Have you Od’d on all the media attention for WB’s July 21 launch of “Barbie”? It’s understandable, but you have to cut her some slack: Mattel and Barbie have been waiting decades for this moment.
Years ago, Universal homevideo exec Glenn Ross told Variety that U and Mattel had been thinking about films as far back as 2001: “We knew we should make Barbie a movie star. It has to be the same way you would feel when seeing a Meryl Streep movie.”
He was speaking in 2007 about the animated films. The direct-to-dvd films debuted in 2001 and six years later, they had completed nine titles, with each selling more than a million copies.
Mattel exec producer Rob Hudnut added at the time, “We are great believers in the power of little girls.”
As well they should. Barbie has been a money machine for Mattel since her debut in...
Years ago, Universal homevideo exec Glenn Ross told Variety that U and Mattel had been thinking about films as far back as 2001: “We knew we should make Barbie a movie star. It has to be the same way you would feel when seeing a Meryl Streep movie.”
He was speaking in 2007 about the animated films. The direct-to-dvd films debuted in 2001 and six years later, they had completed nine titles, with each selling more than a million copies.
Mattel exec producer Rob Hudnut added at the time, “We are great believers in the power of little girls.”
As well they should. Barbie has been a money machine for Mattel since her debut in...
- 7/22/2023
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Peacock will double down on its animated kids programming slate, unveiling a number of new and returning titles including two follow up series to DreamWorks Animation’s Megamind and Abominable.
The streamer has also renewed Babble Bop!, the musical dance jamboree series for preschoolers, for Season 2.
Written by Katherine Stanford, Babble Bop! is a foot-tapping, hand-clapping, baby-bottom wiggling, sing-along world of music, dance and preschool play. With a mix of new takes on classic nursery rhymes and original songs, this inclusive short-form series is intended for social and emotional learning for the pre-k set.
Heroes Lily, Hugo, Miguel, Izzie and Sam will play the day away movin’ and boppin’ and havin’ a ball to awesome, catchy, repeatable – and sometimes very familiar – songs. With new characters, animals and brand-new song styles, the second season continues to hold up a magnifying glass to the little things in their life: having a snack,...
The streamer has also renewed Babble Bop!, the musical dance jamboree series for preschoolers, for Season 2.
Written by Katherine Stanford, Babble Bop! is a foot-tapping, hand-clapping, baby-bottom wiggling, sing-along world of music, dance and preschool play. With a mix of new takes on classic nursery rhymes and original songs, this inclusive short-form series is intended for social and emotional learning for the pre-k set.
Heroes Lily, Hugo, Miguel, Izzie and Sam will play the day away movin’ and boppin’ and havin’ a ball to awesome, catchy, repeatable – and sometimes very familiar – songs. With new characters, animals and brand-new song styles, the second season continues to hold up a magnifying glass to the little things in their life: having a snack,...
- 2/11/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Pictures continue to develop a "Barbie" live-action theatrical feature, showcasing the popular doll from toy manufacturer Mattel.
Vancouver-based Rainmaker Entertainment are also celebrating their 10th anniversary as producers of Universal's "Barbie" animated film series on DVD, with the launch of the 22nd installment, "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas", available now.
"Barbie" animated feature DVDs have sold more than 100 million units since the 2001 launch of "Barbie in the Nutcracker".
Rob Hudnut is executive producer for the "Barbie" animated series.
"Barbie" was created in 1959 by Ruth Handler, inspired by the German doll "Bild Lilli".
"For us it's all about making emotional connections with girls", said Lisa McKnight, senior VP of Barbie Marketing and Entertainment at Mattel, "and storytelling is a big way to do that."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas" and a clip from a 1992 "Barbie" dance work-out exercise video...
Vancouver-based Rainmaker Entertainment are also celebrating their 10th anniversary as producers of Universal's "Barbie" animated film series on DVD, with the launch of the 22nd installment, "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas", available now.
"Barbie" animated feature DVDs have sold more than 100 million units since the 2001 launch of "Barbie in the Nutcracker".
Rob Hudnut is executive producer for the "Barbie" animated series.
"Barbie" was created in 1959 by Ruth Handler, inspired by the German doll "Bild Lilli".
"For us it's all about making emotional connections with girls", said Lisa McKnight, senior VP of Barbie Marketing and Entertainment at Mattel, "and storytelling is a big way to do that."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas" and a clip from a 1992 "Barbie" dance work-out exercise video...
- 11/15/2011
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
While He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has been moved over to Sony’s plate, Universal has signed a deal with Mattel to create a live-action film version of the Barbie toy line. While this may seem silly to some, this is one of the biggest toy products that a studio could choose to grab, certainly on the same level as G.I. Joe.
The only question is, how will producer Laurence Mark (Julie & Julia, Dreamgirls) craft a film with a coherent story from a doll? I imagine that the film will deal in one way or another with Barbie’s mad dash through a variety of professions, allowing her to be clad in some of her most famous outfits.
Two of the men responsible for Barbie’s image in media, general manager Richard Dickson and VP of entertainment (from Mattel) Rob Hudnut will be overseeing the project and...
The only question is, how will producer Laurence Mark (Julie & Julia, Dreamgirls) craft a film with a coherent story from a doll? I imagine that the film will deal in one way or another with Barbie’s mad dash through a variety of professions, allowing her to be clad in some of her most famous outfits.
Two of the men responsible for Barbie’s image in media, general manager Richard Dickson and VP of entertainment (from Mattel) Rob Hudnut will be overseeing the project and...
- 9/24/2009
- by John Cooper
- Atomic Popcorn
Mattel have been busy. As well as the announcement that Columbia are in talks to aquire the rights to Masters of the Universe, Universal have bought the film rights to another Mattel cornerstone – Barbie.
Following months of negotations Universal and Mattel have put a deal in place for a big screen adventure for every girl’s favourite doll. Until now Barbie has seen a string of direct to DVD child hits with Universal releasing films like Barbie – The Island Princess and Barbie – The Magic Of Pegasus. THR has more:
Laurence Mark, whose credits include “Jerry Maguire” and “Julie & Julia,” is producing.
Barbie, celebrating her 50th anniversary as one of the top toy brands in the world, has never been adapted into a live-action film, though not for Hollywood’s lack of trying. Mattel has been extremely protective of the toy, which has generated billions of dollars, wanting nothing to tarnish the polished image.
Following months of negotations Universal and Mattel have put a deal in place for a big screen adventure for every girl’s favourite doll. Until now Barbie has seen a string of direct to DVD child hits with Universal releasing films like Barbie – The Island Princess and Barbie – The Magic Of Pegasus. THR has more:
Laurence Mark, whose credits include “Jerry Maguire” and “Julie & Julia,” is producing.
Barbie, celebrating her 50th anniversary as one of the top toy brands in the world, has never been adapted into a live-action film, though not for Hollywood’s lack of trying. Mattel has been extremely protective of the toy, which has generated billions of dollars, wanting nothing to tarnish the polished image.
- 9/24/2009
- by Craig Sharp
- FilmShaft.com
A 50-year-old plastic fashion icon, Barbie, is heading to the big screen. Variety reported that after months of negotiations, Universal Pictures has finally acquired the rights to make a live-action feature, "Barbie: The Movie", out of Mattel's signature toy line.
"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger commented on the deal with Mattel. "So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture, but never before has she been brought to life in a motion picture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."
Producer of "Jerry Maguire" and "Julie & Julia", Laurence Mark, is attached to produce. On what direction the script will take, the filmmaker said that there are a lot of plot possibilities for the movie considering that Barbie's had more than 120 jobs over the years. He added, "Barbie may be the...
"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger commented on the deal with Mattel. "So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture, but never before has she been brought to life in a motion picture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."
Producer of "Jerry Maguire" and "Julie & Julia", Laurence Mark, is attached to produce. On what direction the script will take, the filmmaker said that there are a lot of plot possibilities for the movie considering that Barbie's had more than 120 jobs over the years. He added, "Barbie may be the...
- 9/24/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Universal has secured the rights to make a movie based on Mattel's iconic toy Barbie, says The Hollywood Reporter. Julie & Julia producer Laurence Mark will oversee the project, which will be a live-action story inspired by the doll, whose full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Barbie general manager and Mattel senior vice president Richard Dickson will executive produce alongside Barbie vice president of entertainment Rob Hudnut. (more)...
- 9/24/2009
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Hollywood screens are usually populated by Barbies, but now the real Barbie is on her way to the big screen.
After months of negotiations, Universal has acquired the rights to the iconic Mattel toy to make a live-action feature.
Laurence Mark, whose credits include "Jerry Maguire" and "Julie & Julia," is producing.
Barbie, celebrating her 50th anniversary as one of the top toy brands in the world, has never been adapted into a live-action film, though not for Hollywood's lack of trying. Mattel has been extremely protective of the toy, which has generated billions of dollars, wanting nothing to tarnish the polished image.
Columbia has entered into negotiations to pick up He-Man, another Mattel property.
Mattel did Ok a straight-to-home animated Barbie movie, which Universal currently distributes.
It is unclear how the toy will translate. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts; is sometimes a high school teen, but at times a pilot,...
After months of negotiations, Universal has acquired the rights to the iconic Mattel toy to make a live-action feature.
Laurence Mark, whose credits include "Jerry Maguire" and "Julie & Julia," is producing.
Barbie, celebrating her 50th anniversary as one of the top toy brands in the world, has never been adapted into a live-action film, though not for Hollywood's lack of trying. Mattel has been extremely protective of the toy, which has generated billions of dollars, wanting nothing to tarnish the polished image.
Columbia has entered into negotiations to pick up He-Man, another Mattel property.
Mattel did Ok a straight-to-home animated Barbie movie, which Universal currently distributes.
It is unclear how the toy will translate. Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts; is sometimes a high school teen, but at times a pilot,...
- 9/23/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- While most major toy companies are becoming increasingly involved in the production of entertainment content, they all cite different motives.
Mattel (Barbie) says it's focus is first and foremost in driving toy sales while Hasbro (Transformers) says it no longer sees itself as just a toy company and uses entertainment to build its brands. For its part, MGA Entertainment (Bratz) says it created its entertainment division as a separate business and considers itself an entertainment company, not a toy company.
"We use entertainment to support our toys, to add relevance and to drive cultural noise that ultimately drives more toy sales," said Richard Dickson, Mattel Brands senior vp marketing, media and entertainment, worldwide. He said Mattel frequently creates new toy lines based on its DVD content produced by its in-house entertainment division. "We create them together. That's the novelty and innovation of our entertainment strategy. We parallel path the creative development, building the story with toys in mind. Frankly, we analyze opportunities to make sure that they do drive more toy sales because we are a toy company first and foremost."
But even so, Mattel's entertainment division can stand alone as a profitable business, with DVD titles continuing to sell even after the toy lines are discontinued, Dickson said. "The beauty of the formula is that we've built a robust and strong entertainment business. In addition to the toy sales generated in connection to the content, the DVDs have traditionally been some of our best-selling product worldwide."
"Entertainment has a longer business shelf life for us than the toys that relate to it. We are actually making money and have grown an entertainment business at Mattel that originated in toys. It is an absolute win-win formula."
Mattel's entertainment division employs about 20 people and is headed up by Dickson. Rob Hudnut, executive producer for entertainment production, leads the creative teams and has personally written many of the songs for the Barbie DVDs. He was the pioneer behind the first Barbie DVD, Barbie in the Nutcracker, which featured music from the London Symphony Orchestra and dance moves choreographed by the New York City Ballet.
Mattel (Barbie) says it's focus is first and foremost in driving toy sales while Hasbro (Transformers) says it no longer sees itself as just a toy company and uses entertainment to build its brands. For its part, MGA Entertainment (Bratz) says it created its entertainment division as a separate business and considers itself an entertainment company, not a toy company.
"We use entertainment to support our toys, to add relevance and to drive cultural noise that ultimately drives more toy sales," said Richard Dickson, Mattel Brands senior vp marketing, media and entertainment, worldwide. He said Mattel frequently creates new toy lines based on its DVD content produced by its in-house entertainment division. "We create them together. That's the novelty and innovation of our entertainment strategy. We parallel path the creative development, building the story with toys in mind. Frankly, we analyze opportunities to make sure that they do drive more toy sales because we are a toy company first and foremost."
But even so, Mattel's entertainment division can stand alone as a profitable business, with DVD titles continuing to sell even after the toy lines are discontinued, Dickson said. "The beauty of the formula is that we've built a robust and strong entertainment business. In addition to the toy sales generated in connection to the content, the DVDs have traditionally been some of our best-selling product worldwide."
"Entertainment has a longer business shelf life for us than the toys that relate to it. We are actually making money and have grown an entertainment business at Mattel that originated in toys. It is an absolute win-win formula."
Mattel's entertainment division employs about 20 people and is headed up by Dickson. Rob Hudnut, executive producer for entertainment production, leads the creative teams and has personally written many of the songs for the Barbie DVDs. He was the pioneer behind the first Barbie DVD, Barbie in the Nutcracker, which featured music from the London Symphony Orchestra and dance moves choreographed by the New York City Ballet.
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