logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
31m 3s

Barbie's global domination: Exactly how ...

Fast Company
About this episode

The thing about the Barbie movie is that saying those three words together just seems inherently ridiculous. And one of the best things Mattel has done is really kind of lean into that. Starting with the Technicolor shots of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on set to the colorful trailers that really churned up the enthusiasm for the movie, Mattel created the momentum that has led to a laundry list of product tie-ins, including the Xbox console that actually looks like a house or a makeup station. Fast Company Senior Staff Editor Jeff Beer explains how this Blockbuster movie's marketing campaign stands out . . . and that having fun is at the core of the global brand's approach.

Then to something more serious — Human Rights Watch Executive Director Tirana Hassan talks about how the organization is using technology to push back on misinformation and disinformation, and even how AI can benefit the organization in its investigations.

Up next
Jul 10
Bilt to last? Inside the points-obsessed startup that rewards you for paying rent
On today's episode, co-host Josh Christensen is joined by Fast Company associate editor David Salazar to discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include the details of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”; the return of liberation day tariffs; and the step ... Show More
1h 10m
Jul 8
How Expensify landed brand pole position in Brad Pitt’s blockbuster F1
Here are some deets fresh off the Croisette from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—basically the ad industry’s Oscars but also the global epicenter of brand culture—that happened in mid-June. Brands, marketers, ad agencies, tech companies, platforms, people fr ... Show More
1h 9m
Jun 26
Why OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI partnership might be headed for a breakup
On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in the New York City mayoral primary, Tesla’s robotaxi launch, and another round of layoffs for dating a ... Show More
1h 12m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2023
Six marketing principles from the Barbie Movie if your budget doesn’t extend to hiring Margot Robbie
The Barbie marketing team have been doing a BRILLIANT job. Pink billboard ads. Shots of the dream house the team built in Malibu. Behind-the-scenes tours with Margot Robbie and more. The team behind advertising the new Barbie Movie have been doing a BIG job, gathering their effor ... Show More
8 m
Aug 2023
Business Daily meets: Mattel's CEO
Ynon Kreiz explains how they transformed Barbie, the well-loved and sometimes controversial doll, into a movie.The boss of one of the world's biggest toy companies also talks about the need to bring more diversity into the Barbie brand, and expand products beyond the toy aisles. ... Show More
18m 19s
Jul 2023
Mattel’s Filmmaking Strategy
Mattel has 45 films in development. A cinematic take on UNO could be coming to a theater near you.  Mary Long caught up with New Yorker writer Alex Baracsh to discuss his recent piece, “After ‘Barbie,’ Mattel Is Raiding Its Entire Toybox”. They discuss: - How Mattel is becoming a ... Show More
21m 18s
Aug 2020
Barbie Ferreira Wants to Know: Why Would a Brand Need 35 Shades of 'Vanilla' Foundation?
You know Barbie Ferreira, but just in case: Barbie is a model, actress and current face of Becca Cosmetics. She made headlines with her Aerie campaign in 2016 and quickly became a face of the body positivity movement. Barbie made her TV debut as Kat in Euphoria, one of the cooles ... Show More
59m 31s
Mar 2019
Hasbro vs Mattel - Boy Toy | 2
It’s the 1960s and Hasbro is struggling. The pencil manufacturer turned toymaker hasn’t had a major success since Mr. Potato Head hit the shelves in 1952, and it’s starting to lose money. If the company doesn’t act fast, it’ll be headed for bankruptcy in no time.Mattel’s “accesso ... Show More
23m 30s
Dec 2020
Encore: Hasbro vs Mattel | Boy Toy | 2
It’s the 1960s and Hasbro is struggling. The pencil manufacturer turned toymaker hasn’t had a major success since Mr. Potato Head hit the shelves in 1952, and it’s starting to lose money. If the company doesn’t act fast, it’ll be headed for bankruptcy in no time.Mattel’s “accesso ... Show More
23m 39s