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New ‘Hobby Hustle’ film explores the good, bad and ugly of collecting, sports collectibles industry
While many movie buffs may be spending their time bingeing on films nominated for this year’s Oscars, a new movie about the card hobby is one collectors may want to check out.
Director Michael Dault’s newest film, “Hobby Hustle,” paints a multifaceted picture of card collecting, exposing the complexity of an industry that is both thrilling and troubling. By showing both the good and the ugly, Dault’s film encourages viewers to see the full spectrum of emotions the hobby can evoke.
“The industry is many things,” said Dault, a writer, producer and director and the owner of TipToe Productions. “It isn’t all doom and gloom and it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, either. I wanted the viewers to feel the gamut of emotions. The roller coaster ride.”
Whether you’re a lifelong collector or a newcomer, the film offers perspective that serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the hobby’s enduring appeal. In the documentary, Dault takes viewers on a deep dive into the world of collecting, a hobby associated with nostalgia, excitement and the thrill of finding that rare card.
This seemingly innocent pursuit is not without its shadows. Through stories of forgeries, greed and corruption, Dault’s film navigates the contrasts that define the modern hobby, balancing both its innocent allure and its darker side.
Initially, Dault feared the documentary might lack enough content to fill a 90-minute runtime. However, as he dove deeper into the stories, the footage piled up and the film eventually expanded to nearly three hours.
“I had too much footage and had to cut out a few side stories, which bummed me out,” he admitted.
Central to Dault’s film is the story of Cliff Panezich who was convicted of running a $2.5 million counterfeit autograph ring in Ohio.
“To be honest, Cliff’s hate for the law enforcement officials involved and the system that put him away led his anger and outlook, so working with him on this story was a bumpy road,” Dault said. “I won’t go into details, but I will say the Cliff I spoke with during his time in prison was different from the person I talked with after his release.”
At the same time, Dault said he’s grateful for the time Panezich and his mother Rose dedicated to the project.
“I wish nothing but the best for Cliff and his family,” he said. “When you watch the film, I wanted to leave it up to the audience if they believe he found his redemption.”
Dault said a standout moment in the documentary comes from a powerful line Panezich uttered to him: “Let them be oblivious.”
“That still sticks with me,” Dault said. “He was basically saying that if the kids knew the seedy underbelly of the hobby that the love for it would die for them and that it would be easier to just keep them in the dark. Is he wrong? I don’t know.”
Indeed, Panezich’s quote highlights the tension between nostalgia and the connection between the industry’s growing financial power and the corruption that accompanies it. For example, Fanatics, which owns Topps, saw impressive growth in 2024, with revenue climbing 15 percent to $8.1 billion. The company’s revenues have grown from $3.5 billion in 2021 in part thanks to the rise in collectables.
The hobby’s growth has led to a more cutthroat environment, but Dault, a former baseball player and sports writer, said he still believes buying cards and amassing autographs can be an enjoyable pursuit.
“At the end of the day, no matter what age you are, don’t lose that kid-like enthusiasm for the hobby, but stay cautious and informed of what you buy and from who,” he added.
The film also reveals how the pandemic—while devastating to so many parts of life—had an unexpected impact on the card-collecting world and how lockdowns helped fuel a resurgence. It also changed how Dault told the story, which follows three separate people who became involved in what the film calls a “polarizing obsession.”
“So Covid, as terrible as it was, not only helped the hobby grow but helped carve out other aspects my documentary covers,” Dault said.
The shift in focus allowed Dault to explore the industry in a broader way, including the forces driving its expansion. A collector himself, Dault said his personal involvement in the hobby has been shaped by his filmmaking journey.
“I don’t collect as many autographed pieces anymore unless I see the person signing it themselves,” he admitted. “Crime is way up in the hobby. There are many individuals and groups out there who prey on people.”
Dault, who is also an author, said he’s passionate about collecting but approaches the hobby with more caution after making “Hobby Hustle.”
“Be aware,” he said, “but don’t let that deter you from staying in the hobby.”
— “Hobby Hustle” can be streamed on Apple and Amazon starting Feb. 16.
Clemente Lisi
