Darklord Dave
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Many of us have been excited about the new licenses that Threezero has been announcing in the past year. From hot new TV shows, “The Walking Dead” to “Game of Thrones” to video games “Titanfall” and “Dead Space” to classic films “Matrix,” and reboots of classic films, “Robocopk” the figures and titles have gotten 1:6 collectors salivating at the prospect of all the very cool 1:6 (and 1:12) figures to come.
The 1:6 community has been growing exponentially in recent years and many newcomers may be familiar with ThreeA and Ashley Woods 1:6 art figures, but many aren’t aware of the long history that ThreeA’s parent company and its founder Kim Fung Wong have as pioneers of the current 1:6 Renaissance. Kim has been kind enough to answer some of our questions and reveal some new information that will make 1:6 collectors very excited. Below is a small bio and the questions and his Kim’s answers.
From the Threezero “About Us” page –
“Threezero, founded by ThreeA co-owner Kim Fung Wong is one of the original producers of the Hong Kong designer figure style, best known for their gasmask logo (designed by Michael Lau) and its many iterations as a street-smart vinyl figure. Designers whose figures have been produced by Threezero include Michael Lau, Jason Siu and Elphonso Lam.
Threezero began producing 12" figures special forces uniforms around 2000. They were then the pioneer in producing weapons for these figures made from die cast. Threezero has since extended their toy ranges from 12" figures to designer vinyl collectibles.
The name "Threezero" has become synonymous with Kim, who continues to carry the name in all of his productions and collaborative efforts with other designers around the world; and is often credited under this pseudonym at 3A Events and media coverage as he continues to push the boundaries in the art toy medium with Ashley Wood.”
2013 Reboot - Although Threezero had continued to produce figures for other artists (most notably, Playge's Squadts) while working with ThreeA, in the year 2013, Threezero has begun to reboot its autonomous production of toys with a series of licensed product announcements. Some of these announcements have included a collaboration with Bandai on a new mecha toy and 1/12th scale pilot designed by original Gundam creator Kunio Okawara(大河原邦男) and Kenny Wong respectively, redesigning Zoids, and action figures based on characters from AMC's The Walking Dead. Threezero has actively continued to expand on such licensed efforts, so more products will continue to be announced as the year moves on.
ThreeZero - threeA Wiki
ThreeZero - About Us
The Interview
Q: People aren’t aware that threezero has been around just as long or longer than Hot Toys. How did threezero get started in 1/6 figures?
A: I used to be a retailer back in the 90s, selling many 1/6 G.I. Joe and military figures etc. And I wanted to have something exclusive for my store, so I started to make my own 1/6 figures.
Q: Popular movie/TV/game figures weren’t something that we had seen in the past from threezero – why did you recently decide to get into licensed properties?
A: Trying to make different types of figures to cover different taste of fans.
Q: What do you look for in a licensed property? Is worldwide appeal important?
A: Worldwide appeal is important as our fans are from all around the world. But most important is does the IP interested to be figures. Like the image of the characters.
Q: We haven’t seen anything for The Walking Dead in a while – can you tell us a little bit about the plans for that line?
A: The Walking Dead works are processing. The next ones are Michonne and Rick.
Q: Everyone is excited about Game of Thrones – can you tell us who is after Tyrion and Ned?
A: Jon Snow and then Jaime Lannister.
Q: We’ve seen what appear to be statues of the TNMT – are they going to be mixed media posable 1/6 figures?
A: Posable 1/6 figures. We working on movie accurate image and also designs of Kevin Eastman.
Q: Are the video game properties like Titanfall, Dead Space, etc. likely to get just one character could more figures come out?
A: Would be more than one. Like Titanfall, two more robots in the works after Atlas and some 1/6 pilots as well.
Q: Will you be doing more with Bandai?
A: Yes, we will have more figures from Full Metal Ghost.
Q: Where are you on the Zoids reboot?
A: Iron Kong coming very soon. However, we only have the right to sell in Asia and Japan for this toy line.
Q: Are RoboCop 2014 figures still going to be released?
A: Yes, EM208, RC1.0 and RC 3.0, also EN209.
Q: Matrix APU in 1/12 looks amazing – any 1/6 Matrix coming?
A: Still working on the rights for 1/6 characters.
Q: How much do you follow online comments and can they have a material effect on what you release?
A: I follow those comments, when I believe they are right and objective. But sometimes I will insist on my decision.
Q: Do you have any comments/feelings about 1/6 customizing and small run bootleg figures?
A: 1/6 customizing is good which is show popularity of this hobby. Sometime I even get inspired by customized figures. However, small run bootleg figures are involved in the legal issues.
Q: Can you tell us about any other licenses that haven’t been announced yet? At least tease them?
A: Since we work with Kevin Eastman for TMNT. Please think on what Kevin is working? Also some film in 2015 with robots.
Q: You’ve taken on quite a few licenses in a short amount of time - do you have different teams on each license or how do you plan on handling the increased work load for all these licenses?
A: Our development team is expanding and I am also happy to work on developing other licenses.
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