Category Archives: Highlight

Licensing International announces 2022 Excellence Awards finalists

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Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious Licensing International Excellence Awards, dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world.

This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories. More than 150 judges from 21 countries chose this year’s finalists from nearly 800 submissions.

Licensing International members can vote for the winners beginning on Monday, April 11. Each member company will receive one ballot to vote on all 25 categories and voting will end on Friday, April 22.

The winners will be announced during the Licensing International Excellence Awards at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

More information about all of the finalists is available online. Finalists were presented by Alifish, InSpirit Designs, Jazwares, and participants in Licensing International’s Accelerator Program, including Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media, and Somos Arte.

The full list of nominees can be viewed online here or seen below.

Best Licensing Product — Apparel or Accessory for a Corporate Brand

  • Couture Kingdom – Streets Jewelry
  • Don’t call me Jennyfer – Chupa Chups Collection
  • Mad Engine Global – McDonald’s Apparel and Accessories Line
  • PUMA – BMW M Motorsport Line
  • Reebok – Jelly Belly Sneakers
  • Ripple Junction – Keith Haring Apparel

Best Licensed Product — Apparel or Accessory for an Entertainment Property

  • Blackmilk – The Legend of Zelda Collection
  • Eastpak – Peanuts Backpacks
  • OnePlus – Harry Potter Smartwatch
  • Pair Eyewear – Sesame Street Kids Glasses
  • Persol – La Casa de Papel Glasses
  • Zara – Barbie 1959 Collection
  • Zara – Playmobil Line

Best Licensed Product — Appliances, Electronics & Housewares for a Corporate Brand

  • Arcade1 Up, Tastemakers – Polaroid At-Home Instant Photobooth
  • Brizo – Frank Lloyd Wright Bath Hardware
  • Ecoffee Cup – Van Gogh Reusable Coffee Cup
  • Fizz Creations – Tetris Wafflemaker
  • Fizz Creations – Tetrix x Samsung Fridge Storage Stackers
  • QuietKat – Jeep E-Bike
  • Ukonic – Xbox Fridge

Best Licensed Product — Appliances, Electronics & Housewares for an Entertainment Property

  • Bumpboxx – Jimi Hendrix Boombox
  • Gramercy Products – Nerf Dog Toys
  • Guild Guitars – Bob Marley Acoustic Guitar
  • Half Moon Bay – Peaky Blinders Drinkware
  • Just Funky – Naruto Shippoden Kitchen Appliances
  • Stern Pinball – Godzilla Pinball Machine
  • Tonies – Sesame Street ToniesBox

Best Licensed Product — Digital: Apps, Software, Video Games, NFTs

  • Lockwood Publishing – The Voice of Avakin
  • Next Games – Stranger Things Puzzle Tales Mobile Game
  • Story Toys Ltd – LEGO Duplo Marvel App
  • Tafi – Coca-Cola Friendship Box & NFT Collection
  • VeVe – Back to the Future DeLorean NFT
  • Virtual Brand Group – Forever 21 Shopcity on Roblox

Best Licensed Product — Food or Beverage for a Corporate Brand

  • G FUEL – Tetris Energy Drink
  • Häagen-Dazs – Louvre Mooncake Ice Cream
  • Kellogg’s – HERSHEY’s Cereal
  • Kraft Heinz – HERSHEY’s Colliders
  • Namyang Dairy Products – Chupa Chups Sparkling Drinks
  • Natür Food Ventures. Tetris x Powerbeärs Gummy Snacks
  • Stewarts Enterprises – Hard Rock Hard Seltzer

Best Licensed Product — Food or Beverage for an Entertainment Property

  • Awfully Chocolate – Harry Potter Mooncakes
  • Brew Pipeline Inc – Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Seltzer
  • Kinnerton Confectionery – Harry Potter Chocolates
  • Krispy Kreme Japan – Minions Doughnuts
  • Le Comptoir de Mathilde – Harry Potter Chocolates
  • Megaplex – Godzilla vs Kong Whey Protein Powder

Best Licensed Product — Health and Beauty Aids

  • Centric Beauty – Crayola Kids Bath Collection
  • Floral Street Fragrances –Van Gogh Sunflower Pop Eau de Parfum
  • Gillette – Bugatti Razor
  • Hipdot – Monopoly, Play-Doh and Ouija Cosmetics
  • Mad Beauty – Friends Soap Dish & Bath Range
  • Mad Beauty – Winnie the Pooh Bath & Body Line
  • SK II / Procter and Gamble – Andy Warhol Skin Care

Best Licensed Product — Home Décor

  • Paladone – Minecraft Building Block Lights
  • Room Copenhagen – LEGO Wooden Home Décor
  • Shanghai Yepai – Harry Potter Home Décor Collection
  • Skultuna – Moomin Brass Figurines
  • Walmart – GAP Home Line
  • Zara Home – DC Comics Homeware Collection

Best Licensing Product — Publishing, Social Expression

  • Eaglemoss – The Beatles Advent Calendar
  • Insights Editions – Jurassic World Pop-Up Book
  • RCS – Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Partworks
  • So-Net Entertainment – National Palace Museum x Peanuts Stationery
  • The Carat Shop – Harry Potter Jewelry Advent Calendar
  • Theory 11 – The Beatles Playing Cards
  • Yoto Limited – LEGO Duplo Audio Cards

Best Licensed Product — Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 0-8)

  • Clementoni – Harry Potter Terrarium Kit
  • Disguise – Batman & Batmobile Adaptive Costume
  • Dynacraft – Disney Princess Cinderella 24V Carriage
  • LEGO – Disney’s Encanto Madrigal House
  • Moose Toys – Bluey Toy Range
  • Spin Master – Batman Bat-Tech Batcave

Best Licensed Product — Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 8+)

  • LEGO – adidas Superstar Sneaker Set
  • LEGO – Home Alone Set
  • LEGO – Star Wars AT-AT
  • Robosen – Transformers Robot
  • XM Studios – Batman Collectible Figurines
  • Zuru – 5 Surprise Mini Brands

Best Licensed Brand — Animated Entertainment, Character, Toy Brand

  • Barbie – Mattel
  • Bluey – BBC Studios
  • CoComelon – Moonbug Entertainment
  • Encanto – Disney
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man – Disney
  • Minecraft – Microsoft
  • Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir – ZAG
  • Peppa Pig – Hasbro

Best Licensed Brand — Corporate Brand

  • Arm & Hammer – Church & Dwight
  • BMW – BMW Group
  • Discovery – Discovery Inc.
  • Girl Scouts – Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Tasty – Buzzfeed Inc.
  • Transport for London – Transport Trading Limited

Best Licensed Brand — Food, Beverage, Restaurant Brand

  • Coca-Cola, Hi-C, Sprite – The Coca-Cola Company
  • Hershey’s – The Hershey Company
  • Fruity & Cocoa Pebbles – Post Consumer Brands, Warner Bros
  • Corona – Constellation Marketing Services
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • Kool-Aid – The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Streets – Unilever Australia

Best Licensed Brand — Lifestyle: Art, Design, Celebrity, Fashion

  • AC/DC – Epic Rights & Perryscope Studios
  • Amy Winehouse
  • Bob Marley
  • emoji The Iconic Brand – emoji company GmbH
  • Grateful Dead – Warner Music Experience
  • May Gibbs – The Northcott Society

Best Licensed Brand — Live Action Entertainment

  • Cobra Kai – Sony Pictures
  • Ghostbusters – Sony Pictures
  • Hot Ones – First We Feast, Complex Networks, Buzzfeed
  • La Casa de Papel – Netflix
  • MasterChef – Banijay
  • Monster Jam – Feld Entertainment
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy – Warner Bros.
  • Star Trek Universe – Paramount

Best Licensed Brand — Museum, Art, Design

  • Best Licensed Brand — Museum, Art, Design
  • Andy Warhol – Andy Warhol Foundation
    Keith Haring – Artestar
    Louvre – Louvre Museum
    National Palace Museum
    The Natural History Museum
    The New York Botanical Garden
    V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum

Best Licensed Brand — Sports, Collegiate

  • Football Greats Alliance – Pro Football Retired Players Association
  • Formula 1
  • NFLPA
  • Tokyodachi – Zephyr Headwear
  • U.S. Polo Assn.
  • WWE
  • Yale University

Best Retailer — Corporate, Lifestyle, Fashion, Sports Initiative

  • BoxLunch – McDonald’s
  • Discovery Expedition
  • GCDS – Bratz
  • PacSun – Coca-Cola
  • PacSun – Land Rover
  • Spirit Halloween & Spencer Gifts – Cheetos

Best Retailer — Entertainment, Character Brand

  • Bloomingdales – Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • Big W – Minecraft
  • Dream Toy – Squid Game
  • Hot Topic – Marvel Studios
  • Hot Topic – My Hero Academia
  • Joué Club – Batman
  • Saks Fifth Avenue – Harry Potter, Wizarding World

Best Location-Based Entertainment

  • Amy Winehouse Beyond the Stage – Design Museum, London
  • Barbie Ultimate Staycation – Grand Hyatt, Kyala Lumpur
  • Harry Potter: A Forbidden Experience – Thinkwell, Unify, Fever
  • Monopoly Lifesized – Gamepath Entertainment
  • NBA Store Arena – NBA Brazil
  • Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya

Best Licensed Collaboration

  • adidas x LEGO
  • Baccarat x Pokémon
  • Brown & Friends x Furla
  • Cochinelle x Barbie
  • Jurassic Park x Reebok
  • Sprite x Fila
  • The Simpsons x Balenciaga

Best Licensed Promotion

  • Angry Bird Problem? – Geico
  • Deliveroo’s Very Hungry Caterpillar – Deliveroo
  • PAW Patrol Waze Co-Pilot – Waze
  • Plant with Peppa Reforestation – Asda, Ecologi
  • Playmobil For Every Starbucks Buddy – Starbucks, Playmobil
  • Uber Famous Rides (TMNT, SpongeBob, Scooby) – Uber Rides

Best Licensing Agency

  • IMG
  • Pacific Licensing Studio
  • The Beanstalk Group
  • The Joester Loria Group
  • The Point.1888
  • Tycoon Enterprises
  • VIZ Media
  • WildBrain CPLG

 

First Paramount Global NFT collection to drop with Star Trek on 9 April

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Paramount Global and RECUR have announced that Star Trek  will be the first NFT digital collection to drop from their multi-year partnership to bring Paramount’s entertainment brands and characters to the metaverse.

Fans will be able to access Star Trek digital collectibles starting 9 April through Paramount.xyz, the online portal to access Paramount’s iconic IP and franchises in the form of NFTs.

Through this fan-focused platform, Paramount and RECUR have created a unified environment where fans can buy, collect and trade NFTs as digital collectibles across Paramount’s leading portfolio of brands, including Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, CBS, Showtime Networks Inc., and more.

Star Trek is the first franchise to launch and will be followed with collectibles from Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures.

Paramount.xyz allows fans to build a community, engage with peers, and unlock new, innovative and interactive experiences with properties and brands they love.

“Fans should be able to engage with our content wherever they are, including the metaverse,” says Pam Kaufman, President, Consumer Products and Experiences, Paramount. “Paramount.xyz will offer one seamless digital collectable experience for fans across our key franchises, starting with Star Trek,  an iconic franchise that is forward-thinking, innovative and multi-generational. We are thrilled to have a space that is accessible to everyone and allows another expression of fandom.”

The Star Trek collectibles will be housed in “Star Trek Continuum”, an experiential hub that will be the space for this first and future seasons of Star Trek NFTs. Here, fans will have the opportunity to own a piece of their favorite franchise while embarking on an entirely new journey.

The Star Trek Continuum sale will take place for 24 hours only on 9 April, 2022, starting at 11am ET. The cost per pack will be $250. There will never be more of these designs created and the minting window will only be open for 24 hours.

The Season 0 drop on 9 April will feature algorithmically-generated starships, and no two will be the same. The starships will be unveiled today, 8 April, at 1:45pm CT during Star Trek: Mission Chicago, where RECUR will be hosting a star-studded panel with talent from the franchise. Fans around the world can tune in to RECUR’s YouTube channel to view a live streamed unveiling of the coveted digital collectibles.

The journey continues later this year as fans can collect crew in Season 1 and go on voyages around the galaxy to seek out new planets and get digital collectible rewards. Season 0 starship owners will be rewarded with a crew member NFT leading into Season 1, and in Season 2 fans can use their crew to go on missions in a play-to-earn game.

“Fans are looking for new ways to engage with their favourite shows and franchises, and our innovative ecosystem gives them a community to be a part of for years to come,” says Zach Bruch, CEO of RECUR. “Through the introduction of Paramount.xyz and StarTrek.xyz, we’re providing fans with a unique way to embark on a journey to boldly go into the metaverse.”

Pre-registration for “Star Trek Continuum” opens today at StarTrek.xyz. Through this launch, RECUR and Paramount will be dropping 20,000 Star Trek  digital collectibles with an additional 2,000 in reserve. Continuum holders will get access to exclusive perks, events and the expanding content available to the NFTs digitally and in-real life.

For more information, visit Paramount.xyz and StarTrek.xyz.

ARTiSTORY launches its 2023 creatives to a global audience

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ARTiSTORY has revealed its 2023 Spring Summer global arts and cultural trends and themes to licensees, retailers and DTC brands across the world.

The online global event on 6 April 2022 presented new collections inspired by trend research and the wealth of artists and artefacts in the archives of ARTiSTORY’s museum partners: The National Gallery, London; The Brooklyn Museum, New York; The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; The National Palace Museum, Taipei; Dunhuang Inspiration, China and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, Spain.

In addition, ARTiSTORY announced its collaboration with the Benaki Museum, Greece for a multi-year, global licensing programme, and a new partnership with the presitigious Parsons School of Design at The New School. The New York based university, which provides world-class education in design and art history, will work with ARTiSTORY’s Global Artists Programme to reinterpret museum pieces for a commercial context.

As for serving the global market, ARTiSTORY announced strategic partnership with Sevens Marketing Consulting. The two entities will work together to help Chinese DTC companies build their brand and increase sales in the global markets.

ARTiSTORY’s North America office also shared news of two new deals with Ruggable, a high-end DTC rug company and Jade City Foods, a specialty food manufacturer, who will be both working with ARTiSTORY’s museum partners for co-branded products.

Four new trend-led themes were launched: ‘Marvellous Menagerie’, ‘She Created’, ‘Glitz and Glam’, and a refreshed collection for ARTiSTORY’s popular ‘Botanical Affairs’ theme.

The new collections of prints and patterns are inspired by some of the world’s greatest artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, George Barbier, Clara Wolcott Driscoll, Maria Sybilla Merian and William Morris, with their iconically beautiful designs of florals and animals. Beatrix Potter and her famous bunnies celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rabbit and Easter. John James Audubon and George Stubbs bring together our natural environment, along with stories and legends of the Silk Road.

Female focused ‘She Created’ celebrates the work of Guan Daosheng, the oldest known artist in the collections, dating from the 13th century.

‘Glitz and Glam’ features splendid headdresses made by Chinese court artists and the flappers and feathers of the 1920s, bringing these beautiful crowns and jewels roaring back to life and ready to embrace the dazzling 2020s.

The collections are now available to licence across multiple product categories and territories, supported with storytelling content for merchandising, marketing and immersive experiences.

Yizan He, Founder and CEO of ARTiSTORY, says: “The annually refreshed themes are developed in line with the global fashion trends, and inspired by the collecitons from our museum partners. Via licensing, retailers and consumer brands can work closely with ARTiSTORY to develop attrative new product lines that are appealing to shoppers.  The ‘artifacts to merchandise’ capabilty is a key competitive strength of ARTiSTORY.”

Natasha Dyson, co-founder & licensing director, ARTiSTORY, also commented: “This was our second creative launch and we were very happy to welcome so many new attendees, in additional to those who re-joined us.  As well as presenting stunning designs our themes highlighted some important issues, such as sustainability and protecting the planet and its wildlife. We hope to encourage brands and retailers to create eco-friendly and sustainable products that also match the ethos of our museum partners”.

 

Shannon Spisak elevated to VP Marketing and Communications, Dr Seuss Enterprises

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Global children’s entertainment company Dr. Seuss Enterprises has announced the promotion of Shannon Spisak to her new role as Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Spisak, who previously held the role of Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, will spearhead all marketing-related activities for the company. Additionally, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is expanding its management team with the new appointments of Vienna Downes, Jimeka Broussard, and Raquel Ojalvo into positions within retail and licensing, on the heels of an immense year of growth for the company.

Spisak will report directly to the CEO & President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Susan Brandt, and will be involved as part of the DSE executive management team, helping to move the business forward while continuing to support its strategic vision.

Additionally, Spisak will play a key role in helping to develop the company’s product, marketing, creative, social media and business plans. As an industry veteran, Spisak will continue to help the company evolve and expand the Dr. Seuss brand platform, while developing strategic, 360-degree marketing programmes that create excitement, retail opportunities, and collaboration moments with key partners.

“I am excited and honoured to be elevated to this role at Dr. Seuss Enterprises,” says Spisak. “It’s an incredible time to be at Dr. Seuss Enterprises and with these new responsibilities, I am looking forward to helping our beloved property grow even further.”

Vienna Downes will join the team as the Senior Director of Licensing and Sales, leaning on her extensive experience in orchestrating winning business initiatives and innovative licensing programmes.

Raquel Ojalvo is also joining the team as the Director of Retail Sales. She brings over 10 years of experience in entertainment licensing and sales, focusing on new business development and category management.

Jimeka Broussard has been hired as Licensing Manager, and brings to the team a background in budget, product, and contract management. 

Susan Brandt says: “Shannon has shown an impressive ability to not only manage and lead our team members to success but has also been a force of creativity and innovation. I am also thrilled to welcome Vienna, Jimeka, and Raquel who come from impressive backgrounds and each with the skills to help propel Dr. Seuss Enterprises to even greater heights.” 

 

WildBrain CPLG expands into APAC

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Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG is continuing to strengthen its global footprint with expansion across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and the launch of new dedicated offices in Singapore, Taipei and Seoul.

Additionally, the licensing team who are part of WildBrain’s existing Shanghai operations will be expanded and renamed WildBrain CPLG China. The new and existing operations will service the entire APAC region across approximately a dozen countries.

Maarten Weck, EVP & Managing Director of WildBrain CPLG, will lead the APAC expansion and be responsible for the management and growth of WildBrain CPLG’s team and business across the region. WildBrain’s  current licensing team in Shanghai, managed by Jianbo Wei, Managing Director for China, will be integrated into WildBrain CPLG and expanded. Wei will also continue to oversee WildBrain’s content business in China.

The agency is now looking to rapidly build its leadership, management and wider marketing and licensing teams to drive the expansion, with new positions open in APAC and London. WildBrain CPLG is part of WildBrain Ltd.

Maarten Weck says: “With the expansion of our business across the greater APAC region, we’ll offer both existing and potential new partners a truly global licensing solution, not only through a broadened footprint in the territory, but also through access to our wider network of global offices and integrated way of working. We’re looking to rapidly grow our team in APAC, with support in London, and we look forward to receiving interest from talented professionals who want to join our world-leading team at this exciting time.”

While offering existing licensors access to new markets, WildBrain CPLG’s expansion into APAC will also aim to build the agency’s portfolio with new representation for local brands and licensors. WildBrain CPLG in APAC currently represents and manages WildBrain-owned brands, such as Strawberry Shortcake, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget and Teletubbies, as well as select existing third-party IP rights across its entertainment and lifestyle portfolios, including SEGA, Sauber Motorsport, Absolut, Malibu, Parental Advisory, The Master Lock Company, Yale University and the University of Southern California, with more to come.

 

 

Details of Licensing Expo opening night party released

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Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is celebrating the event’s long-awaited in-person return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this May 24-26.

A highlight of the schedule is the highly anticipated Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS, sponsored by Banijay Brands and Konami Cross Media NY, which takes place on the first day of Licensing Expo, May 24.

The party kicks off at 6pm, and registered attendees are encouraged to arrive early as capacity is limited, and entrance is granted first-come, first-served. Exhibitors and attendees must be registered to participate in this year’s event and simply need to show their Licensing Expo badge for free access. Registration can be accessed here.

As the party is held at an outside venue, masks are not required for entry. Food and beverages will be available free of charge until the allocated amount is consumed, at which point bar items will become available for purchase.

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, commented: “For the first time, the Opening Night Party is free of charge for all Licensing Expo registrants to encourage everyone to reconnect in person after being apart for three long years. It’s a chance to celebrate our industry’s resilience, see familiar faces, and unwind after a busy first day back at the live event. Licensing Expo is back – we couldn’t be more excited and look forward to an evening of fun and camaraderie.”

“Bringing experiences to life is core to who we are as an industry and the Opening Night Party perfectly embodies just that,” says Kris Kojima, licensing specialist for ATLUS West. “We hope all guests registered for Licensing Expo attend the celebration and uses the party as an opportunity to enjoy being a part of such a creative and dynamic industry. Join us on May 24 at Daylight Beach Club to reconnect with old friends, meet the newest industry visionaries, and have fun!”

Recent registrants for Licensing Expo include Aldi, Aykroyd & Sons, Build a Bear, Danilo, Disguise, Jakks Pacific, Hallmark, Hot Topic, HTI Toys, Inditex, Macy’s, Mad Engine, Panini, Primark, Pyramid International, ROSMAN, Target, Walmart, Zulily and many more.

Sponsorship options are available for anyone looking to secure a space at the party; enquire here. To learn more, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

 

 

 

 

Paramount Global promotes Pam Kaufman to President, Consumer Products and Experiences

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Paramount Global has announced that Pam Kaufman will take on the role of President, Consumer Products and Experiences, effective immediately. In addition to leading the Consumer Products business representing well over $5.5 billion in worldwide retail revenue, Kaufman will now have oversight across the Paramount global portfolio of Live Experiences including Hotels, Resorts, Theme Parks, Tours, and Broadway, as well as VidCon and Gaming.

Pam will continue to report to Brian Robbins, President and CEO, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon and Chief Content Officer, Kids & Family, Paramount+, and Raffaele Annecchino, President and CEO, Paramount International Networks, Studios and Streaming. By placing these consumer experiences within the Paramount global portfolio under Kaufman, the company is continuing to align its leadership with the strategy of further connecting its iconic franchises with fans.

“Pam is a dynamic and authentic leader who deeply understands the consumer,” says Robbins. “Her engaging and strategic approach will create innovative consumer touchpoints offering fans even more access to experiences with our franchises and characters.”

“The Consumer Products business has grown exponentially under Pam’s leadership and we’re thrilled to expand Pam’s global role to encompass more ways our fans can experience our brands and IP,” says Annecchino. “Pam is a visionary who leads with compassion, has boundless energy and is a unifying presence for our business across our global markets.”

Pam will add these new responsibilities to those in her current Consumer Products role, which includes managing worldwide product merchandising and licensing as well as business development, marketing, franchise planning, creative strategy, retail sales and consumer insights.

Additionally, the company announced its launch into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in a collaborative cross-functional effort driven by Consumer Products, to bring some of the biggest Paramount’s franchise and characters to the metaverse.

Pam’s oversight of the consumer products business covers the global Paramount portfolio, including iconic franchises PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar, Star Trek, South Park, Emily in Paris, Yellowstone, The Godfather and Top Gun, among many others.

Paramount Global promotes Pam Kaufman to President, Consumer Products and Experiences

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Paramount Global has announced that Pam Kaufman will take on the role of President, Consumer Products and Experiences, effective immediately. In addition to leading the Consumer Products business representing well over $5.5 billion in worldwide retail revenue, Kaufman will now have oversight across the Paramount global portfolio of Live Experiences including Hotels, Resorts, Theme Parks, Tours, and Broadway, as well as VidCon and Gaming.

Pam will continue to report to Brian Robbins, President and CEO, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon and Chief Content Officer, Kids & Family, Paramount+, and Raffaele Annecchino, President and CEO, Paramount International Networks, Studios and Streaming. By placing these consumer experiences within the Paramount global portfolio under Kaufman, the company is continuing to align its leadership with the strategy of further connecting its iconic franchises with fans.

“Pam is a dynamic and authentic leader who deeply understands the consumer,” says Robbins. “Her engaging and strategic approach will create innovative consumer touchpoints offering fans even more access to experiences with our franchises and characters.”

“The Consumer Products business has grown exponentially under Pam’s leadership and we’re thrilled to expand Pam’s global role to encompass more ways our fans can experience our brands and IP,” says Annecchino. “Pam is a visionary who leads with compassion, has boundless energy and is a unifying presence for our business across our global markets.”

Pam will add these new responsibilities to those in her current Consumer Products role, which includes managing worldwide product merchandising and licensing as well as business development, marketing, franchise planning, creative strategy, retail sales and consumer insights.

Additionally, the company announced its launch into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in a collaborative cross-functional effort driven by Consumer Products, to bring some of the biggest Paramount’s franchise and characters to the metaverse.

Pam’s oversight of the consumer products business covers the global Paramount portfolio, including iconic franchises PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar, Star Trek, South Park, Emily in Paris, Yellowstone, The Godfather and Top Gun, among many others.

WarnerMedia unveils Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise

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WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences will launch a spellbinding collection of products to help fans celebrate the magic of the highly anticipated Warner Bros Pictures film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, debuting in cinemas in the UK on 8 April and in the USA on 15 April.

As fans get ready for the new film, they can look forward to the following Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise and experiences:

Publishing:

  • The Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic book from Insight Edition hits stores and online marketplaces on April 15. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Fashion:

  • LeSportSac will launch a summer collection on 18 April featuring various creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies and offering a magical assortment of bags and unique items.
  • Hot Topic FB3 has unveiled an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the magic and mischief of Fantastic Beasts, available now in select Hot Topic stores nationwide and at hottopic.com.
  • EB Games/Zing Pop Culture launched a collection in Australia on 5 April offering women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, stationery and home products, including a Niffler T-shirt and matching backpack and Niffler hooded blanket.

Toy:

  • Build-A-Bear introduces its new Fantastic Beasts collection in April, allowing fans to make Nifflers in all colours and sizes, a plush of Newt’s beloved Bowtruckle, and more. The new collection will be available in stores and online.
  • Running Press will release a collectible figure of Niffler, mounted on a base, which plays its mischievous sound at the push of a button. The Niffler collectible is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
  • Funko will be releasing later this year a range of Pop! vinyl figures based on the fan-favourite characters, brought to life in Funko’s iconic signature style.

Art:

  • Award-winning design studio MinaLima recently debuted new graphic art prints celebrating the latest film in the Fantastic Beast series in Soho, London.  The curated collection of Graphic Art of Fantastic Beasts is on display and available for sale now at House of MinaLima in London and will be unveiled in House of MinaLima New York, House of MinaLima Osaka and House of MinaLima Paju on Friday, 8 April.

Themed Entertainment:

  • Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Visitors can get an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a journey through magical environments using  immersive design and technology. The exhibition is currently at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will be coming to the Royal Ontario Museum summer 2022. This new exhibition explores the links between the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet.

“The Wizarding World franchise is full of rich detail, beautiful settings and fascinating creatures and we have collaborated with top partners globally to curate a Fantastic Beasts programme that will allow fans of all ages to engage with their favorite on screen characters in their everyday lives,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

To learn more about the upcoming film, visit www.fantasticbeasts.com.

WarnerMedia unveils Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise

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WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences will launch a spellbinding collection of products to help fans celebrate the magic of the highly anticipated Warner Bros Pictures film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, debuting in cinemas in the UK on 8 April and in the USA on 15 April.

As fans get ready for the new film, they can look forward to the following Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise and experiences:

Publishing:

  • The Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic book from Insight Edition hits stores and online marketplaces on April 15. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Fashion:

  • LeSportSac will launch a summer collection on 18 April featuring various creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies and offering a magical assortment of bags and unique items.
  • Hot Topic FB3 has unveiled an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the magic and mischief of Fantastic Beasts, available now in select Hot Topic stores nationwide and at hottopic.com.
  • EB Games/Zing Pop Culture launched a collection in Australia on 5 April offering women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, stationery and home products, including a Niffler T-shirt and matching backpack and Niffler hooded blanket.

Toy:

  • Build-A-Bear introduces its new Fantastic Beasts collection in April, allowing fans to make Nifflers in all colours and sizes, a plush of Newt’s beloved Bowtruckle, and more. The new collection will be available in stores and online.
  • Running Press will release a collectible figure of Niffler, mounted on a base, which plays its mischievous sound at the push of a button. The Niffler collectible is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
  • Funko will be releasing later this year a range of Pop! vinyl figures based on the fan-favourite characters, brought to life in Funko’s iconic signature style.

Art:

  • Award-winning design studio MinaLima recently debuted new graphic art prints celebrating the latest film in the Fantastic Beast series in Soho, London.  The curated collection of Graphic Art of Fantastic Beasts is on display and available for sale now at House of MinaLima in London and will be unveiled in House of MinaLima New York, House of MinaLima Osaka and House of MinaLima Paju on Friday, 8 April.

Themed Entertainment:

  • Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Visitors can get an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a journey through magical environments using  immersive design and technology. The exhibition is currently at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will be coming to the Royal Ontario Museum summer 2022. This new exhibition explores the links between the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet.

“The Wizarding World franchise is full of rich detail, beautiful settings and fascinating creatures and we have collaborated with top partners globally to curate a Fantastic Beasts programme that will allow fans of all ages to engage with their favorite on screen characters in their everyday lives,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

To learn more about the upcoming film, visit www.fantasticbeasts.com.