Lucas
selected for induction into
Toy Industry Hall of Fame
Star Wars creator George Lucas has been named
the 2007 Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductee. The announcement
was made today by Carter Keithley, President of Toy Industry
Association, Inc., sponsor of the event, and Robert Pasin, Toy
Industry Hall of Fame Committee Chairman and CEO of Radio Flyer.
Established in 1984, the Toy Industry Hall of Fame recognizes
individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth
and success of the toy industry.
From
the time it premiered in 1977, George Lucas' Star Wars saga
took the world by storm and created a cultural phenomenon that
has touched generations of kids with its epic battles and legendary
characters. In addition to winning eight Academy Awards, the
Star Wars movies set new standards for sophistication in film
visuals and sound, and revolutionized the toy industry at the
same time. The first Star Wars film inspired Kenner Products'
creation of the 3 3/4 inch Star Wars action figure scale, which
remains an industry standard today. Designed, manufactured and
marketed by Hasbro, Inc. since its purchase of Kenner in 1991,
Star Wars action figures, toys and games are one of the best-selling
toy lines in the industry's history.
"George
Lucas' devotion to timeless storytelling and cutting-edge innovation
has resulted in some of the most successful and beloved films,
and in turn, characters and toys of all time," said Pasin.
"Children and children-at-heart around the world have been
enthralled and entertained, and will continue to be so through
the classic toys and games based on his films."
The
ceremony inducting Lucas will take place as part of the seventh
annual T.O.T.Y. (Toy Of The Year) Awards event, set for the
evening of Saturday, February 10, 2007, in New York City at
the Marriott Marquis Times Square. Lucas, the 50th Hall of Fame
inductee, will be present to accept the honor in person.
The
Toy Industry Hall of Fame, created in 1984, honors individuals
who have made a mark on the American toy industry. Nominees
may be manufacturers, retailers, designers, inventors, wholesalers
or other executives who have made a significant impact in the
youth entertainment market. TIA's Board of Directors made an
exception and unanimously selected Lucas as the sole inductee
for 2007, the first time in T.O.T.Y. Awards history.
About
the T.O.T.Y. Awards
The
T.O.T.Y. Awards were conceived to honor the best toys developed
by the international toy industry for consumers in North America.
The Awards include eleven industry award categories, and one
industry recognition category designed to recognize the best
toys and children's entertainment, as well as outstanding individuals,
companies and team achievements. Formal invitations to the event
will be mailed in November. The T.O.T.Y. Awards ceremony also
includes a fundraising campaign to benefit the Toy Industry
Foundation (TIF), the philanthropic and educational organization
representing the North American toy industry. The Foundation's
mission is to make a difference in the lives of children in
need, bringing them joy, happiness and comfort through the experience
of toys and play.
About
TIA
TIA
is the trade association for North American producers and importers
of toys, games and entertainment products for the youth market.
TIA owns and manages the American International TOY FAIR®;
ToyCon, TIA's Annual Meeting and Conference; Multi-Discipline
Conference; and American International Fall Toy Show(TM). TIA
also manages the International Halloween Show. Visit the TIA
website at www.toy-tia.org.
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