PRICING
We get asked “How much does it cost?” all the time. And honestly, we wish there was a quick, one-size-fits-all answer, but because every project is entirely custom, it’s just not that simple. Each and every project has it’s own material costs, research and planning costs and of course different number of hours to create.
We don’t have a fixed price list or hourly rate because no two pieces we make are ever the same. Each miniature is built from scratch, tailored to your vision, and often involves intricate detail, specialty materials, and hundreds of hours of handcrafting.
The final price depends on several factors—scale, subject matter, material costs, level of realism/complexity, time involved and of course, any unique creative challenges. We DO off Interest-free instalments on private commission, just contact us to enquire.
Commercial projects created under DM STUDIOS have their own price ranges due to usage and film production standards.
The best way to get a quote is to tell us what you have in mind. The more details you can provide, the better we can understand what it’ll take to bring your vision to life.
F.A.Q
Q: How do I place an order?
A: Thats easy! Simply fill out our contact form HERE with what you are looking for and we will reach back out to you typically within 24hrs.
Q: How long will it take to make and receive my miniature?
A: We work on a first come first serve basis. The sooner you place your order the sooner you are on the waiting list. This is not an art that can be rushed and even before starting the build process, it takes weeks of research and planning as well as ordering any specialized materials that may be needed. Several projects are worked on at one time to ensure fastest completion possible. Clients are always welcome to check in about current wait times.
Q: Can I buy a miniature thats already been made or can you make another one for me?
A: At this time we do not replicate our work, we offer businesses and collectors the exclusivity of knowing they have a one off piece. Clients can always contact us to discuss, even if we have already made your favorite scene, there are always ways to recreate something from that film or TV show without making a duplicate of a previous work.
Q: Where do you ship to?
A: Shipping is available worldwide. Shipping and Handling charges are adjusted accordingly. All packages are shipped with tracking and insurance.
Q: What are the miniatures made of?
A: Seeing as they are shipped all over the world and made to last, they are made very sturdy. They are typically made of wood and MDF as much as possible. Different types of plastics and dense materials and physical connections such as screws and other fasteners are used when possible.
Q: Can I only order miniatures from Movies and TV?
A: Not at all, we make custom miniatures of clients homes, businesses and custom gifts, anything you can think of really.
Q: What scale do I choose if I don’t know anything about scale?
A: You don’t need to know or worry about scale to request your project, we usually choose the scale based on what is best for the project or clients needs. Example, if it will be on a shelf vs a coffee table we will ensure that the end result fits your needs, space or usage. We work in all the most popular scales. from 1:500th all the way up to 1:6th and larger if needed, with the most common scales we work in being 1:43, 1:24 and 1:12. We also sometimes work in custom, non-standard scales as well.
Q: Is there anything David Miniatures will not make?
A: The short answer is no. However we try to use our best best judgment. We will not create miniatures based on tragic world events, there are of course exceptions if it is made for a museum or memorial. Also violent crimes scene recreations, unless fictional or for documentary purposes.
Q: What about copyright? Is permission needed to make these movie and tv replicas?
A: Great question! Unique artworks are protected under a law known unofficially as the “Fan Art Law” (see quote below). The legal issues arise when you mass produce without a license. That being said, through David Miniatures’ decades of work we have worked along side many major movie and tv studios and have had their blessing to recreate may of these sets, with conditions of not mass producing.
“Fan art is generally considered legal when it qualifies as “fair use” under U.S. copyright law, particularly when it is a transformative work. A transformative work is a type of fair use that builds on a copyrighted work in a different manner or for a different purpose from the original. It is not mass-produced and does not infringe on the copyright holder’s rights. It adds new expression, meaning, or message to the original. Fan art clearly distinguishes itself from the original material and does not compete with it, harm it, or portray the original in a negative light. However, the original copyright holder retains the right to challenge these uses if they believe their rights have been infringed upon.”