Acamar appoints Spotlight Licensing to drive growth for Bing in North America

Acamar Films has appointed Spotlight Licensing as licensing and merchandising agent for North America for its award-winning preschool series Bing.

The multi-year licensing and merchandising agreement covers the USA and Canada. Spotlight will drive strategic Bing licensing and retail programmes as the show’s footprint continues to grow in the region.

A bespoke American version of Bing made its US debut on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network in September 2021, to great success. The show then launched on Cartoonito on HBO Max in February this year. Cartoonito is highlighting Bing as a series that helps young viewers understand how to manage emotions, understand others’ perspective and develop social skills. In Canada, the series is available on TVO Kids, TFO and Amazon Prime Video. Bing is also available on YouTube and in the app stores in both the USA and Canada.

Spotlight Licensing is an award-winning and well-established boutique licensing and IP management company with considerable expertise and experience in the preschool sector. The agency has a reputation for innovation and successfully extending licensing programmes by tailoring strategy to reflect the unique DNA of an individual property. The Spotlight Licensing team will be exhibiting at this year’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas and are looking forward to spreading the word about Bing and exploring exciting opportunities with attendees.

Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, Chief Commercial Officer, Acamar Films, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with the award-winning Licensing & Merchandising team at Spotlight Licensing. Their outstanding expertise of preschool properties and their strategic and innovative approach, coupled with their wholehearted passion for Bing, promises exciting results. Bing already enjoys a hugely successful licensing programme in Europe, with consumer products across a wide variety of categories, live shows and other immersive experiential offerings. Now we’re looking forward to launching and building Bing’s licensing programme in the USA and Canada to provide our audience with equally delightful products and experiences to connect them even more closely with Bing.”

Carole Postal, President, Spotlight Licensing, adds: “The whole team here at Spotlight has been moved and delighted by Bing and we’re excited to be working with Acamar Films on developing a dynamic and robust programme to accelerate its growth in the region. With its strong, unique and timeless values, the series is so relatable for toddlers and their families, and we want to help deepen their engagement and ensure its longevity.”

Bing is a celebration of the joyful, messy reality of preschool life. Set in a delightful community “round the corner, not far away”, its authentic, timeless stories follow the everyday ups and downs of Bing, Flop (Bing’s own “carer”) and their friends. Bing provides an honest depiction of the highs and lows of preschool life from a preschooler’s perspective – a unique viewpoint for a children’s property.

Acamar Films has established a successful licensing programme for Bing in European markets, with over 100 licensees on board across key categories, from toys and apparel to kids’ audio storytelling and games, and experiential activities. The show 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, and is firmly on-track to become a global evergreen property, cherished by families and young children worldwide.

 

Spotlight to represent Samurai Rabbit

2022 may be the Year of the Tiger but it is also shaping up to be a big year for the rabbits of the highly anticipated Netflix animated kids series Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, and the long-running and award-winning Stan Sakai comic book series Usagi Yojimbo that inspired it.

Spotlight Licensing has been appointed by Gaumont to launch and manage the global merchandise licensing programme for Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles (which debuted on Netflix April 28).

“We are incredibly proud of Samurai Rabbit! It’s a fun, funny, action packed, gorgeous, animated kids series that younger viewers will love. Creator Stan Sakai was involved every step of the way so we hope his comic fans will love it as well,” says Terry Kalagian, Executive Vice President of Creative Content at Gaumont US.

Spotlight has simultaneously been tapped to handle global merchandise licensing for Sakai’s creator-owned Usagi Yojimbo.

Usagi Yojimbo’s Miyamoto Usagi is an ancestor of Samurai Rabbit’s teenage star Yuichi Usagi  and – because Miyamoto is such an integral figure in Yuichi’s life and story – it made sense to consolidate and coordinate licensing efforts for both the series and comics with one agency,” says Sakai, who is an executive producer of the Samurai Rabbit series and has remained involved throughout development to ensure the show would be well-crafted and respectful of Japanese culture.

“We are thrilled to be working with Gaumont and Stan Sakai to find the right licensing partners in the U.S. and around the world for each property, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles and Usagi Yojimbo, either separately or together if appropriate,” says Spotlight Licensing President Carole Postal.

Spotlight is actively seeking licensing partners across a broad range of product categories including not only toys and games but also clothing, costumes, accessories, figurines, collectibles, and other items. As global agent, Spotlight will also be looking for evaluating potential licensing partners and sub-agents around the world.

 

Spotlight to represent Samurai Rabbit

2022 may be the Year of the Tiger but it is also shaping up to be a big year for the rabbits of the highly anticipated Netflix animated kids series Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, and the long-running and award-winning Stan Sakai comic book series Usagi Yojimbo that inspired it.

Spotlight Licensing has been appointed by Gaumont to launch and manage the global merchandise licensing programme for Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles (which debuted on Netflix April 28).

“We are incredibly proud of Samurai Rabbit! It’s a fun, funny, action packed, gorgeous, animated kids series that younger viewers will love. Creator Stan Sakai was involved every step of the way so we hope his comic fans will love it as well,” says Terry Kalagian, Executive Vice President of Creative Content at Gaumont US.

Spotlight has simultaneously been tapped to handle global merchandise licensing for Sakai’s creator-owned Usagi Yojimbo.

Usagi Yojimbo’s Miyamoto Usagi is an ancestor of Samurai Rabbit’s teenage star Yuichi Usagi  and – because Miyamoto is such an integral figure in Yuichi’s life and story – it made sense to consolidate and coordinate licensing efforts for both the series and comics with one agency,” says Sakai, who is an executive producer of the Samurai Rabbit series and has remained involved throughout development to ensure the show would be well-crafted and respectful of Japanese culture.

“We are thrilled to be working with Gaumont and Stan Sakai to find the right licensing partners in the U.S. and around the world for each property, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles and Usagi Yojimbo, either separately or together if appropriate,” says Spotlight Licensing President Carole Postal.

Spotlight is actively seeking licensing partners across a broad range of product categories including not only toys and games but also clothing, costumes, accessories, figurines, collectibles, and other items. As global agent, Spotlight will also be looking for evaluating potential licensing partners and sub-agents around the world.

 

Spotlight Licensing and Rocket Licensing welcome All Creatures Great and Small

Rocket Licensing and Spotlight Licensing are set to build a global consumer products programme for critically acclaimed fan-favourite television drama All Creatures Great and Small, with Rocket leading in all markets outside North America and Spotlight focused on North America.

The series, based on the best-selling stories written by Alf Wight under the pen name James Herriot, follows the adventures of a young vet from Glasgow working in the Yorkshire dales. Herriot’s books have sold 60 million copies internationally, becoming a global cultural phenomenon with devoted fans around the world.

The series airs in the UK as Channel 5’s top rating British drama, with five million viewers to date for the latest series, and is the second highest-rating programme on the channel, behind The Drowning.

In the U.S., All Creatures Great and Small is currently in its second season on PBS MASTERPIECE after debuting as one of PBS’s biggest hits of 2021 (seen by more than 10 million U.S. viewers).

PBS MASTERPIECE, Channel 5 and All3Media International recently announced that All Creatures Great and Small has already been renewed for a third and fourth season.

Rocket and Spotlight will be looking to target both the young adult and older age-group fans of the show with licensed products including gifting, homewares, stationery, apparel, food and beverage, and more, as well as experiential partnerships, and the team is looking forward to discussing the property with potential licensees and partners.

Carole Postal, president of Spotlight Licensing, says: “All Creatures Great and Small is a wonderful property for anyone who loves and cares for animals, enjoys the beautiful British countryside, and appreciates that small-town community life which Herriot portrays with such warmth and humour. U.S. audiences love the character and charm of this quintessentially British show and we are excited to get a consumer products licensing programme started here in North America.”

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD of Rocket Licensing, commented: “All Creatures Great and Small is a great brand which really resonates with UK consumers, and we are looking forward to discussing the exciting opportunities this property offers for licensed merchandise and collaborations with potential licensees. The demand for British brands is bigger than ever right now and this property fits the bill perfectly.”

The Last Kingdom fans can now own a replica of Uhtred Ragnarsson’s iconic sword thanks to Jalic Blades

Spotlight Licensing is calling its The Last Kingdom kinsmen to arms with the news that fans will now be able to wield an exacting replica of the sword of Uhtred Ragnarsson himself, thanks to a new partnership with Jalic Blades.

The officially licensed display replica comes with the sword’s fullered blade and distinctive amber pommel, marking itself as the trusted weapon carried by Uhtred, the hero of The Last Kingdom series on Netflix, and focus of pop culture iconography in recent months.

It’s now thanks to a collaboration brokered by Spotlight Licensing on behalf of Carnival Films with Jalic Blades that fans will be able to re-live the adventures of the hero from the comfort of their armchairs.

“During filming of The Last Kingdom’s most recent season, Jalic was able to pull dimensions from the actual screen used prop and get detailed, high-resolution photos to be used for reference,” said Spotlight Licensing president, Carole Postal. “The result – drawing upon Jalic’s years of expertise and experience in creating movie and television replica weapons – is a truly beautiful and amazing replica.”

“Knowing how important this unique sword is to Uhtred as a character and to the overall story, we wanted to make sure we got the look and feel of this replica right for our fellow fans,” said Jalic Blades owner Chris Beasley.

Jalic’s 1:1 scale replica of Uhtred’s Sword is over three feet long with a stainless steel blade, antiqued nickel-plated cast handle, faux leather wrap and a custom molded acrylic pommel gem with faux inclusions. Uhtred’s sword will be available online and through specialty retailers.

Each sword will be serial numbered and come with a special display plaque featuring a silkscreened design based on Uhtred’s armor.

Spotlight Licensing’s Carole Postal: “Our industry is strong and I’m heartened by our coming together to weather the storm”

Spotlight Licensing isn’t only known for its portfolio of properties boasting major fan bases and audience numbers both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, and Boo – The World’s Cutest Dog among them, but also for its crack team of professionals that, when it comes to licensing, knows its business inside out.

But when you’re led by the nine-time LIMA Licensing Excellence Award winner, Carole Postal – a name now synonymous with not only the US but global licensing business – little else could be expected. Sitting among the upper echelons of Spotlight Licensing is Jodi Gottlieb as senior vice president, and Ken Wong, director of marketing, all of whom have been working together for the last 20 years. With such as history in the space, it makes sense that this is a team that has seen licensing evolve through its many – and ever changing – forms.

Licensing.biz catches up with Carole Postal, president of Spotlight Licensing to talk about her history with licensing, the quick reflexes of the industry as a whole in the face of the pandemic, and how it is the struggles and hardships of uncertain times that forges better and lasting relationships in business.

It’s a formidable trio, and a great team you’ve built around you Carole. How many years in the making has Spotlight Licensing been? Where did it all begin for you?

Formidable – I like that! We really do have a great team. Jodi, Ken and I have been working together for over 20 years. We’ve built on each other’s strengths and areas of expertise and work very efficiently together. And, importantly, have fun!

 I started out in the business working in entertainment licensing and then my husband and I built up our agency starting with retail consulting for the big entertainment companies and their blockbuster films. Licensing quickly became part of our core responsibilities eventually overtaking the retail consulting aspects and we developed from there.

My husband, Robert Postal, was, of course, a big part of the agency right up until his passing and we’ve had other employees who’ve gone on to great careers in the industry as well of which we are most proud. The agency business is all about being able to deliver results and I’m incredibly proud that our team has been able to build successful licensing programs for our clients for so many years.

How has business been for you guys over the last few months? We’ve seen a tremendous amount of resilience, adapting and evolving in a short space of time in the face of the pandemic, what has been Spotlight’s approach throughout this period?

We’re just now starting to see actual reports with numbers on how Q2 royalties were affected by the pandemic but it’s obviously been a challenge for retailers, licensees, and everyone up and down the chain.

Fortunately for us, products are still being made and sold and we are still getting deals done even if it takes a little more patience, perseverance, and willingness from everyone to make mutual accommodations during this unprecedented time. We are all in this together as a world and all adapting and making changes as we go along. It is a great opportunity for all components of the licensing equation – Licensor, Agent, Manufacturer, Retailer, and Consumer – to all work together for the common good.

How have you seen the licensing space evolve not only over the last year, but over the past four months? What do you think will be a lasting impact on licensing, retail, and the relationship between the two?

Licensing is always changing and evolving and introducing newness – that’s one of the aspects we all love about this industry isn’t it? Consumers and retailers are constantly looking for ‘what’s next’ – and licensors and manufacturers will continue to find creative ways to provide that through new licensing opportunities, new products or new twists on old favourites.

Even in the middle of a pandemic, Spotlight has been able to work with licensees on new BOO The World’s Cutest Dog plush from Gund and gorgeous hand-made Italian eyewear inspired by Downton Abbey from Bonavista Optics just to name a few. But we’ve definitely seen a lot of changes over these last few months as well: greater online shopping; delayed release of upcoming film properties; and, of course, the sudden but logical emergence of face masks as a licensed product category here.

Our industry is strong and resilient and I’ve been heartened by the way licensors, licensees,  manufacturers and retailers have all been working together to weather the storm so, ultimately, I think we’ll see the relationships between all four as strong as ever after this is all over.

You’ve got an enviable portfolio with quite the UK connection going on. How is your portfolio reflective of the US market right now? What do you look for in a license? What do you look for in a licensing partnership?

As a boutique agency, we pick and choose our clients carefully because each one is so important to us. Our portfolio is built on properties we personally like and understand and believe in because that gives us the edge when strategizing and talking to manufacturers and retailers about the opportunity.

As you can see from our portfolio, we definitely have an empathy for British entertainment and have built a reputation for understanding how to translate niche properties into licensed products that American audiences will like. But it doesn’t matter to us whether the property is British or French or Korean or as American as apple pie, as long as it is well done and the brand brings something special.

 

When you’re not busy winning LIMA Licensing Excellence Awards Carole, you’re either co-founding a business, sitting on the LIMA Board of Directors, or taking your place at the Board for the Delivering Good organisation and its Women of Inspiration initiative.

Can you talk us through the work you do with Delivering Good? Why is this so important to you?  

I believe each and every one of us is responsible for each other and can find a way to help so I decided nearly 12 years ago that I would find a way to help people through my contacts in the licensing business on a global basis. I always say that licensing is about stuff. Since Delivering Good is dedicated to getting stuff to the people who need it – whether their need arises because of poverty or disease or disaster or some other circumstances – I knew that I and the rest of the licensing industry could really help with Delivering Goods mission.

My involvement started out with product donations and just kept growing. In addition to being a Board Member, I co-chair the annual Women of Inspiration luncheon honouring women executives for their achievements and philanthropic efforts.

I’ve always felt no one is more supportive of others than the licensing industry and that faith has truly been borne out in how manufacturers and retailers and others in the industry have responded over the years and in response to COVID-19 in particular.

Our industry trade organization, Licensing International, has been incredibly supportive overall not to mention all the wonderful  manufacturers and retailers and individuals who donated products or provided financial support for shipping those products to where they need to be. You all know who you are reading this article so allow me to say thank you and to remind everyone that the need is never greater than it is now.

You’ve mentioned new areas of manufacturing and masks etc. Can you talk us through Spotlight’s efforts in this capacity? What lasting effect do you think this will have on the licensing space?

The pandemic made masks a ‘must have’ accessory so it was inevitable that licensing would be there to bring a little fun and fashion to mask-wearing. In Asia, masks have been accepted as part of regular flu precautions for years so I think there’s a good chance masks will stick around as a licensed product category in the US and Europe as well.

To me, this is just another example of how quickly a new consumer product category can emerge and a reminder of why people in licensing have to stay informed about developing trends as well as trends from other regions and be prepared to act quickly when unexpected opportunities arise in your own market.

 

A few quick-fire questions to round us up, then. What would you say has been the proudest moment of your career in licensing to date? 

In truth, one of my proudest moments was being one of the very first women in licensing to start her own company which transitioned from retail consulting, which no one was doing at the time, into a full service licensing agency.

Remember, 25 years ago women were not founding their own agencies and certainly not without the backing of a major studio or property. The licensing industry has always embraced and recognized the strength of women and I’m proud that this industry has been supportive and thus afforded young women a place where they can grow and be successful.

What is the best part of your job? 

My favorite part of the job is working with my team and our licensing partners to turn an idea or concept into a great product that performs well on retail shelves and/or online sales.

The typical fan who buys licensed products will probably never realize how many different things – the multitude of people and decision and challenges – involved in getting that product to market but we do, and my team and I still get a real thrill out of seeing it all pay off in the end.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the licensing industry?

My advice to anyone looking to break into the licensing industry is to be an observant consumer…staying on top of trends, keeping your finger on the pulse of pop culture, identifying overlooked or underappreciated audiences, and applying your talents – whether as a creator, lawyer, designer, marketer, accountant, licensing agent or whatever – to the opportunities outside your immediate universe.  Carpe diem!

 

Downton Abbey grows global appeal with US games company Rather Dashing Games

Downton Abbey has added a rather dashing new licensee in the form of the Spokane-based game maker Rather Dashing Games, who will be creating a new card game geared at capturing the majesty and excitement of the Downton Abbey movie.

“My wife and I have been fans since the very first season so I’m thrilled at the prospect of adding my game design to the amazing world of Downton Abbey,” said game designer and Rather Dashing Games c0-founder, Mike Richie.

Rather Dashing’s card game interweaves moments from the hit feature film in which both the upstairs family and downstairs staff work to get Downton Abbey ready for the imminent arrival of the King and Queen, and defend the honour of Downton.

“The Downton Abbey movie featured some of Downton’s grandest, wittiest, and most dramatic moments and we love the idea of Rather Dashing using that as inspiration for a fun and engaging game which fans will enjoy playing with family and friends,” said Spotlight Licensing president, Carole Postal.

Rather Dashing has designed its Downton Abbey game to be easy-to-learn and approachable enough for gamers aged 12 years old  and upwards, while also offering enough competition, player interaction and mechanics to keep card game enthusiasts fully engaged.

To win, players compete to capture cards depicting key moments of resolution, revelation and emotional closure from the movie. Players receive points according to the moments collected but, as Richie warns, players must beware the powers of the Royal entourage and keep in mind the game-changing potential of the Dowager herself.

Rather Dashing’s Downton Abbey card game will launch in time for Holiday 2020 with a $29.99 MSRP.

Spotlight Licensing named US and Canadian licensing agent for Call the Midwife

Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management has been appointed to launch and manage the US and Canadian licensing programme for the long-running Call the Midwife television series.

The appointment was made by Neal Street Productions, the rights owners of the critically acclaimed and popular television series.

“Call the Midwife has engaged tens of millions of viewers over the years with its profound storytelling, compelling portrayals, and period costumes and setting,” said Spotlight Licensing president Carole Postal. “Knowing PBS expects the upcoming season to reach 16.9 million unique viewers when Call the Midwife returns for Season 9 starting March 29, Spotlight is honoured and excited to be given this opportunity to make this powerful and beloved property available now for licensing here in the U.S. and Canada.”

In announcing her agency’s appointment, Postal was pleased to reveal her agency has already signed and begun working with its first Call the Midwife licensee. Rizzoli International Publications has been granted the license to publish Call the Midwife 2021 Wall Calendars and 2022 Wall Calendars under its Universe Publishing imprint.

“Call the Midwife has already been renewed through Season 11 in 2022,” continued Postal. “So it’s great to know fans will have beautiful calendars to mark as they wait for each new season to air on PBS and then Netflix.”

Spotlight Licensing will act as exclusive North American sub-agent for Call the Midwife – coordinating efforts with the property’s global master agent London-based Metrostar as they actively seek licensing partners across a wide range of appropriate product categories including gifts, novelties, apparel, accessories, housewares, stationery, puzzles, games, dolls, and more

“Metrostar has worked with Carole and her team before so we are delighted with Spotlight’s appointment to lead Call the Midwife licensing efforts in the U.S. and Canada,” said Claire Potter, managing director of Metrostar.

Aurora World among slew of returning partners for the gifting brand Precious Moments

The gifting and lifestyle brand, Precious Moments, has renewed a slate of long-serving licensees amid a burst of new activity for the IP that spans new partners, new themes, and growth into new product categories.

According to Spotlight Licensing, the Precious Moments brand has had a successful past 15 months, over which time is has increased its retail exposure and product placements, as well as grown into new categories.

Recent renewals for the Precious Moments brand include Aurora World, who will continue to develop plush and soft dolls, Card Corporation, who has renewed the rights to market branded prepaid credit, debit, and gift cards, and Harland Clarke, who will continue to market Precious Moments branded cheque book covers.

These are joined by further renewals from PersonalizationMall.com and its personalised gifting options, Retail Centric Marketing and its activity books, and Zazzle and its print on demand services.

“Precious Moments holds an important place in consumers’ hearts and minds and we are pleased to reaffirm these partnerships with valued licensees who have long recognised the unique appeal and value of the brand and helped get the licensing program to where we are today,” said Carole Postal, president of Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management.

Shehnaz Safiuddin, vice president, product and marketing for Precious Moments, added: “These licensees have been an integral part of building and maintaining our evergreen brand and we are thrilled to be able to continue partnering with all of them to continue creating exciting new products for Precious Moments fans to enjoy.”