Category Archives: Highlight

MGM powers up Vikings: Valhalla licensing programme following successful Netflix debut

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On the heels of the recent Netflix series debut of Vikings: Valhalla, MGM is building momentum for the legendary brand with an action-packed licensing programme spanning all merchandise categories. 

Following on from the immense success of Vikings, which transported viewers to the world of Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok, and garnered an incredible 625 million cumulative views across its six seasons and 89 episodes, MGM Television’s Vikings: Valhalla is the newest chapter to thrill the franchise’s army of fans.

Set 100 years after the original series, it dramatically tells the stories of the most famous Vikings who ever lived: Leif Erikson and his sister Freydis, Harald Hardrada and Norman King William the Conqueror. Vikings: Valhalla Season One premiered on February 25 and ranks #1 on the Netflix Top 10 for the week of 2/28 with 113.38M hours viewed, making the Top 10 in 90 countries. The series garnered 80.5M hours viewed during its first two days the week prior, bringing it to an impressive 194M hours viewed in its first nine days.

For the original Vikings, MGM created a global licensing programme featuring more than 30 licensees across apparel, collectibles, publishing, novelty, and gaming. Now, MGM is building an expansive licensing programme for Vikings: Valhalla, with an extensive list of partners already signed on for the journey.

New products, available in the US and Europe, span all categories  and include apparel and accessories from Hot Topic, C&A Modas, Marketing Licensed Products, Hybris Productions, TatooedNow!, Nastrovje and Ecell Global. Viking-inspired costumes are also available from Fungilobal Development, along with collectibles, toys/games and decor from GB Eye and Winning Moves International.

These products are all designed with colours and styles specific to each Viking “clan,” making it a true Viking experience for fans of the hit series. MGM is also planning to expand Vikings: Valhalla’s international presence with new partners in South America and Brazil.

Robert Marick, Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Experiences at MGM, says: “The franchise has such a dedicated fan base and we look forward to expanding our licensing programme to create exciting new products that allow people to unleash their inner Viking.”

 

First pitchers announced for Brands & Retail UK Summer Conference

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the Brands & Retail UK Conference, has confirmed a host of big-name participants for the Summer conference, which takes place at the British Library, London, on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July 2022.

Companies confirmed so far include:

TeamGB – Day 1 and Day 2

The Victoria and Albert Museum – Day 1

Mattel – Day 2

Paramount – Day 1 and Day 2

Acamar Films – Day 2

Kelebek Media – Day 2

MGA Entertainment – Day 2

Penguin Ventures – Day 2

Warhammer – Day 2

With only twelve 15-minute pitching slots left for Day One (6 July) for Lifestyle, Commercial, Heritage, Charity and Sports brands and only seven 15-minute pitching slots left for the Character and Gaming brands on Day Two (7 July), opportunities are limited.

Ryan says: “If you’re already a licensee or retailer of any the brands, please do email to pre-register as the capacity is limited to 200 seats on both days. As a reminder, the conference is free, and you can have up to three members of staff attend from your company.

“The B&RUK Winter conference, which took place on 24 February this year at the British Library, was a huge success. With over 200 key executive representatives from brands, licensees and retailers attending, the feedback from the audience on the format and the quality of the screenings was all positive. I’m excited the Summer conference is now really taking shape.

“The Winter conference sold out in weeks of being announced and I was operating a reserve list so knew we could expand the conference into two days for the summer, which must mean I’m doing something right for the industry.

“Licensees who attended the 24 February conference are already pre-registering for both Days One and Two, and I am speaking with the main UK Retailers about them bringing their wider buying teams and building the retail side of the audience.

“Brands & Retail UK conferences are only open to licensees and retailers, and to watch the screenings and presentations you will need to sign a conference NDA and will be vetted for attendance.

“I am also finalising the closing Summer Terrace Party which take place on the terrace at the British Library from 5pm on 7 July and will only be open to the licensees and retailers attending both days and the brands taking part.

“With capacity for 200 people on the terrace it will be a great place to do business after watching the great screenings and presentations during the day.”

If you wish to book a remaining pitching slot please email Ryan at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk, and if you are a retailer or licensee and wish to reserve your seats now you can do so by reaching out.

More information is available at www.BrandsRetail.uk

 

Barbie x Núnoo collection launches on MyBag

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MyBag has partnered with Núnoo, the Danish bag and accessories brand, and iconic doll brand Barbie, to launch an exclusive collection that launched in line with Barbie Day on 9 March. 

The capsule collection comprises six exclusive bags, including a re-envisioned version of the iconic Helena and Honey bags, a phone pouch and an AirPod holder, in either hot pink, light pink or black, with a hint of sparkle.  

Inspired by the concept of Barbie going to Copenhagen, the partnership combines the laid-back Scandinavian style of Núnoo with the iconic colours and branding of Barbie. Each bag is accessorised with an iconic Danish bicycle keyring with Barbie branding, to tie the theme together. 

MyBag is celebrating the new collection with a vibrant campaign featuring the ultimate girl gang, inspiring fun and confidence in personal style. In line with the MyBag ethos, the campaign promotes self-love and kindness, with the slogan ‘Together we shine with Barbie x Núnoo’.  

The collection will be stocked exclusively on MyBag.com. 

Licensing Expo heads to Las Vegas with 170+ exhibitors and growing

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Licensing Expo is gearing up to host what promises to be the consumer product industry’s most productive in-person get together in three years, with a growing roster of brands signing on daily to exhibit at the in-person event to be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, May 24-26, 2022.

Produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, the event continues to lock in cross-category brands from around the world, from sports to gaming, entertainment, corporate brands and artists, with 17 countries represented to-date.

With 40 new companies confirmed in the past four weeks alone, the event now comprises more than 170 exhibitors signed on to date. The exhibitor list is now available online and is accessible here.

“Licensing Expo returns in-person for the first time since 2019, and excitement among the industry is palpable,” says Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets. “This is a business-critical time in the calendar for brands, manufacturers and retailers alike – they’re coming with a pen in hand ready to ink new deals and discover the new trends that will line their shelves in the coming years, but also to reconnect in-person possibly for the first time since the pandemic.”

Commenting on Licensing Expo’s return, Knight also remarked: “The licensing industry is built on relationships, and we’re delighted to be able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to reconnect, strengthen existing partnerships, celebrate successes and do business at scale face-to-face for the first time in three years. We’re also extremely excited to showcase Location-Based Experiences as the event’s theme, creating even more opportunities for brands to engage and inspire attendees in new ways.”

The event is on track to showcase brands from all major and emerging categories, including character and entertainment, fashion and apparel, gaming and eSports, FMCG, attractions and theme parks, sports, art and design, non-profits, and museums.

Latest exhibitors confirmed include Banijay Brands, Legendary Entertainment, Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Epic Story Media, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Lego, Joester Loria Group, Beanstalk, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, Falcon’s Beyond, TOHO, Bravado, Zag, Ubisoft, Wildbrain CPLG, NFL Players Association, Shell Oil Company, Crunchyroll, Buzzfeed, Games Workshop, Jazwares, King Features, WWE, Moonbug Entertainment, Peanuts Worldwide, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Frida Kahlo, Yale University, MGM Studios, Spin Master, BBC Studios, Crayola Properties, and many more.

“Excitingly, we’re seeing a robust selection of brands represented from across the globe, including Europe, the U.K., Japan, South America and the U.S.,” Anna Knight says. “We’re taking every measure possible to ensure non-domestic exhibitors and attendees are fully equipped with the latest health and safety measures in place, in addition to providing logistical information that will simplify international travel to Las Vegas.”

Thousands of retailers and manufacturers have already secured their free ticket to attend and meet with these brands, including Amazon, AMC Theatres, Bioworld, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Concept One Accessories, Difuzed, Funko, GAP, Hallmark Cards, Hot Topic, It’Sugar, Jakks Pacific, Jazwares, Kellogg’s, Macy’s, Moose Toys, Old Navy, Pacsun, Paladone Products, Primark, Spin Master, Zulily and many more. Attendance to Licensing Expo is free and tickets can be secured here.

Simon Philips joins board of Falcon’s Beyond

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Simon Philips, one of the licensing industry’s most accomplished executives, has joined the board of Falcon’s Beyond Global.

He will use his unparalleled expertise will help drive the unique entertainment and consumer product synergies at the vertically-integrated experiential entertainment powerhouse – now deploying its 360° IP Expander model around the globe.

Philips has previously served as president of Marvel Entertainment International, where he was a member of the leadership team that helped build Marvel into a retail powerhouse and paved the way for its sale to Disney. He later became Executive Vice-President & General Manager, The Walt Disney Company, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, where his strategic approach to bringing to life iconic brands from across the Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel portfolio through licensing generated over $16 billion in annual sales.

Philips currently serves as Managing Director, Global Consumer Products, at Moonbug Entertainment, the company behind digital-first properties CoComelon and Blippi, and many others.

“Falcon’s Beyond is playing in an unlimited sandbox,” says Philips. “We have the IPs and we can create, distribute and optimise content across many platforms simultaneously. As we develop multiple touchpoints, we can rapidly grow a very successful consumer products programme. Then we have the unmatched opportunity to take all of that into immersive theme park spaces around the globe — at unprecedented speed.

“This transmedia superpower sets Falcon’s Beyond apart from its competition. No one else can do what Falcon’s Beyond can. It’s disruptive, it’s progressive. Falcon’s represents the future of engagement in IP.”

Cecil Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond, says: “Having Simon Philips join the team is an undeniable testament to our vision. Falcon’s goes way back with Simon, starting with major Marvel projects in Korea and Dubai, and he understands that great storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. Simon brings over 30 years of incomparable experience and insight to the game. Again and again, he has proven his ability to see the future of global entertainment. Incredible things are on the horizon.”

Philips joins the board on the heels of Falcon’s most recent announcements of forthcoming projects in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. In September 2021, Falcon’s announced Curiosity Playground, a new experiential edutainment venue that will bring to life multiple iconic properties, such as Dinosaur Train, SuperWHY!, Odd Squad and Wild Kratts.

In December 2021, Falcon’s and global hotel company Meliá Hotels International announced plans to develop a world-class theme park and premier entertainment, dining, and retail destination in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Falcon’s Beyond Global brings its own proprietary and partner IPs to global markets through owned and operated theme parks, resorts, attractions, patented technologies, feature films, episodic series, consumer products, licensing, and beyond. The company has won numerous design awards and provided design services in 39 countries around the world.

www.falconsbeyondglobal.com

Brandgenuity to rep Too Hot to Handle in US and Canada

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UK-based licensing agency Brands with Influence has tapped Brandgenuity to serve as the exclusive licensing agency in the US and Canada for blockbuster reality dating show, Too Hot to Handle.   

Brandgenuity will build a robust lifestyle licensing programme for Netflix’s steamiest show. Now in its third season, Too Hot to Handle, produced by Fremantle labels Thames and Talkback, follows serially single contestants on a tropical getaway. The catch? A total sex ban. If they can keep to it, virtual assistant “Lana” is ready to issue rewards and big prize money.

Brands with Influence chose Brandgenuity for the agency’s strategic approach and entertainment experience. “Their team had seen the show and like the rest of us, are addicted. We loved that,” says Martin Lowde, Managing Director of Brands with Influence. “But we also knew that they will be able to help us get to market quickly and in a totally brand-aligned way.”

With season three a Top 3 show in the US (Top 10 in 64 countries) and with more than 20 million followers across its contestants’ social platforms, Too Hot to Handle is arguably the buzziest reality series around. Season three dropped in January 2022 and instantly rocketed again to the streamer’s hot list, racking up over 72 million hours viewed globally.

“We love everything about this show and we know it’s going to be in high demand by licensees, since it’s so top-of-mind for Gen Z viewers,” says said Allison Lort, Vice President, Business Development at Brandgenuity. “Brandgenuity will seek partners in categories including swim and resortwear, beauty, beach gear, accessories and branded collaborations. The agency is confident they can leverage the spicy look and feel and carefree attitude of the show and its memorable content.”

For licensing opportunities, contact info@brandgenuity.com

 

The Point.1888 lands new sub-agents and deals for Jimboart

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Art brand Jimbobart has been growing rapidly since it started its brand licensing journey with The Point.1888, with new projects in the pipeline for 2022.

Established in 2009 by illustrator James Ward, the brand focuses on eccentric and fun animal illustrations, each with human traits.

Jimboart enjoyed a record high number of orders for Christmas via Wolf & Badger and other B2C platforms. However, this year is shaping up to be an even bigger year for the brand. Jimboart kicked off 2022 by exhibiting at Top Drawer, showcasing its British Wildlife Collection (with a percentage of all sales being donated to the Sussex Wildlife Trust). There is an art exhibition in the works, and the brand is being stocked at many new retailers including Fenwick.

The buzz around Jimboart aligns with some new developments in the licensing programme. The Point.1888, master-agent of Jimbobart, has signed two new sub-agents – The Licensing Locomotive for Iberia, and Moxie for the US – to help grow the brand internationally.

This comes on the back of two new deals:

  • Tabletop, textiles and barware via Pure Tabletop to launch later this year
  • An ICanvas print deal across North America and Europe (arranged by Moxie)

Following the success of its previous ranges, Elite Tins will continue with the brand and deliver products to retail, including cake, sandwich, and biscuit tins.

Janine Richmond, Head of Brand at The Point.1888, says: “This is such an exciting time for Jimbobart and James. We’ve seen a real surge of interest thanks to the fun and quirky illustrations that bring a smile to your face whenever you see them. Bringing on two new sub-agents and new partners shows the cross-territory appeal of the brand and helps to grow the programme in an authentic and sustainable way. Bring on 22!”.

James Ward adds: “It’s great to see the momentum building up in the licensing programme with activity happening worldwide and more projects in the pipeline. I’m so happy to share my love of nature and wildlife with a growing audience, and it’s so lovely to hear stories from happy customers about their relationships with the animals and characters featured in my illustrations.”

Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit agenda revealed

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The agenda for the 2022 European Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS) is now live, featuring interactive panel discussions and workshops to help delegates evaluate, shape and maximise opportunities around the future brand licensing and retail landscape.

B&LIS returns on 21 June after debuting virtually last year and takes place the day before SiLC (Sustainability in Licensing Conference) to create a brand new two-day event for European industry leaders and decision makers held at the Royal Geographical Society in West London.

Tickets are available to buy now with special rates available for two-day in-person passes for B&LIS and SiLC, with additional discounts for Licensing International and Products of Change members.

Tackling trends including consumer spending, Web 3.0, NFTs and the Metaverse, the role of purpose, and addressing challenges with the licensing supply chain as a whole, the B&LIS sessions will spotlight how brands can create successful post-pandemic retail and licensing strategies with the first few speakers confirmed from KidsKnowBest, Hunter Price, Asda, TrendBible, The Point 1888, The Smiley Company and Products of Change.

The sessions will run from 0930 – 1730 on 21 June, followed by a drinks reception in the evening. The current programme is as follows: 

08:00     Registration Opens

09:20     Introduction from Global Licensing Group

09:30     Evaluating the Modern Brand Landscape

Start the day by setting the scene on some of the key trends coming through in licensing. License Global, alongside other knowledge partners, will unveil exclusive insights into their new and reimagined Top 150 Licensors report, the only research of its kind focused on global licensing brands and trends that will be released later in the summer.

10:10     Leaders Panel: Building a Post-Pandemic Retail & Licensing Strategy

A panel of industry leaders will air their expectations, hopes and fears for a post-Covid future as it relates to retail, whilst giving an insight into the long-term opportunities for licensing and where they will be placing their bets for the coming years. This session will address:

–             Which trends have been accelerated by the pandemic?

–             How do you stay competitive and remain ahead of trends?

–             What new opportunities are emerging for the licensing industry?

10:50     Following the Money: How The New Age of Consumers Spends

The panel will focus their discussion on Gen Z and millennials; where you can find them, what they want, and provide an understanding on how they engage with brands in new and more meaningful ways. Find out how to tap into platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat, how to choose the right influencer for your brand, and enjoy practical examples from others who have done this successfully.

11:45     Everything You Need to Know About Web 3.0

This dynamic session will explore some of the hottest topics in our industry right now and provide you with answers to some of the questions you need answered:

–             NFT, Metaverse, IoT, AR, VR… 101 explanations of what you need to know

–             Why should I care about Web 3.0 and is it here to stay?

–             What are the challenges and opportunities behind these concepts?

–             What new licensing categories will emerge?

12.45     Networking over lunch

13:45     Think Tank: Can the Licensing Process be Rebuilt?

From supply chain challenges to the need for faster speed to market, does the licensing process need to be reviewed? Have your say and submit answers that will influence our panel of speakers as they debate some of the key pain-points in the licensing journey.

This session will include a constructive debate with a cross-industry panel who, alongside the audience, will aim to drive actionable outcomes on improvements that can be carried forwards towards getting meaningful products to consumers at the right time.

14:30     Forecasting the Future of Retail through Consumer Trends

Join this discussion on emerging and future consumer behaviours and understand how they influence the retail space. This session will be structured in two parts:

–             Consumer behaviours post-pandemic: from new lifestyle choices to shopping habits, understand which new categories are emerging and how consumers are spending.

–             Retail strategies post-pandemic: how are these changes impacting retail? From new products categories to creating more meaningful experiences in stores, find out how retailers are tackling some of these trends and what they can mean for your brand.

15:45     Category Breakout Sessions

To provide additional depth around emerging categories, join our interactive roundtables as they spotlight them in more detail. Hear a case study and take part in a Q&A discussion with a choice from three categories.

16:30     The Good Fight: How Purpose Breeds Success

What is purpose and why is it important to businesses and customers? What differences can it make? Our panel of industry change makers will debate how leading with purpose can create a competitive advantage for licensors, retailers and licensees alike. Understand what role the licensing industry has to play and most importantly, what opportunities this can create.

17:30     Closing Remarks

17:30     Evening Drinks Reception

Brand, retail, consumer trend and licensing experts who would like to take part as a panellist are invited to contact Ella Haynes at ella.haynes@informa.com ASAP.

“As the industry continues to navigate the ever-changing content landscape and consumer behaviour, the Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit is a critical opportunity to connect with business leaders to discuss, share and learn from one another,” says Anna Knight, VP Licensing, Informa Markets.

“B&LIS will deliver a full schedule filled with practical, action-oriented sessions to help give delegates’ businesses the tools they needs to make the most of new licensing opportunities and maximise impact at retail.”

B&LIS one day tickets are priced at £275 and can be purchased from Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit Europe.  SiLC tickets one-day tickets are priced at £275 and can be purchased from Sustainability in Licensing Conference. POC and Licensing International members can enjoy a 20% discount on these rates (non-cumulative). Alternatively, two-day tickets can be purchased from either site for the discounted rate of £525.

To find out about sponsorship opportunities at the B&LIS Europe 2022 event, fill out this short form.

Lady Luck Games to launch Popeye and Flash Gordon digital game content

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King Features Syndicate, home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, is partnering with Swedish slots specialist Lady Luck Games to create branded digital game content featuring iconic comic characters Popeye, Olive Oyl, Beetle Bailey and Flash Gordon.

The new games will be available for players in slots across Europe and Asia for the first time, further expanding the reach of the character brands to fans across the world within the growing online casino game category.

To bring these games to life, King Features Syndicate is working in tandem with Lady Luck’s maths specialists to merge the classic character designs and elements with unique gameplay. The first games will be showcased at ICE London in April.

“We see enormous growth potential in the online gaming category and are excited to bring these iconic characters to life with the impressive development expertise and entertaining features of Lady Luck Games,” says Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, King Features.

 Mads V. Jørgensen, CEO, Lady Luck Games, adds: “We are extremely humbled and honoured that King Features Syndicate has chosen an up-and-coming studio like ours to represent its hugely popular and world-renowned brands. It shows that our strategy works and the games that we produce are some of the most beautiful and entertaining in the business. This is easily one of the most important milestones in the company’s history and will make a huge difference in our outreach to both customers and players.”

 

Time Bomb Comics partners with Anderson Entertainment for new anthology

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Time Bomb Comics has announced a new partnership with Anderson Entertainment in a deal brokered by Larkshead Licensing. The first publication, Spectrum, will be a 44-page comic anthology featuring three cult titles from the mind of prolific creator Gerry Anderson: New Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct and Terrahawks.

Gerry Anderson’s work was a huge part of the British television landscape from the 1960s to the 1990s, and his shows remain popular with science fiction fans across the globe. The three titles included in Spectrum span the genre from alien fighting to space-based police procedural.

New Captain Scarlet was a reboot of the original 1960s show broadcast in the 1990s. Using CGI as an evolution of the original Supermarionation puppetry, the show followed the titular Captain Scarlet in his battle against the invading Mysteron aliens.

Terrahawks used an altered version of the Supermacromation style, refined with 1980s technology and incorporating latex hand-puppets. The series sees a ragtag group of humans defend Earth after the destruction of NASA.

Finally, the 1990s Space Precinct was a live action series that incorporated puppetry in creating realistic and sophisticated alien characters. A police procedural set in space, it was known for its groundbreaking special effects.

The creative teams for the new anthology are Steve Tanner (writer), Pete Woods (artist) and James Grey (letters) on New Captain Scarlet; Richmond A Clements (writer) and James Gray (art and lettering) on Space Precinct; and Dan Whitehead (writer), Ste Pickford (artist) and James Grey (lettering) on Terrahawks. The cover will be drawn by Steve Pugh, known for his work at DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and 2000AD.

Every aspect of the publication has been personally approved by Jamie Anderson, Managing Director and CCO of Anderson Entertainment, and son of Gerry Anderson. The collaboration is also perfectly timed as it coincides with Time Bomb Comics’ 15th anniversary year and marks an exciting development for the company.

Time Bomb Comics’ chief, Steve Tanner, says: “Spectrum marks the first licensed title released through Time Bomb Comics and I’m delighted it features characters and concepts that are truly warmly recognised around the world.

“Like many of my generation I grew up enjoying the television shows created by Gerry Anderson, and I’m thrilled that we’ve partnered with Anderson Entertainment to create new stories featuring some of his most iconic shows.

“New Captain Scarlet, Space Precinct, Terrahawks and Time Bomb Comics – what a combination!”

Jamie Anderson adds: “Seeing these three Anderson titles getting a new lease of life is a real thrill for me. The Time Bomb team has done a fantastic job of building out the worlds, keeping an authentic feeling to the stories, and making stunning-looking strips. I can’t wait for Anderson fans across the globe to enjoy these new stories.”

Spectrum will be opening for pre-order sales on Kickstarter in April with publication later in 2022.