The Rise and Fall of Lisa Frank: A new documentary reveals all

WEB DESK: The much-anticipated documentary, “Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story” debuted on Prime Video on Saturday.

The four-part documentary series provides a comprehensive look at the ascent, decline and revival of Lisa Frank Inc, a brand celebrated for its colourful designs that sharped the childhood of many a girl during the late 20^th century.

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The documentary is directed by Arianna LaPenne, and chronicles the evolution of Lisa Frank company. It details the company’s journey from a cultural icon to a brand that faced huge challenges.

The Lisa Frank documentary features more than 20 interviews with former staff, industry experts and family members.

The series offers a somewhat nuanced perspective on the internal conflicts and obstacles the company encountered throughout its history.

“Glitter and Greed” investigates the alleged toxic workplace culture at the Lisa Frank Inc. It focuses on the intricate personal dynamics between Lisa Frank and her ex-hsuband, James Green, who was also her business partner.

The series explores how their divorce impacted the company and the repercussions that followed for the poor employees caught in the crossfire.

It also featured heavily the hit the brand’s future took post-divorce.

While the brand is known for its bright and cheerful imagery, former employees describe a far more darker behind-the-scenes.

The former workers describe a toxic culture filled with high expectations and  huge pressure. It examines the difficulties of re-establishing the brand in a digital landscape, where nostalgia plays an important role in attracting consumers.

The woman herself does not make an appearance in the documentary. Lisa Frank’s absence sparked curiosity regarding her influence on the brand’s achievements and controversies.

It left the viewers to interpret the accounts provided by those who were closely associated with her.  

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The series not only revisits the peak of Lisa Frank’s explosive and colourful artwork but also discloses the more complex and challenging aspects behind the glittery façade – the greed to the glitter.

By intertwining nostalgia with insights into the company’s internal struggles,  “Glitter and Greed” seeks to engage both, longtime fans and the newcomers eager to learn about the legacy of the once famous brand.