Three key players, who helped McFarlane Toys revolutionize the world of action figures in 1994 with a new standard of quality and design, have broken away and formed a new company, Billotto, Martin, and Associates, and will produce action figures under the BMA Toys banner. Anthony Billotto and William Martin were both founding members of McFarlane Toys. In BMA, Billotto and Martin are joined by Paul Burke, co-founder and co-owner of McFarlane Toys (along with McFarlane himself). Burke will take on the role as Chairman of BMA Toys. Originally formed to manufacture promotional toys, the response to BMA's initial offerings has been so enthusiastic that the company has decided to become a full-fledged toy company. BMA will release its first two lines of action figures, both of which are licensed from popular video games, sometime in the next six to eight months.
Anthony Billotto was head of AEB Associates and co-President of the McFarlane Design Group where he was heavily involved in launching the award-winning, highly detailed line, which has influenced all subsequent action figure design. Billotto has also worked as a freelance designer for Hasbro, Mattel, and Fisher Price.
Martin was the President of McFarlane Toys from when it was formed in 1994 until he left the company in 2001. Martin directed all toy production in China and Hong Kong and oversaw the company's growth from six employees to over 100.
Chet Jacques, who developed the Collector's Club for McFarlane Toys and represented the company at numerous conventions, will also join BMA Toys, where he will serve in a similar capacity.
