ScreenUsed closes their Business! Interview Included!

It is a sad day in the prop collecting world as I woke up to the news that ScreenUsed movie props and wardrobe has closed their doors, leaving many collectors and enthusiasts in disbelief. This news is a shock to everyone, as the company has been a staple in the industry for years, and not much was explained as to why their sudden closure occurred. The below message was left by Desi DosSantos, co-owner of ScreenUsed, on the movie props Facebook forum page, where he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the loyal fans and customers who supported their passion for cinematic memorabilia. Many of us are left wondering about the future of prop collecting and how this decision will impact both collectors and the broader community, as ScreenUsed has been a significant resource for acquiring authentic pieces from our favorite films.

First starting out 15 years ago in 2003 as a retail site for obtaining television and movie memorabilia, ScreenUsed quickly became a go-to destination. Over the years, the company made a strategic transition from organizing its first live quarterly auction events to embracing the fast-paced world of daily auctions, allowing for an even broader range of items to be made available to the public. This year marked an exciting milestone as ScreenUsed opened its first retail location, inviting fans to experience the magic of Hollywood memorabilia in person.

The company gained a stellar reputation in the industry, thanks largely to the owners Desi and Jeff Castillo, whose unwavering diligence, keen expertise, and infectious passion for collecting Hollywood memorabilia have fostered a loyal community of buyers and sellers. Their commitment to authenticity and customer satisfaction set ScreenUsed apart, transforming it into more than just a business, but a vibrant hub for those who cherish the rich history of film and television.

Visitors to the ScreenUsed.com website will see the message below. They do note that if you have an existing order or consignment, you can still log on to the site. I have reached out to them to obtain further comment on the reason for the business decision to close and what future plans they may have. Either way, I do wish Desi and Jeff the best of luck and thank them for the service they provided to myself and countless others over the years.

UPDATE: I did hear back from Desi DosSantos on a couple of my questions. I added that below.

While Desi did not want to answer the question of “What led to the business decision to close,” he did say it was “Their decision.” However, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, explaining that many factors contributed to this outcome.

Collector’s Hype –  It may still be too soon but do you see yourself or Jeff doing another venture together or separate along the same lines as ScreenUsed?

Desi –  Have no idea regarding number 2 (question), just planning on spending more time with my 3 grandchildren – it’s been 15 years of major time consumption.

Collector’s Hype – You are known for having an amazing collection of movie memorabilia yourself. Are you giving up collecting?

Desi – I’m not giving up collecting – it’s a disease that there is no cure for. 🙂

A special thank you to Desi for taking the time to answer a couple of questions for me. Much appreciated!