Globe Helms DreamWorks Consumer Products
Anne Globe was named head of Worldwide Consumer Products and Promotions for DreamWorks Animation. In her new role, Globe will be responsible for overseeing worldwide brand planning and promotion for all DreamWorks properties, with a focus on developing and implementing marketing strategies for merchandising and promotional programs in support of the studio’s animated and live-action feature film releases and television animation. In addition, Globe will oversee all product placement activities for the studio.
WB Character Portfolio Goes Vintage
Warner Bros. Consumer Products and TRUNK LTD., a CINQ Group brand, partnered on a line of exclusive limited- and special-edition vintage-inspired tops, jackets, and headwear featuring the “WB Shield” and characters from Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, and DC Comics. The collection will be on shelf at high-end and specialty retailers in early 2005. CINQ Group recently launched TRUNK LTD., an exclusive collection of vintage-inspired merchandise that features original artwork from artists such as The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Black Sabbath, KISS, The Doors, Madonna, AC/DC, Blondie, Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd, Mötley Crüe, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and Billy Idol.
The Beanstalk Group in “Wacky” New Deal
The Beanstalk Group was named the exclusive licensing agent for Wacky Packages, a series of collectible cards originally released in the 1960s and created by The Topps Co. Inc. The pair will collaborate on creating licensed products including apparel and accessories, gifts and novelties, paper products, back-to-school, and toys. Licensed products will be targeted at ’tweens, Wacky Packages’ current core consumer, as well as adults who remember the vintage Wacky Packages cards. Initially, licensed products will be sold at specialty stores, on the Internet, and in department/mid-tier stores, with a launch scheduled for fall 2005.
ShoPro Entertainment Takes on Naruto
ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., secured the television, home video, and merchandising rights to Naruto for North America and Latin America from worldwide licensors, TV TOKYO Corp., and Shueisha Inc. Naruto first was introduced into the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999. The property was expanded into a series of graphic novels in 2000. Naruto’s television broadcast partner and key licensing partners will be determined shortly.
Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks Gets Stripped
Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks will go to a daily strip after airing on weekends for the last two years, effective September 5, 2005. As part of the enhanced programming plan, PBS Kids ordered new episodes of the half-hour series, which currently features 40 episodes produced by Mike Young Productions for Entara Ltd. and presented by PBS affiliate WLIW in New York. The marketing plan for the Jakers! brand currently has secured partners in publishing and home video/DVD. The next focus will be securing key toy and apparel partners.
Mudd Expands Internationally
Mudd will launch in Scandinavian countries in spring ’05 and in Central and South American countries in fall ’05. Mudd USA signed the deals with Norway-based VIB AS and Panama-based Bellagio Enterprise Panama, Inc., respectively. VIB will create women’s and girls’ apparel and accessories. Bellagio will make women’s and girls’ apparel and accessories, which will sell in Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao, Saint Martin, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Dominica, and Guadeloupe.
Genius Products Appoints International Distributor
Genius Products, Inc., appointed B Wooding Media (BWM) distributor of DVD and audio products for the Baby Genius, Kid Genius, and Wee Worship brands to the international marketplace. BWM will seek broadcast opportunities worldwide, excluding Australia and New Zealand, and represent the brands for home entertainment and audio opportunities in all territories excluding Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Diamond Select Inks Deal with Capcom
Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC, signed a licensing agreement with Street Fighter publisher Capcom to develop a line of Street Fighter Minimate toys and collectibles. The line is being developed in conjunction with Art Asylum Inc., and will create an extension to the Minimate family. The Street Fighter Minimate line is scheduled for late summer.
In other news, Diamond Select aligned with Backbone Entertainment to create a line of toys, collectible plush, and Minimates based on upcoming video game Death, Jr. Slated for release on the new PSP handheld entertainment system, the game is due out later in 2005. A comic book from Image Comics is set in April, while a feature film is also in preproduction.
Trollz to Debut on Video Games
Ubisoft signed a licensing agreement with DIC Entertainment to create video games based on the Trollz property. The exclusive, worldwide agreement includes interactive games based on the ’tween entertainment and lifestyle property for all existing game formats. An initial game for handheld consoles is planned for late this year, with other formats to follow. Additionally, DIC will launch an online Web community in April 2005. Ubisoft joins other licensees such as Scholastic (publishing), Hasbro (toys), Warner Bros. (home entertainment), and One World Interactive (mobile). Trollz’ international debut is scheduled for 2006.
4Kids Entertainment to Rep the Moodies
4Kids Entertainment, Inc., signed an agreement with cartoon character creation studio Fineline Properties to serve as the exclusive merchandise licensing agent for the Moodies cartoon character group. 4Kids also is being retained to represent the film and television rights for the Moodies character group. The Moodies is based on the concept of dolls containing heat sensors that enable a child’s mood to be reflected in the color of the doll as a result of the amount of body heat produced. If you are cold, the doll will turn blue, and if you are hot, the doll will turn red. The toy rights are available for licensing.
In other 4Kids news, the company strengthened its lineup for young girls, adding Mew Mew Power to its 4Kids TV lineup on Saturday mornings. The Japanese animated property follows the adventures of five girls who possess the powers of endangered animals and must battle aliens who want to destroy mankind. A licensing program is expected to launch in fall 2005.
City of New York Licensing Opportunities
NYC Marketing, the official marketing office of New York City government, announces the establishment of its citywide merchandise program by offering licensing rights to major merchandise categories, including all classifications and products in adult apparel (including headwear); children’s apparel; souvenirs; home furnishings; school, home, and office products; and replica vehicle categories, as well as licensing representation outside North America. Additionally, NYC Marketing, in an effort to provide licensed products in the widest variety of classifications possible, is looking to identify organizations that can enhance and expand the city’s merchandise selection. The new licensing program allows the city to offer rights to its collective intellectual property, and will represent and promote the city’s agencies including the FDNY; NYPD; Department of Parks & Recreation; Taxi & Limousine Commission; Department of Sanitation; Department of Transportation; and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting. Organizations are invited to visitwww.nyc.gov/marketing/licensing for more information and to download a copy of this opportunity.
Last Chance for Leading Licensors
The deadline to be considered for License!’s Leading Licensors list is March 4. Please e-mail a 150-word blurb containing your company’s 2004 worldwide retail sales of licensed merchandise, plus upcoming initiatives, to Contributing Editor Dawn Wilensky at [email protected]
It’s Showtime
Registration is open to Licensing 2005 International Show, June 21-23, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City. Preregister now for FREE Exhibits Admission—a $100 savings—by clicking on https://www.showreg.net/LSI2005 or call (800) 331-5706 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday).
Preregister for Licensing 2005 International today to access brands and properties from every major consumer category available for product extension and retail and promotional programs in one place, at one time. For complete show details, including a list of exhibitors, visit www.licensingshow.com
Make an Impact in License!’s Leading Licensors Issue
License! magazine’s April 2005 issue features an inside look at today’s leading licensors, along with their most recent worldwide sales of licensed merchandise. It provides retailers with the insights they need to uncover new business opportunities for the year ahead and is a year-long “keep and save” issue that works hand in hand with the License! 2005-2006 Black Book. Advertising in April License! will have repeated impact and keep your company top-of-mind with prospects and customers all year long. Call Steven Ekstract at (212) 951-6684 today to reserve a preferred position.
For more licensing news and features, visit www.licensemag.com For more information on New York City government licensing opportunities, visit www.nyc.gov/marketing/licensing
