Greeblies!

No discussion of science fiction filmmaking from the 1960s through to 2000s is complete without an exploration of greeblies.

Greeblie, greebly, n.

Pronunciation: /ɡɹˈiːbli/

Decorative, typically non-structural, object used to add an element of technical complexity to a film prop, model vehicle, set, etc. Usually a manufactured item: repurposed model kit parts, household items, salvaged items of machinery, and so on.

Also nurnie, wigget, greeble.

Believed to have been coined by George Lucas, circa 1976.

In short, greeblies are cheap off-the-shelf items used to decorate science-fiction models and props to make them look futuristic and cool.

The early years

Early SF movies and television shows, generally produced quickly on limited budgets, are known to have used various household objects as spacey props. 

ATF Films

A pioneer in the modern use of greeblies was ATF Films, the production company founded by Gerry Anderson, and maker of children’s puppet shows such as Thunderbirds.

Star Wars and ILM