Lisa Frank’s documentaries reveal the rise, fall and behind-the-scenes drama of the iconic ’90s brand

The new documentaries Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story explores the complex and often troubled reality behind the scenes of the iconic 1990s brand that brought rainbow-colored stationery, posters and other goods to children around the world. Although the brand is beloved for its quirky designs, the brand’s journey is full of 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 and 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 isolated achievement. The company had a team of hard-working artists, marketers and production specialists who helped bring the brand into the limelight. But perhaps most importantly, James Green, her business partner and husband, played a key role in the company’s growth. He was crucial to the company’s development and the two had both a romantic and professional relationship that would eventually lead to tension.

2. A complex relationship with James Green

James Green admits his relationship with Frank wasn’t exactly fairytale-like. It was initially a professional connection, but their bond eventually developed into a romantic relationship. However, Green’s take on their relationship and marriage was different than many you would expect from a Hollywood romance. He remembers their wedding as “over the top,” and although their professional and personal lives were intertwined, their marriage ultimately failed due to allegations of infidelity and betrayal.

3. The burden on the company caused by a divorce

The couple’s personal separation had a significant impact on the business. After their divorce, Green and Frank came into conflict and there were accusations on both sides. The division of her company shares and the intense litigation that followed created an atmosphere of distrust and dysfunction at Lisa Frank Inc. According to Green, Lisa’s desire for complete control of the company after the breakup ultimately led to the deterioration of their business partnership and the collapse of the brand.

4. Tensions with employees

The documentaries also shed light on the enormous pressure and poor working conditions faced by employees at Lisa Frank Inc. Workers described a high-pressure, long-hours environment where even life-threatening medical events were met with indifference. An employee recalls the tragic death of a colleague that left the workplace carrying on as if nothing had happened, leaving a chilling impression of the company’s disregard for personal tragedies.

5. The fallout and corporate failure

After James Green left the company, Lisa Frank struggled to keep the company afloat. As the brand’s prominence waned, there was little innovation or creative freedom at Lisa Frank Inc., and attempts to revive the company in the 2000s proved unsuccessful. Green reflects on how Frank’s micromanagement and insistence on sticking with old designs hindered any real growth or innovation and ultimately contributed to the company’s demise.

6. A divided family

The documentary also delves into the impact of the rift between Frank and Green on their children, with their sons Hunter and Forrest taking opposite sides in the family feud. Hunter, who was on his father’s side, remembers the difficulties of growing up in a divided home and the strained relationship between his parents that ultimately affected the family dynamic.

7. Statement by Lisa Frank

In response to the documentary, Lisa Frank released a statement expressing her gratitude for the talented people who helped bring her artistic vision to life. She also expressed optimism for the future as new leadership takes charge of the company. Despite the turbulent past, Frank remains excited about the future of her brand, claiming, “The best is yet to come.”

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