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General => Brainstorming For Playmobil => Topic started by: Klicky_Ghost on May 13, 2021, 22:53:42

Title: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on May 13, 2021, 22:53:42
Hello Playmofriends! :wave:

I was recently thinking about what sorts of licensed sets I might like to see from Playmobil, and for some reason my mind settled upon the idea of The Wizard of Oz —specifically the 1939 film (though sets based upon the original L. Frank Baum series would not be unwelcome). Not only do I feel that Wizard of Oz themed sets and figures would be a commercial success for Playmobil, but I think it would provide some awesome and imaginative pieces that would delight both collectors of Playmobil and the mainstream market.

First of all, the 1939 The Wizard of Oz film is considered an absolute classic in America (though I can't speak to its popularity in Europe). The characters from the movie are instantly recognizable by much of the American public (therefore iconic), and there is a captive market of people who collect memorabilia and merchandise related to the film. Second of all, the film and its related merchandise appeal to many older people due to the nostalgia factor, while also relating to children because of its whimsical and wholesome nature.

There are so many iconic characters in the film that could easily be translated into the Playmobil world while also exploring new custom pieces or accessories; the figures could be released individually, in groups, or included in sets. I'm getting a bit excited imagining some of the possibilities:


There are also the "regular" characters at the beginning of the film that could nonetheless make cool characters (and might be able to work into the Victorian/1900 sets). For instance, I would love to see Almira Gulch and her old-fashioned bicycle make an appearance. It would be nice to have Auntie Em and Uncle Henry as well. And they could re-use the gypsy wagon from the cancelled Everdreamerz 4 for Professor Marvel.

There are so many cool sets that I imagine Playmobil could make based on the film as well.


I would love to hear what you guys think, and any other ideas you have for Wizard of Oz-related Playmobil pieces!
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Tiermann on May 13, 2021, 23:33:28
Would love to see this of course. The farm is easy, thry could use the existing Western farmhouse.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Macruran on May 14, 2021, 04:24:00
I oppose this on my principle that I don't like fictional licenses in PM, but apart from that I agree that it would make for a rich and interesting theme, with many potentially good looking klickies. However I wonder what the status of the license is - is it in the public domain?
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Ismene on May 14, 2021, 05:18:27
The Baum books were published between 1900 and 1920, so they should be public domain. A license wouldn't be needed as long as the theme side-stepped anything specifically from later adaptations (e.g. the ruby slippers). Sometimes companies will hold trademarks for specific phrases/images associated with a public domain work (ex. the Beatrix Potter publisher is sitting on some Peter Rabbit trademarks), so that would have to be researched.

It's an interesting idea, although thus far Playmobil hasn't created a large theme for the American market, and the Wizard of Oz is very American.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on May 14, 2021, 08:46:27
I like this idea! I would guess the 1939 film is probably better known than Heidi, Spirit, HTTYD, Ghostbusters, BTTF and Scooby Doo.
The sequel 'Return to Oz' has many further PM possibilities; Tik-Tok, the Wheelers, Mombi (interchangeable heads!), Jack Pumpkinhead (already done as a Scooby Doo 'ghost'), even The Gump.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on May 15, 2021, 16:00:48
Quote from: Macruran on May 14, 2021, 04:24:00
I oppose this on my principle that I don't like fictional licenses in PM, but apart from that I agree that it would make for a rich and interesting theme, with many potentially good looking klickies. However I wonder what the status of the license is - is it in the public domain?

To be honest, I was disappointed when I first found out that Playmobil was producing licensed sets. To me, the strength of Playmobil had always been creating original content or using "open source" inspiration to create blank canvases with which children could imagine their own worlds. But I guess I see it as: if Playmobil is going to continue to create licensed sets (and I imagine they will), then I would rather imagine sets that I would like to see and think others would enjoy as well. The only licensed sets I've really enjoyed so far are the Heidi sets, mainly because there are so many pieces that work wonderfully into my Victorian/1900 world.

Quote from: Ismene on May 14, 2021, 05:18:27
It's an interesting idea, although thus far Playmobil hasn't created a large theme for the American market, and the Wizard of Oz is very American.

This may be my Yankee ignorance showing, but I would have assumed that Scooby Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future had all been created with special consideration for the American market if not told otherwise. All of them play off of mainstream American media nostalgia, and Scooby Doo especially seems like such a quintessential piece of Americana. I can't really speak to Spirit or HTTYD, as those are far newer properties and outside of my demographic knowledge. As GrahamB alluded to, I would have thought that The Wizard of Oz would be just as recognizable as those previously-mentioned licensed sets even in Europe, if not more so. Perhaps the reasoning in general could be that Playmobil already sees the American market as saturated with such products, and so does not place as much emphasis on that market?

Quote from: GrahamB on May 14, 2021, 08:46:27
I like this idea! I would guess the 1939 film is probably better known than Heidi, Spirit, HTTYD, Ghostbusters, BTTF and Scooby Doo.
The sequel 'Return to Oz' has many further PM possibilities; Tik-Tok, the Wheelers, Mombi (interchangeable heads!), Jack Pumpkinhead (already done as a Scooby Doo 'ghost'), even The Gump.

Why oh why did you have to remind me of "Return to Oz"? Mombi's closet full of spare heads pretty much scarred me as a child. But what a fun concept for a Playmobil set!  :lol:
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Macruran on May 15, 2021, 16:27:10
Quote from: Klicky_Ghost on May 15, 2021, 16:00:48
To be honest, I was disappointed when I first found out that Playmobil was producing licensed sets. To me, the strength of Playmobil had always been creating original content or using "open source" inspiration to create blank canvases with which children could imagine their own worlds. But I guess I see it as: if Playmobil is going to continue to create licensed sets (and I imagine they will), then I would rather imagine sets that I would like to see and think others would enjoy as well. The only licensed sets I've really enjoyed so far are the Heidi sets, mainly because there are so many pieces that work wonderfully into my Victorian/1900 world.

I agree with both of these points. If we must have licenses, let's at least  try to get some really good ones. And the Heidi sets looked really nice, I was sad that they were never released in the US!  :'(
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on May 15, 2021, 22:08:25
Quote from: Macruran on May 15, 2021, 16:27:10
I agree with both of these points. If we must have licenses, let's at least  try to get some really good ones. And the Heidi sets looked really nice, I was sad that they were never released in the US!  :'(

The Heidi sets are great on their own, and contain a variety of pieces and figures that can easily work into many other Playmobil set themes, including the Western, Medieval, 1900, and "nature" sets. One could probably work them into the farm and modern city themes as well. I would definitely recommend. I got mine new and reasonably priced off of eBay (not sure if others have better sources for their sets), with reasonable shipping costs. One took a month to get here from France, but that was fine by me. Interestingly, the "happy birthday" paper from the Clara/Rottenmeier set came blank -- but I was actually thrilled because it has much better use to me as a blank sheet of paper sitting on a desk.  :lol:
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Ismene on May 16, 2021, 04:51:09
Quote from: Klicky_Ghost on May 15, 2021, 16:00:48

This may be my Yankee ignorance showing, but I would have assumed that Scooby Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future had all been created with special consideration for the American market if not told otherwise. All of them play off of mainstream American media nostalgia, and Scooby Doo especially seems like such a quintessential piece of Americana. I can't really speak to Spirit or HTTYD, as those are far newer properties and outside of my demographic knowledge. As GrahamB alluded to, I would have thought that The Wizard of Oz would be just as recognizable as those previously-mentioned licensed sets even in Europe, if not more so. Perhaps the reasoning in general could be that Playmobil already sees the American market as saturated with such products, and so does not place as much emphasis on that market?


Europe consumes a lot of American media; and Scooby-Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future themes were released in Europe also (as opposed to some of the Halloween sets). So PM must have anticipated a European market for those themes.

I'm sure The Wizard of Oz is known in Europe. But it's very much a tale of the American experience, and I don't know if PM wants to go that route. However, PM doesn't seem to know where it's going these days anyway.  8}

I also wish they had released the Heidi theme in the US. There were some good parts in there for historical themes, and the US knows Heidi, even if the cartoon is less known here. They tend to be slow to realize that people want "cultural" sets depicting cultures outside their own.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Oliver on May 16, 2021, 08:11:46
I'd assume that most people in Europe would at least know the rough story of the first book. I'd guess that later books are almost unknown - I read the first two as a child, but I think that is extremely unusual. But it's a bit like Heidi or Oliver Twist - I suspect very few people have read the original novel, but at least when I was a kid there were lots of 'childrens' versions of it about.

Unfortunately, both the Ruby Slippers and the Green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West were created for the film and are probably the most recognisable features in people's minds.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on May 17, 2021, 07:15:52
I cannot speak with much authority about the rest of Europe, but I would say The Wizard of Oz is pretty much a classic in the UK. The film was released here in 1939 (see here (https://en-gb.facebook.com/theabbeydalepicturehouse/posts/in-1939-the-wizard-of-oz-was-released-in-the-uk-and-was-screened-right-here-at-t/633836413757556/)), the same year as its US release, during the dark austerity of WW2, when most films were monochrome. People of my parents' generation knew the film well and it seems well known to this day, with frequent showings on TV. There is even a Ladybird Book (Google it!) of the story, in a series known as 'Well Loved Tales.' It is not uncommon for amateur groups, schools etc. to put on one of the many stage musical versions.

So I would say it is pretty much regarded as a 'classic' in the UK.

Sorry about retraumatizing you with mention of Return to Oz, K_G!
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: StJohn on May 18, 2021, 01:54:34
I concur. The Wizard of Oz and his Yellow Brick Road were forever on TV when I was wee tiny, in the Netherlands back in the 1970s. I see here a lot of potential to lure adult collectors to part with their money. Brilliant idea: thank you, Klicky_Ghost! (I'm terrible at saying Hello politely - welcome to the forum! I'm thrilled that you have joined!)
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on May 19, 2021, 07:16:37
Thanks for the feedback and input, fellow Playmofriends!  :)

This thread initially came about while ruminating on my lack of enthusiasm for Playmobil's recently released licensed sets, when I had the thought: what sort of licensed sets might I like to see from Playmobil instead? I understand that the licensed sets are not for everyone, and even I much prefer the non-licensed sets. However, The Wizard of Oz concept sort of encapsulates the sort of licensed sets I would like to see from Playmobil: those rooted in the nostalgic and the timelessly classic, rather than the trendy and new.
 
Quote from: Ismene on May 16, 2021, 04:51:09
Europe consumes a lot of American media; and Scooby-Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future themes were released in Europe also (as opposed to some of the Halloween sets). So PM must have anticipated a European market for those themes.

I remember visiting Germany as a child and watching the beloved American sitcom Bewitched on TV, dubbed in German. It was a great cultural experience, if somewhat surreal. I'm not surprised that there is a European market for Scooby-Doo, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future; I simply meant that there are a lot of media which, despite seeming typically "American" to an American, nonetheless perform well on the European market. Could merchandise related to The Wizard of Oz do well on the European market? I'm sure companies like Playmobil do plenty of market research about such things before even thinking about licensing deals.

Quote from: Ismene on May 16, 2021, 04:51:09
I also wish they had released the Heidi theme in the US. There were some good parts in there for historical themes, and the US knows Heidi, even if the cartoon is less known here. They tend to be slow to realize that people want "cultural" sets depicting cultures outside their own.

Yes, I think the Heidi sets could have done well here, despite the fact that the animated series on which the sets are directly based is not as well-known in the US. The Spyri-inspired Heidi character is well-known here, as there have been dozens of adaptations over the years; heck, the 1930s film starring Shirley Temple is still pretty popular. There are plenty of parents looking for wholesome, culturally-enriching toys for their children, free from the superficial "Hollywood" branding. Perhaps the lack of a U.S. release had something to do with the terms of licensing?

Quote from: Oliver on May 16, 2021, 08:11:46
Unfortunately, both the Ruby Slippers and the Green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West were created for the film and are probably the most recognisable features in people's minds.

The Ruby Slippers and the green skin of the Wicked Witch of the West are the main reasons I see these as "licensed" sets, because I imagine Playmobil would have to agree to a licensing deal with MGM in order to using the imagery; but I almost can't imagine sets being created without them, as they are too iconic. Plus, I really want to see Playmobil recreate the iconic look of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in klicky form (perhaps packaged in her very own semi-transparent pink bubble!):

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d9/e3/ca/d9e3ca05a4e59d62f7a692e346c58b48.png)

Quote from: GrahamB on May 17, 2021, 07:15:52
I cannot speak with much authority about the rest of Europe, but I would say The Wizard of Oz is pretty much a classic in the UK. The film was released here in 1939 (see here (https://en-gb.facebook.com/theabbeydalepicturehouse/posts/in-1939-the-wizard-of-oz-was-released-in-the-uk-and-was-screened-right-here-at-t/633836413757556/)), the same year as its US release, during the dark austerity of WW2, when most films were monochrome. People of my parents' generation knew the film well and it seems well known to this day, with frequent showings on TV. There is even a Ladybird Book (Google it!) of the story, in a series known as 'Well Loved Tales.' It is not uncommon for amateur groups, schools etc. to put on one of the many stage musical versions.

Thanks for sharing, GrahamB. The experiences of your parents' generation seems to mirror what I have heard from many older folks here in the States. We were just stepping out of a Great Depression, and Dorothy stepping into the technicolor world of Oz seemed almost symbolic of a new age to many people. I know that both countries would soon go through some dark years, but for a pre-war film WoZ really had the feeling of post-war exuberance. I feel that one reason Wizard of Oz continues to be popular (and could make good sets for Playmobil) is that at its core, the message is very simple and universal: good versus evil, the meek and gentle defeating the strong and powerful through sheer goodness.

Quote from: StJohn on May 18, 2021, 01:54:34
I concur. The Wizard of Oz and his Yellow Brick Road were forever on TV when I was wee tiny, in the Netherlands back in the 1970s. I see here a lot of potential to lure adult collectors to part with their money. Brilliant idea: thank you, Klicky_Ghost! (I'm terrible at saying Hello politely - welcome to the forum! I'm thrilled that you have joined!)

Thanks for the kind welcome, StJohn! :wave: It's comforting to know that The Wizard of Oz is a fond memory for many others across the world! As I mentioned to GrahamB, the positive messages imparted by the story are very universal in nature, and of course the whimsical world of Oz functions as a fun backdrop to the main quest story line. I would love to see what Playmobil could do with the idea!

If it's money Playmobil is after, I have a few lists I could pass their way ;) I think one of the big things I would like to see from Playmobil are figures based on American historical figures. Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Harriet Tubman? Benjamin Franklin? Perhaps the Wright Brothers with their early prototype aeroplane? I don't suppose those would interest my European Playmofriends? Perhaps I may have to settle for Levi Strauss.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Macruran on May 20, 2021, 09:24:27
Quote from: Klicky_Ghost on May 19, 2021, 07:16:37
I feel that one reason Wizard of Oz continues to be popular (and could make good sets for Playmobil) is that at its core, the message is very simple and universal: good versus evil, the meek and gentle defeating the strong and powerful through sheer goodness.

And also, the dollar should be based on gold and not free coinage of silver!  ;D

Quote
If it's money Playmobil is after, I have a few lists I could pass their way ;) I think one of the big things I would like to see from Playmobil are figures based on American historical figures. Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Harriet Tubman? Benjamin Franklin? Perhaps the Wright Brothers with their early prototype aeroplane? I don't suppose those would interest my European Playmofriends? Perhaps I may have to settle for Levi Strauss.

Playmobro I hear you and I've been beating this drum for some time: PM  has a niche in cultural representation and could easily exploit this advantage for big dollars (for them) and fun (for us). They've had smashing success with German cultural figures, why not branch out? Your suggestions are exactly the type of figures that would meet wild success.

And an aspect that PM is surely missing: sets/klickies that have a strong local flavor are MORE interesting to the international market than properties that are blandly universal. For example:

Tired: Asian dragon theme
Wired: Classical Chinese history theme (Confucius and Lao Tzu klickies, Three Kingdoms sets, etc etc)

The world is packed with such possibilities!
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: playmovictorian on May 20, 2021, 09:27:53
Such a great topic  :love:

Thank you for sharing your insight and creative ideas  :)
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on May 22, 2021, 18:57:30
Quote from: Macruran on May 20, 2021, 09:24:27
Playmobro I hear you and I've been beating this drum for some time: PM  has a niche in cultural representation and could easily exploit this advantage for big dollars (for them) and fun (for us). They've had smashing success with German cultural figures, why not branch out? Your suggestions are exactly the type of figures that would meet wild success.

Even within the area of German (and other European) cultural figures, I feel like this is an incredibly rich area that Playmobil has not even begun to fully explore. There are so many great German historic figures with iconic looks that are known the world over, thus easily translated into klicky form and highly marketable. The Bach and Mozart figures were great examples of this, but what about Beethoven? What about Schubert and Wagner and Brahms? A set of Clara and Robert Schumann would be nice. I loved the Goethe and Schiller and Fontane figures, and it would be nice to add people like Friendrich Nietzsche and Franz Kafka into the mix. In terms of rulers, a Mad King Ludwig or Marie Antoinette figure could do incredibly well. Playmobil should surely understand that just because something is niche, does not mean it can't be successful and lucrative; the "cultural figures" concept can only help it as a brand. Hopefully this is an area that Playmobil plans to explore more in the future.


Quote from: Macruran on May 20, 2021, 09:24:27
And an aspect that PM is surely missing: sets/klickies that have a strong local flavor are MORE interesting to the international market than properties that are blandly universal. For example:

Tired: Asian dragon theme
Wired: Classical Chinese history theme (Confucius and Lao Tzu klickies, Three Kingdoms sets, etc etc)

The world is packed with such possibilities!

Yes! Playmobil also has to remember that adults buy toys—even when they are buying them for children. Playmobil has always appealed to adults because it offers a learning experience to children while still being incredibly fun and imaginative. Playmobil introduces children to historical and cultural concepts, which is appealing to parents and educators, while also appealing to adult collectors by adding an ever-expanding world of pieces and figures that can work with existing sets and themes. This is an angle Playmobil should continue to play upon. We know that kids love to play with figures of queens and princesses, but wouldn't it be nice if those figures were based on actual people whose story that children could learn about?

By the way, I would love to see some East Asian inspired sets from Playmobil, and it's kind of shocking that this is an area that Playmobil has not bothered to explore! It would be wonderful to have some buildings based on traditional Japanese architecture, with Shoji screens. Perhaps a bonsai garden with a bridge over a koi pond? Where does Playmobil expect our geisha and ninja figures to live, exactly?  ;D
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Macruran on May 22, 2021, 21:14:55
When the first samurai special came out (as well as the Mongolian warrior) there was heated speculation about such a theme. Then we got...Asian dragons  8} >:(
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on May 23, 2021, 09:07:08
Quote from: Klicky_Ghost on May 22, 2021, 18:57:30
...There are so many great German historic figures with iconic looks that are known the world over, thus easily translated into klicky form and highly marketable. The Bach and Mozart figures were great examples of this, but what about Beethoven? What about Schubert and Wagner and Brahms? A set of Clara and Robert Schumann would be nice...

I fully concur!

Quote from: GrahamB on June 01, 2018, 21:52:35
...
If Playmobil were to think about issuing more historical cultural figures, even those limited to a German[ic] background, they might do well to go for those who still enjoy international fame, like Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Strauss (Richard or Johann, I, II or III), Wagner, Weber and those are just some of the more famous Austrian and German composers.... Why has such an illustrious bunch of historical celebrities been ignored?

Of course, Bach and Mozart can now be taken off that wish-list!
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on May 23, 2021, 09:42:03
Quote from: GrahamB on May 23, 2021, 09:07:08
Of course, Bach and Mozart can now be taken off that wish-list!

That's a perfect wish-list, and I can only hope that the Mozart and Bach figures being since released means that someone at Playmobil was taking notes here ;D It might hint at a positive direction in that area, at any rate.

From looking at Klickypedia, it seems like all of the musician and writer cultural figures have been released within the past five years, unless I am mistaken. So perhaps I am being impatient and this is an area that Playmobil intends to explore with increasing enthusiasm?  ???

Figures based on musicians are great because their music can be appreciated universally; writers are a bit more difficult since their craft is based in language, thus not as universal. As an example, Fontane is virtually unknown here in the States. Goethe and Schiller aren't exactly household names here either. Nonetheless, I hope this is an area Playmobil will continue to explore.

Authors also open up the possibility of basing figures or sets on fictional characters from their works, similar in spirit to the sets done for the Rijksmuseum. Goethe came with a copy of Faust—wouldn't it be interesting to have klickies based on Faust and Mephisto and Gretchen (with her spinning wheel)?
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Oliver on May 23, 2021, 09:53:24
I have no idea of the process, but I suspect that the impetuous behind the historical figures have come from Tourist Boards/Museums rather than Playmobil themselves.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: StJohn on May 23, 2021, 10:44:10
Quote from: Oliver on May 23, 2021, 09:53:24
... the impetuous behind the historical figures have come from Tourist Boards/Museums rather than Playmobil themselves.

I believe that Oliver is correct: the initiative to launch historical figures lies with the commissioning bodies, who invest (and conceivably make a profit), not in Zirndorf. This is the business model of the Dürer figure and many others – The financial arrangement is conceivable somewhat different for those historical figures that are also distributed by Geobra itself (such as Mozart, Schiller, etc.).

I suspect that even the initiative for the Greek gods, if I may put them in the "historical" basket for convenience sake, came from a renegade Playmobil (Hellas?) unit, growing out of the local "Give & Play" initiative. What the Greek gods and the historical figures have in common is the complete lack of new moulds (as discussed in this thread (https://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=17103.0/)), which shows that head office never put much capital into developing the mythological theme.

The fact that Zirndorf has now brought some best-selling historical figures as well as the Greek Gods into the main catalogue, and are selling them directly from their own web shops, is encouraging. Perhaps, who knows, they may start to develop a taste to grow in that direction. I wouldn't hold my breath, though: management seems determined to stick to – what they see as – marketable children's toys.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Oliver on May 23, 2021, 13:11:19
My personal thought is that once the Luther figure, and the Rijksmuseum figures were successful other museums noticed and commissioned their own - which explains why they're rather erratic and very ('Gross/Big') German-centered
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on May 23, 2021, 15:06:42
Quote from: Oliver on May 23, 2021, 09:53:24
I have no idea of the process, but I suspect that the impetuous behind the historical figures have come from Tourist Boards/Museums rather than Playmobil themselves.

I agree. Maybe geobra need a financial commitment from those who commission figures before they will go ahead and produce them.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on June 07, 2021, 16:19:57
I have split some of the posts after this point into a separate topic 'Discussion of religious figures in Playmobil' in the Playmobil Common Room.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on June 07, 2021, 16:30:10
This post fits in both topics, and we couldn't miss out on the flying monkeys!

Quote from: Klicky_Ghost on June 05, 2021, 18:49:29
We have come rather far afield from where we started, though I don't really mind the diversion; everyone has added a lot of great points to the discussion, and it all relates back to how and why Playmobil develops, manufactures, and markets sets and figures, so it is tangentially related  ;D

....

To bring the discussion back around, I would like to suggest that what we really need from Playmobil are creepy flying monkeys:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/B7rF0lOmzTJDy/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: tahra on June 07, 2021, 20:03:16
Quote from: GrahamB on June 07, 2021, 16:19:57
I have split some of the posts after this point into a separate topic 'Discussion of religious figures in Playmobil' in the Playmobil Common Room.

Thanks GrahamB :)

Quote from: GrahamB on June 07, 2021, 16:30:10
This post fits in both topics, and we couldn't miss out on the flying monkeys!

I am not familiar with the movie/story, but flying monkeys sounds like my sort of thing  ;D
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:49:45
I've made my own flying monkeys using the chimpanzee and adapted vulture wings.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/5475/30432833241_0bb386d3bb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Nnfe4p)Halloween Castle 2016 no39 (https://flic.kr/p/Nnfe4p) by Tim (https://www.flickr.com/photos/71879015@N00/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8648/30520074005_5bc0be39bc_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NuXmGv)Halloween Castle 2016 no40 (https://flic.kr/p/NuXmGv) by Tim (https://www.flickr.com/photos/71879015@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:54:30
Related/unrelated I also have a flying cat made for me by MsOmega that uses the crow wings

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8185/8135044603_7d59438949_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/doSekH)Halloween Castle 2012 no11 (https://flic.kr/p/doSekH) by Tim (https://www.flickr.com/photos/71879015@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Klicky_Ghost on June 08, 2021, 03:20:50
Quote from: GrahamB on June 07, 2021, 16:19:57
I have split some of the posts after this point into a separate topic 'Discussion of religious figures in Playmobil' in the Playmobil Common Room.

Thanks, GrahamB! I'm sure that is better for both discussions.

Quote from: tahra on June 07, 2021, 20:03:16
I am not familiar with the movie/story, but flying monkeys sounds like my sort of thing  ;D

To give a short synopsis of the film: after committing murder, young Dorothy Gale (played by Judy Garland) teams up with three older men to kill again.  :P For a slightly longer synopsis: Dorothy is swept up in a Kansas cyclone and transported to the magical world of Oz, and the only way back home is to see the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, who help her defeat the Wicked Witch of the West and reveal the secret of the Wizard of Oz. The flying monkeys are minions of the Wicked Witch, and one iconic scene has her sending hoards of them to snatch up Dorothy and her friends.

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BQ15WIrGpA/WYPbQ7fMJZI/AAAAAAAAXig/tCcjhYp1hOMwo0uH-hyDAPBojHtxYR59QCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_nm25pb9MMK1tbw8ydo1_500.gif)

In all seriousness, the movie is definitely worth viewing (or watching Youtube clips of), if for no other reason than for musing at the 1930s cinematography, set design, and style of acting. One of the reasons that I think The Wizard of Oz could work as a line of licensed Playmobil sets is because the movie sets themselves are very  imaginative, distinctive, and colorful (with a cool Art Deco influence). I think Munchkinland, the Emerald City, and the Witch's Castle (below) could all make really cool set concepts.

(https://i.ibb.co/bLWpZjY/1.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/zsSDqQd/2.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Yc2zcS4/3.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/nDwdFGs/4.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/y4XX3Tf/42.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/hfYrrP9/43.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/L6W3T9H/5.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZMtN4RJ/6.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/kgJ8nW7/62.jpg)

Quote from: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:49:45
I've made my own flying monkeys using the chimpanzee and adapted vulture wings.

Those are wonderful, Tierman!  :D The appropriate amount of creepy. Were these cryptids inspired by the film, or are they your own creative vision?

Quote from: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:54:30
Related/unrelated I also have a flying cat made for me by MsOmega that uses the crow wings

Oh my gosh, I love this!  :love: I may have to experiment with one of my own black cats ...
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: tahra on June 08, 2021, 07:24:26
Quote from: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:49:45
I've made my own flying monkeys using the chimpanzee and adapted vulture wings.

Quote from: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:54:30
Related/unrelated I also have a flying cat made for me by MsOmega that uses the crow wings

Awesome work :love:  Love them all :)


Quote from: Klicky_Ghost on June 08, 2021, 03:20:50
To give a short synopsis of the film:

Thanks - I do know some of the characters (I'm not blind, they're mentioned about :P ), but nothing in depth. You are right, of course - would be nice sets. No idea how known they'd be for today's kids, but hey... that doesn't seem to stop them, so... :)

An army of flying monkeys seems quite interesting, actually  :P  WANT.  (wallet is giving me funny looks)

Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: GrahamB on June 08, 2021, 08:53:38
Thanks for that story synopsis, Klicky_ghost. The image of the Wicked Witch of the East's legs sticking out from under Dorothy's farmhouse after the Cyclone dumped it on her (manslaughter rather than Murder with Malice Aforethought) is a vivid memory from my childhood, much more so than those flying monkeys. Another memory I have is of being disappointed at the start of the film (we went to a local cinema to see it) because it was monochrome, like many films of that time. Then it burst into Technicolor when Dorthy gets to Munchkinland.

Some great sets there for Playmobil to emulate...

Great customs, Tiermann! I'm surprised geobra aren't jumping on the potential here!

Was Malice Aforethought an early serial killer?
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Tiermann on June 08, 2021, 17:10:37
My flying monkeys were definitely inspired by Oz. They come in handy in other places of course. Every Halloween display I do, plus an appearance in Christmas 3000. Great as space aliens of course.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: tahra on June 08, 2021, 18:19:05
Quote from: Tiermann on June 08, 2021, 17:10:37
My flying monkeys were definitely inspired by Oz. They come in handy in other places of course. Every Halloween display I do, plus an appearance in Christmas 3000. Great as space aliens of course.

They are great! :love: Would look awesome on The Gathering too ;)
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Adam16bit on July 06, 2021, 22:59:17
Quote from: Ismene on May 14, 2021, 05:18:27
The Baum books were published between 1900 and 1920, so they should be public domain. A license wouldn't be needed as long as the theme side-stepped anything specifically from later adaptations (e.g. the ruby slippers). Sometimes companies will hold trademarks for specific phrases/images associated with a public domain work (ex. the Beatrix Potter publisher is sitting on some Peter Rabbit trademarks), so that would have to be researched.

It's an interesting idea, although thus far Playmobil hasn't created a large theme for the American market, and the Wizard of Oz is very American.

The great thing about this is the Fi?ures - there's nothing stopping from Playmobil making a Classic Oz set (should they bypass the movie license) and then just coincidentally selling a mystery figure line for Everdreamerz or the general twice-a-year series that just happens to include a set of legs with ruby slippers on them for customization purposes.   (There were some interesting knockoff action figures in the 1990s that were imported to the USA on trapdoor blister cards so they could insert the helmets separately and assemble them here - crafty!)

Oz is one of those licenses that transcends generations and tends to perform well - generally with older fans, which could be people who buy toys for young fans.  I was just skimming the thread and noticed some anti-license sentiment, and I can say this: I work at a toy store where I watch the numbers coming in for Playmobil Trek, Ghostbusters, BTTF, etc. and at least from where I sit, the licenses are doing well, even at those higher price points.   This reminds me a lot of what LEGO went through over 20 years ago and despite some growing pains, it paid off for them as a company and I've shown some of these to co-workers who never considered buying Playmobil when I showed them awesome things like the dumpster fire or the 5504 set whipping out their credit cards for an Enterprise or a DeLorean without a second thought.  I have to assume an Emerald City could be equally exciting - after all, Mattel's doing great with a  big green castle playset of their very own right now.

Also the Wicked Witch of the Witch is probably the image most Americans think of when you say "imagine a witch."   (And I don't have a green Playmobil witch in my toy stash.)

With LEGO just introducing that Seinfeld set this week, there's constant proof that there's an older fan who will pay $50-$90 for a nice set with a playset/vehicle and some figures - which is a lot more fun than a statue or a mini-bust, which also have their place in the market.   With Oz I've seen Potato Heads, dolls, film cells, ornaments, puzzles, playing cards, and a couple of LEGO items too.  But I'd be particularly interested in Playmobil.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Rasputin on October 05, 2021, 04:47:54
Oh, a Wizard of Oz set would be great. So simple and most molds could be found.
Title: Re: The Wizard of Oz - Perfect for Playmobil?
Post by: Janilew on October 23, 2021, 21:51:01
I agree with those who say we go the generic route. The original story is well within the public domain, so there's no reason why we can't just make new material inspired by it. While Glenda's dress from the movie is iconic (absolutely beautiful), I don't see why we can't just make another dress as equally lovely beside it. Geobra knows that Playmobil is beyond capable of doing it, as they have a bajillion different designs for full skirts and such already. The wicked witch should be easy as they reuse their face from knock off Maleficent or just straight up "greenify" existing heads like they did with Frankenstein's monster or Mr. Toothache.

I believe y'all already tackled those monkeys beautifully already though.

Quote from: Tiermann on June 07, 2021, 20:54:30
Related/unrelated I also have a flying cat made for me by MsOmega that uses the crow wings

(https://live.staticflickr.com/8185/8135044603_7d59438949_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/doSekH)Halloween Castle 2012 no11 (https://flic.kr/p/doSekH) by Tim (https://www.flickr.com/photos/71879015@N00/), on Flickr

But if Playmobil were truly to do it, maybe they'd use a model much like the new demons coming out, or the old Super 4 Mysterios to create them? Perhaps the wings could attach to the vest (they did have those right?) like fairy wings do. Just make sure to give them tails! Monkeys aren't apes!

As for the ruby slippers, I think the best route for this could be those wonderful new clip on shoes (always wanted Playmobil to make those!) with glitter added to the plastic. That way they can be added and removed without having to change the whole bleeding legs!

For the lion, I'm torn between just using a plain ol lion with options to put ribbons in his mane, or an "anthropomorphic" design akin to the tiger trick-or-treater from 4770.

For buildings....I'd be in heaven!  :cloud9: The village and yellow brick road would be WONDERFUL for a fairyland diorama. The witch's castle could be a repurposed 3665 (all hail Steck!) and the Kansas cottage could be a welcome addition for Western too. I just hope and pray they'd keep the faces generic and not go the Ayuma or Dino Rise route with too different of faces and body types. That way we can still have that glorious option to customize!

Siiiiiigh. Why do you people give me so many ideas.... :P