Big Chief Studios BBC Sherlock

[Mad Old Lu]

They're all up on iTunes. Just search for "hottoycast".

 

[rhboyd]

ah!!! cool... thanks!

 

[Mad Old Lu]

No problem!

 

[Captain Britain]

I'm really curious to see if those Benedict fans would really pony up the $250+ for a figure. Are they aware of the cost? Let's face it, our niche is a very small group willing to pay so much for an action figure. It's especially more difficult to reel in a new person in who is not really familiar with this type of collectible. It's one thing for them to collect posters, magazines, DVDs, and maybe original artwork based on their favorite actor. But it's another for them to be able to wrap their heads around an action figure being over $200.

I say this because I was on a forum for my favourite band Duran Duran (screw you, I think they're brilliant! ) and the subject of custom Duran Duran figures came up. They were just thinking of taking a Ken doll and having someone make custom clothes. I came in and suggested they visit this site and seek out a tailor here and possibly think about commissioning a sculptor for the headsculpts. I also took the opportunity to show them the marvelous world of high-end 1/6 figures by showing them HT's Michael Jackson figures and some of Medicom's Rock figures. Everyone was blown away by the fantastic quality and likenesses. They were extremely impressed across the board. Not one negative criticism. However, once they got to the price, everyone backed off completely. These are people who spend hundreds and sometimes thousands to see shows, buy autographs, memorabilia, rare records, etc. But they just couldn't fathom spending that kind of money on a "doll", no matter how good it was. And that was when the figures were still under $200!
So I have to wonder if those fans would really put their money where their mouths are when the time comes.



Anyway, on another note, I just listened to the Hottoycast from Eamon which had Mark Andrews from Big Chief as a special guest. He addressed everything he wrote about on this thread and more. The guy totally won me over. I could tell he really cared about the Sherlock property (and Dr. Who) just by his going out to find the best artists in the business to work on his projects. But listening to him talk about the properties and what they are doing really showed his passion for the work. It isn't just a job or business for them. They are doing it out of love. I wish them nothing but great success and I'm really looking forward to Sherlock, which I have been swayed to commit to based on the interview. I want to show my support for what they do and how they do it--with integrity and care.

They also mention a few dream licenses they are trying to acquire. And let me tell you, they are shooting for the moon! I really hope they get them. I encourage you guys to listen to the podcast. Great stuff. Kudos to Eamon and the gang for putting together a great show.

Really interesting comments here, I wonder if this is a 'problem' that has a 'solution'? What do companies do - carry on as they are (well, BC did sell out of 11), try to achieve higher penetration with their marketing - maybe so more people view these as the kind of Apple of merchandising, expensive but worth it - or try and reduce costs in some way (less articulation?). I don't know the answer but it would be great to see our hobby become more widespread.

As for new licences, I reckon a high-end 1/6 scale Ghostbusters line would work for BC - it's quirky, has never been done high-end before (you can't call Mattel high-end!) and has a big fan base.

 

[Mad Old Lu]

It's a very interesting problem. Honestly I don't know if there is a solution to it. I would hesitate the manufacturers trying to cut corners in order to get their prices down in order to appeal to a broader audience. Of course I'd like to see prices go down, or at the very least, stop rising. But cheapening the product would be the wrong way to go.

It's really about what kind of people collect, and why they collect what they collect. Most of us collect these figures because we used to collect toys growing up. It's also related to licenses we enjoy, like movies and comic books.

People who were never really into "toys" or action figures might not understand the appeal of higher end, more expensive figures. But they have no problem buying expensive tickets to event performances by their favorite musical act or actor. Or spend money on expensive vacations or even a super expensive dinner. I don't think it's ultimately about the money (if you have money, of course). It's just about whether you like buying action figures or not, or simply what you perception of action figures is to begin with.

 

[rhboyd]

just listened to the podcast... was really good!!!! and hearing the BC head say he wanted to do TREK?!?!?!?! holy holy moses.... I would LOVE to see this happen!!!

AUGH!!!!

and Bond?!?!?
sheesh....

 

[DGTWoodward]

I have to say, all interesting points raised. However, my thoughts on it are...

I like the fact that we are a niche group.

It appeals to my sense of the exotic, to be into something that is not shared by the mass market, pre-packaged, no surprises (ie dull) majority. I don't mean that as an insult either. There are other things people can and do get into so if I look at just one...

Soccer.

Or FOOTBALL as it is correctly called throughout the rest of the world (sorry USA, you lose). Now I am not hating on football, no way as it would be more than my life is worth...my wife is a huge football fan...but footy is enjoyed by a huge slice of the population.

According to FIFA, out of some 7 billion people on the planet, around 240 million people love football. Than enough to populate several decently sized countries.

But it also means that you are just one of a crowd, with nothing remotely individul about it at all. It's 239,999,999 other people and you.

But we are different, we collect things that are beautiful to look at, real pieces of art (and yes I am now including collection statues too, they are related) and made in limited runs of a few thousands at a time. I love that fact that we are niche. It means that we have a small section of the universe that is just ours. Akin to me and my Laserdisc players and titles.

PS: Should I now mention Depeche Mode?

 

[The 1 Who Knocks]

This thread was a great read, now to download iTunes.

 

[Mau]

Now, that's the kind of post we want in here. Welcome to the eternal wait, The 1 Who Knocks. It's DGTWoodward's round.

 

[Captain Britain]

Now, that's the kind of post we want in here. Welcome to the eternal wait, The 1 Who Knocks. It's DGTWoodward's round.

Only an orange juice for me, I'm afraid.

Kids! I've given up ***s, booze, coke, one night stands and now most high-end action figures to be able to afford to look after my girls/ look them in the eye. BC figures are the only vice I've got left!

 

[amarcord]

Bought their doctor Who figure for some parts I was looking for ages.
Must say I am very impressed by the quality, it is top.

I really hope they are launched and will produce more special figures no other company dares to tackle.

Maybe a Jonathan Creek for their detective line?
Or a sharp dressed Hercule Poirot?

Succes Big Chief!

 

[Mau]

Sherlockology have confirmed that filming of Series 3 will start on March 18th. And then "principal photography...will be done in two sections, with two episodes being filmed from March 18. A break will occur in the early summer, and then the third and final episode will be shot a few weeks later". So, even if they finish up during the summer, there would be no point airing it when everyone is off on the beach. So, hopefully we will see it in the autumn. Something to brighten the wet and darkening days. It would be a good time to release the figures as well.

 

[ChaserFan]

 

[rhboyd]

awwww YEAH!!! creepy display, but looking great!!!

 

[Mau]

Hm. Just saw these on FB. Martin Freeman is a blond and why does Benedict not look like himself anymore? We know it is not the sculpts. Those are spot on. The eyes in particular are off. Are the eyebrows too dark? Or the eyes? Or the eye placement? Looks like he's been goosed with a Meerschaum. Not sure about this at all.

Reference.

 

[Mau]

And the display reminds me of this.

 

[pixletwin]

Watson looks spot on. But Greggo's paint up of Sherlock has Wonkey Eye Syndrome.

 

[Mau]

Tweaked Watson's hair and Sherlock's eyes and eyebrows as I have nothing better to do of a Saturday afternoon. I think the heavy eyebrows in particular are what is throwing Sherlock off. Mr Cucumberpatch has light brows compared to the colour they dyed his hair. Those are pretty damned dark. So, eyebrows lightened and lowered slightly and eyes lightneded and reduced in size slightly.

 

[Mad Old Lu]

Yeah, that one eye is way wonky. I wonder if it's just some sort of lens distortion with the camera? And based on the comparison pic posted, maybe Sherlock's eyes are overall a bit big?

Otherwise they look great, especially Watson!

 

[rhboyd]

I'm betting a LOT of camera distortion. don't know why people insist on getting up close, point-and-shoot lenses always distort close ups!! stand back and zoom!!!