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In the realm of film history, movie tie-ins have been a long-standing practice, dating back to an unspecified point in the past. These tie-ins involve toy manufacturers creating products related to a movie's release, a tradition that began with a James Bond doll inspired by Sean Connery.
One significant turning point in this area came during the 1990s, when Disney's strategy took a notable shift with the release of Dick Tracy. Directed by Warren Beatty, this film served as a significant milestone in Disney's movie strategy, marking a new era for movie tie-ins.
During the 1980s and 1990s, there were no specific film studios known for producing a film using a new form of financing similar to crowdfunding. However, Disney, through Silver Screen Partners, utilised a novel form of film funding during this period, resembling the modern concept of crowdfunding.
The practice of creating action figures for movie tie-ins has been lucrative over the years. However, there have been instances when film studios and toy manufacturers got these tie-ins wrong, resulting in products that did not meet expectations or were poorly executed.
The article discussing these factors appeared in Film Stories issue 37. It delves into the intricacies of what makes a movie a cult film, suggesting that after a gathering of film fans has consumed a few beers, they can easily generate ideas for ideal cult films.
It's interesting to note that the first action figure to tie into a movie's release was a Sean Connery-inspired James Bond doll, setting a precedent for the future of movie tie-ins. Despite the occasional missteps, the practice of licensed movie tie-ins continues to be a significant part of the film industry, contributing to the overall excitement and engagement surrounding a film's release.
