Mattel and MGM partner to develop live action Polly Pocket movie

Mattel has unveiled plans to develop its popular micro doll brand, Polly Pocket into a live-action motion picture, partnering with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) on the family comedy. The pair has brought Lena Dunham’s production company Good Thing Going in on the project.

Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) will take the lead role of Polly as the film follows the story of a young girl and a pocket-sized woman who form a friendship.

“Polly Pocket was responsible for countless hours of childhood escapism for me – Polly gave me a tiny world of magic and autonomy to narrate, so it’s pretty poetic to be tackling these same ideas now as a director collaborating with the brilliant Lily Collins, Robbie Brenner, Mattel and MGM,” said Dunham.

“I’m so thrilled to bring to bear both my love of this historic property and also my deep-seated belief that young women need smart playful films that speak to them without condescension.”

Collins said: “I’m so excited to partner with this inspiring powerhouse of a team. Developing this project with Robbie, Lena, Mattel and MGM to reintroduce Polly in a fun, modern way has been such a treat. As a child who was obsessed with Polly Pocket, this is a real dream come true and I can’t wait to bring these tiny toys to the big screen.”

Robbie Brenner and Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films. Sandino Moya-Smith and Winnie Carrillo will lead for MGM. Good Thing Going’s Liz Watson and Michael P. Cohen will serve as executive producers.

“Polly Pocket is an iconic franchise that has resonated with children for more than three decades,” said Brenner, executive producer of Mattel Films. “The incredible nostalgia that Polly evokes, coupled with Lena’s fresh approach and Lily’s take on the character, will introduce an entirely new interpretation of this classic brand to audiences. We look forward to working with MGM to produce a feature film that will appeal to the whole family.”

Polly Pocket, which was first introduced more than 30 years ago, is the original micro-scale doll and accessories line of toys and, today, is the number one global play-set dolls growth property. In 2018, Mattel reintroduced the popular ’90s sensation with a product line that pays homage to the brand’s origins, with updates to the tiny and mighty doll for a new generation, adding features such as hidden worlds and fun surprise formats.

Children today can also experience Polly Pocket and her world through an animated television series, as well as content on YouTube, that inspires kids to be adventurous, bold and to never let being little get in their way.

Polly Pocket joins other Mattel Films projects in development including movies based on American Girl, Barbie, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Masters of the Universe, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View Master, and Wishbone.

MGM to launch first Stargate SG-1 strategy PC game in Slitherine partnership

MGM has partnered with the digital strategy games publisher, Slitherine to develop and publish the first strategy PC game based on the popular sci-fi series, Stargate SG-1.

Called Stargate: Timekeepers, the title will pick up from the end of the seventh season of the Stargate SG-1 main plot to create an original story that takes place during the Battle of Antartica, in which Command Eva McCain and her team are tasked with supporting the SG-1 against Anubis’ fleet.

The aftermath of the battle sees Commander McCain and her squad face an epic adventure that spans multiple original locations, while players will travel through time and space to save civilians from the threats of alien lords, rescue their friends and allies from danger, and more.

Over the course of 25 years, Stargate has become a cultural hit, capturing the imaginations of sci-fi lovers and inspiring an audience of fans around the world.  The franchise includes three films, three TV series broadcast in 64 countries, an animated series, and a web series. More than 56 million Stargate DVDs have been sold to date, while the franchise has also found its way to graphic novels, games, and more.

“Working on an IP like Stargate is an honor and a testament to our continued effort to reach a wider audience,” said Marco Minoli, Slitherine marketing director. “We strive to capture players’ imagination by creating our own worlds or by forging experiences based on existing, influential franchises. We look forward to bringing Stargate: Timekeepers to life and creating a long-lasting legacy of Stargate strategy games.”

Robert Marick, executive vice president, MGM Global Consumer Products and Experiences, said: “We’re thrilled to work with Slitherine to bring a new Stargate PC game to market, and provide fans the opportunity to experience the Stargate universe well beyond TV and movie screens.”

 Stargate: Timekeepers is a Real-Time-Tactics game developed by Creative Forge Games, an independent studio based in Warsaw, Poland, makers of Phantom Doctrine and Hard West.  The game will release on PC distribution platforms.

MGM now joins a growing roster of licensing partners to have worked with Slitherine in the games space, who has published a portfolio of award-winning titles for consoles, smartphones, and tablets. The publisher has previously worked with the likes of NBC Universal, Games Workshop, Sony Pictures, BBC, Osprey, and more.

Fanattik steps into the ring with Rocky as the iconic film franchise celebrates 45 years

The pop culture specialist, Fanattik, has signed a pan-European gift and homewares partnership with MGM for the iconic Rocky franchise in a deal brokered by the studio’s local UK agent, Rocket Licensing.

The new collection, spanning home decor, glassware, barware, gifts, and collectables, will debut later this year in time to mark the 45th anniversary of the original Rocky film starring Sylvester Stallone.

The new deal with the UK gifting company includes image rights, which means products featuring Mr T – who plays Clubber Lang – Dolph Lundgren as Drago, and Sylvester Stallone as Rocky will be heabily featured on product and packaging.

The Rocky and Creed franchise has remained a global phenomenon because it presents moviegoers with universally relatable themes that they can identify with – ambition, passion, determination and giving it your all to be a champion, even when the odds are against you. MGM’s Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and 10 nominations.

“Fanattik is licensed by many of the major film and video game studios and Rocky is a big hitter I have had my eye on for some time. Our initial discussions with European gift retailers have leaned towards Rocky product for Father’s Day and Christmas promotions but of course it’s suitable for fans all year round,” said Anthony Marks, M.D. Fanattik.

“Fanattik has seen phenomenal growth over the past three years with even more retailers coming on-board since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. With no new film releases, our focus on iconic, evergreen titles has been proven to be the right strategy. Retailers are looking for licensed product with multi-generational appeal and an existing fan base who are looking for gifts that remind them of happier pre-Covid times.”

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, added: “We are delighted to have Fanattik on board for the 45th anniversary of this ultimate champion’s franchise. The range of celebratory giftware and collectibles will be a fantastic addition to the broad licensed offering planned for 2021 and will encourage fans to tap into their inner champion.”

The Fanattik range will form part of a year-long celebratory marketing and product campaign to mark this milestone anniversary.

It’s Bond, James Bond – and he’s returning to the video game space with working title Project 007

It’s Bond, James Bond, and it’s coming to a console and computer screen near you.

IO Interactive, in collaboration with MGM, EON Productions and Delphi have released the first details of the first James Bond origin story video game, under the working title Project 007.

Over the last two decades, IO Interactive has created, developed and published multiple award-winning titles in the stealth and espionage video game genre, including the acclaimed Hitman franchise. Project 007 will be powered by IO Interactive’s proprietary Glacier technology and the game will be made for modern systems and platforms.

Project 007 is currently in active development at IO Interactive’s offices in Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden. Both locations are recruiting elite talent from around the world to join the team that will build out this exciting and unique gaming title.

“It’s true that once in a while, the stars do align in our industry,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive. “Creating an original Bond game is a monumental undertaking and I truly believe that IO Interactive, working closely with our creative partners at EON and MGM, can deliver something extremely special for our players and communities.

“Our passionate team is excited to unleash their creativity into the iconic James Bond universe and craft the most ambitious game in the history of our studio.”

Robert Marick, MGM’s executive vice president, global consumer products and experiences, said: “James Bond has a strong legacy in the video game space, with some of the most iconic games of all-time based on the character. Working with our partners at EON and the talented team at IO Interactive, we plan to bring a new take on this legendary franchise to gamers and Bond fans around the world. IO Interactive are masters of crafting living, breathing worlds of immersive storytelling.”

Based on British novelist Ian Fleming’s popular 1950s book series of the same name, James Bond is one of Hollywood’s longest running and most successful film franchises with a catalogue of 24 films released. The 25th installment in the series, No Time To Die, will be released in theaters globally on April 2, 2021. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, No Time To Die stars Daniel Craig in his fifth and final performance as the legendary British Secret Service Agent 007.

MGM to bring Rocky and Legally Blonde to live concerts with TCG Entertainment

The film, television, and entertainment production unit, MGM has partnered with TCG Entertainment, a leading producer of touring live productions, to launch a new live Films in Concert Series featuring Rocky and Legally Blonde.

Set for a summer 2021 launch, the partnership will mark the first time that audiences around the world will be able to experience the anthems of Rocky as well as fan-favourite tunes from Legally Blonde, as performed live by a full symphony orchestra and played in sync to the films.

The new partnership with TCG Entertainment is part of MGM’s overall strategy to grow its portfolio of live events and immersive experiences that let fans enjoy and engage with their favourite films and characters beyond the big screen.

The Rocky in Concert series will include six musical events for each of the six films in the original franchise, beginning with Rocky. Audiences will be able to hear the iconic music from the films performed live by a full orchestra, while watching the movies on larger than life screens.

The concert will aim to take the audiences along for the emotional ride of Rocky’s transformation from underdog to champion to his fight in Russia to the finale Rocky Balboa. Each of the events will also feature interactive experiences along with pop-up retails kiosks and exclusive merchandise.

Meanwhile, Legally Blonde in Concert will get fans amped up and inspired as they relive the adventures of Elle Woods while listening to orchestrations of their favorite songs from the soundtrack. Fans will also be able to enjoy pop-up retail kiosks and interactive experiences on site.

Both events are currently scheduled to tour through North America, Europe, and Australia, with additional markets to be added. The concerts are planned to begin in July 2021 and run through the end of June 2024.

Robert Marick, MGM’s executive vice president, global consumer products and experiences, said: “MGM is looking to create additional ways that fans can interact with and enjoy their favorite stories and characters well beyond the end credits of the film.

“The concert events for both Rocky and Legally Blonde are part of our strategy of developing meaningful experiences that fans will love. TCG are true experts in this space and we couldn’t have asked for better partners as we kick off this brand-new initiative.”

Stephen Cook, president of TCG Entertainment, added: “We are excited to be working with MGM on bringing the iconic Rocky film series and Legally Blonde to the concert hall. Both Rocky and Legally Blonde are fantastic films with great music.  These shows will perform in symphony halls, theaters and performing arts centers around the world.”

MGM’s Rocky and Creed spinoff films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and 10 nominations, while the box office smash, Legally Blondecontinues to resonate with new generations of audiences. It was recently announced that Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor have signed on to co-write the script for the film’s third iteration, Legally Blonde 3, which will see Reese Witherspoon reprise her role as Elle Woods.

US brand Owens Corning celebrates its 40 year partnership with MGM’s The Pink Panther

The US construction company Owens Corning is celebrating a 40 year relationship with MGM’s iconic The Pink Panther, the recognised mascot for the business having kicked off its partnership back in August 1980. Over the course of four decades, The Pink Panther has starred in countless TV, print, and digital media promotions for the firm.

The Pink Panther also adorns the vehicles and hundreds of select contractors, distributors, and builders working with the company’s roofing and insulation business. The partnership first got off the ground to promote sales of Pink Fiberglas insulation on August 15, 1980.

“The relationship between Owens Corning and The Pink Panther is nothing short of remarkable,” said Suzanne Harnett, Owens Corning’s vice president of corporate affairs. “For 40 years, The Pink Panther has been a smart and stylish ambassador for our company speaking persuasively to our brand promise despite never uttering a word.”

Robert Marick, MGM’s executive vice president, global consumer products and experiences, said: “Marking 40 years of The Pink Panther as spokesperson for Owens Corning is a true moment to celebrate. It’s rare that you see a promotional relationship like this continue for decades.

“It speaks to both the timelessness and universal appeal of The Pink Panther, as well as Owens Corning’s ability to make him an integral part of their marketing and platforms.”

The company’s enduring relationship with The Pink Panther began the same year that saw the introduction of CNN, Pac-Man, and Post-it Notes, and it has since coincided with the terms of seven US presidents.

The concept for pairing The Pink Panther with Owens Corning was first suggested by Roger Butler, an executive at the New York-based advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather.

The association was made given the colour of the company’s insulation, which has brandished its distinctive pink hue for more than 60 years. The color was added in 1956 when the company was testing a new form of the product. After demonstrating decades of widespread use of the colour PINK®, Owens Corning became the first company to receive a trademark for a color, on May 12, 1987.

MGM’s Pink Panther slinks into new footwear deal with Diadora and LC23

WildBrain CPLG has secured a deal on behalf of Metro Goldwyn Mayer with the contemporary fashion brand LC23 and popular sportswear company Diadora for a footwear collaboration inspired by the iconic Pink Panther.

Thanks to the partnership brokered by WildBrain CPLG Italy, fans can now slink across the scene like the titular characters through a collaboration sees the launch of two limited edition trainer designs inspired by the elegance and surreal humour of the brand.

Resulting from a Spring/Summer 2020 partnership between LC23 and Diodora, the trainers offer a new take on two of Diadora’s most popular styles – the Diadora Rebound Ace and Whizz Run – and feature bright embroidery style patch appliqués of both Pink Panther and Inspector Clouseau.

Maria Gurrieri, managing director at WildBrain CPLG Southern Europe, said: “The long-standing collaboration between LC23 and Diadora is recognised for producing bold, high-quality and playful products which we knew would make them the ideal partners to expand Pink Panther’s fashion offering.

“This new collaboration perfectly encapsulates Pink Panther’s witty and colourful spirit, and we look forward to seeing young adults sporting the new collection across Italy and farther afield.”

MGM’s iconic character, Pink Panther, started life in the front and end credits of the legendary detective series of the same name more than 50 years ago. Its popularity spawned TV series, specials, comics and merchandise and remains an icon of the era.