How Fake Money Is Made For Movies And TV | Movies Insider
Can You Spot the Real $100 Bill?
The Challenge of Identifying Real vs. Prop Money
- One of the two $100 bills presented is real, while the other is a prop designed for movies. Both feature similar security elements, making identification challenging until flipped over.
Legal Restrictions on Prop Money Production
- Prop money must be blank on one side to avoid legal issues with the US government, as seen in a past incident involving "Rush Hour 2." This ensures that prop makers do not create counterfeit currency that could be mistaken for real money.
The "Rush Hour 2" Incident
- Gregg Bilson Jr., CEO of ISS Props, recounts producing $1 trillion in prop money for "Rush Hour 2," which was too realistic and led extras to attempt spending it, prompting intervention from the Secret Service. This incident highlights the fine line between realism and legality in prop production.
- The financial loss from this incident amounted to $100,000 due to confiscation and destruction of both fake bills and digital files used for printing them. Bilson emphasizes their intent was never to deceive but rather to enhance film authenticity.
Types of Prop Money Used in Film
Standard-Grade Bills
- For distant shots, productions often use standard-grade bills that appear realistic from afar but have noticeable differences upon close inspection (e.g., altered text and design). An example includes their use in "Breaking Bad."
High-Grade Bills
- High-grade bills are printed on one side only, mimicking real currency closely without risking confusion with actual money. These are preferred for close-up shots due to their quality while still adhering to legal requirements. An example can be seen in "Let's Be Cops."
Use of Real Currency in Productions
- ISS Props has developed methods using real cash stacks by placing one genuine bill at the top and bottom of a stack of blank notes or delivering larger amounts directly from banks (e.g., stacks of $10,000). This method eliminates risks associated with counterfeit detection but raises concerns about handling large sums on set.
Authenticity vs. Practicality in Filmmaking