2008 SDCC: Sideshow Collectibles

TNI brings you *live* from the 2008 SDCC the Sideshow Collectible panel, featuring several of the production designers and managers from Sideshow. Hit "refresh" often for immediate updates.

Sideshow will be annoucing the winner of its "Figure It Out" contest. Several rather amusing submissions were shown by the panel.

Panelists include - Qua from the graphics department. Matt Falls, artist and sculptor. Scott Lauder, production manager, Lee Manning, Otterbraucher from licensing, Tom Gillin, creative director of Sideshow.

Gillin describes the environment at Sideshow as an orchestra in that there are many different influences, voices and styles playing in harmony. The staff come from all over the world.

Sideshow is taking over the 12 inch GI Joe line from Hasbro. Shown so far are Snakes-Eyes and Cobra Commander.

Sideshow made a rather persuasive presentation to Hasbro. The company has a long history of figures in 12 inch scale as well as a deep traidition of military related products.

The creative team at Sideshow looked at the wide range of interpretations that have been done over the years, ranging from a more cartoony look to a more realistic representation. Sideshow took their own approach to their designs, incorporating the orginal costume designs but with more real world, detailed accessories and weapons.

Sideshow worked to keep the distinctive uniforms and looks of the character as created in the Real American Version of the Joes. Each character will receive a lot of attention and focus so that the 12 inch figure will be satisfying to the fans.

In addition to the RAH 3 3/4 figures, the designers at Sideshow also referenced the cartoon and Joe movie.

This represents the first time a company other than Hasbro has been allowed to do a 12 inch Joe line.

Sideshow has created a behind the scenes production video for their 12 inch line which is available for viewing on their web site.

Part of the presentation to Hasbro included providing a line list, that is a roster of the characters they wanted to make and a timeline for their release. This line list then becomes binding. Sideshow did their best to offer a mix of good guys and bad guys, as well as being sure to include some of the more secondary characters, rather than just making the primary roster.

The production process for a figure starts about a year and a half before it's released.

If there is loud fan feedback, either clamoring for a specific character or an expression of disatisfaction with something that has been done, Sideshow can go back to Hasbro with proposed changes to the line list.

Sideshow's relationship with Hasbro continues to grow. While they can't announce any plans for Transformers 2, it does appear that there may be an announcement in the future.

Sideshow is looking to reacquire the bronze figure license from Marvel. How far that goes depends on fan demand, due to the large cost of a bronze figure.

Characters get revisited when one of the artists/scultpors are inspired to create a new version.

12 inch Chewbacca is a long time coming due to the logistical complications of designing a fantastic looking fur suit or body. This has created a lot more challenges for the creators than most other figures do.

New licensing annoucements - Sideshow is partnering up to create figures for 300 in premium format. Leonidas has already been released, more maybe coming. Terminator Salvation has a variety of different products coming with statutes, busts and premium format. Sideshow is working closely with Stan Winston Studios on the Terminator project.

Panel ends.