Classic Media Forms Co-Venture for Gumby
Classic Media and Premavision, Inc., entered into a long-term joint venturewhereby Classic Media will manage the U.S. and international television,feature film, home video, digital media, and promotional rights for Gumby,Pokey, and their clay friends, which includes the existing library of 223 TVepisodes and the 1995 movie. The company will co-license all merchandisingrights with Heat Licensing. Clokey Productions will serve as producer on allfuture Gumby productions. Plans in the works include a new direct-to-videomovie due in 2008 and a new TV series. Several new licensing, marketing, andpromotional partnerships will be announced throughout the end of the year andinto first-quarter 2007.
Kohl's Cooks Up Deal with Food Network
Kohl's Corporation and Food Network will work together on a line of home goods,including cookware, dinnerware, kitchen gadgets, cutlery, pantryware, foodstorage, kitchen electrics, and table linens. The retailer will carry theexclusive line beginning fall 2007. The relationship marks the first nationalhome merchandise launch for Food Network parent Scripps Networks and willinclude marketing opportunities with Food Network programming and celebritychefs and in-store promotions.
VIZ Media Taps Ty's Toy Box for Online Business
VIZ Media, LLC, selected Ty's Toy Box, LLC, to handle its e-commercefulfillment operations. In that role, the online retailer (http://www.tystoybox.com) will beresponsible for the technology, merchandising, warehousing, fulfillment, andcustomer care for VIZ Media's online marketplaces. Already up and running is aNaruto store at www.narutostore.viz.comwith plans to launch store.viz.com in early October, followed by dedicatedmarketplace sites for brands such as Inuyasha, Zatch Bell!, Deko Boko Friends,and Shonen Jump's Bleach.
Mattel Sizes Up Footwear Category
Mattel expands its presence into the footwear category, signing a deal with BBCInternational for Magic 8 Ball shoes for kids. The lines, due exclusively atKohl's in November, will include Magic 8 Ball shoes for boys and Magic 8 BallDate Ball shoes for girls. Both will include a matching Magic 8 Ball digitalwristband that answers kids' questions in the Magic 8 Ball tradition. The newalliance between Mattel and BBC International coincides with the 60thanniversary of Magic 8 Ball. In other news, The Mattel Children's Foundationawarded grants totaling $400,000 to 37 nonprofit children's organizations in 21states.
The CIA Whips Up Gourmet Collection
The Certified Master Chefs at the Culinary Institute of America designed theInstant Gourmet Kitchen, a collection of 80 essential kitchen tools. Priced at$5,000, the tools include cookware, bakeware, cutlery, gadgets, utensils,thermometers, and timers. They can be purchased at http://www.ciacook.com. The CulinaryInstitute of America Masters Collection is a licensed brand by Robinson HomeProducts Inc. CIA's exclusive licensing agent, Broad Street Licensing Group,brokered the deal.
Publisher to Support Mr. Bean
Price Stern Sloan, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, signed on aspublishing partner for the upcoming Mr. Bean film scheduled for worldwidetheatrical release in March 2007. Four books will be published, including amovie photo album, a Mad Libs book, a junior novel, and a reader–all aimed atages 10 and under. The Sharpe Co., the U.S. licensing agent for both the newMr. Bean film and Bean–the Animated Series, brokered the deal with PenguinYoung Readers Group for the U.S. market. Nickelodeon will begin airing Bean–theAnimated Series in the U.S. in spring/summer 2007.
Licensees to Make their Mark with Franky & Minx
Trends International and Winplus North America are the latest licensees forFranky & Minx, the alternative rock 'n roll, tattoo lifestyle brand. TrendsInternational will market posters and wall calendars, while Winplus NorthAmerica will create automotive accessories including seat covers, floor mats,air fresheners, and decals.
Alfred Haber to Act as Distributor
Alfred Haber Distribution, Inc., was appointed exclusive internationaldistributor for the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which honor filmand television performances of 2006. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday,January 28, 2007, from the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles.
JRL Group to Support Magnificent Mile Brand
JRL Group, Inc., was retained exclusively by The Greater North Michigan AvenueAssociation to develop and manage a licensing program under Chicago'sMagnificent Mile brand. The Magnificent Mile brand licensing program will focuson apparel and accessories, jewelry, home d
