Lisa Frank docuseries reveals rise, fall, and behind-the-scenes drama of iconic 90s brand

Explore the rise, personal struggles, and collapse of Lisa Frank's colorful brand in new Prime Video docuseries.

The new docuseries Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story explores the complex and often troubled behind-the-scenes reality of the iconic 1990s brand that brought rainbow-colored stationery, posters, and other goods to children around the world. Though beloved for its whimsical designs, the brand's journey is filled with intrigue, difficult relationships, and intense workplace drama, according to the four-part documentary now available on Prime Video.

Here are some of the key revelations from Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story:

1. Lisa Frank's Rise to Fame

While Lisa Frank's name became synonymous with colorful school supplies, her success was not an individual effort. The company had a team of hard-working artists, marketers, and production specialists who helped propel the brand into the spotlight. But perhaps most importantly, James Green, her business partner-turned-husband, played a key role in the company's growth. He was crucial to the development of the business, and the two shared both a romantic and professional relationship that would eventually lead to tensions.

2. A Complex Relationship with James Green

James Green admits that his relationship with Frank wasn't exactly like a fairy tale. Initially starting as a professional connection, their bond eventually turned romantic. However, Green's perspective on their relationship and marriage was different from what many might expect from a Hollywood romance. He recalls their wedding as "overblown," and while their professional and personal lives intertwined, their marriage eventually unraveled due to accusations of infidelity and betrayal.

3. The Strain of Divorce on the Company

The couple’s personal split had a significant impact on the business. Following their divorce, Green and Frank found themselves at odds, with accusations flying on both sides. The division of their company shares and the intense legal battles that followed created an atmosphere of distrust and dysfunction at Lisa Frank Inc. According to Green, Lisa’s desire for full control over the company after their split led to the eventual deterioration of their business partnership and the brand’s collapse.

4. Tensions with Employees

The docuseries also sheds light on the intense pressure and poor working conditions employees faced at Lisa Frank Inc. Workers described a high-pressure environment with long hours, where even life-threatening medical incidents were met with indifference. One employee recalls the tragic death of a colleague, where the workplace continued as if nothing had happened, leaving a chilling impression of the company's disregard for personal tragedy.

5. The Fallout and Company Decline

After James Green's departure from the company, Lisa Frank struggled to keep the business afloat. As the brand's relevance faded, there was little innovation or creative freedom left at Lisa Frank Inc., and attempts to revitalize the company in the 2000s proved unsuccessful. Green reflects on how Frank’s micromanaging and insistence on sticking to old designs hindered any real growth or innovation, ultimately contributing to the company’s decline.

6. A Divided Family

The documentary also touches on the impact of the Frank-Green split on their children, with their sons Hunter and Forrest taking different sides in the family feud. Hunter, who sided with his father, recalls the difficulty of growing up in a divided home and the strained relationship between his parents, which ultimately influenced the family dynamics.

7. Lisa Frank’s Statement

In response to the documentary, Lisa Frank released a statement expressing her gratitude for the talented individuals who helped bring her artistic vision to life. She also expressed optimism for the future, as new leadership is taking the reins at the company. Despite the tumultuous past, Frank remains excited about the future of her brand, claiming, "the best has yet to come."

Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story is now streaming on Prime Video, offering an in-depth look at the rise and fall of a brand that defined an era.