Toy Masters Documentary

Hello there, Corey!

I hope that you do not mind me asking this, but do you have a release date for this yet? I just can not wait to see this receive a DVD/ Blu-Ray release. Please, keep us updated. Thank you again for making this.

Take Care,
Darren

Originally Posted by Corey Landis

Just wanted to thank everyone here for all the positive comments and for the spirited debate. We look forward to you all seeing the final product. For those going to Power-Con, we'll be screening some exclusive clips at our panel. Hope to see you there.

Oh boy, can´t wait for the finished documantery!
Im more excited for it, then for any other MotU stuff. Hope you can unveil all mysteries regarding the creation of He-Man
Thank you very much for all your work and just feel awesome

Go team Lou!

This looks really good! I love the in-depth look at the mentality surrounding the line as it was created. I can't wait to see the entire thing!

Twitch did an article on TOY MASTERS.

Muscles! It's all about the Muscles. Let's face it. The 80's were covered in muscles be it block buster movies from Stallone, Ahnold and Lundgren and tons of other impostors, the music industry were littered with well oiled musicians from cheesy dance music to the high octane metal of Manowar. And children's toys were about to get their share of muscle galore with a legendary toy line and a saturday morning cartoon that was about to carve its name in stone. He-Man and The Masters of the Universe grabbed the sword and sandals genre and crammed it down our throats. It was the ultimate adventure, a young prince who's alter ego is the walking mountain of flesh that is He-Man who battles a skull faced villain and his beastly minions but at the same time gives us a lesson on how to treat friends and not to make fun of others. Essentially the Mr.T cartoon with monsters and more action really.
The franchise still lives on today, though not nearly as strong as it used to be and people of my generation feel He-Man was a big influence on their lives and helped turn their attention to the more fantastical side things, making nerds of us all.
Now a group of filmmakers have started production of a documentary called TOYMASTERS, chronicling the creation of the character and how it became on of the biggest cultural phenomenon of its day. And judging by the long trailer below it has all the ingredients to make a smashing film, riches, backstabbing and drama. The film is still in production and has a planned release next year and the guys are looking for the worlds biggest He-Man fan to be featured in the film. So if you think you got what it takes to be a contender for the biggest He-Man nerd out there drop them a line through their official website.
Check out the trailer below and then head on over to TOYMASTERS website and take a gander at some additional clips and news.

http://twitchfilm.com/news/2011/08/b...ocumentary.php

I can't wait for this documentary!

BIG - CLAY - THING

PM me if you want the hi res version

AWESOME! I've added the video it to the bottom of my site!

Finally! Masters of the Universe: The E! True Hollywood Story, The A&E Biography, VH1: Behind The Music. Just kidding on that last one!

Will there be interviews with the writers, musicians and studio engineers/producers about the music for the He-Man and She-Ra cartoons. Will we find out who sang the He-Man chants? What instruments were used if any? Was it computer generated or were synthesizers used?

Will they go into a studio, put on the master copies and talk about them and the process of how they were developed?

Here are examples from VH1 Classic Albums

Originally Posted by Arkangel

BIG - CLAY - THING

PM me if you want the hi res version

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w..._claything.png

If thats authentic, it looks like the "clay thing" is also based on Mark Taylors sketches.
Roger confirmed at least that Mark designed the harness.
The harness did came after the Vikor sketch.
So the Vikor sketch was created before the Clay thing, apparently.
But only they know for sure.

Originally Posted by Arkangel

BIG - CLAY - THING

PM me if you want the hi res version

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w..._claything.png

what's the story behind this pic? i've never seen it or heard about it before.

Originally Posted by Man-E-Toys

what's the story behind this pic? i've never seen it or heard about it before.

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

I was told about this doco yesterday by my local comic shop owner and now Ive seen the preview Im looking forward to it. This is the kind of 'dirt' behind the scenes stuff Im interested in not that the doco series on the BCI dvds weren't good I like em (gees how many people who appeared in them do I know quite a few ) but Toy Masters is more uncensored ultimate one. Will be sure to tell other people about it.

Interview Dr. Donald F. Roberts

http://communication.stanford.edu/faculty/roberts/

Donald F. Roberts
Professor Emeritus of Communication
[email protected]
http://www.roberts-etal.com/don.htm



http://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/the-ba...er-he-man.html

The Battle Over Who Created “He-Man”
August 4, 2011 6:00 am

Toy Masters is a feature-length documentary (currently in production) on the story behind the toy line and animated series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. In addition to interviews with all the principals behind the toys and Filmation cartoon, the preview below contains the central conflict of the film – the stories of toy designers Roger Sweet and Mark Taylor, both of whom claim to have created He-Man:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/0...mentary-video/

'Toy Masters' to Document He-Man's Dark Disputed History



Since its debut in 1982, Mattel's Masters of the Universe toy line and accompanying multimedia extensions have netted the toy company the kind of money guys like Steve Jobs can't even sneer at. As with any hugely successful property, however, there's a controversy: A bunch of dudes claim to have created the series famed protagonist He-Man. Urban Archipelago Films has set out to explore He-Man's potentially sordid origins in Toy Masters, an upcoming documentary that seeks to fully chronicle the cultural phenomenon inspired by a the most unhealthy-looking beefcake to ever summon the power of Grayskull. Catch the Toy Masters trailer after the jump.

From Toy Masters' official synopsis:
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.

As entertaining as it is to see the meaner side of MoTU, I'm hoping to see more chill corners of the franchise's history as well. I've always preferred Mattel's trippy mini-comics to anything Filmation ever did in its 130 episode cartoon series (and way more than its sequel The New Adventures of He-Man), so it will be interesting to see if the film can uncover some interesting new tidbits in that department. Regardless, I am geeking out over seeing the finished Toy Masters when it wraps in 2012.

Geek Tyrant

http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/8/3/...y-masters.html

Here's the trailer for a new documentary that focuses on the creation of one of the 1980's raddest brands... He-Man! Yes, it's a whole documentary centered on the incredibly buff Master of the Universe, and it looks incredibly fascinating! It's like The Social Network of action figures. It looks like there was so much drama and backstabbing going on behind the scenes of the creation of He-Man, that there's no way this can't be entertaining. This 8-minute trailer for the film completely hooked me.

I grew up playing with these toys! I had a huge collection, which included the Castle of Grey Skull. I was a buge fan of He-Man growing up, but none of these toys survived my childhood. According to Twitch, "the film is still in production and has a planned release next year and the guys are looking for the worlds biggest He-Man fan to be featured in the film." How big of a He-Man fan are you?

Check out the trailer below and tell us what you think!

Nerd City

http://nerdcityonline.com/2011/08/10...ers-the-movie/

It might not be a commonly known fact, but there has always been a good deal of dispute over who, exactly, was the creator (or creators) of the Masters of the Universe property. Obviously, like many concepts, MOTU is the result of many contributors, and evolved quite a bit, not only during its infancy, but also throughout its heyday. What makes the story of this property so particularly interesting, however, is how outspoken many of its creators are about the significance of their role in its conceptualization, above the others.

That’s where Roger Lay Jr and Corey Landis come in. The two of them decided to make a film specifically about the labyrinthine origins of Masters of the Universe, entitled Toy Masters: How He-Man and Mattel Conquered the Universe.

From Toy Masters:

“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.

For even more on Toy Masters, be sure to check out their official website here.

Sound on Site

http://www.soundonsight.org/trailer-...comment-140381

Since its debut in 1982, Mattel’s Masters of the Universe has been one of the most financially successful toy-lines ever produced. With the multimedia expansions including a feature length film, an animated series, comic books and more, you wouldn’t assume there would be an ongoing debate on as to who exactly created the idea – but there is.

Urban Archipelago Films has set out to explore He-Man’s potentially sordid origins in Toy Masters, an upcoming documentary that chronicles the cultural phenomenon while interviewing those responsible for the success of the franchise.

Synopsis: 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.

sweet! Didn't hear about this until I saw the closed thread in the "Other" forum.

This is REALLY going to be interesting when it comes out cause I know I will rent it when it comes to PSN cause I really want to see it all and if any in an uncut viewing.

I'm curious to know if the Princess Of Power toy line will be mentioned in this documentary? In Roger Sweet's book, I remember he said that former CEO Jill Barad snatched the project away and took credit for having created the brand.

Received this today from Roger Sweet... Thought we'd pass it along. We'll be posting a great clip of Mark Taylor addressing Roger directly in the next few days on our Facebook page.

August 14, 2011

To Corey Landis:

I will not be working with you anymore on your Toy Masters documentary movie.

Also, I will not be attending the Power Con Convention. However, please pass along this message to all of the terrific He-Man / Masters Of The Universe fans worldwide:

"I love all of you He-Man / Masters Of The Universe fans. Thanks so much for all of your great support of the He-Man / Masters phenomenon through the years. I wish all of you the very best of everything. May you continue to enjoy Mattel's He-Man / Masters franchise for many years from here to Eternia."

Best regards,

Roger Sweet

That's a shame. Can't wait to see this clip.

Leaves lots of open questions.

Originally Posted by Arkangel

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

Sorry, I totally forgot to comment on this one!
The prototype in the pic is one of the 3 original prototypes Roger Sweet used to pitch the idea for the line to Mattel's managment, more exactly the one based on Mark Taylor's drawings. The other 2 were all Roger's design.
They were modified Big Jim figures recasted and painted (so much biggeer than an actual MOTU figure). They have been destroyed and only 2 pics remain documenting their existance.
I'm kinda shocked by fans reaction to the reveal of such a legendary piece. The first time I saw them it was a big deal for me!
I know coming September all 3 protoypes will be finally revealed

Originally Posted by Emiliano

I know coming September all 3 protoypes will be finally revealed

That sounds awesome!!!

Can't wait!

Originally Posted by Emiliano

I'm kinda shocked by fans reaction to the reveal of such a legendary piece. The first time I saw them it was a big deal for me!
I know coming September all 3 protoypes will be finally revealed

I know, when i saw the pic i was myself because this is the first time i ever saw it and i'm sure it's the first time this pic is publicly on the internet.

It was taken directly from the video and it is also a BIG deal for me, that's an actual piece of pre-historic he-man and the motu. Incredible!

Originally Posted by Emiliano

Sorry, I totally forgot to comment on this one!
The prototype in the pic is one of the 3 original prototypes Roger Sweet used to pitch the idea for the line to Mattel's managment, more exactly the one based on Mark Taylor's drawings. The other 2 were all Roger's design.
They were modified Big Jim figures recasted and painted (so much biggeer than an actual MOTU figure). They have been destroyed and only 2 pics remain documenting their existance.
I'm kinda shocked by fans reaction to the reveal of such a legendary piece. The first time I saw them it was a big deal for me!
I know coming September all 3 protoypes will be finally revealed

Is the orange Conan the Barbarian lookalike one of those 3 early prototypes?

Originally Posted by Grimbot

Is the orange Conan the Barbarian lookalike one of those 3 early prototypes?

That's an early He-Man sculpt by Tony Guerrero, it came after the 3 original prorotypes by Sweet and it isn't one of them.
All tre figures by Roger shared the same body (but posed differently) and are big like a Big Jim, while Tony's sculpt is 1:1 scale with regular figures.

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

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.