Disney and Payless ShoeSource Ink Shoe Deal
Payless ShoeSource and Walt Disney Co. embarked on their first direct-to-retailprogram for footwear. As part of the deal, Payless will create a line of shoesfeaturing characters such as Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, and PowerRangers. The shoes—with suggested retails of $12 and $22—will starthitting shelves in the spring, with the full lines due in summer.
The Simpsons Set Up New Shop
Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising is working with DeliveryAgent, Inc., to launch www.TheSimpsonsShop.com,the first online store dedicated strictly to officially licensed products fromthe TV series.
Garfield to Star in New Project
Paws, Inc., along with Wonderworld Studios, will produce a fully animated CGItheatrical-length movie to be released fall/winter 2007. Garfield Gets Real isbeing developed as a direct-to-video project, but it likely will be releasedtheatrically on a limited basis. Twentieth Century Fox will handledistribution.
Parr Partners with Hotel Chain on Book
The Hilton Family of Hotels collaborated with author/illustrator Todd Parr forits first-ever children's book called "be hospitable." The Hilton Family alsowill donate more than 10,000 of the books to the Books for Kids Foundation andReach Out and Read, two nonprofit organizations that promote literacy amongdisadvantaged children. The book also will be available online for a nominaldonation at www.behospitable.com/givingback.For every $5 donation, the Hilton Family of Hotels will donate an additionalbook to Reach Out and Read, as well as provide a copy of the book to thepurchaser.
Thomas & Friends Finds Permanent Depot
HIT Entertainment will create a permanent Thomas & Friends attractionwithin Drusillas Park in Sussex, UK. The attraction will open Easter 2007 andwill include a Thomas the Tank Engine passenger train to transport visitorsaround the park daily. Visitors also will be able to see some characters fromThomas' World on their journey and occasionally meet Sir Topham Hatt.
Hasbro Division Takes on Franny's Feet
Playskool signed on as the worldwide master toy and game licensee for preschoolshow Franny's Feet. First products for the preschool show will hit shelves in2008. Licensing agency The Sharpe Company brokered the deal on behalf of DecodeEntertainment.
Activision Launches New Video Games
Activision, Inc., launched Tony Hawk's Project 8, Call of Duty 3, and Marvel:Ultimate Alliance for PlayStation 3, and Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam, Call of Duty3, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Rapala Tournament Fishing, and World Series ofPoker: Tournament of Champions for Nintendo's Wii. The company also releasedSpider-Man: Battle for New York for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.
Spirit Brand Gets "Scent"sational
Courvoisier, the flagship cognac brand for The Licensing Company client BeamGlobal Spirits & Wine Inc., will become the world's first luxury spiritbrand to enter the high-end fragrance market through the launch of CourvoisierL'edition Imperiale. The collection will feature two fragrances: an eau deparfum and an eau de toilette available at high-end retail locations in spring2007.
Ferrari Zooms in on Licensing Deal
10TACLE Studios AG and Ferrari concluded a licensing agreement for thedevelopment of video games, allowing 10TACLE Studios AG to produce games usingthe Ferrari product palette and brand name. 10TACLE Studios AG plans to workclosely with the Italian sports car manufacturer to develop several computerand video games.
Artist Uncorks Talent on Evian Bottle
Evian Natural Spring Water partnered with pop artist Romero Britto to createunique packaging for the brand and design of an original art piece inspired byEvian. The Evian Britto special label will be available on the 1-liter glassbottle at select restaurants, clubs, and hotels that carry Evian water.
Exec on the Move
Lynn Godfrey was appointed senior director of marketing at Ragdoll.
Las Vegas or New York in 2008? You Decide.
The Licensing International Show is conducting an industry-wide survey, and weneed feedback from everyone to make a very important decision for ourindustry's show. Show management is CONSIDERING moving the show to Las Vegasbeginning in 2008. The show will remain in New York for 2007. Your opinionabout New York and Las Vegas is critical in helping us decide. Please take amoment to complete our brief, 5- to 7-minute survey. We appreciate yourfeedback and thank you for your valuable time. Results of the survey will beannounced in early 2007. To complete the survey, please click or copy and pastethis link into your browser: www.snap-surveys.com/advanstar/lis_survey/
Submit Licenses Granted & Available Now Online
The LICENSE Finder allows you to submit licenses granted and available nowonline, which will be published on the LICENSE Website (http://www.licensemag.com/) on a weeklybasis once approved by an editor. Go to http://www.finder.licensemag.com/to fill out the verification form and submit your licenses granted or availablenow. Highlights from each month's online submissions will be published inLICENSE magazine. Any questions, contact Alyson Grala at 212.951.6743 or viae-mail: [email protected].
Get Set for Toy Fair: February 11-14, 2007
American International Toy Fair is a must-attend event where you'll discovernew markets, innovative products, and the latest ways to build business. Inthis garden of opportunity, industry flourishes. Chances are the competitionwill be here—will you? Register today at www.toyfairny.com/attendees.html.
For more information on licensing news and features, visit LICENSE magazine'sWebsite, http://www.licensemag.com/.
