Toy Licensing with Mike Drake and Barry Eldridge

What does it take to bring a licensed toy to market? What is the process, and what are the pitfalls? Toy industry veterans Mike Drake and Barry Eldridge provide a behind-the-curtain glimpse into the world of licensed character toys and collectibles. Have you ever wondered why a licensed toy doesn't look quite like the character does in the movie, TV show or comic book? Why are the colors off? Why doesn't the face resemble the actor? Why do companies make so many of certain characters, while ignoring other characters from the same franchise? What forces guide the decisions of studios, IP rights holders, retailers and toy companies? It's a mysterious business, when observed from the outside. Authoritative, first-hand information is elusive. This in-depth interview with two industry insiders provides a rare opportunity to learn what kind of hurdles must be jumped before a new licensed action figure, doll, plush toy, model kit, statue, game, prop replica, lunch box, latex mask, T-shirt, poster, or any other official product hits the market. It can be a wild ride, and these two gentlemen have lived it. Thank you to Mike Drake and Barry Eldridge for generously providing their time and expertise to make this special episode of Basement of Horror possible.