Mane. And while most of the requests are relatively ordinary, when asked, Rappaport says his strangest inquiry was for a “fresh, dead monkey”, which he politely declined! Most of Rappaport’s work done is at the warehouse, but occasionally he and his team will customize or set up props on set. He admits to still getting a thrill out of meeting famous actors. But in the theater or at home watching TV, it’s not the actors he looks for. Rappaport watches for his props to appear and feels a strong sense of pride when they do. “I get so excited when I see our props on screen,” he says. “It never gets old, being a part of this amazing industry!”
He is one of only a handful of professionals in the country authorized by the Secret Service to create “fake money”.
www.rjrprops.com
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