A new Netflix series on famous toys, how they were made, who the designers were, funny stories about their creation, et cetera.
First episode is about Star Wars toys. Kenner was the ONLY bidder, prior to the opening of the first film. Every other toy maker thought the movie would probably flop. Because of this, Kenner was able to negotiate a contract that gave them 95% of the revenue, and George Lucas only got 5%. The contract was to be in effect in perpetuity, as long as Kenner paid George at least $10,000/year.
In 1985 they missed a payment, after making MILLIONS on the first trilogy. With no new Star Wars films on the horizon, they figured the fad had run its course. So they let the contract expire -- the extremely lucrative exclusive one-sided contract.
That's when George announced the prequels, and Kenner had to BUY their way back into the contract -- at a much smaller share, and non-exclusive.
The show also talks about the rare toys, the withdrawn toys, the toys that are worth six or seven figures now.
Episode two is about Barbie. Did you know she was modeled after a German hooker doll?
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