Brand Licensing Europe Announces Animation Spotlight

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has announced it will shine a light on the creative powerhouse that is the British and European animation industry with a special pavilion and unmissable keynote that will focus on the sector at this year’s show.

The BLE team is inviting studios to come forward and take part.

“The animation industry in Britain and Europe is so exciting right now–a real cluster of creativity and vibrancy with studios of all sizes producing inspired, innovative and commercially viable content,” says Anna Knight, event director, BLE. “Just look at Animaccord and ‘Masha and the Bear,’ Magic Light Pictures and ‘The Gruffalo,’ Acamar and ‘Bing,’ Moomin with the new ‘Moominvalley’ and, of course, the granddaddy of them all, Aardman with ‘Shaun the Sheep’ and ‘Wallace and Gromit,’ among many others.

“We want to celebrate these studios, their stories and successes at BLE and give them a platform from which to shout and do business, and we really hope they will jump on the bandwagon and take advantage of all of the opportunities open to them to show retailers and licensees exactly what they have to offer,” adds Knight.

The BLE Animation Pavilion will provide affordable exhibiting options for smaller studios and startups, providing a level playing field for everyone and the chance to be part of BLE and break into the industry.

“We are also close to confirming a really special animation-focused keynote presentation, which we are hoping to announce shortly after Licensing Expo,” adds Knight. “So, watch this space; you will not want to miss it.”

Brand Licensing Europe takes place Oct. 1-3 at ExCeL London.