I'm just putting this out there as a question of feasibility, mostly to Brian and the fine folks at Super 7 as they have collaborated with SB to make the Ghostfighter. I know zero about the process or the costs which is why I ask. But wouldn't a contest between US/Western Hemi fans and Japanese/Eastern Hemi fans be sweet? A two figure set... There could be an entry fee charge to cover costs... It's all a pipe-dream isn't it? And then there are ringers like Kozik to worry about...
Interesting that you mention it...I have been wondering about the same thing myself. What's the worst thing that can happen? If it is not possible to design a SB version, then it just provides more incentive to attempt an unrelated independent toy release. I have been quoted approximately $4200 to $10,000 for a cost bracket to cover a run of average sized figures fabricated in Japan. We didn't get into specifics of edition sizes, number of articulation points, or level of intricacy in general, but this seems like to good starting range from which to hash out particulars. It was also pointed out at the time, that an especially small sized design might come in under the minimum cost above. Any scoop you can offer us, Brian?
I think it would be tough to get SB to do it, they really prefer to make their own toys rather than other people's toys - does that make sense? For example, "I finally got a chance to make my own toys, so why would I give it away?" I mean, SB only has a few toys out in the last four years, you can guess how many ideas he must have that he has not yet had the chance to get out there. As far as manufacturing, the hardest part is getting the sculpt and the factory coordinated. Several of the manufacturers we had dropped out, so trust me, it can be tough. I don't want to disuade anybody though, go for it if you can. We can help out where we can, but it is a much slower road than it should be.
Brian,I know weve talked about this before,but, what would a ballpark cost be to get a vinyl made in japan,about 4''-5'' tall w/ 3 or 4 points of articulation?Do factories use their own sculptors?can I get some one I know to sculpt for me to save some cash?Im very intersted in getting some toys made,but need to know if its attainable.
Cool! Thanks for the insight! That's really what I was looking for. I appreciate getting the low-down from folks who've been there. I knew it was a shot in the dark but I had to ask. I guess with a production fee of around $7,000 median the "entry fees" for a design contest would be kind of high
If you can sculpt it yourself (or somebody you know can swing it) I suspect you are going to be in a much better position financially, logistically, and in terms of control of the appearance of your final product.
I will be finding out some more direct information about Japan vs. China fees and such on my next trip (tomorrow) China is much easier and cheaper, but the vinyl is not as good (and no clear colors either). The japanese factories are harder to get to, and it is a much smaller manufacturing group. Most factories are only a couple people, and most are quite old. If all my info from over the years is right, there are only 3 factories left. The line just to get your vinyl made can be quite long. For the wculpt, you have to be able to sculpt it put of wax, not clay/sculpey, etc. Just an FYI there. Most chinese factories have their own sculptors, but the Japanese factories do not.
Thanks for the lowdown, Brian. This is precisely the type of information that I am looking for. Have a good trip and keep us posted about new tidbits of manufacturing related insight please! If not SB, maybe S7 might be more receptive to some fan based design collaboration projects...
For those hooked on the clay/sculpey route, I guess it should always be possible to duplicate with silicone, or RTV rubber and pour up some wax models from there. Also an easy way to go if the sculpey original is really rough and schematic, take it to refinement in the wax stage. Reminds me of all the dental technology work I have done. Duplication and wax modelling are stock in trade...
I can only recommend this book to those with the most hardcore interest in the manufacturing technology involved, but I found this book to be a great overview of the field of rotational molding. Now I wish I could find a little bit more published material on the related variant technique of slush molding. I think it is interesting to note that many of the molds for items made with these processes are crafted of electroformed metals. This is why it is such an affordable manufacturing technology---no machining involved in mold prototyping, and no inner mold to reckon with (such as with injection molding). Economically speaking, it is the only way to go that I am aware of for smaller runs of product. Man, what I would give for an apprenticeship with one of the Japanese molders, in order to ultimately bring their quality of craftsmanship over here to the US!
