From the outside, Faux Library Studio Props may look like an unassuming warehouse tucked away in North Hollywood. Inside, however, are a whole host of sets that tell the recent history of the entertainment industry.
Unfortunately, like many businesses trying to bounce back over the past couple of years, all the priceless memories are at risk of being lost unless the owner can raise $100,000 by February.
Marc Meyer launched Faux Library Studio Props over twenty years ago, in 2000.
“When I retired from decorating, I said I had to keep buying and having fun, so that was my business,” Meyer said.
His retirement project turned into a multimillion-dollar home of vintage furniture and decor, including a desk from “Top Gun Maverick” and a boardroom table from “Grey’s Anatomy.”
However, Meyer is famous for the prop books he holds, numbering 16,000, including those for “Angels and Demons.”
Even though the covers are real, the interiors are not.
“That’s the wallpaper inside, just to make it look like pages,” Meyer said. “The actor really has to act to show the weight.”
This Hollywood magic could fade after a tumultuous period of bad luck caused by COVID-19 and strikes.
“It went on for so long that it seemed to drain everything,” Meyer said. “The bills just kept piling up, the landlord just kept piling up.”
Meyer said he owes his landlord about $500,000. While his landlord granted an extension on his rent – keeping him afloat until January – he now has to come up with $100,000 by February 1 or the landlord will take possession and sell everything at auction.
“They're like a niche place where you can buy books at any prop house, but this one is different,” said set designer Vanessa Fiddler.
Current and former customers have called Meyers to see how they can help. He hopes that will be enough for his prop master to get a second act.
“It's comforting. It really is,” Meyers said. “You never really realize how much they care about you until something like this happens and they come out of the woodwork.”
—Lauren Pozen contributed reporting.
