Barbie and Beyond: How Mattel Studios Executive Robbie Brenner Brings Beloved Toys to Screen

variety.com:

Matt Donnelly Senior Film WriterMattel Films executive V.P. Robbie Brenner has not one but two Magic 8 Balls in her office.

As a mom, she’s always been partial to Barbie but admits the small black plastic orbs have a strange hold on her.“To this day, I still shake it and think somehow it’s going to tell me what’s going to happen,” says Brenner, “and usually, I get a ‘Try again later.’”But the producer of Oscar nominee “Dallas Buyers Club” and this year’s Sundance player “Call Jane” is not waiting around to make her moves at Mattel, the 77-year-old toy manufacturer with some of the most iconic and recognizable brands in stores (including Barbie, Hot Wheels, American Girl and Thomas & Friends).

Three years ago, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz tapped Brenner to help transform the company into a content powerhouse. Since then, she has put more than a dozen feature films in motion, all using her connections and pedigree as an artist-first executive. “We don’t want to make movies to sell more toys — that would be great, but it has to be about telling stories with authentic voices.

Ones that feel original and sticky and exciting, and do their best to serve the individual brands,” Brenner says. Operating entirely in the feature film space for the time being, Mattel has projects at studios and streamers all over Hollywood, with superstar talent attached.Warner Bros.