This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
New Blog Posted:
9th October

Category Archives: Highlight

Hunter teams with TV’s Killing Eve for capsule collection

Posted on by

Launching in February 2022, Hunter is introducing a new capsule collection in collaboration with BBC AMERICA’s and Sid Gentle Films’ BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning television series Killing Eve, in a partnership facilitated by IMG.

The limited-edition capsule is inspired by the spirit of the show and its iconic style moments, and features two new designs for the brand. The Hunting is a mid-calf style boot available in Black and Olive and The Chasing is a knee-high style, available in Black, Olive and Camel colourways.

According to Hunter, the new designs aim to marry style with functionality and have been crafted to embrace the outdoors and exploration of the unknown – “reinterpreting the tough, daring and bold themes of the show to create something that could be worn in its cinematic world”.

Protection, innovation and intricate details are at the heart of the capsule, with each design made from waterproof Stetson leather, light natural rubber and recycled ballistic nylon with a recycled vegan shearling lining. The shorter Hunting Boot has a leather foot with a nylon upper and features a removable ankle strap and pouch, perfectly sized for essential items. Both styles are finished with Hunter’s new chunky high-grip sole made from FSC-certified rubber.

The collection will launch exclusively with SSENSE and globally on Hunterboots.com in early February before being available with selected stores including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, and Liberty.

Paolo Porta, Chief Executive Officer, Hunter Boots, says: “We are incredibly excited to be collaborating with the cultural phenomenon that is Killing Eve, marrying our utilitarian heritage with the award-winning television series renowned for its empowered fashion moments. These innovative boots, incorporating recycled materials, strongly express the fusion of function and style, for which all Hunter iconic products are known.”

 

Popeye and Angry Birds Friends unite in support of ocean conservation

Posted on by

Popeye the Sailorman and video game developer Rovio Entertainment have announced a partnership for a new, co-branded Angry Birds Friends x Popeye tournament in support of ocean clean-up organisation The SeaCleaners.

Running from January 31 to February 6, the tournament contains 24 Popeye-themed levels of competition alongside in-game ocean conservation messaging from The SeaCleaners.

Throughout the seven-day tournament, players will be tasked with stopping Bluto and the piggies from polluting, while collecting plastic waste in the game. As players advance through the game, they will learn unique and eye-opening facts about how our oceans are impacted by waste. For example, according to The SeaCleaners, every year between 9 and 12 million tons of plastic waste is tipped into the ocean. To combat this, the organisation advises players in the game to avoid single-use plastic by choosing reusable bags and bottles and plastic-free packaging.

“Rovio is delighted to team up with The SeaCleaners and Popeye to do our part for ocean conservation,” says Heini Kaihu, chief sustainability officer, Rovio. “Combining compelling games content with this very important message is a meaningful way of impacting our environment. We have a large audience through our games, and if we can contribute to increasing the respect for and safety of our planet, we want to take that opportunity. The Angry Birds may be angry, but they want to use their powers for good!”

Additionally, The SeaCleaners will host a giveaway where players will have the chance to win Bird Coins that can be used to purchase items in Angry Birds Friends such as power-ups, Mighty Eagles, avatars and more. For a chance to win, players will be invited to answer four questions about plastic pollution, which can be found on The SeaCleaners’ website. Winners will be chosen at random the week after the tournament concludes.

“The fight against plastic pollution is a collective battle,” says Yvan Bourgnon, president, The SeaCleaners. “We are extremely grateful to Popeye and Rovio for their commitment. Raising awareness about the dangers that threaten the ocean is part of our mission. What better vehicle for this than Angry Birds Friends, an incredibly popular game around the world? And what better spokesperson than Popeye, a timeless sea hero whose values we share? We feel privileged to be able to count on them!”

“Popeye is thrilled to join Red and the other Angry Birds on their mission to save the ocean from polluting piggies,” comments Beth Nock, brand marketing director, King Features. “This exciting partnership unites two incredibly popular character brands — providing fans with entertaining game play, while promoting a great cause. The SeaCleaners’ ocean clean-up technology is unprecedented, and we are grateful that the Angry Birds have joined forces with Popeye to shine a light on their impactful work.”

Popeye, the iconic, spinach-eating sailor and clean ocean advocate, is owned by King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters. Popeye first announced his representation of The SeaCleaners, an organization that focuses on long-term and worldwide preservation of the ocean, in 2020, joining its fight against plastic pollution and raising awareness of its ocean conservation efforts. This partnership continues Popeye’s commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation. Most recently, King Features debuted Popeye’s newest eco-conscious partnership, the Popeye® Sail Club, developed in partnership with Pick A Pier and Blue Flag to be the most advanced, rewarding and sustainable boating club in the world. In recent months, Popeye also launched sustainability-focused fashion collections with partners such as United Colors of Benetton, Original Marines, Brava Fabrics and À La Garçonne.

Launching on Monday, January 31, the Angry Birds Friends x Popeye tournament is available in 13 different languages including English, Spanish, German and more. Angry Birds Friends is available in the App Store and Google Play.

 

 

Lisle Licensing powers into 2022 with new website

Posted on by

Leeds-based agents Lisle Licensing have kicked off 2022 with a “bright and bold” new website that has been designed to align with the company’s brand ethos.

Led by Managing Director Francesca Lisle, the business had a successful 2021 despite the ongoing global turbulence and has seen year-on-year growth in new categories, such as Home & Lifestyle, as well as within Character Entertainment, for which it is well known.

The new website, which stylistically draws upon the company’s widely recognised blue and green colour palette, details the five brand areas where Lisle currently operates: Character Entertainment, Gaming, Lifestyle, Publishing and Sports. The team, agency focus and current client portfolio are all profiled within the new website which has been designed to be easy to navigate, particularly for potential clients not familiar with Lisle and its work. The site is complemented with strong endorsements from existing clients Tetris, Animaccord and Kate Smith Company as well as licensees, and accompanied with video and stills from a number of its other clients.

Francesca Lisle says: “In the last six months we have invested in our team and work culture, as well as having on-boarded a number of new clients.  The time felt right to put further investment into a new website that demonstrated our creative strengths alongside our understanding and insight into licensing.

“It’s important for your ‘shopfront’ to align with the people inside the business and this wonderful new website does just that. Now we’re ready to conquer all that 2022 has to throw at us and we’ve got some exciting times ahead.”

Licensing Expo to return to Las Vegas in May 2022

Posted on by

Licensing Expo, the world’s largest licensing trade show, will return to Las Vegas from May 24-26, 2022, reconnecting the global licensing industry in person for the first time since 2019.

Organised by Informa Markets in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International (which has served as the exclusive Licensing Expo sponsor since its inception), Licensing Expo reconvenes following a two-year hiatus to celebrate its 40th live edition with safety very much at the heart of the experience.

“While we are still living and working during a pandemic, the health and safety of everyone attending Licensing Expo will remain our number one priority, and this year’s event has been specifically designed to account for varying levels of attendee comfort with a range of options to suit, whether that’s a preference for one-on-one interaction or to maintain physical distance,” says Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

Robust safety measures
All Licensing Expo participants will be required to wear a face mask while indoors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) and present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. Mask wearing will be monitored by the Informa organising team, who are also recommending that participants take a Covid-19 test before leaving their destination to travel to Las Vegas. These safety rules will be in place regardless of Nevada state mandates. Onsite testing will be available off the show floor at the participants’ expense, and this can be used to enter the show or to fulfil any international or domestic pre-departure testing requirements.

“Health and personal wellbeing remain a top priority for us all. As we continue to review and implement vigilant health protocols during this time, we’re excited for the all-important and safe return to Licensing Expo in Las Vegas,” says Licensing International President Maura Regan.

“Bringing licensing professionals from around the world back together in person affords us all opportunities for new partnerships, networking, and learning – and a critical chance to move businesses forward. We’re confident Licensing Expo 2022 will bring the industry back together for a long-awaited reunion!”

Industry support
With four months still to go, the industry is throwing its full support behind Licensing Expo, with exhibiting companies already confirmed, including ViacomCBS, Hasbro, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Lego, Joester Loria Group, Beanstalk, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, NFL Players Association, Games Workshop, Peanuts Worldwide, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Frida Kahlo, Yale University, MGM Studios, Spin Master, BBC Studios, Crayola Properties, BrandComply fuelled by Octane5, and TOPPS/Garbage Pail Kids.

Licensing Expo will also adopt a theme for the first time ever, with 2022 spotlighting Location-Based Experiences: immersive, interactive out of home experiences like theme parks, escape rooms, gaming arcades, amusement parks, bowling alleys, VR worlds, and much more. LBE will be the focal point for one of Licensing Expo’s two in-person keynotes, in addition to interactive LBE activations on the show floor highlighting the creativity and consumer engagement possible when brands and experiences collaborate.

“LBE really suffered during the pandemic lockdowns, but experiences have now reopened to customer delight and the sector is predicted to boom,” explains Anna Knight. “It’s been interesting to note the increasing number of collabs between brands and LBE in recent years. We’re keen to shine a light on this growing licensing category and excited to investigate its future with Licensing Expo attendees.”

Licensing Expo online platform
This year’s event will be supported by the Licensing Expo official online platform, available to all exhibitors and visitors pre, during and post-show, allowing them to browse exhibiting brands & IPs, see who’s attending, view exclusive content and schedule meetings to take place both in-person in Las Vegas and online post-event until June 3.

The platform garnered extremely positive feedback at Brand Licensing Europe in November 2021, which reunited the European licensing community in London after a two-year break.

Anna Knight concludes: “Thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers attended BLE to meet close to 200 brands, and we received really positive feedback about the importance of BLE and Licensing Expo in driving business for the licensing industry. Hundreds of deals were signed at BLE, so we’re very much looking forward to bringing back Licensing Expo in-person and welcoming everyone to Vegas in May.”

Register for free for Licensing Expo here.

 

Universal Brand Development celebrates E.T.’s 40th birthday

Posted on by

Universal Brand Development (UBD) has given a first glimpse of the 2022 product launches marking the 40th anniversary of one of the most iconic properties in cinema history – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

The birthday of the much-loved film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment will be marked with a curated mix of special screenings, new consumer products, digital and social media campaigns as well as unique retail activations that aim to capture the magic and timeless appeal of the movie.

“It is simply a masterpiece and still invokes such a strong connection and reaction from global audiences,” says Paul Bufton, Vice President, EMEA at NBCUniversal Brand Development. “It is also a particularly good time for this anniversary because recently so many families have rediscovered, together, the immense joy of the film. Parents have watched E.T. and the kids, of course, now love it as much as the previous generation – quality storytelling and genuine emotion never get old.”

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial altered the pop culture landscape when it was released in June 1982, the story of a lost alien and the young boy who helps him to find his way home resonating with audiences worldwide. The film was one of the first global blockbusters to leverage consumer product tie-ins and the new campaign will be replete with nostalgic references that aim to please both the casual fan and the growing community of enthusiasts and collectors.

To mark E.T.’s anniversary, UBD has lined up a roster of global licensees to fully explore the product possibilities with organic extensions that leverage the toyetic and kidult appeal of the property. Toymaker Mattel has signed on to create E.T. feature plush, while additional global partnerships include Funko & Fisher Price (collectibles), WOW! Stuff (novelty), Tomy (pre-school plush), Basic Fun (retro collections) and Ravensburger (puzzles). UK-specific partnerships have been forged with Posh Paws (plush), RMS (amusement toys) and Nobel (chess).

In the UK, there is a robust Fashion & Lifestyle programme that includes babywear launches from Poetic Brands, Crib Star and Sleep no More to meet the newest generation’s demand for E.T.-branded clothing. A slew of new adult soft lines are also set for release in the UK from established names such as BooHoo, Poetic Brands and Fashion UK.

On the global fashion front, UBD has ensured that the E.T. programme will be prominently spotlighted in high-end boutiques and elite shopping destinations across Europe throughout 2022. New partnerships with some of the most influential retailers across the continent include Difuzed (adult/young adult apparel and accessories), Mini Rodini (kids apparel and home textiles) and popular fast fashion online platforms such as Zalando, AboutYou and EMP. H&M Kids is putting the finishing touches on its exclusive offerings that will be launched later this year.

In addition, a replica of Elliot’s iconic BMX bike will hit mass retail later in the year (E.T. riding in the basket not included).

 

 

Bing strengthens US presence with launch on Cartoonito on HBO Max

Posted on by

Acamar Films’ International Emmy Award-winning hit TV show Bing is set to make further inroads in North America with its launch on Cartoonito on HBO Max on Thursday February 24.

The HBO Max launch follows last September’s successful US debut of a new, bespoke American version of Bing on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network – created to make the preschool series as relatable as possible for US audiences.

According to WarnerMedia Kids & Family, Cartoonito, its new preschool block, offers “a modern approach to preschool programming with its proprietary educational framework, Humancentric Learning”. Bing, which celebrates the “joyful, messy reality of preschool life” is highlighted by Cartoonito as a series that helps young viewers understand how to manage emotions, understand others’ perspective and develop social skills.

Since Bing’s US premiere, six episodes have been running each weekday on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network. The show’s availability on HBO Max will further increase its reach in North America, with the popular streaming service having currently reached a US subscriber base of more than 45 million.

Jodie Morris, Chief Content & Audiences Officer, Acamar Films, says: “We are absolutely thrilled with our new American version of Bing, and are delighted that, through its launch on HBO Max, we now have an even greater opportunity to move and delight US audiences with our stories and characters.”

Bing is currently distributed to over 130 territories and engages digital audiences on a daily basis via 20 language-specific YouTube channels, social media channels, and a suite of digital apps.

Growth for Bing softlines as Acamar Films renews deals with apparel partners

Continue reading →

Pocket.watch appoints Manuel Torres Port as Global Head of Consumer Products

Posted on by
Pocket.watch, the kids and family entertainment company that creates global franchises from the YouTube stars and characters loved by Gen Alpha, has announced the appointment of Manuel Torres Port as Global Head of Consumer Products, effective immediately.

Torres Port will oversee all consumer products licensing for pocket.watch brands, focused on the growth of each franchise and the launch of new ones. With an eye toward international expansion, Torres Port will help pocket.watch navigate new markets around the world and brings with him almost three decades of growth experience at leading companies like Mattel, Nickelodeon, NBC Universal and Zag Entertainment. Under his leadership, his deals have contributed to over $1B US in net royalties throughout his career.

“We are thrilled to add such a seasoned and dynamic global consumer products licensing executive to the pocket.watch family – which truly upgrades our leadership in this important division,” says Xavier Kochhar, COO/CFO of pocket.watch. “Manuel is a force and I am excited to have him by my side as we execute pocket.watch’s long term monetisation growth strategy for our licensing business.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join pocket.watch at this pivotal moment,” says Torres Port. “I have admired for some time the power of pocket.watch and its disruptive force in the entertainment industry, and I am grateful to Xavier and Chris for inviting me in to contribute to the company’s very bright future.”

While at Zag Entertainment, Torres Port was instrumental in the consolidation of key strategic commercial global deals around their top IP including the worldwide phenomenon Miraculous LadyBug. He oversaw NBCUniversal’s Consumer Products global portfolio of franchises including Illumination Entertainment Animation (Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing), Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, Universal Monsters, Trolls, Spirit, Curious George, among many others, and was instrumental in the consolidation of Dreamworks Animation Consumer Products into NBC. He served in various global roles at Nickelodeon both in New York and Miami, and was key in the relaunch of the worldwide franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

 

 

Susan Brandt promoted to CEO of Dr Seuss Enterprises

Posted on by

Dr. Seuss Enterprises has announced that Susan Brandt, an entertainment industry veteran who has been leading the company for more than two decades, has been promoted to president and CEO. 

Brandt, who was previously president of the company, will continue to lead the charge around the iconic entertainment property and oversee the worldwide operations.

During her tenure Brandt has put a focus on finding new and innovative ways to connect with fans. The Dr. Seuss brand has expanded from books to include films, television, stage productions, theme parks, digital games, exhibitions, licensed products, and more while maintaining the integrity of the beloved Dr. Seuss stories and characters. Under Brandt’s stewardship, 2021 was the highest revenue year in the company’s history.

Some of Brandt’s most recent deals for the portfolio include a three-part movie deal with Warner Animation Group, the launch of the first ever NFT experience for Dr. Seuss with Dapper Labs, and conceiving the idea for the highly successful travelling exhibition, the Dr. Seuss Experience, with Kilburn Live. Brandt has also worked closely with Netflix on the hit series Green Eggs and Ham and with PBS-TV on the award-winning show, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That!

“It has been my distinct pleasure to work with Susan Brandt over the last twenty years, so I am delighted that the Geisel-Seuss Enterprises (GSE) Board of Directors has decided to promote her to CEO,” said Brian E. C. Schottlaender, Chair of the GSE Board. “Over the years, Susan has put her heart and soul into Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and under her leadership, the company has expanded into new markets and expanded its suite of products. We look forward to working with Susan to realise the myriad opportunities before us, while promoting our core values of literacy, education, and instilling confidence and creativity in children.”

Susan Brandt said, “I am a lifelong fan of Dr. Seuss and it’s been a privilege to be part of this company, collaborate with great partners, and wonderful employees to expand the Dr. Seuss universe in ways that continue to delight. I’m looking forward to continuing the wonderful work of guiding, innovating around, and protecting this widely beloved property.”

Prior to joining Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Brandt was Vice President of home entertainment at 20th Century Fox Film Corporation where, working with the President, she launched the $500M international video division and then ran the $320M Asia Pacific region while working and living in Hong Kong.

 

 

Mattel and Disney announce multi-year global licensing agreement for Disney Princess and Frozen franchises

Posted on by

Mattel has announced a multi-year global licensing agreement for the Disney Princess and Frozen franchises. Mattel will have the global licensing rights to develop lines of toys for Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, including fashion dolls, small dolls, and figures. The collection is expected to launch at retailers around the globe at the beginning of 2023.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome back the Disney Princess and Frozen lines to Mattel,” says Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mattel. “As the worldwide leader in dolls, we look forward to bringing our unique Mattel Playbook approach to brand management, product and marketing expertise, and unrelenting attention to detail and quality to create innovative and inspiring lines for these iconic stories and characters.”

The new licensing arrangement builds on the existing licensing relationship between Mattel and Disney for Pixar Animation Studio’s Toy Story and Cars franchises, and the recently announced global licensing agreement for Lightyear.

“The courage and compassion found throughout our Disney Princess and Frozen stories and characters continue to inspire fans around the globe,” says Stephanie Young, President of Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. “By furthering our longstanding relationship with Mattel, we look forward to expanding the worlds of Disney Princess and Frozen, introducing an innovative new era of these beloved franchises through captivating products and play opportunities.”

Through the agreement, Mattel will develop dolls based on Disney Princess including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Brave, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, Pocahontas, The Princess and the Frog, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tangled, Disney Frozen, The Little Mermaid Live Action, Moana D+ Series, Tiana D+ Series, Aladdin Live Action, Beauty & the Beast Live Action, Cinderella Live Action, and Mulan Live Action.

 

 

ARTiSTORY appoints Markettcom to cover UAE and Saudi Arabia

Posted on by

Specialist in art and cultural licensing ARTiSTORY is continuing to expand its global operation with the appointment of Markettcom agency.

Capitalising on the growing appetite for Western museums in the UAE following the opening of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming Guggenheim opening in Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled for 2025,  Markettcom will represent ARTiSTORY in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to work across licensing, LBE and estate development, to gain early entry into this expanding market.

The addition of Markettcom gives ARTiSTORY representation in this new territory as well as in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Russia, North America, China, Singapore, S. Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.

Markettcom is a media and licensing agency headquartered in Dubai with offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey, working closely with their partners and clients to grow their brand awareness and licensing business in the MENA region.

“I’m excited about the new partnership with ARTiSTORY,” Amer Bitar, CEO at Markettcom Limited comments. “We are very pleased with our new licensing partnership with ARTiSTORY, and we are confident we can grow the art licensing market in the Middle East. ARTiSTORY is an artistic content creator, and we will be able to utilise our strong expertise and relationships within the licensing and retail industry in the Middle East to introduce great innovative designs in that growing market.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Markettcom,” says Natasha Dyson, co-founder and licensing director at ARTiSTORY. “It’s the perfect time for us to be expanding ARTiSTORY’s business in UAE and Saudi Arabia and with Amer’s background in art history, and extensive licensing experience, we couldn’t have found a better partner.”

NAVIGATION