Time certainly flies! It has been 25 years since the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first movie hit theaters on March 30, 1990! (And it has been about six months since our last blog entry. Whoops!)
Speaking of TMNT, our new featured collection comes to us from Geoff Cort from Everett, Washington. Geoff has always been a TMNT fan, but his collecting journey began as an adult. But he can tell his story better than we can so, let's dive in!
- Can you share a little about yourself?
My name is Geoff and I live in Everett Washington. I am married with 2 boys, and I love sharing my passion of collecting with them.
- How did TMNT become so important to you?
My introduction to the Ninja Turtles happened when I was just five. The 1988 cartoon and action figures is what initially grabbed me, but it was the movie that had the most impact. I still remember getting a VHS tape from Burger King that had a trailer for the Ninja Turtles movie on it. That was the very first movie I ever saw in a theater, and honestly, I never imagined I'd actually own anything from it someday.
- What can you tell us about your collection? Is it limited to TMNT movie props or does it go beyond that?
My collecting journey really took off in 2002, once I was old enough to get a job. At first, I was just trying to buy back all the ninja turtles action figures my mom had given away when I was a kid. That led to picking up comics, original artwork, and even finding a stand-up TMNT arcade machine. From there, my focus completely shifted to movie props from films that I grew up watching. This was around 2012. Now, I zero in on anything from the first two turtles films that's directly related to their production. My collection runs deep. We're talking wardrobe pieces, screen used props, continuity polaroids, cast and crew items, scripts, call sheets, dailies footage, and even costume design sketches and production artwork. To give you an idea of how seriously I take this, I managed to track down Shredder's facial scar makeup appliances and the exact makeup kit used on set by makeup supervisor Jeff Goodwin.
- When did you start collecting, and what was your first piece?
My first prop from the Ninja Turtles were a pair of screen matched Leonardo Katanas from the 1990 film. These originally came from the assistant prop master Richard "Petie" Waldrop. Over the years I got to be great friends with him, and he tracked down a lot of the props I own today. He even took me to most of the filming locations. Sadly, he passed away a couple years ago.
- What's your favorite item in your collection? Do you have a certain prop or costume you'd love to add to it?
Without a doubt, my favorite prop in the collection is my Raphael sais, which I bought from stunt actor Kenn Scott. I'd sell my entire collection before even thinking of letting those go. They're the catalyst to the first movie and screen-matched to almost every scene. Think about it: Raphael loses his sai, follows April to get it back, and in doing so, reveals the sewer lair's location. That's how Shredder finds out about the Turtles and kidnaps Splinter.
My "white whale" piece? That's definitely the complete Shredder wardrobe. I've got the helmet and armor, but finding the whole suit has been a challenge. I've also always wanted to own a full turtles costume.
- Are you currently expanding your collection or seeking new items for it?
I'm always looking for more ninja turtles props. That will never end. It's like a treasure hunt as you never know what the cast and crew took home as a memento when filming was over. I've tracked down a couple great pieces but convincing the owner to let it go is sometimes very difficult. Finding the prop is only half the battle. Currently I've been enjoying purchasing props from Planet Hollywood. Especially if it was on display in the restaurant. To me that adds a whole extra level of history to the piece.
My main goal has always been archiving and preserving pieces of movie history for other fans to enjoy seeing. My future plans are working with a museum to put my pieces on loan so they can be seen by more fans. If anyone has anything from the ninja turtles movies, please visit my Instagram @geoff_cort
Thank you, Geoff! The collection had our curiosity, but the turtles' weapons and Shredder's helmet grabbed our attention! We wish you the best with the expansion of your collection and hope we can in some way be a part in making it happen! Be sure to check out their Instagram @geoff_cort.
If you would like to be included in our "Featured Collection" blog, simply send us an email at vault@planethollywoodintl.com!