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Tuesday 12 March 2024

Unveiling Barbie: A Sky Original Documentary Delves into the Untold Story Behind the Iconic Doll

Sky Documentaries has just announced the release of "Barbie Uncovered," a groundbreaking Sky Original set to unravel the enigmatic origins of one of the world's most beloved and controversial brands – Barbie. Scheduled to air on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW on March 27th, this feature-length documentary promises to unveil the untold narrative behind the creation of Barbie, shedding light on the fascinating journey of its creators, Ruth Handler and Jack Ryan.

While Barbie's unparalleled success has been widely celebrated, "Barbie Uncovered" seeks to unearth the hidden story of the masterminds behind the doll's inception – Ruth Handler and Jack Ryan. Through in-depth exploration, the documentary delves into the history of these two individuals who propelled Barbie to stardom: one, the visionary behind the creation of the largest toy company globally, Mattel, and the other, a brilliant rocket scientist credited with engineering Barbie's iconic features.

The film meticulously traces Barbie's meteoric rise from selling three hundred thousand dolls in its inaugural year to amassing over two billion in sales by the time of Ruth Handler's passing. However, beneath the veneer of success lies a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and excess. The documentary exposes the staggering financial gains accrued by Ruth and Jack, while also delving into a surprising narrative of betrayal, intertwined with elements of sex, drugs, and lavish parties.

"Barbie Uncovered" features exclusive interviews with key figures intimately connected to the story, including Ann Ryan, Jack's daughter, Annie Constantinesco, a former employee and lover, and Tom Kalinske, former CEO of Mattel. Additionally, insights from Mattel employees, friends of Ruth and Jack, and period biographers offer a comprehensive view of Barbie's evolution. The documentary also examines Barbie's enduring influence on society today, with perspectives from prominent collectors and experts in Barbie lore.

Commenting on the project, Jack Oliver, Head of Co-Productions at Sky, expressed his intrigue at Barbie's tumultuous backstory, laden with elements of intrigue and resilience. He lauded the collaborative effort with Two Rivers and Abacus Media Rights, expressing confidence that audiences would be captivated by the untold narrative behind Barbie's pristine facade.

Alan Clements, Producer at Two Rivers, echoed Oliver's sentiments, emphasizing the allure of Barbie's story and the team's enthusiasm for bringing it to life. With "Barbie Uncovered," Two Rivers embarks on its maiden voyage into the realm of Sky Documentaries, aiming to enthrall audiences with the extraordinary saga behind the iconic doll.

"Barbie: Uncovered" is a testament to Sky Documentaries' commitment to delivering compelling narratives that challenge conventional perceptions. Commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky's Managing Director of Content, and Jack Oliver, Head of Co-Productions, this Sky Original is produced by Two Rivers and co-produced by RW Productions. Alan Clements and Ross Wilson serve as producers, with Eddie Hutton-Mills directing. Abacus Media Rights is tasked with distribution, facilitating the collaboration with Sky.

As the countdown to March 27th begins, audiences can anticipate a riveting exploration of Barbie's clandestine origins, offering a fresh perspective on the cultural icon that continues to captivate hearts worldwide. "Barbie Uncovered" promises to unveil the untold truths behind Barbie's immaculate facade, inviting viewers on a journey through the triumphs and tribulations that shaped one of the most iconic success stories of the 20th century.

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