Interview with Jed Haigh - Production Manager at SOTA Toys

By Geoff Bough

It's no secret that SOTA Toys has been creating some of the most badass action figures and collectibles around. From their 'Nightmares of Lovecraft' line to the ever popular 'Now Playing" line, SOTA tackles big name licenses and delivers high quality products.

I had the chance to pick the brains of SOTA Toys Production Manager Jed Haigh in regards to their release of the highly anticipated line of figures from George A. Romero's 'Land of the Dead.'

Rev: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Jed. Can you tell us a little history of Sota Toys?

JH: SOTA Toys Started as SOTA Sculpture and Design as a proto-type company. We did a lot of stuff for Palisades (House of the Dead, Resident Evil, Aliens, and Predators) but also worked with companies like MGA, Spinmaster, and Toynami. Eventually we were able to start purchasing licenses to make our own product. Tomb Raider was our first then Riddick, Street Fighter, Charmed...we did a bunch of stuff.

Rev: Take us through how a figure is brought to life. What are the steps involved?

JH: Simply put?

1. Design-This is based a lot off what the licensor wants. We use lots and lots of reference. Some stuff is left up to interpretation but ultimately it has to be approved by the licensor.

2.Sculpt- based off the design, see above.

3. Mold and Cast. Silicone molds are created off approved sculptures. They are then cast up in resin.

4. Paint copies are made and sent for approvals .

5.Samples to factory-This is where we shop around to see how much this is really gonna cost.

6.Manufacturing- Once we choose a factory we send them some money and they begin production. The production process can take any where from two to five months depending on the complexity of the project.

7.Delivery-We then get it to the docks and distribute internationally and domestically.

8.Roll around in all the money we make.

Rev: How many people worked on the Land of the Dead figures?

JH: I believe there were three sculptors and a painter.

Rev: There's been quite the buzz about the 'Blades' figure which is a likeness of the special effects maestro Tom Savini. I know that Sota also dabbles in special effects. Was it an honor of sorts to be able to craft a figure of Tom Savini?

JH: It kinda was. We're all horror/sci-fi/fantasy geeks. We love zombie movies and are all fans of Savini. We always end up making projects that we really love. Well, not always.

Rev: Did George give his blessing on the final sculpts?

JH: George did have final approval. I wouldn't go so far as to say he "blessed" them.

Rev: With the new 'State of the Art' line of figures from Sota, what can we expect to see in the future?

JH: Expect the unexpected. I've always wanted to say that. While still planning on making super articulated figures we also want to make other stuff. We plan on some new video game licenses and would really like to tap into some more awesome music licenses.

Rev: Any chance of some more zombie figures? Maybe some 'Diary of the Dead' figs or just some generic zombie baddies?

JH: Definitely. We're making a zombie right now. I'm not gonna say from what. We'll debut it at Toy Faire in NYC.

It sounds like us fans have a lot to look forward to coming from SOTA. I'd like to extend my thanks to Jed for taking the time to speak with us and everyone at SOTA for crafting killer figures. THANKS GUYS!

Check out the official SOTA Toys website