A new video has been released exclusively on IMDb featuring Hollywood Prop Master Russell Bobbitt who lifts the curtain revealing the magic of movie making and documenting Zippo‘s legacy in Hollywood.
Bobbitt, Marvel Entertainment’s Head Prop Master for the last 30 years, is responsible for acquiring, designing, and manufacturing the objects the wind up in in the hands of Hollywood’s biggest names.
In the video, Bobbitt takes viewers behind-the-scenes on LA’s leading prop house that holds over one million items in its inventory. As he takes us on a tour through the location he explores the critical storytelling devices that drives plots forward, his most famous creations and reflects how the Zippo lighter became a prop in over 2,000 film appearances.
A prop is a way to create depth, and flesh out the character. Nothing is accidental – every item placed on set should enhance the audience’s understanding of the story. My role requires a keen eye for detail – everything an actor touches in a film has been scrupulously planned out.” Bobbitt stated.
When characters need a reliable prop, one of my mainstays is the Zippo windproof lighter – despite its size, it can have huge impact and immediately resonates with an audience.” Bobbitt continued. “I’ve worked with the brand on customized designs to help build out a character’s personality and the wider narrative.”
“Bobbitt himself has helped the iconic American brand set the box office alight, featuring the windproof lighter in the likes of Charlie’s Angels (2000) and Hocus Pocus (1993) among other titles. Whether in a suspense-filled plot twist, a spark to trigger an explosion, a light to illuminate a treacherous path, or a means of escape from a sticky situation, you can often hear the unmistakable ‘Zippo click’ in some of Bobbitt’s best-known films.”
The new video is part of the wider Walk of Flame campaign that gives the trusty lighter its first chance to bask in the spotlight. To commemorate Zippo’s role in film, the brand has launched a range of movie tribute lighters, inspired by some of the most famous designs that have featured on the silver screen. The six new designs are available to order now.
From every genre to every budget, the Zippo windproof lighter has proven itself an indispensable silver screen prop. We are proud of our rich cinema heritage, including appearances in iconic films such as Casablanca, The Godfather and Die Hard. By working with Russell Bobbitt, we are able to explore the brand’s role in some of Hollywood’s biggest movies for the very first time. With an ever-changing catalog of designs, we’re proud to document the vast array of films and genres that the lighter has been featured in throughout the brand’s 86-year history.” Lucas Johnson, Senior Brand Manager, Global Marketing at Zippo said.
Zippo will release behind the scenes content and exclusive imagery across their social channels over the coming weeks. Follow the Walk of Flame celebration on Facebook (@Zippo), Instagram (@OriginalZippo) and Twitter (@Zippo).
Watch the video here. Follow Zippo on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with the latest news, exclusive offers and other exciting announcements.
