Toy Masters Documentary

Originally Posted by Brian-Man

Originally Posted by Tallstar

Yikes. I just saw Mark Taylor's message to Roger on Facebook.

I just watched it too..... WOW

Gauntlet Thrown! I wonder how this is gonna play out? Power-Con may turn into WrestleMania.

This is turning into a really classy production. I hope they are proud of their little piece of exploitation cinema.

Originally Posted by Brian-Man

Power-Con may turn into WrestleMania.

LMAO!

Originally Posted by Adam_Prince of Eternia

This is turning into a really classy production. I hope they are proud of their little piece of exploitation cinema.

This is why I'm pretty much watching this thing on mute and/or just fast-forwarding to the actual He-Man stuff instead of the reality TV style shlock-fest type of crap. This isn't really what I thought it was going to be when it was first announced and I'm afraid I've pretty much lost interest in the project.

Originally Posted by zodak74

This is why I'm pretty much watching this thing on mute and/or just fast-forwarding to the actual He-Man stuff instead of the reality TV style shlock-fest type of crap. This isn't really what I thought it was going to be when it was first announced and I'm afraid I've pretty much lost interest in the project.

I will probably attend the premiere at Power-Con, but I would rather watch the interviews on the BCI DVDs.

Originally Posted by Adam_Prince of Eternia

This is turning into a really classy production. I hope they are proud of their little piece of exploitation cinema.

You know, I'm actually feeling guilty for initially having supported the idea of using a little hype to promote this project. This latest video is just too much. It didn't give me a good feeling at all seeing the direction this is heading in. As I was watching the video, I kept thinking: "maybe this is all a joke and Mark and Roger will show up at Power-Con and have a laugh over this..." because it felt so unreal.

I mean, I totally understand why some of these former employees would feel the way they do, as I've clashed with other folks on some MOTUC-related issues and know how aggravating it can get, but I would be embarrassed to create a video about it and be all meanspirited.

Originally Posted by Adam_Prince of Eternia

This is turning into a really classy production. I hope they are proud of their little piece of exploitation cinema.

100% agreed. When I first heard about this, I was pretty excited. While I know there is animosity amongst some of the parties involved, I had hoped that this documentary wouldn't play off that angle too much and that they'd really just get into the design and marketing aspects of the line... seeing it become a phenomenon from the perspective of those who made it happen.

The last trailer and now this "message" from Mark Taylor have opened my eyes to which venue the filmmakers have chosen to explore: Sensationalism. No thanks. From the trailers, it seems the company wasn't content to just document the creation from all parties involved... they wanted them going at each other tooth and nail while they filmed it. They smelled blood and went for it. Why else would they be showing Roger clips of Mark (and vice versa) just to get their reactions on tape? I'm sorry, but that is a little too TMZ for my taste.

I've spoken with Roger Sweet many times now. He's a kind man who has gone out of his way to answer this fanboy's questions... which makes him not attending Power-Con such a shame. I don't blame him though. If I had witnessed my kindness and generosity in agreeing to be interviewed for this documentary being turned into ticketed dog fight, I would probably distance myself from it as well.

A real shame.

Sallah

I honestly don't know who had more to do with the creation of He-Man, but I will say that Roger Sweet is coming off a tad classier in this than Mark Taylor.

Now I just wish someone would do a doucmentary on He-Man that dealt with the franchise & its lasting mark over the years that was a little less Jerry Springer and a little more Ken Burns.

Take it easy guys. Its just about finding the truth behind it all ;-)
Keep in mind: Every truth passes through three stages before it is recognized. In the first, it is ridiculed, in the second it is opposed, in the third it is regarded as self-evident. ~Arthur Schopenhauer

The first trailer for the film came off as an ego war with who created He-Man. Almost as if they each wanted to be credited for something that happened 30 years ago. It's hard to tell but but what I gather is they each had their fingers in the MOTU pot, but I would have to side with Mark the most.

As for the latest video... It turns me off from watching this. We have enough trash and gossip in todays media that is just shows the negative side of our culture. I would have much rather have seen some of the positive sides in the trailer other than how successful the line did for payrole. Something more inspiring.

Who knows, the film could just cover the bickering between Mark, Roger and Paul for a few short segments, but I doubt it...

I, too, was hoping for a more inspiring kind of film about the line, its success, its impact on the lives of us as children back then, the power tour, the movie, things like that. I was hoping for more insight into the thought process that went into creating these figures, from the first idea (starting with wave 2, the first idea usually was some kind of action feature), and how they built a figure around that particular action feature, how they came up with the names and what kind of input they gave the mini comic writes/artists etc.
MOTU is such a positive and wonderful thing for me, it has always been my favourite toys, playing with the figures as a kid inspired me and triggered my imagination and when I look at MOTUC He-Man sitting on MOTUC Battle Cat, Power Sword aloft, I still get that warm feeling of nostalgia and all those warm and cosy childhood memories.
And now a bunch of greedy filmmakers apparently want to destroy all the positive things about MOTU by turning it into some kind of reality soap?! I was so excited about this film but now afterr seeing all this, I don't think I'll even watch the finished product. I believe it will ruin MOTU for me forever... This is just sad, especially as it contradicts everything He-Man (and the Filmation morals, as cheesy as some of them might be) have always stood for....

It's not gonna be only about Mark and Roger.
The way it looks to me is that you'll get to hear everyone's side of the story. One guy says something that conflicts with other guys story and the other guy gets to comment that, that is, gets to defend himself.

This documentary and our approach can only be considered sensationalistic in the same way that gamers may have been disappointed with how "King of Kong" turned out. Comparisons to reality shows and tabloid news shows are amusing but ultimately inaccurate for reasons I shouldn't have to get into.

Are we playing up the most dramatic (that is, conflict-filled) piece of the film in the trailer and subsequent clip? Sure. Because we need to make enough noise to cut through the din of everything else out there in order to give this thing the best chance of being seen by as many people as possible. I assume that's what the fans want, too. The film and it's "publicity" are two different entities. You guys are savvy enough to know that a poster doesn't always represent a movie accurately. The bottom line is, (as we said from the start) we set out to document everyone's story--from the '80s line and Filmation through the '90s, the film, 2002, etc.--and that's what we did. We've assembled the most exhaustive collection of interviews ever done about MOTU. We're still deciding how this is going to cut together. But, as I said before, all of our interviews and info will be available in some form to fans eventually, whether as a 4-hour super cut or as DVD extras. Don't give up before the film's even done. Watch it, then hate it !

No one wants to watch a movie of two guys going back and forth for two hours. That's not the movie we want to make, either. But there is an interesting story there that we will explore that has greater significance than these two specific men fighting over an action figure. And that's what I think other (read: non-fans) folks will be drawn to.

Thanks for all the feedback. We're looking forward to showing everyone more clips at Power-Con!

Out of curiosity, were you able to uncover any information about Wonder Bread/Savage He-Man?

Originally Posted by Tallstar

Out of curiosity, were you able to uncover any information about Wonder Bread/Savage He-Man?

My search skills stink.. I didn't find this thread at all ;o)



I'm catching up on ten pages of back info, but any set release date other than 2010 yet?

Originally Posted by Arkangel

according to the video, that's Roger Sweet's He-Man early prototype (before it was called he-man)

I dunno..just based on the reaction that each guy gave when answering a question about the creation of he-man... I don't believe the executive for an instant.....if by creating, you mean signing off on the hard work others have done with a stamped signature, than yeah, he created it ;o)...

I'd like to think Roger came up with the prototype and name, the other designer came up with some of the general ideas. He seems the most relaxed and smooth when talking about it, the other guys seem kind of stiff in their reaction...

But of course, we all know Lou Schmeir created He-Man...and his friend Orko ;o)..

Originally Posted by Corey Landis

the same way that gamers may have been disappointed with how "King of Kong" turned out.

I was not disappointed.

BTW, where are you guys seeing these other trailers???

http://urbanarchipelago.blogspot.com...s-footage.html

MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2011

World Premiere of Toy Masters footage and Q&A during Power Con 2011


The innagural edition of Power-Con will be taking place in Los Angeles September 24-25. As part of the event Urban Archipelago FIlms will premiere 20 minutes of never before seen footage from the upcoming documentary film TOY MASTERS. The film chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of the MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE franchise as well as the years of struggle for credit over its origins.

The preview will be followed by a Q & A session with the filmmakers and various special guests moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett (director of FREE ENTERPRISE and FEMME FATALES).

Scheduled to appear (subject to availability): Roger Lay, Jr. (Director/Producer), Corey Landis (Producer, Co-Writer), Gary Goddard (Director, 1987 MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE film), Mark DiCamillo (Former Marketing Executive, Mattel), Joe Morrison (Former President, Mattel Entertainment Division), and former Mattel designers Ted Mayer and Mark Taylor.

For more details visit the Con's official site or follow TOY MASTERS on Facebook.

Posted by Urban Archipelago Films at 1:31 PM

The Blog of Kid Chuckle

http://kidchuckle.blogspot.com/2011/...y-masters.html

Videos from Toy Masters: How He-Man & Mattel Conquered the Universe: TOY MASTERS - Mark Taylor Message to Roger Sweet [HD]


http://www.facebook.com/video/video....55374&comments


Toy Masters Exposes The Seedy World of Toys

http://www.redcarpetcrash.com/2011/0...world-of-toys/



Most people probably don’t give a second thought to how toys get from concept to finished product adorning the shelves of stores everywhere. Now Urban Archipelago plans to change that with a documentary about one of the most successful action figure lines from the 80s, Masters of the Universe. Or as it’s more commonly know He-Man.
‘Toy Masters’ is the first ever feature-length documentary on the world-wide phenomenon that inspired an entire generation of children and became a billion dollar franchise–’Masters of the Universe’.
The film is in production now, filming all over the U.S. ‘Toy Masters’ will feature interviews with the key creative personnel behind every version of the best selling toy line and all incarnations of ‘Masters of the Universe’ on television, film, stage, and print, tracing the inception and ups and downs of the fantasy juggernaut.
The film covers the many facets of creation and the peolpe who claim to have created He-Man. From concept artists to designers to heads of Mattle toys. All of which claim to be solely responsible for the muscle bound hero. The film looks fascinating in much the same way as ‘King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quaters’ did. You can check out the eight minute preview and bask in the depths of the underbelly of the toy world.

Milk and Cookies

http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/265258/detail/

Toy Masters: Who Created He-Man?

"Toy Masters" is the first ever feature-length documentary on the world-wide phenomenon that inspired an entire generation of children and became a billion dollar franchise --"Masters of the Universe".

The film is in production now, filming all over the U.S. "Toy Masters" will feature interviews with the key creative personnel behind every version of the best selling toy line and all incarnations of "Masters of the Universe" on television, film, stage, and print, tracing the inception and ups and downs of the fantasy juggernaut.

Join our Facebook group for updates, including exclusive details on how you can be one of the first to see the film. www.toymastersmovie.com



Scared Stiff Reviews

http://www.scaredstiffreviews.com/?p=1072



UNADULTERATED. ABSOLUTE. BARBARIAN. FICTION.

See Exclusive Clips And Meet The Filmmakers Behind The First Ever Feature Documentary On He-Man!
At POWER-CON: Saturday, September 24th, 2011 5:00pm-5:45pm

Toy Masters is the first ever feature-length documentary about the worldwide billion-dollar phenomenon that inspired an entire generation of children: Masters of the Universe (MOTU). Filmmakers Roger Lay Jr. and Corey Landis have tracked down all the key players in search for the answer to the question: “Who actually created He-Man?” The filmmakers will be screening exclusive material from the documentary and participating in a Q&A at this years Power-Con, being held at Four Points By Sheraton LAX on Saturday, September 24th, 2011, from 5:00pm-5:45pm.

Toy Masters is still in production, but legions of MOTU fans are already buzzing with anticipation. It is likely the film will reach an even wider audience once released, (a la King of Kong), for the controversial rivalry between former Preliminary Designer for Mattel, Roger Sweet, and former Toy Designer for Mattel, Mark Taylor, (both of whom are claiming bragging rites for the initial concept behind He-Man), makes for a compelling, and highly entertaining film.

Filming all over the U.S., Toy Masters will feature interviews with the key creative personnel behind every version of the best selling toy line and all incarnations of Masters of the Universe on television, film, stage, and print, tracing the inception and ups and downs of the fantasy juggernaut.

The inaugural Power-Con, a convention for fans of He-Man, She-Ra and Thunder Cats, is taking place in Los Angeles, September 24th-25th. As part of the event, Urban Archipelago Films will premiere 20 minutes of never before seen footage from the upcoming documentary film Toy Masters: chronicling the meteoric rise and fall of the MOTU franchise, as well as the years of struggle for credit over its origins. The preview will be followed by a Q & A session with the filmmakers: Roger Lay Jr. (director/producer) and Corey Landis (producer, co-writer), and various special guests moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett (director of Free Enterprise and Femme Fatales). Also scheduled to appear (subject to availability): Gary Goddard (director, 1987 Masters Of The Universe film), Mark DiCamillo (former Marketing Executive, Mattel), Joe Morrison (former President, Mattel Entertainment Division), and former Mattel designers Ted Mayer and Mark Taylor.

Power-Con is being held at Four Points By Sheraton LAX, 9750 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 – Saturday & Sunday, September 24th-25th, 2011. Open to the general public, a 1-day pass is $25 per person, a 2-day pass is $40, and kids 12 & under get in FREE!

The Toy Masters screening and Q&A at Power-Con will be held on Saturday, September 24th, 2011, from 5:00pm-5:45pm, in the panels area of the San Diego Room.

For more details visit the Power-Con official site: http://www.thepower-con.com/

Follow TOY MASTERS on the Facebook group for updates, including exclusive details on how you can be one of the first to see the film. Or go to the official website for the film: www.toymastersmovie.com

About the Filmmakers:

Roger Lay Jr. (writer, producer, director)

Roger Lay Jr. studied film and television production at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television, and The Los Angeles Film School. He began his career working for the production staff on the hit television series “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Producing credits include: HBO/ThinkFilm’s “95 Miles To Go” starring Ray Romano, as well an the recently released Sci-Fi Feature “Chrysalis”, based on the short story by internationally acclaimed author Ray Bradbury.

Roger Lay Jr. was the recipient of the Best Feature Award at the International Horror and Science Fiction Film Festival for his production of “Ray Bradbury’s Chrysalis.” He has also served as a segment producer for the annual Los Angeles Holiday Celebration on PBS, and has produced and directed multiple music videos and promotional spots for such clients as Sony/BMG, Universal Music Latin, and Warner Music Latin. Roger is also a contributing writer for the New Ray Bradbury Review (Kent State Press). He is also the director of the upcoming documentary film “Toy Masters: How He-Man and Mattel Conquered the Universe” and is currently working on the re-launch of the cult 80s sci-fi series: “Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future” for Gary Goddard Entertainment.

Corey Landis (producer, co-writer)

Corey Landis grew up in Ohio and graduated with a theater degree from Ohio University where he appeared in classical & contemporary works. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Landis scored a recurring role on “That ’70s Show” as the young Red Forman. Since then, Landis has appeared in a variety of commercials and shorts and starred in several feature films, including “Dinocroc Vs. Supergator” (with David Carradine), “Ray Bradbury’s Chrysalis,” and the upcoming “Dracula: Reborn.” He is also a screenwriter, a singer-songwriter with three albums of original material, and a painter. You can see him next in the comedy webseries: “The Bomb Shelter.”

About Urban Archipelago Films:

Since its inception Urban Archipelago Films has been responsible for the production of varied commercials, music videos, feature films, and special content for DVD and the web. Some of their most recent projects include: the film adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “A Piece Of Wood,” and ThinkFilm’s “95 Miles To GO” starring Ray Romano.

A recent notable project is the feature film “Ray Bradbury’s Chrysalis,” based on the short story by the acclaimed author of such classics as “The Martian Chronicles” and “Fahrenheit 451.” The film was the recipient of the Best Feature Award at the International Horror and Science Fiction Film Festival, and is now available On Demand and DVD from Lightning Entertainment and E1 Home Entertainment

Popularity: 3%

I just looked at the photos on the Toy Masters facebook page and I am soooooooo excited about this. It was awesome seeing the original artist who did the artwork on the packaging and their art. I hope they'll be able to get Earl Norem in this as well.

The guys over on their Facebook page don't like it when you let them know when the spelling of Grayskull is incorrect ...

There is trouble brewing in Eternia. Trouble over who is the real master of the universe,... the He-Man universe. Toy Masters is a documentary that covers the creation and history of the He-Man franchise (toys, cartoons, etc..) as well the ongoing battle over who actually created the brand.
I was a huge He-Man dork, had Castle Grayskull and watched the cartoon religiously. I never questioned the over the top ****-eroticism of it or Aryan uber human undertone (sporting the Nazi Grand Iron cross on his chestplate). I'm happy to see a documentary on the subject in which the participants seem happy to talk **** about each other. Check out a 7 minute preview below...





What makes you think you're the one? Who is singing that song in the trailer? What is the title? What year is it from? Which album? Or was it written specifically for the film?

That's actually Corey Landis singing. A remake of a 1980 song from Fleetwood Mac's Tusk album.

Any update on a projected release date yet?

Good question, kinda quit for a while.

I've been wondering the same thing...anyone know anything?

I keep hearing it get mentioned so I thought it was either really close or finished even. I think we are all chomping at the bit to see this.

Originally Posted by TheFallen

I keep hearing it get mentioned so I thought it was either really close or finished even. I think we are all chomping at the bit to see this.

Wasn't it shown at some convention?

the guys behind the documentary were supposed to be at power con, but i never heard anything about it so i'm assuming they weren't there.