30. Collecting Prototypes: Presentation Boards and Pitching a Galaxy at Kenner and Hasbro

Star Wars: Prototypes and Production

If you were going to pitch an idea for a Star Wars figure, what would it be and where would you start? For the designers at Kenner in the 1970s and 1980s, and at Hasbro in the 1990s and 2000s, the presentation board was the earliest example of pitching an idea and represented what that idea could become. And while many presentation boards are long gone, some have made their way into the hands of vintage and modern Star Wars collectors. And while few have realized the importance of these boards, there is a growing interest in obtaining what may be the earliest representation of a figure we love, or of an idea that was never produced. Join host David Quinn as he examines some of the surviving Kenner presentation boards that span almost a decade of production during the original trilogy, The Power of the Force and the 1985-86 Line Extension Proposal, followed by a discussion about Hasbro's quest to create a new era of Star Wars toys with longtime modern prototype collector and dear friend, Anthony Pagano. During the conversation, Anthony shares his insight into Hasbro's pitch to obtain the master rights to producing Star Wars toys from Lucasfilm; the contents of that pitch and how it led to the Power of the Force 2 line; the figures that were created during those five years of production, and the ones that were never produced; how Hasbro worked in tandem with Lucasfilm for the Episode 1 toy line during the entire production of the film; the presentation boards for The Power of the Jedi Tour in 2001; and finally, why presentation boards suddenly disappeared shortly after the turn of the century. Collecting Prototypes is a new series that will explore more than 40 years of modern and vintage Star Wars preproduction pieces from companies like Kenner and Hasbro. It will feature interviews with some of the most knowledgeable and passionate prototype collectors, and will examine the production process of a Star Wars toy as it goes from concept to retail. If you enjoy Star Wars: Prototypes and Production, please leave a review on your podcast platform, and please tell a friend (or twenty)! It would be most appreciated - you have the power to help grow the podcast! Thank you in advance!