Warner Bros unveils centennial logo in advance of 100th anniversary

Warner Bros today unveiled its centennial logo to officially begin an extended rollout of activities leading up to and beyond the iconic Studio’s 100th anniversary on April 4, 2023.

Incorporating one of Southern California’s most recognisable landmarks, the WB Water Tower, the logo celebrates Warner Bros’ unmatched legacy of a century of storytelling.

“We’re so excited to kick off the activities around this historic anniversary and share this commemorative logo with our fans and content partners around the centennial celebration of one of the world’s greatest entertainment studios,” says Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group. “Throughout Warner Bros’ history, its films and TV shows have been recognised as the gold standard of storytelling, and it was important to us to highlight the fact that telling stories that move the world is at the heart of everything we do.”

Starting at the end of this year, and throughout 2023, Warner Bros’ centennial celebration will include a fully realised, fan-focused campaign involving every division of the Studio – film, series, consumer products, videogames, themed entertainment, studio tours, live events and more – as well as its Studios and Networks sister companies, including HBO Max, the TNets (TNT, TBS and truTV), WarnerMedia Kids, Young Adults & Classics (including WB Animation, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network and TCM) and others. Additional details regarding the centennial activities will be available in the coming months.

Warner Bros, a WarnerMedia company, was founded by Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack Warner and incorporated on April 4, 1923. Today, the Studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry, from feature film, television and direct-to-consumer production to animation, comic books, videogames, consumer products, themed entertainment, studio tours and brand licensing.

The Studio’s vast library, one of the most prestigious and valuable in the world, consists of more than 145,000 hours of programming, including 12,500 feature films and 2,400 television programs comprised of more than 150,000 individual episodes. Warner Bros is also home to one of the most diverse portfolios of franchises in the world, including Looney Tunes, Harry Potter, DC, Friends, Hanna-Barbera and many more.

 

Spread Group launches Game of Thrones print-on-demand collection

Spread Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have announced the launch of an all-new print-on-demand collection inspired by Game of Thrones, featuring branded products for fans to use, wear and carry.

The new collection will include apparel, accessories, homeware and more, and is available just in time for the holidays,

Print-on-demand means fans can customise the collection within the parameters of the brand’s guidelines. Spread Group’s offering provides a range of designs from the series in colours, styles and products to suit the brand. Designs with signature phrases like ‘Winter is Here’, ‘Not Today’ or ‘A Lannister Always Pays His Debts’ are among the versatile collection.

The combination of customisation and print-on-demand produces a greater choice for fans, while offering a strong aspect of sustainability; it means no overproduction, and a wider choice of products such as organic cotton t-shirts.

Sven Burscher, Spread Group’s new Head of Licensing says: “We are very excited to expand our strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. We can now offer Game of Thrones fans an appealing product range with a level of customisation, which increases their affinity with the series, whilst retaining control of the brand image. As no product is printed until it’s ordered, Spread Group can offer a greater range, meaning fans can always find the size they need, unlike in the store.”

Spread Group’s last UK order deadline for standard shipping is 13 December.

HBO’s Game of Thrones has aired in over 207 countries and territories, culminating in record-setting ratings, and over its eight seasons, the show became one of the biggest and most iconic series in television history.

Having celebrated “The Iron Anniversary” in April 2021, which marked 10 years since the first episode hit television screens, Game of Thrones continues to engage passionate fans and ignite audiences’ excitement with the next iteration of the franchise, House of the Dragon.

Wonder Woman comes to the catwalk with Nivedita Saboo’s latest collection

Warner Bros Consumer Products and Indian fashion designer Nivedita Saboo have announced a new collection inspired by Wonder Woman, the iconic DC Super Hero. In celebration of Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary, Nivedita launched her range on October 15 at the St Regis, Mumbai, as a part of The Bombay Times Fashion Week.

The collection draws inspiration from the architecture, history and the spirit of the Amazonian warriors in Themyscira who support and uplift each other.

Vikram Sharma, Head of Consumer Products, Advertising & Partnerships, WarnerMedia India, Southeast Asia & Korea says: “This month marks the 80th Anniversary of Wonder Woman. She has a lasting legacy as a pop culture icon and even today is an inspiration to fans. Nivedita has captured this spirit in her stunning new collection.”

Nivedita added: “This collaboration with Warner Bros to design their prêt and couture collections truly resonates with my signature style. The custom-created digital prints, sharp seams, precision cuts and intricate techniques of detailing infuse the qualities and ethos of Wonder Woman in the womenswear and menswear ensembles. This couture collection is specially created to celebrate our Indian culture, weddings and festivals. Wonder Woman as a superhero is very close to my heart since she resonates with me, my team of wonder women and all the lives that we touch every single day while we create new products and collections. I am looking forward to launching this collection in India.”

Nivedita is an award-winning designer who has showcased her collections at fashion weeks in London, Paris, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Colombo and all major cities in India. The collection will be available at her stores in Pune and Mumbai and on her online store at www.NiveditaSaboo.com

Outright Games to launch ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ video game in 2022

Outright Games has revealed the first-ever look at the forthcoming ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ video game as part of DC Kids FanDome, the 24-hour, immersive, global virtual event that took place this weekend.

The game, which is inspired by the Warner Bros film due in theatres in summer 2022, is licensed by Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC and will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC Digital in 2022.

DC League of Super-Pets is a 3D on-rail action game that puts players in the paws of Super-Pets Krypto the Super-Dog and Ace as they fly over the city skylines to protect the animal population of Metropolis from a new and looming threat.

Founded in 2016, Outright Games has established its place in the market delivering interactive games featuring beloved global entertainment characters. Its titles include Jumanji: The Video Game (with Sony Pictures), Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls (with Nickelodeon), Ben 10 Power Trip (with Cartoon Network) and Dragons: Dawn of New Riders (with NBC Universal).

 

Warner Bros and DC launch first AR Batman mobile app featuring digital comics, games and more

Warner Bros Consumer Products and DC Comics have lifted the cowl on a new Batman mobile experience for young fans with the launch of the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app – a free mobile app that immerses fans in a story that takes a deep dive into the technology of the caped crusader.

The new app encourages kids to join Batman’s crime-fighting team, the Knightwatch, and experience a first of its kind augmented reality immersion in the world of the Dark Knight himself, learning how to use his Bat Tech to fight crime and defend Gotham City from his evil adversaries.

COPPA compliant, free to use and available in 13 different languages, the new app experience is DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products’ latest leap into the digital space to bring young fans a fully interactive and immersive dive into the world of the DC Super Heroes.

The Joker, Mr Freeze, The Riddler, and other DC Super-Villains each make an appearance in the narrative-driven app game, while in addition to learning about Batman’s technology through the app’s AR storytelling features, kids can play mini games, transform photos with AR face filters and stickers, and read exclusive digital comics.

Fans will also be able to watch Batman Bat-Tech themed video content and gain access to the Batcomputer, the super-computer where Batman’s tech secrets are stored.

“Batman is one of our most important franchises, so bringing together the DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teams to develop this app featuring his fan-favorite gadgets and crime-fighting tech was a chance for us to give fans yet another way to engage with a favorite DC Super Hero,” said Pam Lifford, president, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“The app creates a truly unique experience that gives kids around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the DC Universe — there’s no other app like it available today.”

Kevin Morris, vice president, franchise management and marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, added: “The Batman mobile app showcases Batman’s innovative technology, using augmented reality like never before, and gives kids a way to unlock the mystery behind Batman’s crime-fighting gadgets.

“Kids can now experience being a DC Super Hero alongside Batman, and while learning and playing they can also help save Gotham City.”

At launch, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features Augmented Reality mission to complete as kids become members of Batman’s new Knightwatch team, Mini Games such as the Batman themed mobile driving game, the Batarang Practice campaign, or the Grapnel Launcher game, AR face filters featuring Batman, The Joker, Batgirl, and more, and Sticker packs that kids can use to decorate photos.

The app, meanwhile, will also house Batman Bat-Tech video content delivered through its connection to the popular DCKids’ YouTube channel. A new series titled Batman Science Lab will launch this autumn, exploring the real world application of Batman’s technology.

New missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis.

On top of all of this, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app will host an exclusive digital comic series – Batman – Knightwatch, through which kids can explore how the Knightwatch programme was created and follow along with Batman and his Super Hero team as they take on Gotham City’s Super-Villains.

Fans can download the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition today and help Batman save Gotham City.  Available for free on the App Store and the Google Play store, the app is playable on both tablets and smart phones. The app is available globally and is localized in 13 different languages.

Warner Bros Consumer Products opens new office in Mexico to grow channel for local partners

Warner Bros Consumer Products has opened a new office in Mexico City in order to provide local partners with new opportunities to develop licensing programmes around the company’s portfolio of brands by working directly with the studio.

WBCP Mexico will offer fans unique retail entertainment experiences and promotions inspired by its slate of global properties including the likes of Space Jam: A New Legacy, Fantastic Beasts 3, and DC’s The Suicide Squad, The Batman, The Flash, Aquaman, and more.

“Mexico is a hugely important market for us and having our own flagship office there working directly with our amazing partners simply makes sense,” said Preston Kevin Lewis, senior vice president of WBCP Latin America. “As we drive new business and partner across WarnerMedia divisions currently based in Mexico, including HBO Max, WB Games, WB Home Entertainment, and others, having our team in market allows us to be much more collaborative with our licensees and ensure the highest quality fan experience.”

Javier Garza will be the new head of Warner Bros. Consumer Products Mexico. He will report into Lewis and Sharon Zyman, General Manager of WarnerMedia Mexico and Colombia. Garza will also join the local WarnerMedia Mexico executive leadership team.

Garza previously worked for WBCP for more than 14 years as the licensing vice president for Latin America and general manager of Mexico, before launching his own agency, The Brand Licensing Entertainment Co. (BLEC), in 2015. Now Garza brings his years of experience within WB and serving as a WBCP licensing agent to best serve partners and deliver programs with a fan-first approach.

“It is a great responsibility to lead the Mexico office, knowing the huge opportunities this market provides Warner Bros. The goal for our team will be to develop unforgettable content, products and world class experiences for fans of Warner Bros. brands and franchises,” said Garza.

WBCP Mexico will be staffed by a team of passionate professionals with expertise in merchandising, retail, marketing, creative and more ready to deliver premier experiences for fans of DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, HBO, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.

WBCP Mexico will also support global franchise opportunities this summer/fall 2021 including the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration, Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary, Batman Day, and DC FanDome.

The world’s only Harry Potter flagship store opens its doors in New York

The doors to the new flagship Harry Potter store in New York have finally been opened to the public, greeting fans with a 220-pound model of Fawkes the Phoenix, and a host of magical creatures and hand-made props.

Billed as an ‘immersive retail experience’ for the Harry Potter global fan base, the Harry Potter New York store finally opened its doors to the public last week, wowing them with themed retail zones, including an area inspired by the Dark Arts, complete with Voldemort’s horcux, Nagini, bursting through the ceiling.

The world’s only Harry Potter flagship store boasts 15 of these themed areas to explore, playing host to thousands of products. Fans found themselves immersed in areas inspired by Honeydukes to find Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs, before stopping under the Dirigible Plum tree to find their favourite creature soft toy.

Customers were even invited to step into Hagrid’s boots to see how they measure up and duel other customers at the store’s interactive wand table.

”We’re delighted to be welcoming fans to Harry Potter New York for a completely new shopping experience,” said Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail. “Not only will visitors find the largest range of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof, they will also get to discover up-close some of the hand-crafted props that were seen in the films, use our unique photo opportunities and experience the incredible theming throughout the store.”

Harry Potter New York has a virtual queueing system in place. When customers visit the store, they will scan a QR code to join a virtual queue and return when notified. Harry Potter New York is open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Harry Potter weaves magic across ecommerce platform Spread Group as sales leap 70 per cent

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been weaving its magic on the ecommerce platform Spread Group, helping drive UK licensing sales to a 70 per cent leap since the group extended its partnership with Warner Bros in December last year.

Increased demand for items – in particular the women’s hoodies range – themed around the Harry Potter franchise has fuelled a sales surge across the platform, with UK consumers ‘snapping up’ Hogwarts themed apparel. At the same time, another of Warner Bros’ leading franchises, Friends, has been subject to similar demand.

Annina Vettermann, licensing success manager at Spread Group, said: “We have been very surprised and pleased by the huge demand for women’s hoodies for both of these Warner Bros. brands. We think this is a gap in the market and fans have been happy to find merch they want to wear at Spread Group.”

Spread Group’s bestselling Harry Potter design is a gold Hogwarts coat of arms. This is closely followed by individual House hoodies. The most popular is Harry’s own Gryffindor (accounting for 40 per cent of sales). Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are vying for second place (22 per cent and 21 per cent respectively) and those ambitious Slytherins are not far behind either, on 17 per cent.

Meanwhile, the revival of 90s TV hit Friends has seen a rise in demand for its classic brand and images of the Central Perk gang. At Spread Group, sales of tote bags, hoodies and t-shirts have risen for both men and women.

Vettermann added: “2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, but we were delighted to see UK consumers being creative and taking advantage of these newly licensed designs. The strategic partnership has created exceptional results for the Spread Group and Warner Bros. partnership.”

Spread Group currently offers 14 Warner Bros. licenses, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes and Superman, in a wide range of products, colours and designs.

The Spread Group side of the partnership covers design, marketing and production, a presence on the Spreadshirt marketplace, Amazon and eBay. This licensing deal made Warner Bros. one of Spread Group’s largest partners. Its consumers can now access over 1,500 Warner designs on the Spreadshirt marketplaces in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia as well as over 1,000 item positions on Amazon.com.

The LEGO Group unveils F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartment Set complete with Janice minifigure

Ready? Altogether now: Oh. My. God.

It’s official. The LEGO Group has just detailed the launch of the new LEGO F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartments Set, a 2,048 brick set that allows fans to recreate their favourite scenes from the now iconic Warner Bros. sitcom.

Setting the scene of some of TV comedy’s most memorable moments, the build features both Monica and Rachel’s, and Chandler and Joey’s New York apartments, as well as – quite possibly – TV’s most famous adjoining hallway.

The new release from The LEGO Group follows the success of the LEGO Ideas Central Perk set released in 2019 and arrives complete with features and props – including the moment Monica put the Thanksgiving turkey on her head, and the one where Joey and Chandler had only a canoe as furniture, as well as the episode in which Phoebe’s dollhouse went up in flames.

Other accessories from the show include the Poking Device; Gladys, Phoebe’s creepy art piece; the cheesecake that falls on the floor; Pat the Dog; the chick and duck, and more.  The set also gives fans the real sense of the original filming studio with set lights and allows them to display both apartments either separately or linked together with the hallway.

The set also arrives with new minifigures of the gang in some of their most memorable outfits; Rachel’s iconic plaid skirt; Ross’ too tight leather pants; Monica in an apron; Phoebe in a classic floral look; Chandler in a suit and loud designer tie; and Joey wearing all of Chandler’s clothes.

And for the first time ever, Janice will also feature as a minifigure in a classic over-the-top gaudy outfit.

Anderson Ward Grubb, LEGO Set Designer said: “Following the success of the LEGO Ideas Central Perk set, we wanted to develop another tribute to this iconic TV show with a focus on the famous apartments. We worked directly from production photos of the set as well as watching and re-watching a lot of episodes so we could capture as many iconic moments as possible.

“One fun challenge was figuring out how to represent some aspects that change over the course of the show that appear in some episodes and not in others. I am looking forward to seeing if the eagle-eyed fans will spot them.”

LEGO The Friends Apartments set is available exclusively for LEGO VIP members from May 19th and from LEGO Stores and www.LEGO.com/Friends-Apartments from June 1st, 2021.

Warner Bros. teams with Toybox to let fans 3D print their own licensed toys at home

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has partnered with Toybox, a company specialised in 3D printers that allow fans to create their own toys at home, to enable audiences to print characters from across the Warner Bros. portfolio.

Marked by many as a major step forward in the ongoing development and evolution of the 3D printing space and its implications for the future of the toy industry, the new partnership will allow Toybox fans the chance to print items based on DC, Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, Friends, even Seinfeld.

The deal also extends to classic films under the Warner Bros. banner, such as Polar Express and Elf.

Customers will be able to buy a range of toys starting with DC’s Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman by purchasing Toybox Bolts, an online currency unique to the Toybox platform. This is a first of its kind licensing agreement with a major studio that allows customers to print their toys at home.

Toys available to print at launch will be Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman action figures with nine points of articulation, Batarangs, Batman’s Batcave computer, Batmobile, Batman disc launcher, Bat-Signal, Justice League disc launchers, Daily Planet building; with additional items to follow.

Ben Baltes, CEO of Toybox, said: “We are so excited to announce this partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Toybox is the only platform to offer at home toy printing tied to a secure 3D printer. Bringing our Toybox users the world class properties from the WB catalogue is a dream for them and for us.”