Don Post Studios is a name that might not be familiar to everyone, but for many horror and sci-fi fans, it's a name that holds a lot of nostalgia and significance. Don Post Studios was one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality Halloween masks and other horror-related merchandise from the 1960s to the early 2000s. This article will take a look back at the exclusive history of Don Post Studios and how it has shaped the horror industry.

Beginnings

Don Post Sr. founded the company in 1938 in California, where he began creating and selling carnival masks. He quickly developed a reputation for high-quality masks, and his business grew steadily throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In the early 1960s, Don Post Jr. took over the company and started creating latex masks based on popular movie monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolfman. These masks were a huge hit, and Don Post Studios quickly became one of the most well-known names in the Halloween industry.

The 1970s

During the 1970s, Don Post Studios continued to create high-quality masks based on popular movie monsters, but they also expanded their product line to include other horror-related merchandise like hands and feet, props, and costumes. They also began creating masks based on characters from the Star Wars franchise, which helped them reach an even wider audience. Don Post Studios continued to be at the forefront of the Halloween industry throughout the 1970s, and their masks and other products were highly sought after by horror fans.

The 1980s

The 1980s were a tumultuous time for Don Post Studios. They faced increasing competition from other manufacturers, and the popularity of Halloween and horror merchandise began to decline. Don Post Jr. stepped down from the company in 1989, and the company was sold to American Greetings Corporation in 1996. However, even with these challenges, Don Post Studios continued to create high-quality masks and other products throughout the decade.

The 1990s

During the 1990s, Don Post Studios faced even more challenges. The popularity of Halloween and horror merchandise continued to decline, and the company faced increasing competition from overseas manufacturers. However, Don Post Studios continued to innovate, creating new products like the first-ever animatronic Halloween masks. They also continued to create masks based on popular movie monsters, including the iconic Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.

The 2000s and Beyond

In the early 2000s, Don Post Studios faced its biggest challenge yet. The company declared bankruptcy in 2001, and many of its assets were sold off. However, a new company called Trick or Treat Studios purchased the rights to the Don Post Studios name and began creating new masks and other products under the brand. Trick or Treat Studios has continued to create high-quality Halloween masks and other horror-related merchandise, carrying on the legacy of Don Post Studios.

Conclusion

Don Post Studios has played an important role in the Halloween and horror industries for over 80 years. From its beginnings as a small business selling carnival masks to its status as one of the leading manufacturers of Halloween masks and other merchandise, Don Post Studios has left an indelible mark on the industry. Though the company faced many challenges throughout its history, it continued to innovate and create high-quality products that were beloved by horror fans. Today, Trick or Treat Studios continues to honor the legacy of Don Post Studios by creating new masks and other products under the brand name.