Described herein is an article comprising (i) bead film comprising a binder resin layer and a plurality of microspheres partially embedded in the binder resin layer such that a portion of the microspheres outwardly protrude a first distance from the surface of the binder resin layer; (ii) a stabilizing layer disposed on the outwardly protruding microspheres opposite the binder resin layer, wherein the stabilizing layer intimately conforms to the protruding microspheres, and wherein the stabilizing layer has a Tg less than 100 C and a storage modulus at 150° C. of at least 1.5 MPa; and (iii) a release agent, wherein (a) the binder resin layer comprises the release agent, (b) the stabilizing layer comprises the release agent, and/or (c) an intermediate layer comprises the release agent, wherein the intermediate layer is disposed between the monolayer of microspheres and the stabilizing layer, with the proviso that when the binder resin layer has a fluorine content along the polymeric backbone greater than 65 wt %, the stabilizing layer comprises a release agent selected from a silicone and a fluoropolymer. Also disclosed herein are methods of making thermoformable bead films.