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The Second Firefly Talk
Prop Giveaway Contest!


Welcome to the second Firefly Talk article contest, brought to you courtesy of the Prop Store of London and Quantum Mechanix! We thought this would once again be a fun way to collect some articles for the podcast and to share some wonderful props and replicas with our listeners. We may not be doing this again for a long time (if ever), so now's the time to take part!

We're looking for short pieces, roughly 1,200-1,600 words; about two pages long, as typed into your typical word processor. (1,000 words is the barest minimum!) Consider it an extended email, if that seems less daunting!

Considering the stakes are high, you might wonder whether there are particular types of articles we'd like. Really, any sort of topic related to Firefly or Serenity is appropriate. If you need help finding some topics, it might help to consider what parts of the series or the movie you've found yourself talking about the most, or thinking about -- things that other people might not consider.

Ideally, the article should express a unique viewpoint, reaction, or thought about the 'Verse. You might also consider the things in your own background and interests that the average fan might not have, and how they've affected your experience of Joss' creation. And if you can think of an entertaining way to educate our listeners or in any way enhance our enjoyment of Firefly and Serenity, you're on the right track.

You can also go to our home page and see what sort of articles we've run in the past -- that might get the wheels turning!

You may enter as many articles as you wish. The deadline for article submission is March 31st, 2007. Articles should be emailed to fireflytalk@gmail.com. The winners will be announced in late April, when judging is finished. Two articles will be picked every month during this contest to move on to the final round of judging. Please note that the articles become the property of Firefly Talk and will be used on the podcast at our discretion.

1st Prize (Choice 1)

This metal Reaver short-sword/long knife used in the movie, Serenity--is labeled "Choice 1" because the winner of our contest has the option of claiming this prize, or Choice 2 below (the artist's proof of Mal's pistol, from QMX). Both prizes were so spectacular that we decided to let the winner chose. The prize not claimed by the first-place winner will go to the second-place winner.

This awesome and extremely scary weapon is made of metal, unlike most movie weapons (which are made of rubber for safety), to be used in close shots (which is also why it's so finely detailed). It was generously donated to us by the Prop Store of London, which we highly recommend visiting at www.propstore.com. They have a rubber version of this weapon (not as valuable) listed for a little under $500, so we are very appreciative of this donation!



1st Prize (Choice 2)

Graciously donated by QMX (QuantumMechanix, see their wonderful site at quantummechanix.com), this is a rare artists' proof of Mal's pistol, originally intended for a QMX staff member but is now in the place of honor--the co-grand prize--of our contest.

Big thanks to the folks at QMX, who also donated most of the prizes in this contest! Please pay them a visit, you'll find lots of shiny merchandise at their website, which will soon include blueprints of Serenity, created by the graphic designer for the movie! You can also read much more about Mal's pistol replica at their site.



3rd Prize

This is a prototype replica of Serenity's papers as seen in Firefly, soon to be offered by QMx. It is made in conjunction with prop replica maker Whitefall, whose work has often been found on ebay. The papers are leather bound, and you can read more about Whitefall's earlier version here (and pictured below). The are, quite simply, gorgeous, and earlier versions have gone for many hundreds of dollars on ebay.




4th Prize

A unique gold-leaf version of Quantum Mechanix's Alliance money pack (read more below), made solely for this Firefly Talk contest. This is an Alliance money pack with gold lettering on the bills, which was originally going to be a short run for QMX, but they've since decided not to do a run at all, except for our contest! Gold leaf was the original plan for the money in the movie, but it was cut due to budget constraints.



5th Prize

A signed "Bound By Law" poster by QMX artist Geoffrey Mandel, the graphic designer for the movie, Serenity. This is a beautiful poster of Mal with information about him as seen by the Operative in Mal's records. From a run of only 500, and signed. (Sorry, don't have a picture!)

6th and 7th Prizes

An uncut sheet of Alliance money from QMX, suitable for framing. Read more about the money below. Simply beautiful work, something any browncoat would be proud to hang in a place of honor at home!



8th and 9th Prizes

An Alliance money pack and map from Quantum Mechanix, printed from the actual files used to print the money for Serenity--so popular that it's currently sold out; and there may not be any more made, as it was announced as a limited run. This may be your last chance to get some Alliance booty! Read much more about it at the QMX website, www.quantummechanix.com.