INTERVIEW - Jon Schiller of Little 9 & Friends

So most of us are familiar with the plush line of toys created by Jon Schiller , but most recently he has stepped into unknown waters and is filming a movie based on the story behind his toy line, which is due out this summer, and on top of that he has made the migration from plush to vinyl...super busy indeed! Jon took some time out of his hectic schedule to do an interview and answer a few questions, so CLICK THROUGH for all the juicy details, as well as some exclusive pictures of his upcoming vinyl figure!

1. Hey Jon, tell us a little about who you are and where you are from.
I live in Ohio. But the best way for me to start is several years ago. I lived in Philly doing Marketing and little design work for a company, which is out of business now. It was ok! But the marketing part was a complete bore. But Graphic Design is what drives me.

2. Is there anyone who really inspires you in the vinyl toy, plush and/or art world, and do you have any of their pieces in your personal collection?
Yes I do! I have some Sket and Huck and they are good buddies of mine as well. From Sket I have Buckeye and some Ripple White and Gray scale and Huck some Dunny toys. In plush I would have to say Gloomy Bear collection which I have lots of.

3. How did you get involved with this whole “Art” movement?
Well, first I was always into art went to Graphic Design schools then did little Graffiti work with my friend Tom Homer, which is also my marketing manager for JSD Studios. But how I flew into the designer toy phase was just simply I saw this store on 3rd and south ST. in Philly, in their window display they had these really awesome toys made in vinyl which drove me crazy, and I said hay! I want to do this so I did as much as possible to drive my way into this awesome adventure.

4. So why plush, and how did you come up with all of your characters?
The reason I wanted plush because when I was younger I was kind a like those boys who played with stuff animals and do battles with them just as if they were action figures. WEIRD UH! Basically how I came up with all the characters well for little 9, I wanted an alien but he had to be cute but also lethal type that you know he can kick any creature’s ass. I really had a hard time with the names I always have trouble naming things, it takes me forever, it took me about 1 week to think of those cool names for the series. How I came up with little 9 was pretty simple, from the spaceship he flew from was called Number 9 and since he is a little alien and I didn’t want to call him blue guy or blue alien but Little 9 had a nice ring to it and was unique.

5. I understand you are making a movie, what gave you that idea?
This movie project, Is my absolutely toughest thing I am facing. With the movie toys in the making by my business partner Marine at My Tummy Toys. Besides doing the vinyl toy on my popular character has been along waiting thing just begging to happen. I always received e-mails as if when I am releasing vinyl toys of my characters and I figure the good way to start with the vinyl is through the movie.

6. When can we expect to see this film released?
The film will be out in stories this summer 2009 on DVD or you can just call DKE TOYS whichever is earlier for storeowners.

7. What do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
Since I’m doing this movie my hands have been tied up a lot. But I do have several other projects laid out from my business partner I think the next project that will be out close to this summer iskin gear. But what type of products, that will have to be kept secret.

Seven Quickfire Questions:

1. What is your full name and/or nickname?
Jonathan Schiller/ Nick name is J.B.

2. Where were you where born?
Mars nah! Just joking, Philly.

3. Who taught you the most in life?
The people underneath my bed they speak to me at night. I would have to say my Art teacher Dave Stencler really cool guy and layback.

4. Who is your current favorite band?
Well every time I start liking a band they breakup. First was: The Strokes, then The Gorillaz but right now still love The Killers

5. What's your favorite movie?
Iron Man and Appleseed Anime

6. What's your favorite food?
Pizza...TURTLE POWER!!!

7. Who would win in a fight, pirates or ninjas?
ME! . . . DUH! O’ serious right ok Ninjas

I would like to thank Jon for taking the time out of his hectic schedule to answer these questions I had for him, and I also wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors. If you would like to find out more about Jon and his upcoming project visit his WEBSITE, MYSPACE, or his CYWORLD for all the info you can wrap your head around!