The film industry has changed a lot – for better and for worse – in the last four decades. Just ask Paul Pincott.
The longtime owner of Can Am Importique is parting with hundreds of film props that he’s accumulated over 38 years. Everything from a Wheel of Fortune wheel to a statue of Abraham Lincoln to a massive portrait of Kim Jong-il will be going up for auction over the course of two days.
“I’m pretty heartbroken,” said Pincott. “I don’t want to close, but unfortunately, I lost a tenant a little over two years ago.”
Pincott noted he’s been paying for the entirety of his large North Burnaby warehouse, despite a lengthy search for someone with whom to share the building. He said a few prospective tenants fell through and he just can’t afford to keep the prop rental business going.
“It’s just killing me, the rent – it’s so high here, and the film industry is just going up and down like a yo-yo,” he said. “It just got to the point where it was an economic hardship and necessity to shut it down.”
The warehouse is packed with all kinds of items: totem poles, treasure chests, bar stools, outdated televisions and oversized Christmas ornaments fit for Paul Bunyan. However, some items aren’t for sale, as they’ve been committed to some productions.
Able Auctions will be on site this Thursday and Friday to sell off as many items as possible. Those who can’t make it to the live auction can register at the auction house’s website and bid online.
Out of everything he’s collected over his career, Pincott said the item he’ll miss the most is the coffin used by Ashley Judd in the 1999 thriller Double Jeopardy.
“I’ve always said over the years, if I ever shut this place down, I’m going down with Ashley Judd in that coffin,” he said with a chuckle. “But it’s going in the auction – with or without me.”
Nonetheless, Pincott said it will be good for him to take some time off and recharge his batteries. But don’t think he’s out of the industry for good – in the new year, he’s going to start seriously looking for an investor to stay in film.
“I’m going to absolutely miss the business – it’s all I know and it’s all I’ve done,” he said. “I’m really hoping I can find someone with similar interests and start something up in the near future.
“But for now, I’ve got to let it go.”
