Matty's News Archive — January - March, 2009

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Matty's page now back up on Facebook!

March 16, 2009

Hey toy fans,

Matty here. I know we've been a bit silent this last week while we worked around the clock to restore my Facebook page. It is now up and running again and we are working very closely with the very helpful staff at Facebook to make sure they are aware that this is indeed our official news page. Check it often for the latest news, images and sneak peaks of your favorite Matty Collector product!

—Matty

Mattel Press Release

February 4, 2009

Culver City, Calif. - February 4, 2009 - Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Mattel, Inc. announced today the development of a new collectible line of toys based on the world's favorite poltergeist fighting team, the Ghostbusters, including an extensive cast of ghosts and ghostbusters - celebrating the 25th anniversary of the frightfully funny classic film "Ghostbusters."

Mattel's "Ghostbusters" collectible line, debuts with 12-inch figures in June 2009, and will be available exclusively at MattyCollector.com. Each figure will feature window box packaging and include authentic Ghostbuster equipment unique to each character. For the first time, Mattel's line will include talent likeness of Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, Peter Venkman and Winston Zeddemore. Select prototype figures will be on display February 6-8 at New York Comic Con and February 15 at Mattel's New York Toy Fair Collector Preview Night (by invitation only.).

"We have assembled a quality group of licensing partners to support and celebrate the anniversary for one of Columbia Pictures most cherished properties. Mattel's line-up of collector toys is the perfect complement to what will be a great selection of 25th anniversary product," said Juli Boylan, Senior Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Products Worldwide.

"Ghostbusters" collectors can also look forward to 6-inch figures, with one debuting at San Diego Comic Con in July 2009. Sculpted by Four Horsemen Studios, the team currently working on Mattel's popular DC Universe™ Classics and Masters of the Universe® Classics collectible lines, the 6-inch line will come complete with authentic "Ghostbusters" equipment and ghost.

"There haven't been many comedic blockbusters over the past quarter century as memorable and loved as 'Ghostbusters,'" said Tim Kilpin, GM for Boys, Girls & Games, Mattel, Inc. "We are honored to participate in the celebration of the film's 25th anniversary by creating the most extensive line of 'Ghostbusters' collectibles ever."

Mattel will also create characters and ghosts from the classic animated series, "The Real Ghostbusters," to go along with the classic "Ghostbusters" film.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. (SPCP), a division of Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television.

Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Mattel, Inc.

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica:® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of 2009's "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE Magazine. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs approximately 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands-today and tomorrow.

Latest News on Masters of the Universe Film!

January 30, 2009

Hey gang,

WB, Joel Silver shaping He-Man film
John Stevenson to direct live action 'Masters'

Warner Bros. and producer Joel Silver set "Kung Fu Panda" co-director John Stevenson to make his live action directing debut on "Masters of the Universe," a re-imagining of the signature Mattel toy line.

He-Man is a brawny prince who transforms into a warrior who becomes the last hope for a magical land called Eternia, which is being ravaged by technology and the evil Skeletor.

Silver is producing through his Silver Pictures banner. Mattel's Barry Waldo will be executive producer.

WB acquired the property in 2007, and Justin Marks wrote the first draft of the script based on a story he wrote with Neil Ellice.

The Mattel property became iconic by way of the 1980s cartoon series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe," and the property was previously turned into a campy flop by Cannon Films in 1987, with Dolph Lungdren as He-Man and "Frost/Nixon" star Frank Langella as the villainous Skeletor.

The film project is a big priority for Mattel, which offers a high-end line of He-Man toys that are popular with hardcore collectors through its direct to collector web site MattyCollector.com.com .

Stevenson said the first film came to mind when he was asked to consider the job, and the impression wasn't a good one. He changed his mind when he went to Mattel headquarters and was shown into a secret lair that contained the visuals created by the toymaker staff.

"There was this locked bunker that you had to be escorted into," Stevenson said. "It was filled with art, some generated by the Mattel artists, and I looked around, and said, 'I get it.' We started formulating a specific vision for costumes, creatures, architecture, and the creation of a mythology and look for a whole world we'll create."

Waldo said that Stevenson's vision to elevate the material matched with Mattel's desire to see He-Man become a big studio film. Mattel has also brought its "Hot Wheels" film to WB and Silver.

"John had such passion that we found ourselves trying to running to catch up with his vision," Waldo said.

Stevenson has also worked on "Shrek" and "Shrek 2," "Madagascar," and "James and the Giant Peach," and began his career working for Jim Henson on projects that included "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth."

Matty Announces NYCC Panels for Mattel!

January 14, 2009

Hey Toy Fans!

For those of you making it out to NYCC Feb 6-8th 2009, here is some info about the two fan panels we will be holding. Lots of new product will be revealed and, of course, come by our booth as well for some exciting product like MOTUC Faker as well as some other surprises! Both panels are scheduled for Saturday, the 7th.

11:00 - 12:00: Mattel and DC Comics — a heroic partnership. You’ve been a fan of Mattel’s popular DC Comics toy lines, now find out the latest news, sneak peaks and behind the scenes scoop on your favorite Mattel/DC action figures including DC Universe Classics, Batman, Justice League Unlimited, Infinite Heroes, plus exciting new lines like Batman: The Brave and the Bold as well as the world premier of brand new action figures!

Join Mattel Toy Designer Bill Benecke, Mattel Marketing Brand Manager Scott Neitlich (AKA "Toy Guru"), The Four Horsemen and DC Comics SVP of Brand Management Cheryl Rubin for an insightful Q&A. Not to be missed! Room 1A14.

1:30 - 2:30: MattyCollector.com Updates and Announcements: Are you a MattyCollector.com fan? Last year at NYCC Matty announced a brand new MOTU toy line exclusive to MattyCollector.com. Come this year to find out the latest information, not just on your favorite He-Man and She-Ra toys, but on all the other exciting MattyCollector.com exclusive product for 2009 including toys from DC Universe, Justice League, Cars, Batman and Toy Story.

Panel includes an insightful Q & A with Mattel Toy Designer Bill Benecke, Mattel Marketing Brand Manager Scott Neitlich (AKA "Toy Guru") and special guests the Four Horsemen. As an extra bonus, Matty, the original Mattel Toy Guru may even make an appearance live to reveal a major announcement about a brand new line available no where else! Be here or miss out on all the Matty action! Room 1A14

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