Exhibitor Insights: 5 Minutes With Famous MonstersExhibitor Insights: 5 Minutes With Famous Monsters

One of the most frightfully familiar names you will come across at this year’s Licensing Expo is Famous Monsters of Filmland, the first-ever sci-fi, fantasy, horror and pop culture entertainment magazine. Founded in 1958 and still in circulation today, the publication takes readers behind the scenes of their favorite films. Famous Monsters influenced a generation of monster fans who grew up to become some of Hollywood’s biggest names including Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson, Rick Baker and Stephen King.

“Much like Disney, Famous Monsters is a trusted authority in genre entertainment,” says Philip Kim, publisher of Famous Monsters.

Today, the magazine has grown to include comic books, an apparel line, an e-commerce store, a prominent place at the San Diego Comic-Con, special events and conventions, a line of designer candy, licensed guitars and much more.

Licensing Expo chatted with Kim to discuss why, after decades of covering the Show as press, the magazine decide to host its first booth in 2016.

Why did you decide to join as an exhibitor this year? We were covering the show and realized that there were so many brands that did not have our heritage, yet they were growing every year as they were writing deals and making an impact on their future. We wanted to participate in a more meaningful way and offer our 57 years of readership a different and richer experience through licensee partners.

Are there any special relationships that you have formed at Shows past? We had attended mostly as press for the Licensing Expo, but we have had much success in licensing through other trade venues. Our partners consist of ESP Guitars, Disney Films, and various other companies small and large. As we covered the Show we realized that we were missing out on the future of how our brand can reach our vast followers. We believe this Show is a very important part of the entertainment business.

Any advice you can offer first time attendees about tackling this large beast of a Show? I would say that first time attendees would really benefit from studying the companies that will be exhibiting before the Show day. You will get lost and spend valuable time plotting rather than building relationships if you are not prepared. 

What are your goals as an exhibitor? Initially, it would be to let the world know that we are open for collaboration but ultimately we want to have partners who can take Famous Monsters well beyond the pages of our magazine. 

Tell me a little bit about what we have to look forward to at the Famous Monsters booth? We will have displays and art demonstrations. We will also have a surprise celebrity guest.

Tell us a little bit about the Geek Culture Pavilion. The Geek Culture Pavilion is a collaboration between Famous Monsters and the Licensing Expo. We felt that it wasn't enough to have the heritage and classic brands just sprinkled throughout the Show floor. We wanted to have a place where licensee's can come and travel a bit back in time to experience there favorite movies and shows. With Hollywood on a rip tear to capitalize on all the remakes what was the past is now the present. We see it in the resurgence of our business. To tell you the truth, this entertainment business isn't only about the actors or the special effects, but what we are tapping into is a piece of someone’s childhood or a moment in their life when nothing but that music or that kiss on the big screen will capture.

To learn more about Famous Monsters, visit www.famousmonsters.com.