Move over Hasbro and your Transformers and G.I Joes. Mattel, Inc. 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 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.
She 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.
Source: Mattel
