Filipino LEGO builder Ivan Guerrero, more commonly known in the international AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego) community as “bulldoozer” is out to make history once more with another big set. To date, Guerrero has submitted 24 LEGO Ideas projects of which 3 have already been produced for the consumer market. These include the 123 Sesame Street set, Cosmic Carboard Adventures, and Family Tree.
LEGO Ideas is a platform where community members can submit projects that can potentially be created into real LEGO sets. If a project receives 10,000 community votes, it goes through a final screening process with LEGO with the potential to be turned into a real set. From their website, approved projects get 1% of royalty in worldwide sales and 10 sets.
This time, he’s once again asking for votes for his ‘Gremlins’ set, a popular movie franchise from the 80’s and 90’s which most Gen X kids will remember. PhilSTAR Tech asked why he chose a rather niche franchise, compared to his first successful set, which was the iconic 123 Sesame Street tableau.
According tro Guerrero, “In recent years, there has been a growing resurgence of interest in Gremlins and its sequel. The Gremlins have appeared in other movies and commercials, and have their own lines of action figures, clothes, and replicas. They’re even got their own animated series last year. The LEGO Group has always had a strong link with Gremlins: creating a LEGO brick Gremlin that appeared in Gremlins 2; the Gremlins appearing in the LEGO Dimensions game and the LEGO Batman Movie, also. The one that has been missing all these years is an actual LEGO Gremlins Playset. I think that with its long history with The LEGO Group and the current nostalgia for the characters, it’s high-time that Gremlins finally got their own playset.”
LEGO Ideas Gremlins set description
There are 3 important rules for owners of this LEGO set…
- Do not expose it to bright lights.
- Do not get it wet.
- And most importantly, do not build it after midnight.
Gremlins is one of the most beloved films of the 1980s. It is a classic dark comedy from Chris Columbus, Joe Dante and Steven Spielberg, produced by Amblin Entertainment.
For 40 years, this wildly original story about a small suburban town invaded by a horde of mischievous creatures on Christmas eve has delighted fans of all ages. Since its release, Gremlins have become pop culture icons that have appeared in other movies, commercials, video games and more.
This LEGO Ideas project proposes the first-ever LEGO Gremlins playset. Recreate your favorite moments from the film with this detailed model of Billy Peltzer’s home in the snow-covered town of Kingston Falls.
Unleash your Gremlins upon your own LEGO city. Just remember to follow the rules before you start building!
You can help Guerrero reach 10,000 votes by going to the LEGO Ideas website and voting for his work at bit.ly/legogremlins.
Being on LEGO Ideas has put ‘bulldoozer’ under the international spotlight of AFOLs and the general LEGO building community. We asked him how he feels having three sets produced — which is no easy feat! “More than anything, I think the best thing about being on LEGO Ideas is how I’m able to connect with LEGO builders around the world, from young kids who are asking for advice to LEGO Masters who have competed on the reality show. It’s always fun to compare notes and learn new building techniques from everybody.”
This unintended blessing to be working with the LEGO group was also a compete surprise to Guerrero. “I honestly still can’t believe that I’ve had the chance to work with LEGO designers. I consider it to be a rare honor to learn from some of the most creative minds in the world. I’m very much amazed that I’ve gotten to have sets produced based on subjects that are very close to me, like my cardboard rocketship. It’s a really great feeling be able to share something from your own childhood with the rest of the world.”
For aspiring builders for the Ideas platform, Guerrero offers some sage advice. “I alway tell people who plan to submit on LEGO Ideas to ‘create what you love.’ It’s important that you create something that you will enjoy. When you have fun and play with your creations, it will come across in the build, and fans will like it even more. Chances are, if you enjoyed building it, others will too.”
