Barbie I Can Be Kmart Exclusive

Do you follow the Barbie I Can Be series? If yes, then you won't want to miss the new Barbie Fashion Photographer. This Kmart exclusive doll is a basic blond Barbie who comes with a doll-sized camera, camera bag, and silver plastic tripod. Just in case you do not like or cannot find the more realistic doll-sized tripod Muff found, this could be the tripod for your dolls.



This is how the boxed doll looks, front and back.



Anyone tracking the Barbie exclusives? Know of a website doing so? I wonder if it is worth doing a Webshots photo folder of them?

A Power Team Guy in Movies: Interview with Philip C. Lane

Longtime doll and action figure enthusiasts may recall seeing Philip C. Lane's fun and action-packed videos starring M&C Power Team members as well as other action figures. I came across my DVD of Storm Cloud and decided to contact him. He graciously provided this interview.


PhillyCollector: What inspired you to create playscale videos? Why did you begin?

Philip Lane: I have to admit that I got the idea from a friend who is a huge G.I. Joe collector. He and his brother had made a movie using their Joe's. They didn't use stop-motion but moved the figures with their hand just off camera. It was very cool to watch and gave me the inspiration to do one too. I wanted my movie to make it seem the figures were really coming to life and I decided stop-motion was the way to go. Only thing, I had never done stop-motion before. So I did some research and practiced. A lot.


PhillyCollector: How long have you been creating action figure videos?

Philip Lane: I started my first movie in around 2001, so for 11 years now.


PhillyCollector: How did you decide to use playscale action figures? As opposed to smaller or larger figures?

Philip Lane: It just made sense to me to use that scale for the ease of animating. Plus at that time there are plenty of accessories available such as furniture, clothes, and vehicles.


PhillyCollector: How did you gain the permission to use M&C Toys, Dragon, etc. figures from the manufacturers? (Mattel is notoriously jealous of Barbie.)

Philip Lane: That's a funny story. I contacted a lot of American Companies along with M&C Toys, Dragon, and Lanard. All the American companies said no, but the other above mention companies all said yes. One of them even sent me a small truck load of free toys. I promised I would never reveal who it was. So please don't ask.

PhillyCollector: How do you go about creating a video? Do you start with a story in mind or do you get inspiration from the figures? 

Philip Lane: I do have figures that I really want to use, so the figures do play apart in the inspiration. But only in the way that it would be cool to them animated. I usually start with an outline first that my long time friend and writer Christopher Valin helps me with. He helps me gather my thoughts and work on a plot. Once that is completed, I write the script which is based off the outline. I also start recording the voices for the parts from all the actors once the script is finished.

PhillyCollector: How long does it take to create an hour long video?

Philip Lane: It took me over two years to make my first movie (Storm Cloud Anti Terrorist Operations) and it was about 35 minutes long. My second Movie (Storm Cloud Revenge, Truth, & Glory) took about 4 years and was 1 hour 17 minutes long. My third movie (Heroes Faith I) took about six years and is 2 hours 35 minutes long.


PhillyCollector: What is hardest to do when you choreograph scenes? I LOVE how I can recognize certain martial arts techniques performed by your figures like roundhouse kicks, etc.?

Philip Lane: It really isn't that hard to me. I just try to think what happens next. The hardest part, which is also the most fun, is to make the characters execute the moves. It's very time intensive. A fight scene can take hours if not days to shoot. I take lots of breaks.


PhillyCollector: Did you ever have martial arts training? What knowledge or background inspires or helps your fight scenes?
 

Philip Lane: I did take some martial art when I was a kid and again when I was in the military. I also let movie fight scenes inspire me too. But only if they are done well. I only like the fight scenes where the camera pulls back and lets you see, what I like to call "The Dance". You get to see all the moves clearly. I hate when the director puts the camera so close it's hard to see the moves.


PhillyCollector: Are there specific books or websites that you would recommend for people interested in following in your video-creating footsteps?

 

Philip Lane: The first site I found was stopmotionanimation.com. There, I would look up the answers to my questions. The first question I had was how do I make a figure jump? I found the answer there. In fact I found two different answers and went with the one that was going to work for me. The best way I would recommend is just do it. Practice is a must. Also watch other videos and see what's being done. You can also ask questions, if the other film makers are will to write you back.

 

 

PhillyCollector: How do you create your backgrounds?

 

Philip Lane: I use to be a comic book artist and drawing background was something I really enjoyed. My goal with the movies, is to always make them believable. I build them using either foam core board or masonite and usually build at least three walls for filming.

PhillyCollector: Will you be writing a book or creating a website detailing how to make animated videos of action figures?

Philip Lane: At this time I have no plans to do that. I'm too busy wanting to make the next movie. 


PhillyCollector: Is there anything you would like to add about creating videos?
 

Philip Lane: At first it was all about entertainment and making money, but after reading a book called Purpose Drive Life by Rick Warren, I now make films that utilized my God given passion for action figure and movie making to try and teach people about the Love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a lot of bad and misinformation about God and the Bible and I want to present an accurate portrayal of both and God's Love and Salvation plan. I want everyone to experience how awesome it is to know God and learn that He loves them even more and has a plan for all our lives.

PhillyCollector: What is the best way to contact you for those wanting to learn more about you and your works

Philip Lane: The best way is to go to the youtube channel: www.youtube.com/actionfiguremovies. My third film (Heroes Faith I) is there and [can] be seen for free there. I will also be putting the sequel Heroes Faith II there. I do sell my other movies on DVD and those that might be interested can contact me through youtube. 

Here's my photobucket link to see what figures I'm working on or customizing - click the "Show Albums and Stories" link on the side to see ALL of the photos in the Library there: http://s965.beta.photobucket.com/user/actionfiguremovies/library/ 

PhillyCollector: Wow, I see some of your background work and kitbashes in your Photobucket folders. I will be following your Photobucket account. Thanks, Philip for sharing your faith and your creativity with us.

All text in this article belongs to Philip C. Lane and Dana E. Cooper.

First Asian Monster High Doll ... Introducing Jinafire Long!

Okay ethnic doll enthusiasts, Mattel's Monster High dolls has added another ethnic doll to the crew: Jinafire Long. Jinafire hails from a line of Chinese dragons. She has a metallic gold complexion and greenish eyes ... and a tail! She is the first MH ghoul to have a tail. And a nice price of $74.50 on Amazon.com. (No, I don't know if that is the price for her everywhere - wait, someplace called "Mohr Toys and Collectibles" has her for $49.99.) Is it just me or do MH prices seem high?

Additional photos can be found here.

Pssst ... Get Your Mixis Doll for $19.95+ (Postage Not Included)

No, that is not a typo. Yes, you can get any one of the Mixis dolls for only $19.95 - postage NOT included. The ad states that that is 70% off the regular cost. If you can get any of the First Edition dolls, that means you get very cool boots or leather-like loafers or suede boots. You can see photos of the Mixis dolls here under this link.

The only "catch" is that you have to like the Mixis dolls on Facebook first. Small price for a great deal if you are already on Facebook.

Seen the New Dr. Who Playscale Figures?

Creative professionals, Mark Andrews and Tony Leetham, have united to form a new British toy manufacture Big Chief Studios. BIG Chief Studios Ltd. is opening with a line of new Doctor Who figures starting with a 1:6 scale 11th Doctor Who. If Matt Smith is not your favorite Doctor, you might find the accessory packs interesting. Would you like a 1:6 scale Stetson hat or any of the other outfits and accessories worn by him? Then check back to the Big Chief Studios website for when those accessories are available. You can read about their process for capturing Matt Smith's look.

What will this Doctor Who cost? Only £134.99 (tax or shipping costs not included). That translates to $175.10 USD. at today's rate. If the likeness is as good as the photos, then this might be do-able for a fervid fan. (I am curious if they will have a nude doll options at a reduced price.)

For those curious about the Doctor's companion, here is a link to the pre-order for Amy Pond who will cost £149.99.


So .... has anyone succumbed yet? I'd love to see your photos ... big hint.

Black Friday Comment

Source for this photo is http://i.imgur.com/UNFEv.jpg

Happy Thanksgiving All

A PhillyCollector and the denizens of East Philly send wishes for a happy Thankgiving to those celebrating that holiday.