Download the 16th digital edition of Film Stories directly from this link
In the world of film and toy manufacturing, collaborations between studios and toy firms have often resulted in memorable moments, both good and bad. However, as we delve into the annals of cinema history, there have been instances when these partnerships have gone awry. The specifics of these instances, unfortunately, are not clearly documented.
The idea of creating a hypothetical cult film after a few beers among a gathering of film enthusiasts is a common occurrence. Similarly, the history of film and toy industry collaboration is marked by instances where film studios and toy manufacturers have missed the mark, sometimes quite dramatically. The reasons for these failures, whether financial or due to product quality, remain unclear.
The concept of movie tie-ins is not a new one. Toy firms have long partnered with movie studios to release licensed products, capitalising on the popularity of blockbuster films. One of the earliest examples of this can be traced back to the release of a Sean Connery-inspired James Bond doll, the first action figure to tie into a movie's release.
As for Disney, the 1980s and early 1990s saw a shift in their movie strategy. During this period, Disney employed a unique method of film funding through Silver Screen Partners, a system that bears resemblance to modern crowdfunding. However, it's important to note that Disney was not supported by public crowdfunding campaigns during this time, as the concept of crowdfunding platforms and models similar to today's did not exist. Film financing was typically handled through traditional studio funding, investments, and partnerships.
One significant turning point in Disney's movie strategy during the 1990s was the release of Dick Tracy, a film headlined and directed by Warren Beatty. While the specifics of any failed movie tie-ins are not specified, the release of Dick Tracy undoubtedly marked a notable change in Disney's approach to filmmaking.
The article discussing these topics first appeared in Film Stories issue 37. It delves into what makes a cult film, but does not provide examples of specific movie tie-ins that went wrong. Nonetheless, it serves as a fascinating exploration of the intricate relationship between film and toy industries, and the occasional missteps that have occurred along the way.
