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