When it comes to high-end, hyper-realistic action figures featuring popular characters from the world of comic books, film, television and video games, there are few names more recognized than Hot Toys. Yet many collectors often wonder just how are Hot Toys made?
The short answer is that it’s a five step process that involves selecting a character, getting approval from the licensor, sculpting the figure using speciality clay, and finally painting and assembling each figure. This process can take anywhere from 3 months to a year to complete for a single figure, which is why Hot Toys have limited production runs making them highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
The Five Step Hot Toys Production Process
Step 1: Character Selection
Hot Toys currently has licensing deals with some of the biggest entertainment brands on the planet, including Marvel, Warner Bros. and Disney. Yet the first step is simply deciding which character to use. Hot Toys marketing and design teams make this decision based on which specific characters make the most sense from both a business and artistic standpoint. During this early stage, the team spends considerable time pouring over film stills, concept art and even blueprints to determine just which character to use.
Step 2: Licensor Approval
Once the character has been decided, the next step is to get approval from the brand owners and ensuring that all details are completely accurate. During this step there are in fact extensive requirements that have to be met for brand compliance (who are naturally quite protective of their licenses). This includes even minute details such as whether there’s dirt or damage to a character’s outfit, the associated box art, and what specific accessories the figure comes with.
Step 3: Sculpting
The next step is to begin sculpting the figure and achieving the high level of detail and realism the company is known for. During this process Hot Toys sculptors use a specialized, highly reactive modeling clay. Each figure is then painstakingly sculpted by hand and details are added; a process that can take hundreds of hours to complete. Once the figure is finished, it is then cured in a speciality kiln which causes the clay to become extremely hard and further accentuate details.
Step 4: Painting
After the toys have been sculpted and cured, the next task is to paint them. This can be the most delicate part of the entire process and again, attention to detail is critical to ensuring the highly realistic appearance of each Hot Toys figure. During this process the art team will also heavily utilize reference materials to ensure that they perfectly capture a character’s likeness.
Step 5: Assembly & Approval
In the final stage, the clay components are attached to a base figure and the assembly begins. In the case of diecast figures, Hot Toys often manufactures their own materials at their facility in either Hong Kong or South Korea. In some cases, however, they may also outsource to other providers who maintain speciality manufacturing equipment and 3D printers.
Once a rough version of the figure is created and assembled it’s sent to the licensors for approval. In some cases, Hot Toys also sends figures to the actors they’re based on just to get their blessing. Once they’ve been given the green light they they begin putting together the final packaging so the figures can be shipped out to collectors around the world.
You can actually learn more about fascinating process of how Hot Toys are made in this video below (which includes English subtitles).
How Many Hot Toys are Made
Unlike traditional toys, which use automated industrial manufacturing processes, much of Hot Toys production is done by hand. For this reason there are usually 2,000 – 3,000 figures made based around a particular character. Again, this is again due to the sheer amount of time required to sculpt, paint and assemble a figure. (For more information on the manufacturing process, you can also read our blog What are Hot Toys Made Of?)
Who are Hot Toys Sculptors?
Hot Toys employs a team of sculptors in their Hong Kong and South Korean facilities. The teams, however, are lead by Chief Sculptor Yulli Choi and they’re always on the look out for new talent, according to Hot Toys President and Founder JC Hong.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the answer to the question: how are Hot Toys made? As we’ve seen these incredible figures require a significant amount of time and skill to produce, which is why they continue to remain some of the most beloved and sought after collectibles of all time.
More About Hot Toys
Learn more at the links below or visit our Hot Toys Collectibles Guide.
- The 4 Best Hot Toys Display Case Options
- What Are Hot Toys Made Of
- How to Display Hot Toys Figures
- How to Clean Hot Toys Figures
- How to Spot Fake Hot Toys
- How Much Do Hot Toys Cost?
- How Are Hot Toys Made?
- What Are Hot Toys Action Figures?
- Is Sideshow and Hot Toys the Same Company?
- Do Hot Toys Go Up in Value?
- Where to Buy Hot Toys Figures
- Why are Hot Toys So Expensive?
Hot Toys Reviews & News
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