San Diego Comic Convention appoints IMG as first-ever licensing agency

San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), organisers of the annual Comic-Con event, the iconic brand known for celebrating all things comics and related aspects of popular arts and culture, has announced that it has appointed global licensing leader IMG as its first ever exclusive licensing representative. Through this affiliation, IMG will work in partnership with SDCC to extend the reach of the non-profit’s mission of promoting comics and related popular art forms and engaging with their respective fan communities.

Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at IMG, says: “Over 50 years ago, the Comic-Con founders simply wanted to draw attention and recognition to the comics and other art forms they loved. In doing so, they discovered a shared interest in this and related Sci-Fi, fantasy, and genre content wider than they could have possibly imagined. Today, that comic culture is mainstream entertainment culture thanks in large part to Comic-Con’s championing of this art form and its brilliant creators, and Comic-Con is the leading curator brand and guide in this space, allowing it to secure consumer attention and deliver consumer value in more ways.”

While originally focused primarily on comic books, film, and science fiction, Comic-Con has since come to encompass and celebrate related art and fantasy content, as well as anime, interactive multimedia, costuming and so much more in all its formats, with an ever-increasing menu of forums, screenings, exhibits, and workshops at the San Diego Convention Center. More than 135,000 people attend its annual convention, along with countless thousands who trek to San Diego each summer to take part in the many outside activations and activities.

IMG will be working with SDCC to identify partners who can develop products, retail destinations and experiences for the millions of fans not able to partake in the annual Comic-Con convention experience.

David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for SDCC, says: “We began talking to IMG around six months ago and in the course of those discussions, it hit home to us that we could use our expertise to serve the ever-growing fan community in more ways, places and times than ever before. In 2021, we embarked on the new Comic-Con Museum and now, with IMG’s expertise working with specialist partners to deliver authentic brand experiences, we can pursue an exciting new phase for the Comic-Con brand.” 

Ricardo Yoselevitz, Senior Vice President of Licensing, IMG, adds: “Through its annual conventions, it’s clear that Comic-Con has become a powerful consumer brand without even trying. We are honoured to now be working with them to identify products and destinations that create new ways and avenues to engage this passionate community, while further reinforcing Comic-Con’s position as the leading curator of this form of popular art and culture.”

Comic-Con returns this year to the San Diego Convention Center July 21 – 24.

Rovio and Billebeino team up for limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection

There’s a new bird in town! Two Finnish companies – Rovio Entertainment and lifestyle brand Billebeino – have collaborated on a new limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection, in a deal brokered by IMG. The line features Rovio’s iconic Angry Birds characters and a new exclusive character, Bille Bird, based on Billebeino founder and former NHL player Ville Leino. The limited-edition garments land in select retailers and in the Billebeino online store today.

The collection will include unisex casual wear and accessories for adults and children. The garments feature designs that combine the iconic Angry Birds characters with the minimalist and instantly recognisable logo and typeface styles that Billebeino has come to be known for. Bille Bird will appear in graphical placements that play on the fun and destructive nature of the Angry Birds, with kids’ designs incorporating the destructible materials that appear in every Angry Birds game.

Billebeino was founded in 2014 by former NHL player, Ville Leino, whose passion for sports and expression through art came together to inspire the brand. Today, Billebeino specialises in casual wear, all featuring Ville Leino’s designs.

“With Billebeino, we’ve found a partner that’s just as adventurous and fun as Angry Birds,” says Katri Chacona, Director of Licensing at Rovio. “Each brand brings its own unique design approach and offbeat sense of humour into the mix, resulting in a stylish new line that truly stands out from the rest.”

Commenting on the inspiration for the capsule collection, Billebeino founder Ville Leino says: “We wanted this collection to be playful and fun. We used a lot of colours and art on designs so we could get the whole family excited about the collection. It was very inspirational working with an international Finnish company. The most unique thing was designing our own character in the style of the legendary Angry Birds games. For an extra touch, we created a limited-edition Bille Bird plushie and choreographed a Bille Bird dance in cooperation with local dance school, DCA. We hope this collaboration inspires people to move, dance and enjoy life.”

To view the collection, click here.

Queer Eye brings new charge of inclusivity to retail with QueerEyeStore.com launch

The moment is here; Queer Eye is heading to retail.

Scout Productions – the Emmy and Academy award-winning team behind the hit series – has detailed a multi-layered licensing programme of new products and the launch of QueerEyeStore.com, a platform to bring fans all things fashion, inclusivity, and Queer Eye.

The programme has been created in partnership with the show’s licensing agency, IMG, and features products based on the Enny award-winning television series, including a new apparel line featuring the Queer Eye personalities. The range is available now on Amazon and via QueerEyeStore.com.

Further highlights include the recently launched exclusive home furnishings line at Walmart and a successful line of Queer Eye themed books, including the YA book for pre-teens.

Inspired by the show’s positivity and kindness, the new environmentally friendly apparel line of fashion-forward t-shirts, hoodies/sweatshirts, masks and accessories features artwork from a group of talented designers, who are active members of the LGBTQIA community.

A portion of the proceeds from every sale will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youth. Each item incorporates the designers’ favorite parts of the show and new items will continue to rollout including a soon-to-be-unveiled winter line.

“Scout is a company that was built to have a positive impact on the LGBTQ community. We are extremely proud of our Queer Eye licensing program and have been overjoyed at the overwhelmingly positive response to all of our products, especially the home furnishings line at Walmart.com where the product continues to be in high demand as soon as it is released,” said Joel Chiodi, SVP of strategic development.

“With the launch of QueerEyeStore.com, we are able to bring thoughtfully designed, environmentally-friendly products directly to the fans, while also raising money for an amazing organization whose positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth cannot be understated.”

Rovio taps IMG as worldwide licensing agent for Angry Birds

Rovio Entertainment has tapped IMG as its worldwide consumer products licensing agent for the popular Angry Birds franchise. The new deal will give Rovio a ‘one-stop shop’ global partner to develop a consumer products programme that spans all of the Angry Birds’ franchise’s content and platforms.

The first Angry Birds game launched on mobile devices back in 2009, when it rocketed to viral status and spawned a brand that today continues to draw millions of active users to its games and animated content.

Over the last decade, the Angry Birds characters have been developed into a multi-platform entertainment franchise with two blockbuster movie releases, animated series, location-based entertainment and consumer products. Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

Rovio Entertainment Corp. CEO Kati Levoranta commented: “Over the years Rovio has worked with a number of agents around the world, supporting us greatly in making Angry Birds available to fans everywhere in various physical forms.

“While we continue to focus on developing and publishing memorable gaming experiences and content, in IMG we have found a partner with whom we aim to deliver a more strategic and globally consistent licensing programme that’s aligned with our core business. We’re excited to begin this new chapter of the Angry Birds brand together with IMG.”

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing, IMG added: “The evolution of Angry Birds from mobile game to worldwide global pop culture fixture is perhaps one of the most impressive achievements in recent times in new original animated character creation. Working closely with Rovio, we are enthusiastic about the potential to take this franchise to new levels of success as it embarks on its next decade.”

Ascot Racecourse renews its global licensing partnership with IMG

Ascot Racecourse has renewed its exclusive global licensing representation and on-site retail agreement with IMG through to 2025. Since being appointed in 2016, IMG has curated a robust year-round licensing programme for the iconic racecourse.

Highlights of the brand collaborations and products inspired by the 309-year-old racecourse and its flagship racing festival, Royal Ascot have included collections with British brands such as Favourbrook, TM Lewin, Oliver Brown, Radley London, Christy’s Hats, Christy, Charbonnel & Walker, and more.

Products are now sold around the world in licensees’ standalone stores, as well as concessions and online.

Under the renewal, IMG will continue to manage the on-site retail operation on behalf of the racecourse, having expanded the retail experience at Royal Ascot from three stores in 2017 to eight in 2019, spanning all four enclosures.

Juliet Slot, chief commercial officer at Ascot Racecourse, said: “Fashion, accessories and food are key facets of everyone’s experience at Ascot. We have worked hard to create and grow a retail experience for our customers that matches their expectations, and we are delighted that so many wonderful brands are working with us, both on-site and through high-street retail partners.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with IMG and look forward to further expanding our offering in the future.”

 Tim Smith, senior licensing director at IMG, said: “In just a few years, together with Ascot Racecourse, we have developed a carefully curated portfolio of premium partners and products that reflect the brand’s rich British heritage, along with its unique sense of occasion.

“We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Ascot Racecourse and are looking forward to further expanding its licensed product portfolio, in addition to continuing to build the on-site retail experience.”

 

 

Tokidoki taps IMG as licensing agent for Japan, Korea, and Taiwan

The lifestyle brand tokidoki, known for its cast of characters created by the Italian artist Simone Legno, has tapped IMG as its exclusive licensing representative in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Launched in 2005, tokidoki has amassed a cult-like following for its diverse line-up of character families, each one with its own story. The brand is known for its apparel, handbag, cosmetics, accessory and toy collaborations with the likes of Hello Kitty, Karl Lagerfeld, LeSportsac, Barbie, Onitsuka Tiger, Sephora, Marvel and more.

Under the new deal, IMG will work with tokidoki to expand its global footprint in the three Asian territories through a programme of mono-branded and collaborative consumer products, with an initial focus on apparel, accessories and toys across a variety of distribution channels.

Pooneh Mohajer, co-founder and CEO, tokidoki, said: “One of tokidoki’s founding principles is my business partner Simone’s belief that everyone waits for moments that change one’s destiny. We believe our partnership with IMG is one of those moments and that their representation of us in Japan, Korea and Taiwan will simultaneously expand and complement our business in Asia as well as globally.”

Miki Yamamoto, SVP of licensing, IMG, added: “With its larger-than-life characters, bold designs and Japanese-inspired roots, tokidoki is already widely loved and in demand in Asia – and all around the world. The diverse choice of character families, each with its own identity and personalities, lends itself well to an array of potential products and collaborations which we look forward to exploring.”

Tokidoki character families include Cactus Friends, Donutella, Unicorno, Moofia, Mermicorno, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, Tiger Nation, Kaiju Tokimondo, Royal Pride, and Punkstar.