The Prisoner and Wandering Planet Toys

Gavin Hignight

It’s been a hell of a year or two for everyone hasn’t it? Let me begin by saying that hope whoever happens to read this little blog (blogs are passe’ now right? Ugh… well, I’ll keep writing for now as that’s what I do.) Back to my point, let me just say, that for any and all of you who read this, and for those who don’t read this I hope you’ve all stayed healthy and safe. And it is my hope your family and friends are still with you and facing down this pandemic and human stupidity as best you can.

Now — on to the fun update which is LONG OVERDUE. I got together with fellow writer and toy nerd Doc Wyatt and WE STARTED A TOY COMPANY!!!! Wandering Planet Toys! And I’m excited to say our first toyline based on the cult classic amazing TV series THE PRISONER has been a huge success via Kickstarter. We are humbled and thankful to all the backers who came onboard to make action figures from The Prisoner a reality!

Join us on the Wandering Planet!

I of course plan to continue writing and being creative in TV, animation and comics (and maybe even a film down the line) but why not add creating toys to that list? Anyone who knows me know that I refuse to grow up and old, and the best way to do that is with an action figure in hand. Here’s a look at our first line. And YES we are working on more for the future of Wandering Planet.

Here’s a fun look at some of first wave of The Prisoner figures we’re creating.

Checkmate!
Number 6 with Rover (exclusive package)
Now you can Vote for the new Number 2

FIVE in 10 #001 Caleb Braaten of Sacred Bones Records

Gavin Hignight

First off, I apologize for not updating more. The good news, is that I have been extremely busy writing on creative projects and my bandwidth just didn’t allow. For those who are kind enough to visit this blog and follow my creative endeavors… I will do better at posting more regularly. Second… Wow… 2020 has been one hard kick to our stomach. I don’t know of any other way to think of it. I hope that you and everyone in your life is staying safe, healthy and fed. While we are collectively laying on the ground trying to breath in some air and recover from that said kick to the stomach, I thought I would reach out to some of the talented, fascinating creatives I’ve come across in my life, and spend ten minutes asking them questions about their artistic ventures, what led them there, what fuels them, what they see when they look towards an ever changing horizon. So… while we’re all “distancing” I hope you will continue to explore with me through the words, stories and experiences of these awesome people. 10 minutes. Black and White. Five questions. First up is Caleb Braaten, founder of the amazing and eclectic Sacred Bones Records.

Thank You Peter Lindbergh

Gavin Hignight
On a Harpers Editorial shoot

September 4, 2019

What can I say… it’s a sad day.  I woke up this morning to learn that Peter Lindbergh has passed away. It was a total shock.  There are some people who’s energy is so powerful, who’s impact is so far reaching and part of culture, that you just assume (and greatly take for granted) that they will always be here. In some way, with the legacy of images and friends he’s left behind he will always be here.  But to know he’s personally moved on… hurts.

Peter, for some reason, believed in me. He saw something so few did.  I mean, I didn’t have a choice, I do what I do, make what I make, and try to contribute to the world collective because I have no choice. It’s in me. That doesn’t mean I always even believe in myself, it’s just something I need to get out… well, Peter Lindbergh is on the very short list of those who who believed in me, when there was no reason to.  And I will always be thankful to him for it.

As my brother eloquently put it, Peter was very nice to me when we needed adults who wouldn’t let us down.

Whenever I had the great pleasure of shooting with Peter, his sets were not like a crew or work, it was like coming to work with a big family. And whenever that day came, no matter who you were, or how long it had been, he made you part of that family.

In an industry and town that people constantly elevate themselves by belittling others, Peter was different.  He took joy in his craft, in the people he surrounded himself by and the world around all of us.  Maybe his black and white images were stunning and perfect because he saw the world with a monotone clarity inside and outside of the camera?  I don’t know.  All I know is that someone capable who was recognized for creating beautiful art, accepted me, encouraged me and helped steer my very fragile career in a positive direction. His choice to include me, legitimized me, and for that I will always be thankful.

I shot with many people during those times, but truthfully I didn’t really connect with any of them. I did connect with Peter, as many did, because he was open and giving, not only with his creative energy but also his personal energy.

In the years since I shot with him, Peter and I stayed in touch. Yet another rarity for someone so busy and important in their world.  He sent me fun candid images from his travels, I did the same, always making sure to keep him posted on my endeavors as I climbed up the ladder of my career. He was always positive and supportive.

As a matter of fact, Peter insisted some of my creative writing be worked into one of the editorials we did. It was once of the first times I was published in a real capacity.  That’s the kind of guy he was. Always elevating.

You will be missed, sir.  Thank you Peter for including me.

A Polaroid Proof with Trish Goff, I had Peter sign it.
First time being the “subject” of a Peter Lindbergh photo
In DTLA with Melanie Thierry
My favorite image shot with Peter Lindbergh
A GAMEBOY Selfie with Peter out in the High Desert. We had fun.