Editor’s Note It seems that everyone wants to get into the movies these days, an industry where the rewards can far outweigh the risks. This summer, Marvel will be premiering its first two self-produced films, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, and

April 6, 2018

28 Min Read

Editor’s Note
It seems that everyone wants to get into the movies these days, an industry where the rewards can far outweigh the risks. This summer, Marvel will be premiering its first two self-produced films, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, and now comes word that ESPN will be turning to the big screen. The sports network announced that it would be collaborating with Creative Artists Agency and Disney Studios to produce and distribute sports-themed feature films. Movies will be financed by Walt Disney, which owns ESPN; outside investors; or a combination thereof. Considering the success the network has had with its made-for-TV films such as The Bronx Is Burning and 3 (about the life of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt), the move into theatrical films may not be such a surprise. The question of whether ESPN can succeed in this arena, however, lies in the public’s appetite for sports films, which have had a checkered history of success.

Michael Browne
Managing Editor

Norma Kamali to Design Collection for Wal-Mart
Global licensor and brand management company Cherokee Inc. announced the completion of a licensing agreement between Norma Kamali Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

The multi-year agreement covers a wide range of categories including women’s and children’s clothing, footwear, accessories, home, and more.

“My life dream has been to promote self esteem for women and wellness for the entire family,” says Norma Kamali, president and designer of Norma Kamali Inc.

“Now I have the opportunity with Wal-Mart to create products that combine my design experiences with great value and innovative ideas to fulfill this dream. Through the Wal-Mart stores and Web site I can reach more people and affect more lives than in any other venue.”

"This landmark deal combines the talent and experience of Norma Kamali with Wal-Mart's reach and vision,” says Robert Margolis, chairman and CEO of Cherokee Inc. “We believe this partnership will deliver extraordinary results and will far surpass any third-party partnerships we have facilitated to date."

New Licensees Open ‘The Dangerous Book for Boys’
With more than 2.3 million copies already in print in the United States since May 2007, The Dangerous Book for Boys will debut as a licensing program in 2008.

The Sharpe Company Inc., the licensing agency that represents the property in North America, has finalized deals with University Games (card games, jigsaws, wooden puzzles, magic and glow-in-the-dark products), Uncle Milton Industries (science, exploration and activity kits), Thames and Kosmos (chemistry, electronics and electricity kits), and Andrews McMeel (mini boxed kits). Additionally, Hasbro (board and travel games) and Rizzoli (calendars) were signed by the worldwide agent Rocket Licensing Ltd.

The first book in The Dangerous Book for Boys series has sold over one million copies in hardback in the U.K. since its publication in June 2006. The second book in the series, The Pocket Dangerous Book for Boys—Things to Know was published in June 2007 and a Yearbook was published in September. Publisher Harper Collins plans to follow the success of the first three books with more titles in 2008.

Several categories, including apparel, stationery and gifts, are still available for licensing.

American Kennel Club Art Collection Makes Debut
For the first time in its nearly 125-year history, The American Kennel Club will make available limited-edition reproductions of its prestigious painting collection to dog enthusiasts worldwide through a licensing agreement signed with the Meisner Gallery, and its newly-established Web site, akcgallery.com.

Initially, the AKC Gallery will offer a limited quantity of 20 hand-embellished giclées on archival canvas (framed and unframed) of various breeds including Smooth Fox Terriers, Pointers, and English Setters, representing such groups as Working, Sporting, and Terriers. These will be available in petite and premiere editions ranging in size from 8 by 10 inches to 36 by 48 inches.

The AKC Collection will also include Special Editions produced as large as 6 by 10 feet. The artwork retails between $250 and $10,000 depending upon the size and framing.

The deal was orchestrated by the AKC’s exclusive worldwide licensing, marketing and promotional agent, 4sight licensing solutions, a subsidiary of 4Kids Entertainment Inc.

The collection of American Kennel Club paintings, which spans three centuries of dog life and is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, is recognized as one of the finest canine art collections in the world. The original collection is on display in the Club’s New York headquarters.

“Our ultimate goal is to offer a complete portfolio of breeds and groups to collectors,” said Rachel Allgood, Director of Sales & Marketing of the Meisner Gallery. “This artwork is the perfect enhancement to a country home…a classic embellishment to an urban dwelling.”

Clampett Studio Collections to Offer Harry Potter Cover Art Series
Clampett Studio Collections, the licensee for original and limited edition Warner Bros. Entertainment, Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics fine art, has released the first three images from The Harry Potter Book Cover Art Series. The images are taken directly from the seven-book Harry Potter series written by bestselling author J.K. Rowling.

Originally drawn and painted by artist Mary GrandPré, the images chart seven years of experiences for Harry Potter at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The originals are reproduced utilizing the fine art giclée process, and have been numbered in an edition size of 500 and signed by the artist. The image size measures 11 by 25 inches, and the overall paper size 15 by 29 inches.

In the next year and a half, Clampett Studio Collections will release prints from the covers of the four remaining Harry Potter books. These prints will also be available to collectors as a complete set.

Lucky Jeans Apparel Line to Feature Sesame Street Characters
Sesame Workshop has partnered with Lucky Brand Jeans to feature the Sesame Street Muppets in a new line of classic T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets for children and adults.

The collection, premiering in Lucky Kid, will be sold at Lucky Kid stores and select Lucky Brand Jeans stores, as well as online at luckybrandjeans.com. Graphics will include Grover, Ernie, and Cookie Monster jamming in a band, or Elmo explaining that “P” is for Peace. T-shirts start at a retail price of $28.

“With over 38 years of brand recognition, classic Sesame Street characters are beloved by generations,” says Margaret Pepe, Sesame Workshop’s AVP, Global Consumer Products. “Pairing Sesame characters with a brand that is as unique and focused as Lucky makes this partnership fit like a glove—or T-Shirt.”

‘Barbie Mariposa’ Launches With Charity Ball
In celebration of the release last week of the new CGI made-for-DVD movie, Barbie Mariposa, Mattel’s Barbie co-hosted a first-ever “Butterfly Ball” on February 22 at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with the Lollipop Theater Network (a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the magic of movies to children staying in hospitals nationwide).

The “Butterfly Ball” brought the world of Mariposa to life by transforming the children’s hospital into a beautiful butterfly fairy garden. Barbie kicked off the festive “Butterfly Ball” by announcing a $20,000 donation to the Lollipop Theater Network. Children in attendance were treated to an exclusive sneak preview of the new Barbie Mariposa movie and were gifted with special EB Butterfly Necklaces designed by actors Courteney Cox and David Arquette to support the EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) Medical Research Foundation. Other keepsakes included butterfly fairy-themed Barbie Mariposa toys and dolls.

“Barbie movies continue to grow in popularity around the globe and are considered the new classics in home family DVD libraries, with more than 48 million units sold worldwide since 2001,” says Barry Waldo, vice president, entertainment marketing, Mattel. “Families watch our Barbie movies together because, in addition to having engaging and original magical storylines, each movie features positive messages and values that parents and grandparents appreciate for their kids.”

‘Dora’ to Release New Three-CD Box Set
On Tuesday March 11, a new Dora the Explorer three-CD box set titled “¡Vamos A Bailar! Let's Dance!: Dora the Explorer’s Music Collection” from Nickelodeon/Sony BMG will be available nationwide.

The deluxe CD package features more than 65 tracks from the series, including the gold-certified Dora the Explorer debut album. The box set also features four interactive games, a reusable sticker sheet, and a special Dora and Friends poster.

‘Dexter’ Comes to Collectibles Thanks to Bif Bang Pow!
Showtime Networks Inc. has awarded a licensing contract for their critically acclaimed original drama, “Dexter,” to pop culture collectible manufacturer Bif Bang Pow!

The network, working with its licensing agency, 360ep, has signed with Bif Bang Pow! to manufacture and distribute bobble heads and other figures for Dexter, the sympathetic serial killer played by Michael C. Hall. Bif Bang Pow! will produce a variety of Dexter collectibles, starting with bobble heads and action figures. The first items to become available should reach market this fall.

Discovery’s ‘Deadliest Catch’ Catches Video Game Deal
Fans of Discovery Channel’s reality TV series “Deadliest Catch” will be able to battle 40-foot waves, storms, ice, and a nearly 100-percent crewmember injury rate in the dangerous hunt for undersea riches on the Bering Sea with the new video game Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm, to be launched on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC in April 2008.

Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm is being developed by Liquid Dragon Studios. The game is published by Greenwave, a recently established video game publisher based in Seattle. The game will be available April 2008 for the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft and for PC. The game is not yet rated.

The game was inspired by Sig, Edgar, and Norman Hansen—three brothers who have made their living crab fishing on the Bering Sea aboard their family’s fishing vessel, the Northwestern. The Hansens and the Northwestern are featured on Discovery Channel’s highest rated and Emmy-nominated series—“Deadliest Catch.”

Authenticity and realism were critical to the Hansen brothers. They invited key development team members to Dutch Harbor, Alaska to personally experience life on the Northwestern. The game’s realism is enhanced with four real Bering Sea harbors and 34,000 miles of real Bering Sea coastline created from the United States Geological Survey. In addition, Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm is the first video game to feature United States Coast Guard vessels and helicopters.

Nielsen Figures Reveal Gamestop’s In-Store TV Station Boosts Sales
Out-of-home marketing company Channel M released the results of a Nielsen Company study illustrating how its custom video advertising networks can drive substantial increases in retail sales. GameStop TV, a customized in-store network produced by GameStop and Channel M, increased retail sales of advertised products available in GameStop by 19 to 36 percent in the locations where it was shown, according to the results of the Nielsen Company Pilot Study of GameStop’s Digital Network. The study also found that other products featured within the GameStop TV program and available at GameStop, also enjoyed an average sales increase of 20 percent.

According to the Nielsen results, 65 percent of all store visitors watch or listen to the in-store programming and 72 percent of the store’s audience are male customers between the ages of 12 and 34. The GameStop TV network includes more than 4,000 retail stores.

The Nielsen study also revealed that almost 90 percent of 12-34 year old customers find the topics and products featured in the program “interesting,” and 79 percent of viewers recalled one or more of the ads featured in the program. The study also found that GameStop TV viewers spent 52 percent more time in the store versus non-viewers.

Courtney Davis Inc. Signs Phoenix Creative Agency
Licensing agent Courtney Davis Inc. has signed on creative agency Phoenix Creative as their newest property. Phoenix Creative Co. has a growing archive of advertising images in a variety of looks, including retro, stylish, sophisticated, contemporary, and iconic. Their themes encompass florals, food and wine, coastal, western, lodge, travel, signage, seasonal, European, Asian, and many more.

Phoenix Creative is a collaborative team of artists whose work has been featured by national retailers and catalogers including Ballard Designs, Horchow, Pottery Barn Kids, Bloomingdale’s and Z Gallerie. In addition, the art is featured in giclée form by fine gift, home furnishing and furniture stores, as well as utilized by interior design firms, across the country.

Paramount Announces New Licensees for ‘Love Guru’
Paramount Licensing has announced several new licensees on board for its new Mike Myers film The Love Guru, slated for a June 20th release.

New licensees include Aquarius (posters, calendars, and playing cards); Disguise Inc. (costumes and dress-up accessories such as masks, plus Halloween-related articles such as treat carriers, candy cups, yard signs, wall signs, banners, flags, and outdoor lights); Changes (T-shirts, sweatshirts, track jackets, baseball caps, keychains with electronic voice elements, pins, wristbands, belt buckles, wallets, shot glasses, novelty candles, and incense); and Hot Properties Merchandising (heavy-duty magnets, memo clip and memo pad magnets, buttons, patches, stickers, keychains, air fresheners, bottle openers, and beverage coasters).

Blue Man Group & Allegiant Air Announce Innovative Partnership
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air LLC and performance artists the Blue Man Group have entered into a multi-faceted brand partnership. Launching March 13, the partnership will focus on communicating the Blue Man Group message to the Allegiant customer at all phases of the experience—from booking the flight to experiencing the Blue Man brand inside the carrier’s aircraft on cups, napkins, overhead bins, service carts, and on in-flight crew uniforms. The Blue Man Group image will also be featured on the exterior of the Allegiant aircraft.

In a mutual advertising relationship, the Allegiant brand will be incorporated into the Blue Man Group Las Vegas show, including the Allegiant logo on the aircraft featured during the show and an official Allegiant-sponsored VIP room. In addition, the brands will be shared in select advertising campaigns with Blue Man Group featured in Allegiant advertising and Allegiant featured in certain Blue Man Group advertising.

As part of the program, Allegiant customers will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to Blue Man Group at The Venetian directly either by booking through the Allegiant Web site, at select airport locations, through the company’s call-center, or in-flight. As an added bonus, customers will receive an exclusive incentive valued at more than $50 when purchasing tickets to the show through Allegiant.

Thomas Arrives at UK’s Thomas Land
The latest Thomas Land, in the UK’s Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire, is set to open March 15. The new theme park was created in partnership with HIT Entertainment.

The first Thomas Land was launched in 1998 in Japan in the Fujikyu Park, which attracts more than 1.7 million visitors each year. Thomas Land at Drayton Manor is the first in Europe and features 12 themed rides based on the “Thomas & Friends” television series and books.

‘Naruto’ Game Ships for Nintendo DS
TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America Inc. have shipped Naruto: Ninja Destiny for the Nintendo DS handheld system to retailers nationwide. The 3-D handheld fighting game promises battles that are true to VIZ Media’s anime TV series “Naruto.”

Featuring scenes, characters, and storylines up to the 140th episode of the hit anime series, the game offers more content than the Japanese original, with additional characters, content, and improved frame rate.

Cartoon Network Enterprises to Represent ‘Bakugan’ in Europe and Africa
Cartoon Network Enterprises and Nelvana Enterprises have entered into a relationship to support their anime property, Bakugan. Through the agreement CNE will serve as the brand’s licensing agent for the non-toy related categories across Europe and Africa.

“Bakugan” is a co-production from Nelvana Enterprises, Spin Master Ltd., Sega Toys Ltd., TMS Entertainment Ltd., Japan Vistec Inc., and Sega Corporation, with animation by Japan Vistec Inc. and TMS Entertainment Ltd. With Spin Master as master toy partner, Cartoon Network Enterprises will work to create a comprehensive consumer products program by adding a series of key categories.

The “Bakugan” television series will launch in the UK on Cartoon Network in 2008 and will subsequently roll out across the rest of the EMEA territories.

“We believe Bakugan is a perfect complement to our strong stable of brands and is a very exciting property to represent and build upon our presence in the boys consumer products market,” says Alan Fenwick, vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Time Warner Folds New Line Into Warner Bros. Entertainment
Time Warner Inc. has consolidated its filmed entertainment businesses, Warner Bros. Entertainment and New Line Cinema. As part of the consolidation, New Line will be operated as a unit of Warner Bros.

New Line will maintain separate development, production, marketing, distribution, and business affairs operations, but will closely integrate and coordinate those functions with Warner Bros. to maximize film performance and operating efficiencies, achieve significant cost savings, and improve margins.

New Line’s Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne have elected to leave the studio, but are in discussions about possible future business relationships with the company.

New Line is the home of films and franchises such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Mask, Austin Powers, Blade, Rush Hour, Elf, Wedding Crashers, and Hairspray.

Fox Expands Halo’s Merchandising Program
Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising, licensing agent for hot video game property, Halo, revealed its new line-up of action figures, die-casts, replicas, and more through its partners at Toy Fair 2008.

Headlining Halo’s toy program is the action figure and die-cast vehicle line from McFarlane Toys. In addition, Master Replicas unveiled never before seen six-inch die-cast vehicles, along with FX plasma swords that feature lights and sound, and scaled helmet replicas. Japanese company Kotobukiya showcased new vinyl sculpts of Master Chief and Cortana.

Additional licensees signed on include Gentle Giant (mini-busts, Master Chief 12-inch figures, Kubricks block figures); Rubies Costume Co. (Halloween costumes); Topps (trading cards); Weta Studios (collectibles and dioramas); WizKids (collectible miniature game); and Jasman Toys (laser command single and dual weapon sets).

“Halo has transcended the video game world and become a true entertainment franchise,” says Michael Peikoff, senior vice president, U.S. licensing for Fox Licensing & Merchandising. “The breathtaking imagery and story behind the series will fuel an extensive merchandising program that will be rooted in toys, collectibles, and replicas certain to satisfy and exceed expectations for this discerning fan base, as revealed at this year’s show.”

‘Franny’s Feet’ Gets Foothold on Disney Channel UK
Decode Enterprises, the distribution subsidiary of DHX Media, has sold “Franny’s Feet” to the Disney Channel in the UK.

The Decode Entertainment-produced series recently began airing daily on Thirteen/WNET in the United States, and the company also signed an apparel deal in the UK this month with Cooneen, brokered through UK agent Rocket Licensing.

“Franny’s Feet” is acommission by Canada’s Family Channel and the UK’s Five, where it airs as part of the channel’s Milkshake preschool strand. The show is currently shown in more than 150 countries worldwide, including international channels ABC Australia, France 5, Disney Channel Germany, Cartoon Network in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, Italy’s Rai, TV2 Denmark, and TV12 Singapore.
 
Toys “R” Us Teams With Autism Speaks for Fundraising Campaign
Toys “R” Us, in conjunction with the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund, recently kicked off its second annual fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to facilitating research that aims to uncover the causes of, develop treatments for, and discover a cure for autism. From now until May 2, Toys “R” Us will collect cash donations at all 585 Toys “R” Us stores across the country and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. The program coincides with Autism Awareness Month in April.

In addition to collecting monetary donations, Toys “R” Us is committed to helping Autism Speaks increase public awareness about the disorder. Together with Autism Speaks and the National Lekotek Center, an independent organization dedicated to children with disabilities, Toys “R” Us has again developed a special edition of the Toys “R” Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids that identifies “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism.” The items selected promote development of language, creativity, and social skills. The “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism” and other information about the disorder are available at all Toys “R” Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks.

Last year, the Toys “R” Us in-store fundraising campaign raised more than $1.1 million to support Autism Speaks in its efforts to help solve the autism puzzle. This year, Toys “R” Us has extended the campaign from seven weeks to nine weeks to provide customers with a greater opportunity to impact the lives of families affected by autism. During the nine-week period, the company will implement an aggressive marketing program, inclusive of in-store signage and advertising, to inform customers about the disorder and its warning signs.

Parthenon Signs Up Agents for ‘Jakers!’
Parthenon Entertainment Group has signed up two licensing agents for its international TV property, “Jakers!” The Licensing Factory was appointed licensing agent for Italy and Active Merchandising has been appointed for Germany.

Since being appointed to represent “Jakers!” in Italy, The Licensing Factory has successfully negotiated deals with Marini Silvano for accessories, New Links for activity books, magic pens, memory cards and audio books, and Hobby and Work for DVDs, books, stickers, sticker albums, and coloring books. Other categories being targeted include back-to-school, toys, plush, textile, and costume characters.

Active Merchandising will focus on building momentum at retail with existing “Jakers!” licensees.

Massimiliano Baroglio, licensing manager at The Licensing Factory, says, “Thanks to the great stories and the easy way in which Piggley Winks goes about solving his everyday problems, ‘Jakers!’ quickly captures its young audience’s imagination The property has all the ingredients for success in the Italian market, helped also by top broadcasting network Italia1, which is airing the show in its primary preschool morning time slot, allowing it the best exposure for the target audience.”

SpongeBob ‘Drawn’ to New DS Game
THQ have announced that the follow-up to Drawn to Life, the game for the Nintendo DS handheld where players draw their own main character, will feature the world of hit Nickelodeon cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants.” SpongeBob Drawn to Life will ship for the Nintendo DS this fall.

As SpongeBob and his friends face off against the villainous DoodleBob (an actual character from the cartoon who is, coincidentally, also a drawing come to life), players will draw their own unique hero that has the power to defeat DoodleBob’s rogue drawings and rescue SpongeBob and his friends.

The game will also feature a two-player Vs. mode utilizing the DS’ wireless connection.

Extreme Makes Time for Chrono
The Extreme Group, founders of the Extreme Sports Channel, has joined forces with UK watch distributor Chrono for Extreme’s new brand, EX Time.

The brand’s initial launch was in November and has attracted considerable press coverage, particularly for the Clip n Rip styles. The watches were featured in Stuff, T3, BBC ’s “Basil Brush Show,” and The National Student Mag, among others. Extreme is also selling the watches through its online sports retail business, ExtremePie.com.

Koala Brothers Pens Deals for Portugal, Spain
UK children's rights owner and producer Spellbound Entertainment has inked a series of new broadcast and distribution deals in Europe for its preschool series, “The Koala Brothers.”

State broadcaster RTP in Portugal has bought all 78 10-minute episodes plus the Christmas special, “The Koala Brothers Outback Christmas.” RTP joins a growing list of public broadcasters to have picked up the series.

Cable and satellite children’s channel Canal Panda will also take the series for Portugal beginning October 2008. In addition, Spellbound has inked a deal with Portuguese media company Big Picture Entertainment for home entertainment rights to the series in Portugal.

In Spain, Imira Entertainment (formerly Icon Animation) has been awarded the rights to represent the property in Spain across TV, licensing, and merchandising as well as representing TV in Latin America.

Blues Clothing Signs German Distribution Deal
Blues Clothing, which supplies licensed apparel in the UK and throughout Europe, has signed a five-year distribution deal for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with Miles Fashion.

Blues has had a presence in Germany for over 15 years, but the new agreement with Miles marks the beginning of an exclusive relationship between two major apparel companies. Says Blues chairman Matthew Wheeler, “This new agreement is a very exciting development for the company as it further strengthens our European network. Miles Fashion is a strong partner with a great pedigree in designing, producing, and distributing clothing in the biggest economy in Europe.” 

Miles Fashion will distribute Blues Clothing’s apparel from a list of properties such as Disney, The Simpsons, Marvel, Ben 10, Fifi and The Flowertots, Hello Kitty and Mr. Men.

Warner Takes Lead in UK Film Market
With the success of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Beowulf, 300, Music and Lyrics, Ocean’s 13, Blood Diamond, Fred Claus, and I Am Legend, Warner Bros. Pictures claims to have become the UK’s top-ranked film distributor.

Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros. UK, says, “Having ended 2007 as the UK’s No. 1 film distributor with a 15.7 percent market share, Warner Bros. UK begins 2008 in a unique position to capitalize on this industry-leading stand with a host of great movies—including Speed Racer, Harry Potter: The Half-Blood Prince, and The Dark Knight.”

Alexander Doll Company Loves Gumby
Classic Media, an Entertainment Rights group company, and Heat Licensing have inked a deal with Alexander Doll Company to introduce a collectible edition of Alexander’s Maggie doll with a Gumby theme. Maggie Loves Gumby includes a 3-inch Gumby bendable from licensee NJ Croce.

“Gumby and Maggie are beloved by generations and are always in style,” says Karyn Schneider, vice president, licensing, Classic Media. “Gumby, whose optimism has inspired fans for more than 50 years, is a perfect fit for Alexander Doll Company’s ‘American Favorites’ line.”

The Maggie Loves Gumby doll was unveiled at Toy Fair and will roll out at major retailers and specialty stores throughout North America beginning in May.

‘Brainiac’ Takes to the Stage
Sky One ’s zany science program, “Brainiac: Science Abuse,” is being staged live in theaters across 20 UK cities, starting in London at the Hackney Empire, last week. More dates will be added later.

“The Brainiac Live Show is a great addition to the Brainiac brand activity,” says Start Licensing’s Ian Downes. “A number of licensees are being signed to the brand following the launch of a range of products in W.H. Smith at Christmas. ‘Brainiac’ appeals to licensees as it has a very original look, a solid audience, and allows them to target new areas of the market.”

Smiley Appoints International Agents
Smiley Licensing has appointed six international licensing agents in the key territories of Japan, Korea, India and the Middle East. 

Digikore Studios will represent the brand in India; in Korea the agent will be IPPark; Tact Communications, based in Tokyo, will represent the brand in Japan, and Copyright Licensing will do so in the Middle East. New agents for the United States and South America are set to be signed up shortly. 

Since early 2007, Smiley brand has launched apparel, jewelry and fragrances, joining stationery, gifts and greeting cards based on the 1200 Smileyworld icons. 

Puzzle maker Ravensburger is among the latest licensees with a deal with Smileyworld for the first 2D and 3D puzzles featuring the black and yellow Smiley icon for a 60-piece Smileyworld Puzzleball and a more traditional 1000 piece jigsaw.

Anchor Hocking Glassware to Launch Home Decor Program
Stone America Licensing LLC announced that their client, glassware manufacturer Anchor Hocking, will launch a comprehensive kitchen and home decor licensing program.

The program will focus on Anchor Hocking’s newly designed logo, packaging, and their products, by offering their name and likeness for licensing. Major categories will include but are not limited to: tabletop ceramics, bakeware, flatware, china, tabletop soft goods, knives, pots/pans, coolers, cutlery, paper goods, small kitchen appliances, detergent, and more.

‘Zula Patrol’ Receives One-Day-Only Theatrical Event
In select theatres for one day only, The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space! will take children ages 3 to 8 on an animated ride through the universe, and teach them about metamorphosis and life cycles along the way. Five never-before-seen episodes from the acclaimed public television series will premiere in this in-theatre special event on Saturday, March 29th at 10:00 a.m. local time, which will include sing-a-longs that enhance children’s participation and interest in exploring science, math, and astronomy.

National CineMedia’s Fathom, in partnership with Zula USA, will present The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space! on the big screen in high-definition with Cinema Surround Sound to more than 300 participating locations, including Cinemark USA Inc., Goodrich Quality Theaters, Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres, Marcus Theatres, National Amusements, and Regal Entertainment Group movie theatres, as well as the Penn Cinema (Lititz, PA) and State Theatre (State College, PA) through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

 Tickets for this event are available at presenting theatre box offices and online at FathomEvents.com.

Design Studio Little Star Soup Expands Into Tableware
Little Star Soup, a Brooklyn Heights-based Illustration & Design Studio, has licensed seven new paper tableware collections with Creative Converting.

Little Star Soup’s latest designs consist of three new birthday collections—Balloon Bash, Fairytale Princess, and Birthday Style—and two baby shower collections—Love Bug and Stroller Fun—all of which are currently available as paper tableware from Creative Converting. Two cocktail sets titled “Halloween Drinks” and “Christmas Cocktails” will be available later in the year.

Little Star Soup is developing new collections, and looking for a ceramic company to partner with.

Mountain High Knitwear and Planet Sox Holdings LLC to Merge
Planet Sox Holdings LLC and Mountain High Knitwear, both owned by Creo Capital Partners LLC, have merged operations and management teams.

Planet Sox Holdings LLC acquired Planet Sox LLC’s assets in January, creating an expanded roster of licenses and market share in the mid- to mass-market for Mountain High Knitwear, a large domestic supplier of private label hosiery. Planet Sox, a manufacturer of licensed and private brand hosiery, owns the licenses for such popular brands as Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Dora the Explorer, and SpongeBob, among many others.

The operations and showrooms will be consolidated over the next few months at new showroom headquarters located at 20 West 33rd Street in New York. Corporate offices for Mountain High Hosiery and Planet Sox Holdings LLC will be operated out of Tuscon, AZ and New York.

Nakajima Develops Back-to-College Line for Angry Little Girls
Angry Little Girls, the comic strip that explores issues and misconceptions facing young girls, has joined with Nakajima USA to develop a collection of humorous back-to-college merchandise and fashion-driven lifestyle items. Products are set for release in Fall 2008. The deal was brokered by The Sharpe Company, which represents Angry Little Girls for merchandising.

Among the items in the back-to-school line are bags, wallets, notebooks, an organizer, a locking diary, pens, pencils, and an alarm clock.

In addition to Nakajima, licensees include Harry Abrams and Running Press (publishing), The Outfit (bags), Recycled Greetings (greeting cards), and T-Line and Wish Licensing (apparel).

National Trust for Historic Preservation Branded Mouldings Coming to Lowe’s
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to saving and preserving America’s diverse historic places, is pleased to announce that The Empire Company has been licensed to develop a new collection of authentic mouldings inspired by the landmark homes of the National Trust—available exclusively at Lowe’s. The deal was brokered by MODA International Marketing Inc., the licensing agency for the National Trust.

Empire, together with The National Trust, toured the country visiting many historic sites for product inspiration. The result is 6 distinct moulding styles, available in-store and via special order beginning in spring 2008. “This marks the second National Trust program at Lowe’s, building on the highly successful paint program with Valspar,” said Miriam Lenett, Director of Business Development for the National Trust. “Lowe‟s continues to be an important partner of the Trust and we look forward to continuing to expand our relationship with this important retailer.”

Typhoon Plus Licenses Rachael Hale for Housewares
This spring, global housewares brand distributor, Typhoon Plus is to launch an exclusive Rachael Hale collection, featuring lunch boxes, trolley bags, back packs, bags and drinks sleeves in the United States market. The collection will be launched at the 2008 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago.

Says David Todd, CEO of Dissero Brands, the company responsible for Rachael Hale, “Typhoon Plus and Rachael Hale are a great brand fit—sharing a similar ethos around the value of design to differentiate and elevate the brand experience. This forms a solid platform from which to develop a long-term, profitable relationship”
 
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Warner Bros. Consumer Products has appointed Preston Kevin Lewis managing director for Australia and New Zealand. Lewis will be responsible for day-to-day operations and oversee all sales, marketing, retail, promotions, and licensing activity for the Australia and New Zealand territories.

Cheryl Kerzner has been named vice president of product design and marketing for costume company Disguise Inc. She will lead the marketing and creative teams in product design planning, retail merchandising, packaging, and product development.

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