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Licensed Products: eFX Collectibles, Master Replicas, Hasbro and more => eFX Collectibles => Topic started by: BIGGS DARKLIGHTER on January 15, 2008, 12:06:24 PM

Title: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: BIGGS DARKLIGHTER on January 15, 2008, 12:06:24 PM
Since Philip at RS was so kind to post this interview with Bryan Ono of eFX, I won't paste the contents of the interview here as it is his exclusive.

However, here is the link for all to read:

Byran Ono of eFX Interview (http://threads.rebelscum.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=3014914&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1#Post3014914)

Bryan Ono + Barry Jones + Larry Leung + Amy Blanchard = Coolness.
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: HAN SOLO on January 15, 2008, 12:55:48 PM
Looks really interesting, especially how they were discussing the die-cast models. But Hasbro ::), I hope they create things other than toys.
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Seth Ski-Woo on January 15, 2008, 12:59:16 PM
All sounds exciting  - look forward to seeing what they unveil in half a year's time  :)
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: BIGGS DARKLIGHTER on January 15, 2008, 01:01:59 PM
Yeah. does look cool.

As a side note for those who don't know:

Larry Leung = Larbel
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: robiwan on January 15, 2008, 01:07:03 PM
Ahah! I knew Amy was going to be a part of this!  ;D  Now we just need to here from Hasbro along the same lines!
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: GRAND MOFF TARKIN on January 15, 2008, 02:10:22 PM
And as for the FX Lightsabers, Hasbro will now be producing that line. This is really exciting since Hasbro has the resources and capabilities to take this item to new heights of innovation and technology.

Thats what Brian said about the FX-Sabers....I hope im reading between the lines on that statment correctly....
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Yukiel on January 15, 2008, 02:12:00 PM
This sounds really, really good. Though I do hope Hasbro doesn't mess the awesome line of FX's up. I'll be looking forward to the rest of the year.
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: The Abbot on January 15, 2008, 02:28:42 PM
Well since MR didn`t even know the JoeJedi radio shack saber was even coming out before it dropped.
I suspect it was the First Hasbro Force Fx
We all know how that saber turned out.

This is VERY bad news to me  ??? :( >:(
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: darthmorbius on January 15, 2008, 02:30:16 PM
An interesting year indeed! I am hoping for that X-Wing now!

This shows a lot of promise, and now that we know that Larry Leung is on board, as well as AMY! We are in for a treat!

Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: BIGGS DARKLIGHTER on January 15, 2008, 02:39:02 PM
I think the thing that people are forgetting with Hasbro is that they ALREADY have the crappy toy lightsaber market cornered. They're going to keep making the cheaper toys anyway and there's no reason why they can't also make higher end FXes of the same quality as MR. After all, they are a pretty big company.

That said though...who knows what the future will bring...always in motion is the future.

We're all just going to have to wait until the first Hasbro FX is out and then evaluate the quality.

Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: SAESEE TIIN on January 15, 2008, 02:43:43 PM
I'm just glad that new props are being continued.  I'm quite satisfied with my Yoda graflex so I doubt I'll be buying any fx-sabers (minus the dooku, I will gladly shell out the cash to the company who makes that one  ;D)
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Bandit-Jedi on January 15, 2008, 02:48:49 PM
I am hoping for that X-Wing now!



No need to hope...its coming!   Bryan took the prototype with him when he left MR since it was his design.



....there, now I feel better.

been holdin that one in since MR cancelled it.
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: GRAND MOFF TARKIN on January 15, 2008, 02:49:49 PM
I wouldn't be suprised to see Hasbro make both a mid-grade(normal FFX) and an elite line of FFX-sabers....
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: KI-ADI-MUNDI on January 15, 2008, 03:06:39 PM
I'd say the FX sabers will be the same ones, they will continue to be built in the factory that  their in right now and repackaged in new Hasbro boxes. MR management out Hasbro management in. Those sabers have never gone out of production, thank the maker we were never in any real danger of having to pay 600.00 dollars for a Luke ROTJ...........
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Kyp Durron on January 15, 2008, 04:48:35 PM
Interesting that they said that they wouldn't be doing what was done before unless they could add something new to the table...I guess that means that whatever minis that MR did, EFX won't be doing unless it's in a different scale. Like say, .50 instead of .45.



-Joclad
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Yoda on January 15, 2008, 07:56:18 PM
I wouldn't be suprised to see Hasbro make both a mid-grade(normal FFX) and an elite line of FFX-sabers....

interesting indeed :o... it sounds great for eFX and their future looks to be promising with such captian at the helm.

here is a little more on this public announcement.
http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=77&show_article=579&nl=1

Hasbro doing an ultra expensive elite line of sabers?
It actually sounds more like a continuation of the same existing MR line, but more on that here...
http://www.imperialholocron.com/
entry 1-11-07


Wait and see we will ;)
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Yoda on January 15, 2008, 08:07:50 PM
aww why not just spell it out :D

eFX and Hasbro

If you were upset over Master Replicas losing the prop replicas license for Star Wars, fear no more because two companies have stepped up.

Hasbro and a new company, eFX, will both be putting out replicas.  eFX is a new company headed by former MR employees and will be doing studio scale vehicles and helmets while Hasbro will pick up the FX lightsaber line.  Check out the press release:

Lucas Licensing Teams With Hasbro and eFX to Bring High-End Star Wars Collectibles to Fans

New Agreements Begin This Month for Collectible Prop Replicas, Vehicles and Popular Electronic Lightsabers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Star Wars fans and collectors will find new lines of collectibles from Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) and newcomer eFX in 2008, it was announced today by Lucas Licensing, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd.

Hasbro, Lucas Licensing’s master Star Wars toy and game licensee, will assume the design and production of the high-end, collectible electronic lightsabers line, called “Force FX” Lightsabers, which was previously made by Master Replicas.

Hasbro’s Force FX lightsaber line will debut in the spring and continues the remarkable popularity of electronic replica lightsabers among Star Wars enthusiasts.  The line will feature replicas of the iconic weapons used by Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul and Yoda.

Newly formed eFX will develop, manufacture and distribute collectible, limited-edition replicas of both full-sized and scaled props; studio- and reduced-scale vehicles and ships; full-sized helmets; and high-end, die-cast vehicles and ships that encompass the entire Star Wars universe.

“Working with both Hasbro and eFX allows us to bring Star Wars fans some of the best collectibles we have ever offered,” said Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing.  “These are incredibly creative, innovative companies with a real passion for Star Wars, and we think it’s going to show in the products they offer.”

Hasbro expects the first Force FX lightsabers to be available in the spring, while eFX plans to unveil its first products at Comic Con International in San Diego in July.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS, “lightsaber” and related character names, vehicle names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

It sounds like Hasbro will kick off the line with re-packs of some of the more recent MR lightsabers but I'm hoping for some Episode 1 versions of both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's lightsabers.





an "elite line" appears to be referring to the Force-FX line of sabers So... what does this mean to us?
Possibly more of the familiar Force-FX line to take apart and convert?
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Kyp Durron on January 15, 2008, 08:20:44 PM
It sounds like it will be a while before we see any new lightsabers from Hasbro as they seem intent on re-releasing all the more recent ones that MR previously sold.



-Joclad
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: WEDGE ANTILLES on January 15, 2008, 08:26:22 PM
I agree with joclad

"The line will feature replicas of the iconic weapons used by Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul and Yoda."

its no coincidence that the only models announced were the very same models that were available at the end of the license from MR.

they're obviously going to rebrand the same product (which is good news for us; the design will stay the same).
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: GRAND MOFF TARKIN on January 15, 2008, 08:35:04 PM
True....It only makes sense for them to sell what is already there...

But Brian did say

" And as for the FX Lightsabers, Hasbro will now be producing that line. This is really exciting since Hasbro has the resources and capabilities to take this item to new heights of innovation and technology.

But agian, I could just be over reading this statement...
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: SAESEE TIIN on January 15, 2008, 09:02:58 PM
They have the resources and capabilities to advance it, but in their eyes why should they seeing as how they still sell well.  It would be bad business for Brian to say anything along the lines of the fx's remaining the same.
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Boxster on January 15, 2008, 09:24:46 PM
I wonder if the Hasbro FX pricing will be lower than MR's?

xxx, sure like to know that now so I can cancel both the Maul's!

Anyway, looks like they are going all out to please the SW fans. That is great news. I hope they don't forget customers with thinner wallets!

Hasbro wise, my source told me that they will produce mini FX lightsabers too! :D :D Just kidding, guys!

Just hope they improve the sound and light of the FX and of course new range of FX.

Too bad Hasbro people won't read what's said in forums of the FX line. Otherwise, they can pick up a lot of what's definitely gonna be hot and what's not... wait..., FX not hot? Unheard of! :D

Hack, even if they put out ACCURATE but off screen or tiny role characters like Mara Jade, Zett, Luminara, Bariss, Aayla,  Agen, Saesee, Fisto, Stass, Shaak Ti or even Baltar Swan FX, they will still be snapped up! I know I will!

No need to even talk about those TPM Obiwan, Guigonn, Ep2 Dooku etc etc etc etc etc etc

Wait, even FX from the game KOTOR series, will be super hot!

Man, imagine if one of you guys are holding the rights to produce FX lightsabers. You are sitting on a mountain of gold!

B
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Yoda on January 15, 2008, 09:30:40 PM
Hey everyone please remember we now have a hasbro section for discussing this so perhaps continue on
that topic in there about force-fx's you should.

Here is where bryans company eFX that is doing the prop replicas should be discussed...

such as what kind of studio scale items would be cool to see them do ;) ;)
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: levelnext on January 16, 2008, 07:05:36 AM
Interesting that they said that they wouldn't be doing what was done before unless they could add something new to the table...I guess that means that whatever minis that MR did, EFX won't be doing unless it's in a different scale. Like say, .50 instead of .45.

Hey there Joclad!  I really hope you are wrong on this one, I think what he ment with the "not doing what's been done before" was
that they wouldnt be releasing say Luke ANH, ESB LE hilts, as an example. 
So I am optimistic on the idea that they might release a ROTJ mini Vader or EU mini lightsabers, as in the interview he also
states eFX got the license for "scaled" replicas and scaled vehicles and ships.   Clearly distinguishing "replicas" which can mean
mini lightsabers and blasters, from scaled "vehicles and ships".   What's clearly stated also is that they lost the mini helmet line.

So please... be wrong Joc  :D.  Let us have mini Mara Jade hilt, and Yoda AOTC, Obi TPM, Vader ROTJ, Luke ROTJ V2 (AFBB and weathered lol),
Sidious ROTS V2, Mace TPM, Fisto, Grievious minis, etc etc.

Cause I kinda like the minis  ;D

Oh well, we'll see. 
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Aluke123 on January 16, 2008, 09:29:47 AM
such as what kind of studio scale items would be cool to see them do ;) ;)

Hmmmmm...

1. Red Five Xwing SS
2. Tie Fighter SS
3. Star Destroyer SS
4. Die Cast ATAT, Millenium Falcon, Red Five Xwing, Tie Fighter

Thats all I can think of right now. ;)
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Boxster on January 19, 2008, 05:27:54 AM
Not trying to be a schmuck here but I think if they can push out a SS SSD, it will be a hit!

What I would like is the Jedi Transporter from Ep1.

B
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: darthmorbius on January 19, 2008, 06:31:45 AM
such as what kind of studio scale items would be cool to see them do ;) ;)

Hmmmmm...

1. Red Five Xwing SS
2. Tie Fighter SS
3. Star Destroyer SS
4. Die Cast ATAT, Millenium Falcon, Red Five Xwing, Tie Fighter

Thats all I can think of right now. ;)

Add a Speeder bike (Or Swoop) to that list! ;D

To expand, why not an Xwing SS with interchangable identification badges? Inlude ones from the prominent fighter jocks! (Biggs, Wedge, Porkins, Luke...etc)

Do up the TIE's (Vader, TIE, Interceptor, Bomber) and have an optional piece of "Death Star" Matting with mounts so you can display them properly!

Others:

1. B-WING!
2. Y-WING (with Gold Leader badging)
3. A-WING!
4. Arwing from starfox... J/k! :D
5. AT-ST
6. Luke's Landspeeder
7. Slave-1 (Both versions)
8. Vulture Droid
9. ARC 170
10. Star Destroyer (With properly scaled Corellian Corvette) WHY weren't these done defore?
11. Jedi Starfighters...



Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Yoda on January 19, 2008, 06:51:59 AM
A Star Destroyer with the appropriately size Acrylic display case that will have a scratch resistant top laminate of the case
to double as a coffee table and display piece all in one ;D

Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: darthmorbius on January 19, 2008, 08:04:00 AM
A Star Destroyer with the appropriately size Acrylic display case that will have a scratch resistant top laminate of the case
to double as a coffee table and display piece all in one ;D



Now THAT would be AWESOME!
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Seth Ski-Woo on January 20, 2008, 07:58:54 AM
Definitely a good idea - and hopefully slightly more acceptable/less obtrusive for those who live with a wife or other significant other who isn't quite as mad about their Star Wars goodies as they ideally would be  ;)
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Hamill82 on January 26, 2008, 12:28:32 PM
This is all very interesting. The Hasbro actually makes me abit suspicious, I get these cold shivers whenever I hear the word Hasbro, since it's such a major company and well-known for making tons of cheap toys for kids and can they make the same kinda quality items that MR used to create, will there be enough dedication and love toward these items. The participate is this, EFX sounds alot better and we might get some goodies from that line, but Hasbro  :P
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Atomic on February 05, 2008, 01:45:10 PM
I think the key thing here is to realize that eFX sounds like people who know what fans want (from their track record).

Yes, Hasbro has the MR Force FX Saber line, but they bought a manufacturing plant. No way they took that over with the intention of mass producing with the dies and molds they have and calling it a day. The fact that 21 (is that right?) sabers have been produced, says that the whole production line can be retooled for new products.

But, I agree with Chancelor Palpatine. I'm not looking to Hasbro to put out the good stuff. I think Force FX Sabers will drop in quality (materials used) and price.

BUT, on to the good stuff! The same line can also be tooled to run higher quality, more accurate, more expensive limited runs as well.

I'm semi-new to the saber world. How many 1 led power-up sabers did MR make? 1, right? The Radio Shack one. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, more info will only help). Well, look at the video on the Toy Teq page: http://www.toyteq.com/light.mov

That looks like the prototype to a long line of upgraded sabers. eFX are no dummies. If it was us, wouldn't you design a quality Saber, built well with a eye to detail and a decent cost for stock, but designed in it's guts to be modified by the fans who are going to end up trying to collect them?

Look at it this way, if money was no object...

Generic parent X was Xmas shopping, they might buy a pair of sabers for their kids to beat on each other with.

Not us! We'd buy one to leave in the box, one to display stock, and one, minimum to mod the heck out of... and that of just ONE style of saber!

I am looking forward to what eFX has to put out!
Title: Re: eFX Interview with Bryan Ono (MRBryan) @ Rebelscum Forums
Post by: Phatman on February 05, 2008, 04:03:39 PM
Look at it this way, if money was no object...

Generic parent X was Xmas shopping, they might buy a pair of sabers for their kids to beat on each other with.

Not us! We'd buy one to leave in the box, one to display stock, and one, minimum to mod the heck out of... and that of just ONE style of saber!

I am looking forward to what eFX has to put out!

But there are many many more Generic Parents than us lightsaber enthusiasts.  I think our demographic is much better met by the likes of Yoda, Ultra, Hyper, etc than Hasbro.  The market just isn't big enough for them to scale to Hasbro's size and that's a good thing.  Let Hasbro pump out sub-$80 lightsabers.  I'd be more interested in a higher quality product even if it costs more.

It's still a good sign that somebody is going to be mass producing lightsabers if only to introduce more people to the custom / semi-custom builders.