Whatever happened to Flattworld?

[Gorn Captain]

I know I'm running a bit late, but I just bought the Flattworld Dracula. (thanks, George).

And I must admit, I like it a lot. It's not perfect, but you get a heap of stuff for your $$, a cool coffin (that actually squeeks when you open it:grin:), and nice attention to detail on the outfit. Also lots of info on Lugosi, even though he's practically described as a saint, completely ignoring the addictions, crappy later movies, etc..

I also have to admire the stamina of Charlee Flatt for getting this figure made. He was a forerunner.

My question is? Whatever happened to the company? What's the story?
One of our friends here must have all the juicy details...

[palitoy]

First of all, while the company was named after Charlee, Flatt World was the brain child of Calvin Weaver.

It's major problem was cost. It's hard to justify $69.95 for an 8" figure, pure and simple. Especially when the likes of Sideshow and other producing licensed 12" figures in high quality for much less.

After opening with Dracula, they couldn't find the capital to release their other licences which were all pretty solid IMO. At the time, two other companies released Bela as Dracula figures, while not as nice, it lessened the impact FW had.

I don't have much more detail than that, I went to see Charlee when FW was still operational and I'm trying to remember what he told me. At the time Charlee had an actual office/workshop in Florida.

[Type3Toys]

I would imagine some of the high cost had to do with a smaller run than Sideshow does.
There was also the initial cost of tooling a complete body that was probably figured into the cost. Still, the cost waas in the detail. I mean, this 8" figure even had socks!
I would also guess the labor time(cost) for a 12" figure may be less due to the larger size making the suits easier to work with. Either way, Charlee told me what it cost per figure to have them made and it was a lot more then what CTVT sold figures for retail!
Dracula was a fantastic figure and the body it was built on was years ahead of its time.

[MegoScott]

Their Rocky Horror samples were amazing.

Was there ever a final announcement from them? I just remember they kind of went silent and then vanished.

[palitoy]

It just sort of faded away as I recall.

[jwyblejr]

It's a shame their Astro City line never got off the ground.

[BlackKnight]

I have the Uncle Sam Figure from the B Natural Toy Company.
I love the figure,.. But was Dissapointed When no more figures were Made,. & Banderez's Zorro was a Possible future figure.

[misterdroid]

I would assume high hopes were on the Bela selling well and giving them some financial standing. Bela apparently tanked and took the company with it.
I recently bought a bunch of Dracula figs from the guy who manufactured them. Said Flattworld never paid him and now he's got a warehouse full o' Lugosi.
At $10 they are a steal...

[Shanester]

$10?! Nice deal.

[megozilla13]

Can you post a link or a contact, I'd like to get some.


mikej

[palitoy]

Flatt World Bela Lugosi as Dracula - New MIB! - eBay (item 250232793550 end time Apr-12-08 21:14:25 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Flatt-World-Bela-Lugosi-as-Dracula-New-MIB_W0QQitemZ250232793550QQihZ015QQcategoryZ348QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Might be this guy.

[misterdroid]

Flatt World Bela Lugosi as Dracula - New MIB! - eBay (item 250232793550 end time Apr-12-08 21:14:25 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/Flatt-World-Bela-Lugosi-as-Dracula-New-MIB_W0QQitemZ250232793550QQihZ015QQcategoryZ348QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Might be this guy.

Thats the guy. Last time I talked to him he said he'd prefer to move them by the case, 8 figs for $80 bucks without shipping.