Tag Archives: lead

Netflix green-lights five new series based on the world of Dr Seuss

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Netflix and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have announced they are bringing some of the most iconic and beloved stories and characters of Dr. Seuss to life with five new animated preschool series and specials.

The projects are inspired by treasured stories like Horton Hears a Who!, The Sneetches, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Wacky Wednesday, in addition to lovable characters like Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose.

Executive Producer Dustin Ferrer (Esme & Roy, Shimmer & Shine, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) will serve as showrunner across all five projects, and additional showrunners will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The announcement expands the partnership between Netflix and Dr. Seuss Enterprises even further, following the launch of the critically acclaimed animated series Green Eggs and Ham in 2019, which will have its anticipated second season premiere on April 8, 2022.

The new Dr. Seuss line-up will serve as an anchor for Netflix’s expanded focus on preschool. Introducing concepts of foundational learning, this new slate of programming will explore themes of diversity and respect for others, all told through fun and engaging stories that incorporate the whimsical humour, distinctive visuals and rhythmic style of Dr. Seuss.

“Netflix is a trusted home for characters that kids love, and generations of kids love the characters imagined by  Dr. Seuss,” says Heather Tilert, Director of Preschool Content, Netflix. “These beloved stories have been a core part of families’ libraries for many years and it gives me great pride that we are bringing them to our catalogue of Netflix shows, in a fresh and modern way that resonates with audiences today.”

Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, adds: “Dr. Seuss Enterprises is proud of the collaborative relationship we share with Netflix.  We are always looking for new and engaging ways to share our stories, characters and messages with the next generation of fans, and Netflix has a unique ability to create original, delightful adaptations of our timeless classics with an emphasis on imagination, fun, and education.

“Our partnership has been very prosperous thus far with our award-winning animated series Green Eggs and Ham. We hope to continue that success with our upcoming projects.”

 

 

 

 

The Point.1888 partners with Ricochet to develop The Repair Shop brand

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Ricochet, producers of The Repair Shop, has partnered with brand specialist The Point.1888 to explore potential licensing possibilities.  

The hugely popular show, which broadcasts on the BBC in the UK and across the world in various territories, sees a team of Britain’s most skilled craftspeople rescue and resurrect objects their owners thought were beyond saving. Together, the experts pool their talents and resources to restore these priceless pieces of family history, and bring them back to life.

An important goal in the brand licensing strategy, for both Ricochet and The Point.1888, is that every new product for The Repair Shop has a purpose, adding value to the consumer’s life in some way.

Since its creation seven years ago, The Point.1888 has prided itself on working with brands with purpose and authenticity, such as Team GB, which works to inspire younger generations into sport, and Battersea, which homes and cares for cats and dogs.

Janine Richmond, Head of Product and Brand at The Point.1888, says: “To work with a brand that the British public has really taken to heart is such a privilege. There are so many important elements to the show, from all the experts to the contributors and their cherished items, and all will play an important part in shaping our programme. The series plays an incredible role in enhancing people’s lives and so too, we hope, will the products we create.”

Joanna Ball, Managing Director of Ricochet, adds: “The Repair Shop is a very special place and in a short time has built a passionate and loyal audience. We are looking forward to working with The Point.1888 to translate the magic of the barn into product.”

 

Tweety’s 80th anniversary celebrations take flight

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WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences (WMGBE) is reminding the world that Tweety is no ordinary canary by launching an 80th anniversary celebration on a global scale.

As one of Looney Tunes’ most beloved characters, Tweety is known for being unflappable and unapologetically authentic. WMGBE has commissioned a diverse group of artists worldwide to design 80 original murals reflecting Tweety’s rich history and dynamic personality.

The “80 Years of Tweety” campaign kicked off in Austin at SXSW 2022 on March 11, where the first group of murals officially debuted. The anniversary honours will continue throughout the year across the Studio with new Tweety content from HBOMax, WarnerMedia Kids & Family, along with new themed experiences and collections from Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The celebration will culminate on Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.

Free for everyone to enjoy, the Tweety-themed works of art will appear in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and more. In the United States, Tweety murals will be seen in more than 30 cities. To track where to find Tweety murals, as well as all things Tweety, visit Tweety’s Anniversary website.

“For eighty years, Tweety has marched to the beat of his own drum, inherently representing what it means to be unapologetically yourself. His endearing personality has made him a pop culture favourite and he’s known for making appearances in the most unexpected ways,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“As a key member of the Looney Tunes franchise, we definitely wanted to celebrate Tweety’s 80th in a big way and are excited for the year-long celebration ahead. Keep your eyes out for him to pop up anywhere, from fashion to collectibles and more.”

To complete the murals, WMGBE collaborated with 16 artists, each with a different take on the tiny hero. Tweety’s signature yellow colour runs through the designs, but the artists’ different styles will make each one unique. Artists have been selected through the lens of diversity across different countries, artistic mediums and expressions, ethnicities, genders and sexualities.

In addition to the murals, Tweety’s 80th Anniversary celebration features products, content, experiences and more, including:

  • Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) will announce new offerings and partnerships across all categories (fashion, collectibles, beauty, and more) throughout the year. Available now only on WBCP’s Looney Tunes Shop is the all-new Tweety’s 80th Mural Collection. The collection is set to feature a number of the 80 Tweety-inspired mural designs on a unique selection of merchandise and apparel. The ultimate fan destination to celebrate Tweety, the Looney Tunes Shop will unveil product drops throughout the year, including merchandise with Tweety mural designs yet to be revealed, leading up to Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.
  • Loungefly has produced a Tweety 80th Anniversary Plush Backpack. The front features Tweety’s unmistakable shape, featuring wings on the front zipped compartment that move back and forth ($80.00). Also available is a Tweety and Sylvester 80th Anniversary Zip Around Wallet ($40.00). Available now, both products feature Tweety 80th Anniversary motif on the inside lining, along with vegan leather.
  • Available now, the Ugly Dukling x Tweety Bird Collection is a limited-edition, box collection of luxury 3D magnetic eyelashes featuring a special-dose of Tweety. The curated collection features four classic statement style lashes named “Tweety Pie,” “Tweety Bird,” “Looney Luxury Lashes” and “I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat!” Presented in Tweety-themed keepsake packaging, the collection continues Ugly Dukling Beauty’s tradition of high quality, hand crafted seven-magnet eyelashes.
  • Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment will be joining in on the festivities for Tweety’s birthday with exclusive murals around the world including at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia, and Parque Warner Madrid.
  • HBO Max: Tweety continues to star in the hit Looney Tunes Cartoons animated series from Warner Bros. Animation now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes will debut from the Max Original series throughout the year in celebration of the beloved yellow canary.
  • Cartoonito: This summer, Tweety will star alongside fellow Looney Tunes characters in Bugs Bunny Builders, a new preschool animated series produced by Warner Bros. Animation, coming to Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

 

Winners announced for British Animation Awards

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The winners have been announced for the British Animation Awards 2022 at a ceremony held last night at London’s BFI Southbank, presented by comedian Miles Jupp and sponsored by Hanna Barbera Studios Europe. 

Now in their 26th year, the British Animation Awards (BAAs) attract the great and the good from one of the nation’s most successful creative industries to this biennial celebration of their craft.

Gathering momentum ahead of the Academy Awards later this month, Britain’s two Oscar-nominated short films Affairs of the Art and Robin Robin were triumphant in their categories, with Affairs of the Art picking up three awards: Best Short Film, Writers Award and Best Voice Performance (for 86-year-old Little Britain star Menna Trussler as ‘Beryl’).

Created by film-making partners Joanna Quinn and Les Mills, Affairs of the Art continues the story of larger-than-life Welsh housewife Beryl who has artistic ambitions on a grand scale. Meanwhile Robin Robin, Aardman Animations’ Netflix Original film about an optimistic robin raised by a family of mice, won the award for Best Original Music for its score written by The Bookshop Band (Ben Please and Beth Porter).

London-based animation studio Magic Light Pictures was successful in two categories, with BBC One Christmas special Zog and the Flying Doctors winning for Best Use of Sound and Milkshake! and Sky Kids series Pip and Posy picking up the award for Best Children’s Pre-School.  Meanwhile, the Best Children’s category was won by Fourth Wall’s feline-focused series Milo, also shown on Channel 5’s Milkshake!

One of the closest-fought categories of the night was the prestigious Best Long Form category, which saw victory for Locksmith Animation’s debut feature Ron’s Gone Wrong. Directed by Jean-Phillipe Vine, Sarah Smith and Octavio E Rodriguez, the film tells the story of a socially awkward middle-schooler who befriends a defective robot.

Best Animation in a Commercial category was won by Airwick for its Breath of Nature campaign, directed by Peter Szewczyk of Nerd Productions, while animator Ged Haney took home the Best Music Video Award for Rocket Freudental’s ‘Der Stuhlkreis’.

 A hard-hitting film featuring the voices of some of Hollywood’s hottest stars picked up the award for Best Factual award. Save Ralph, an animated short film about the cruelty of testing on animals, produced for the Humane Society International, was written and directed by Spencer Susser and features the voices of Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron and Oliver Munn.

Meanwhile, the Social Good category was won by Typically, a film aiming to remove the taboo surrounding periods, produced for period poverty charity Bloody Good Period and directed by Anna Ginsburg and Caitlin McCarthy.

In two of the new categories for 2022, the Best Immersive Animation award was picked up by Grant Berry and Dane Winn’s The Beast, while the Wildcard category was won by Osbert Parker’s Timeline.

Continuing to challenge the status quo, the Cutting-Edge award was won by Jamie Jay Johnson and Asa Movshovitz’s E4 series about a role-playing fantasy game, Dead Pixels. And this year’s Design Award was won by Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, a Netflix Original directed by Ian Spendloff, with VFX by Lucy Hare.

Some of the leading British animation courses were represented in the Best Undergraduate and Best Postgraduate Student film categories, including nominees from Falmouth University School of Film and Television, University of Creative Arts in Farnham, Arts University Bournemouth, Royal College of Arts London and National Film & Television School. The winners were Renee Zahn’s (NFTS) O Black Hotel! for Best Postgraduate Student Film and Miles Jezuita’s (Arts University Bournemouth) Suburb for Best Undergraduate Student Film.

Introduced in 2020, The Lamb Award bridges the gap between current categories which recognise student achievements and general best-in-class awards, and is open to any young professionals working in the animation and VFX industry. The winner of the 2022 Lamb Award is Production Coordinator Hodan Abdi, who was nominated by Illuminated Films.

Three awards on the night were decided by members of the public, voting for their favourites in a special online poll.  The winners of these audience awards were:  Tony Comley’s Time to Recover for Best Music Video, Uri Lotan’s Black Slide for Best Short Film and Sky Kids’ hit children’s series The Brilliant World of Tom Gates for the Children’s Choice Award.

The awards themselves (the BAAs) are unique artworks, featuring sheep, created especially for the occasion by a range of leading international and UK animation artists. This year’s awards include designs by author/illustrators Liz Pichon and Rachel Bright and legendary film-maker Terry Gilliam.

BAA Director Helen Brunsdon and Producer Kieran Argo said: “We have been amazed at the quality of the entrants for this year’s British Animation Awards and would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees.  After a particularly tough couple of years animation continues to be one of the most productive and creative industries in the UK”.

The BAAs are the only awards to recognise all forms of animation and reward the work of both new and established animators across all aspects of the UK Animation scene, from student work to commercials, children’s entertainment, short and experiential films, music videos and new technologies.

 

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.”

 

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.

Palace creates Elton John capsule skatewear collection

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London-based skateboarding and clothing brand Palace has created a special licensed Elton John capsule collection with the icon himself, celebrating his legacy and his legendary music career.

The capsule drop includes a retro velour tracksuit with ‘EJ’ Elton and Palace branding, in white or navy with lurex side strips; a knitted jumper featuring Elton’s image, and a selection of T-shirts in short and long-sleeved versions, with archive images from such legendary performances as his landmark gig at LA’s Dodger Stadium in 1975.

In addition to the apparel collection, Palace has produced a special Elton John board and a rug that bears a Palace-doctored woven image of Elton at the keys, on stage at Dodger Stadium. The collaboration was brought together by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading brand management company.

Elton John says: “I’m so excited about my forthcoming collaboration with Palace. I’m always looking to the future, but the range brings back some fantastic memories – it really captures the essence of youth and freedom from my time on the road in the 1970s. I’ve never been a skateboarder but that’s not going to stop me wearing the lot.”

The collection launches in the UK on Friday 11 March at 11am GMT, in-store and online, and online in the EU at 12pm CET.

In the US, the collection goes live the same day online at 11am EST and 8am PST, in-store in New York at 11am EST, and in LA at 11am PST.

The collection launches in Japan, in-store and online, at 11am JST on Saturday 12 March.

Animal Adventure inks new licensing partnership with Sophie la girafe

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Animal Adventure and its affiliate Dan Dee International (jointly Animal Adventure), and licensing agency Anjar & Becker Associates have announced a new licensing agreement with DELISO S.A.S. for the premium infant brand Sophie la girafe.

Sophie la girafe is the best-selling teether in the world generating $100M+ in annual retail sales. Animal Adventure plans to market an extensive line of plush, feature plush, mobiles, activity mats, storage cubes, rockers, rocking horses, soft chairs, stroller toys, baby wedges and seasonal products in the U.S., beginning in summer 2022.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Sophie la girafe, one of the world’s most trusted infant brands and a great fit with our Animal Adventure business,” says Mark Matheny, Head of Licensing, Animal Adventure. “Animal Adventure is known for creating wonderful baby products through a thoughtful, trend-driven approach, and we’re excited to build a Sophie la girafe line that looks beautiful and leverages the unique position which the brand holds for parents and infants,”

Andrew Hogan, Licensing Director, Animal Adventure, adds: “As a parent, having confidence in the products that I give my child is so important. Sophie la girafe was the first brand that my child was introduced to and has been trusted by parents around the world for generations.

“This partnership via Anjar & Becker Associates will bring elevated and innovative new products to parents and gift-givers, allowing infants to experience the Sophie brand in new and exciting ways.”

“We’re very excited that we could bring Sophie la girafe and Dan Dee/Animal Adventure together for this expansive licensing deal,” says Patti Becker, CEO of Anjar & Becker Associates. Sophie is a very special brand, and we know it’s in good hands with Dan Dee and Animal Adventure. They make beautiful plush, and we’re excited to have them join the family of Sophie licensees.”

For more information on Anjar & Becker Associates, visit: www.Anjar.com and www.BeckerAssociates.com.

 

New line of Dr Seuss books in development

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Dr. Seuss Enterprises (DSE) and Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) will launch Seuss Studios, a line of books for early readers by new and emerging authors and illustrators who will create original stories inspired by Ted Geisel’s (aka Dr. Seuss) unpublished sketches and illustrations. The news was announced today, Dr. Seuss’s birthday, by DSE and RHCB.

Seuss Studios will carry forward Dr. Seuss’s legacy of inspiring millions of people to learn to love to read by working with an inclusive community of authors and illustrators to create books for all young readers and families that capture Dr. Seuss’s hallmark spirit of creativity and imagination.

The sketches and illustrations that will serve as inspiration pieces for Seuss Studios books have been selected from the Dr. Seuss Collection archives at UC San Diego and curated by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books. The original Dr. Seuss sketch that serves as the inspiration for each of the new Seuss Studios books will be included in the book, along with a note from the creators explaining how they were inspired, and their process.

The launch of Seuss Studios is a tribute to Ted Geisel’s commitment to supporting new writers and artists. In 1957, Ted Geisel co-founded the Beginner Books imprint at Random House, the iconic line that includes enduring classics like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. With this imprint, Geisel sought not only to create a robust and enriching library for kids, but also to open new doors for creators who were either at the beginning of their publishing careers or who worked in other creative industries.

Continuing the tradition started with Beginner Books, Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books will seek out and work with a varied roster of fresh new voices to develop the Seuss Studios line.

Mallory Loehr, EVP and Publisher, Random House Books for Young Readers, and Martha Rago, VP, Executive Creative Director, RHCB, will oversee editorial and art direction at Random House Children’s Books.

Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, says: “Seuss Studios is a new, exciting step in the continued evolution and growth of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and one that will help us ensure that Dr. Seuss’s images live on in the best possible way – and in new ways – for future readers. We look forward to putting the spotlight on a new generation of talent who we know will bring their unique voices and style to the page, while also drawing inspiration from the creativity and imagination of Dr. Seuss.”

Mallory Loehr adds: “I can’t wait to see what the Seuss Studios creators come up with! The unique styles and voices of each author and illustrator in the Seuss Studios line will shine through on every page, cover to cover – with a glimmer of Dr. Seuss’s imagination tucked inside each book. I know that these stories will connect to today’s young readers and inspire a joy in reading for years and years to come.”

Seuss Studios books will be geared towards readers ages 4 to 8. Additional details on the inaugural list will be announced later this year.

 

Tetris readies for 40th anniversary with merchandising agent network update

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The Tetris Company has announced changes to its global network of merchandise licensing agents for the world-famous Tetris brand, including new agent signings and renewals. These changes come as the company heads towards the iconic video game brand’s 40th anniversary in 2024.

“We’re always looking to bring new partners on board who will help grow the Tetris brand with fresh products and experiences that are innovative, fun and meaningful for our global fan base,” says Megan Buettner, head of consumer products at Tetris. “With the 40th anniversary of Tetris on the horizon, we look forward to working with all our new and existing network of licensing agents to make it the most memorable celebration yet.”

Updates to the Tetris brand’s merchandise licensing agent network include:

  • The Tetris Company has extended its agency agreement with Lisle Licensing for UK, Ireland and Channel Islands, managed by Francesca Lisle.
  • Brand Fresh Management, led by Janice Ross, will continue to manage licensing agreements for the United States and Canada.
  • IMG will continue to manage APAC (Asia-Pacific region), under the guidance of Miki Yamamoto, in addition to Brazil with support from Glenn Migliaccio.
  • CPLG, led by John Taylor, will now represent the Tetris brand in France, Italy and India. In addition, CPLG’s representation will continue in Iberia, CEE (Central Eastern Europe), CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia), Benelux, Greece, Turkey, MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and the Nordics (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway).
  • The Tetris Company has signed Studio 100 to the agency roster for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, under the guidance of Joachim Knödler.
  • KOPA Licensing, with the support of Carlos Carvajal, will expand coverage for the brand in Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

Current representation for the Tetris brand also includes WP Brands in New Zealand and Australia, managed by Lim Mi-Kyoung, and Born Licensing for global promotions and advertising under David Born.

Billions of Tetris games are played online every year, and over 590 million Tetris mobile games have been downloaded to date. The Tetris brand’s global licensee network includes major video game publishers, including Nintendo and Sega, as well as many partners in electronics, toys, apparel, lifestyle goods, entertainment and more. For the latest information about the Tetris brand and Tetris products, visit www.tetris.com.