By Glenn S. Demby, Esq.
Mattel’s two newest American Girl period dolls, Maryellen Larkin (from the 1950s) and Julie Albright (1970s), hit shelves on August 27. After successfully collaborating on a 70th anniversary YouTube documentary for Thomas the Tank Engine, Mattel has once more turned to crowdsourcing studio Tongal for help with the American Girl launch. The goal is to produce a 15-minute short film for each doll starring actual fans.
From now through August 24, tween girls who want to play the role of Maryellen or Julie can submit three-minute audition videos online. A week later, the fan vote begins. The two winners get a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to star in the films, which will be shown on Tongal before airing on American Girl’s website and social media channels.