The popular maker of toys, Mattel, announces they are launching their own film division, which could include potential movies for Barbie, Hot Wheels, American Girl, Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, MEGA and more.
The announcement below includes that academy award-nominated producer Robbie Brenner (Dallas Buyers Club) will serve as the head of Mattel Films.
MATTEL LAUNCHES NEW THEATRICAL FILM DIVISION
ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED PRODUCER ROBBIE BRENNER JOINS AS HEAD OF MATTEL FILMS
– New theatrical film division to develop motion pictures based on Mattel’s iconic franchises
– Robbie Brenner, producer of Dallas Buyers Club, appointed to oversee new division
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 6, 2018 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced the creation of Mattel Films, a new division of the Company focused on developing and producing motion pictures based on the Company’s iconic and globally-recognized franchises. Academy Award-nominated producer Robbie Brenner has been appointed to lead Mattel Films as Executive Producer, reporting to Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s Chairman and CEO.
“Mattel is home to one of the world’s greatest portfolios of beloved franchises, and the creation of Mattel Films will allow us to unlock significant value across our IP,” said Mr. Kreiz. “Robbie is a gifted storyteller and a highly respected filmmaker with deep relationships in entertainment. She is the perfect leader to bring our celebrated brands to life.”
“Generations of children around the world have grown up with deep emotional connections to Mattel’s brands and characters,” said Ms. Brenner. “There are so many stories to be told and so many imaginations to be captured by these iconic brands, and I look forward to working with Ynon and his team to do so.”
Ms. Brenner was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for Dallas Buyers Club, and her film Burden was a 2018 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner. She has held multiple leadership roles in the entertainment industry for the last two decades, including Partner and President of the film division at The Firm, as well as President of Production at Relativity Media. Ms. Brenner also ran the classics division at Davis Entertainment, and prior to this, she held Senior Vice President roles at both Twentieth Century Fox and Miramax.
Ms. Brenner oversaw the production of dozens of movies, including Academy Award-winning The Fighter; the Snow White Adaptation Mirror Mirror, starring Julia Roberts; the 3-D epic, Immortals; the highly successful Nicholas Sparks book adaptions Dear John and Safe Haven. Ms. Brenner was also pivotal in the acquisition of the Sundance documentary Catfish, which became a cultural sensation, as well as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, Don Jon.
In 2015, in recognition of her pioneering work, Ms. Brenner was invited to join the executive branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
