LICENSING EXPO: Q&A with Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG

Ahead of this month’s Licensing Expo, Licensing Biz caught up with Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products at family entertainment powerhouse ZAG, to talk about the incredible global success of Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and what’s next for the smash-hit brand in the licensing space.

Can you briefly describe ZAG, and your role at the company?

ZAG is a global independent entertainment studio specialising in world-class storytelling across TV, film and digital platforms. Our foundation is rooted in creating compelling characters and developing masterful storytelling, all infused with original musical scores.

ZAG’s founder and CEO Jeremy Zag is a visionary director and composer. He initially formed ZAG in France in 2009, then expanded the company to the USA in 2012 with the Global Brand Franchise office in Santa Monica, California, and more recently, an additional head office in Miami, Florida.

Our company is home to several world-class entertainment properties under the ZAG HEROEZ label, including our flagship, globally renowned property Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, a 3D-CGI-animated superhero aspirational action-comedy series. New titles include Power Players and, most recently, Ghostforce, which just started to roll out last year.

Miraculous has taken off in a huge way, globally. Why do you think it appeals to kids so much?

Fans across the globe have fallen in love with the series protagonists, Ladybug and Cat Noir. The characters are engaging, likeable and admirable, but most importantly relatable, as family and friendships are always an important part of the storylines. At its core, Miraculous is a coming-of-age series about awkward kids learning about loving themselves and finding their true powers. Ladybug and Cat Noir are faced with discovering their own powers even if it scares them, even when it is hard to do. Core values are family, friendship, courage, love, and girl empowerment.

ZAG has taken great pride in creating breathtaking animation that draws in the audience and keeps them coming back for more. As a result, Miraculous resonates with a much broader audience than we originally anticipated. TV ratings clearly indicate that both girls and boys watch the show (55% to 45% on average). Digital data from YouTube, Tumblr, Netflix and social media from Twitter to Instagram all indicate we index high in the pop culture space with teens and young adults.

Do you have any recent viewing facts and figures/social media stats for the property?

Season four of the series debuted last year. It had its global premiere in April on TF1 in France, garnering an outstanding 47.7% market share amongst kids 4–10 years old, while in the U.S., the new season premiere on Disney Channel garnered incredible #1 ratings for girls 6–11 across all cable channels. In Germany, it achieved a 46.4% share among all kids on Disney Channel and is the #1 series. We are also ranked #1 on Disney Channal in Japan, and on Super! in Italy. Miraculous is still topping the ratings charts in Latin America, and on Gloob in Brazil, Miraculous has remained the #1 series for girls for four consecutive seasons, with the overall audience a 48/52 boy/girl split, highlighting that the show appeals widely to both boys and girls and family audiences.

Miraculous is huge across social. On YouTube, Miraculous just crossed 30 billion views!

Roughly how many licensing partners do you have for the property? I know last year it was around 300, has that number increased?

Yes, we currently have approximately 400 licensees around the globe, including several global and pan-regional partners. Global deals include Playmates for toys; Ferrero for chocolates; Swatch’s Flik Flak for watches; Epopia, which is a unique epistolary letter format that encourages children to read and write through interactive storytelling; PMI for a line of collectibles, impulse, stationery and school supplies; PEZ for candy dispensers, and Spread Group for print-on-demand.  We also recently extended our deal with Rubies for costumes across EMEA. Other pan-regional partners include Crayola and InSpirit Designs.

It’s nice to see a girl superhero for once. Is diversity and inclusion important to ZAG?

What is important to ZAG is that everyone has to be able to connect to the story, from anywhere in the world, at any age. We care about telling honest stories to help people to ”discover themselves”. Therefore, everything has to be grounded in real life, with a little touch of magic to help our heroes to jump through their reality.

Where is growth coming from? E-commerce is clearly strong… In terms of markets, is there one territory that performs better than others? Are there any untapped markets you’d like to enter?

All territories are performing well and we continue to see huge growth across the board.

 In terms of untapped markets, The Middle East and Africa have become a top priority for ZAG, and the Disney/MBC broadcast combination is a perfect duo for us to reach children across the region.  Miraculous is garnering strong ratings, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the series ranked in the #1 slot on MBC, following its launch in 2018, and has remained in the top 20 programmes ever since.  We recently appointed Carlotta Caracciolo as our first VP, Middle East and Africa, to oversee the company’s consumer products strategy in the region.

And, most recently, our consumer products programme in Japan is becoming very successful, especially now that Miraculous has become number #1 on TV on Disney Channel Japan, which is incredible since Miraculous is not a Manga property.  We see seeing increasing requests from companies wanting to join our licensing programme every day.

Are you able to give details of any licensing deals around the release of the Miraculous Awakening movie this autumn?

The movie release will be supported by a major QSR programme; an expanded toyline from ZAG Lab and Playmates which will be available online and at bricks-and-mortar stores and incorporates new characters, the first vehicle featuring a convertible scooter, a collectible line of Kwamis, a movie 2-pack, and Movie Collector Ladybug; the launch of the first Miraculous Console Game from ZAG Games, developed by Magic Pockets and published by GameMill Entertainment, to be available on XBOX, Playstation and Nintendo Switch; a new mobile puzzle game from ZAG Games, developed with Crazylab; and several co-branded partnerships with some more of the most influential companies across the globe for numerous consumer products categories, including one with one of the biggest automobile companies in the world.

What are your goals at Licensing Expo? If you have your ‘dream’ show, what would that involve?

We have so much good news to share with our partners who we haven’t seen in person for over two years, and we want to celebrate our success with them. For example, we hit over $1billion in retail sales, sold over 250 million products, and just hit 30 billion views on YouTube. We also have big plans in the works to share with partners around the launch of our Miraculous US$100+ million theatrical movie as I mentioned. We know we will have a dream show!

Do you want to talk about the latest viewing figures/licensing deals for GhostForce?

Or course! Disney Channels U.S. acquired the series and premiered it on October 4, 2021, on Disney XD. The series also launched in most European countries and is getting incredible ratings, regularly ranked among the top #3 shows. In Latin America, the series debuted on Discovery Kids in December, except for Brazil where it debuted on May 2.

Looking to the future, are you considering any new ways for kids to engage with ZAG properties, ie, through NFTs or live experiences, or via the metaverse?

We are seeing strong demand for immersive and live experiences. The Miraculous live-action stage tour from Proactiv was very popular in Spain prior to the pandemic, and we’re pleased that this will be relaunching, starting with Latin America this summer, and Europe in the autumn. We’re also close to announcing a U.S. partner to bring a new live show to North America.

Earlier this month, we launched and already sold out of tickets for Miraculous Paris – Tours of Ladybug and Cat Noir, a virtual family getaway to Paris. Led by a travel guide, families can join a virtual tour to visit real Parisian monuments, and the event includes original Miraculous content, behind-the-scenes secrets and games. We will continue the event this summer.

We’re also in negotiation with a theme park – more on that to come!

What trends are you noticing globally among kids? Do you think anxiety is a big factor after covid? 

For us, we are seeing kids wanting to interact with our brands in any way they can, and we want to deliver the very best experiences for them so that they can enjoy themselves even amidst the events of the world around us.

ZAG will be at Licensing Expo, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, from 24-26 May 2022. 

ZAG appoints Megalicense to represent ZAG Heroez in Russia and CIS

Animation studio ZAG has signed Megalicense, the leading licensing agency across Russia and CIS, to represent its ZAG Heroez brand portfolio, headlined by the pop culture hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir

Under the terms of the agreement, Megalicense will develop the licensing and merchandising plans for Miraculous, together with Power Players and ZAG’s newest series, Ghostforce, across Russia and CIS.  The agency will work together with ZAG’s Helena Perheentupa, Vice President, Licensing, for Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia & ZAG’s European Department.

“Megalicense is the premiere licensing agency across Russia and CIS, and we are delighted that they will be spearheading the consumer products activities for ZAG,” commented Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products. “This is an exciting time for Miraculous, with over 200 global licensees and retail sales achieving over $1 billion last year.

“Coming up this year is our US$100M+ animated feature supported by a global QSR programme, the season five series premiere and new mobile and console games, amongst many other initiatives. Our newest series, Ghostforce, which had its world premiere last August on TF1 in France, is already resonating with kids as we are seeing an increase in tons of activity across our social media channels. And we have Power Players, which is gaining traction in Russia where it currently airs on Karusel. We look forward to working with Megalicense to develop a robust licensing programme for these original IPs throughout the region.”

“We are so proud to start our long-term collaboration with the ZAG portfolio of brands,” says Friderico Gatti, CEO of Megalicense. “Our initial focus will be Miraculous, one of the most successful brands for the 6-12 target audience globally. Over 220 million products have been sold to date around the world and we see huge opportunity to further grow the brand across Russia with a focus on apparel – following successful collaborations with giants such as GUESS and ZARA – alongside back-to-school, footwear, outdoor, accessories, homeware, textiles and many others. We have no doubt that Miraculous will continue its success in Russia, and we look forward to introducing Ghostforce and Power Players to potential licensing partners across the region.”

Season four of Miraculous is currently available across Russia and CIS on Disney Channel, with season five set to premiere in Q3 alongside two animated TV Events: Miraculous World – Shanghai – The Legend of Lady Dragon and Miraculous World: New York – United Heroez. Toys from ZAG Lab and Playmates are performing well in the U.S. with the new line rolling out internationally. With a massive fan base of young adult “Miraculers,” (ages 15-25), Miraculous has become a digital planetary craze with over 29 billion views on YouTube (authorised and user-generated content) and 200 million downloads of the official app.

Ghostforce is currently available across Russia and CIS on Disney Channel, and a toy line for the series from ZAG Lab and Playmates will be available in 2023. Ghostforce was acquired by Disney Channel in the US and is currently available on Disney XD. The series is available across Europe, and the Middle East on Disney Channel and on Discovery Kids in Latin America, with launches planned in Japan and India this year.  The series had its world premiere in France on TF1 in August 2021 with an audience share of over 35%.

Power Players is currently available in Russia on Karusel and in Ukraine on PLUSPLUS.

ZAG appoints former Zinkia exec Marie Doolan as Vice President of TV content

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build its executive leadership team, appointing former Zinkia executive Maria Doolan, who drove the global growth for the hit Pocoyo brand, to the newly created position of VP, TV Content. She reports to Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, and Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

In this new role, Doolan will be responsible for ZAG’s global strategy of content distribution across all platforms including television, home entertainment and digital media, for select properties in the ZAG Heroez portfolio — an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties. Her first priority will be focused on the company’s newest IP, Ghostforce, which was recently acquired by Disney Channels U.S. and debuted in October 2021 on Disney XD. Doolan will also work in partnership with ON kids & family (Mediawan) for the aspirational brand phenom Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, as well as all future ZAG properties.

“Maria has an extensive brand-management background, spearheading efforts across programme distribution and consumer products, and is an expert at driving strategy, building brands and adding value,” says Jeremy Zag. “In her new TV Content role, she will work closely with our consumer products executives to craft strategies for TV placement with best-in-class partners around the globe to build strong platforms from where we can launch new TV shows under  the ZAG Heroez universe.”

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with Jeremy, Julian and the global team at ZAG to further drive brand growth worldwide,” adds Doolan. “This new role will allow me to utilise one of my key strengths, which is to transfer big ideas into viable business plans on a global scale, and I am excited to begin diving in on building a global strategy for the content rollout of Ghostforce.

Doolan has over 20 years’ experience managing, marketing and selling TV and retail products and properties, spending 17 years with Zinkia Entertainment. During her tenure with the company, she served in several roles, most recently as Global Head of International TV Distribution & Co-Productions, developing partnerships with multinational players. Prior, she served as Executive Producer of the Early Learning Collaborative, securing a US Ready to Learn (RTL) grant with a local non-profit partner, becoming the first non-US brand to get an RTL grant. Twenty-three educational apps covering English-language learning and math for 3–5 year olds were developed. The grant managed a US$34 million development and marketing budget and supervised the project launch with complementary school marketing materials produced for nationwide US distribution.

In her earliest and most long-lasting role as Managing Director of Brand & Business Development, Doolan was responsible for financing, marketing and managing Pocoyo worldwide, defining the brand and product strategy and market positioning, and  developing key L&M partnerships.

ZAG promotes Lisa K Foster to SVP, Licensing, North America

As award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build a robust consumer products programme for flagship brand Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the company is elevating North American Licensing VP Lisa K Foster to the role of Senior Vice President, Licensing, to manage the company’s portfolio of brands under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG has also appointed former Disney Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment alum Monique Daggett as Licensing Manager, and Freddie Ordonez as Licensing Attorney. The announcements were made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” commented Julian. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the US who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022. We’re delighted that Lisa will lead our US licensing and merchandising strategies for Miraculous and our newest series, Ghostforce, by working directly with the global team and me.”

Since joining the company in September 2020, Foster has contributed to over 60 new licensing partners for the North America market for Miraculous. In her elevated role, reporting directly to Julian Zag, Foster will continue to develop the licensing strategy for North America for the Miraculous brand, which includes the TV series currently spanning four seasons, with season five in production; the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature film and as yet unannounced spin-off series; and the company’s newest property to launch, Ghostforce, an original gender-neutral series for kids 6–10 years old that debuted on Disney XD on October 4. A toy line for Ghostforce is in the works from ZAG Lab and Playmates.

Retail expansion for Miraculous – lead by Sarah Boyer, Vice President of North America Retail­ – is underway across North America, with the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hitting brick and mortar stores this autumn following the successful Spring 2021 rollout on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target and Kohls.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the US and Canada starting this year include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; costumes and accessories from InSpirit Designs; oral care from Church & Dwight Co; bedding and bath from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; swimwear, sportswear, tees and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; novelty sunglasses from Sunstaches; confections from Galerie; fruit snacks from Ferrara, stationery from Inkology; beauty from Centric Beauty; craft & activity from Horizon, posters and stickers from Trends International; colour and activity from Bendon; and novelty toys from What Kids Want, Inc.

 

ZAG promotes Lisa K Foster to SVP, Licensing, North America

As award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build a robust consumer products programme for flagship brand Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the company is elevating North American Licensing VP Lisa K Foster to the role of Senior Vice President, Licensing, to manage the company’s portfolio of brands under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG has also appointed former Disney Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment alum Monique Daggett as Licensing Manager, and Freddie Ordonez as Licensing Attorney. The announcements were made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” commented Julian. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the US who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022. We’re delighted that Lisa will lead our US licensing and merchandising strategies for Miraculous and our newest series, Ghostforce, by working directly with the global team and me.”

Since joining the company in September 2020, Foster has contributed to over 60 new licensing partners for the North America market for Miraculous. In her elevated role, reporting directly to Julian Zag, Foster will continue to develop the licensing strategy for North America for the Miraculous brand, which includes the TV series currently spanning four seasons, with season five in production; the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature film and as yet unannounced spin-off series; and the company’s newest property to launch, Ghostforce, an original gender-neutral series for kids 6–10 years old that debuted on Disney XD on October 4. A toy line for Ghostforce is in the works from ZAG Lab and Playmates.

Retail expansion for Miraculous – lead by Sarah Boyer, Vice President of North America Retail­ – is underway across North America, with the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hitting brick and mortar stores this autumn following the successful Spring 2021 rollout on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target and Kohls.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the US and Canada starting this year include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; costumes and accessories from InSpirit Designs; oral care from Church & Dwight Co; bedding and bath from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; swimwear, sportswear, tees and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; novelty sunglasses from Sunstaches; confections from Galerie; fruit snacks from Ferrara, stationery from Inkology; beauty from Centric Beauty; craft & activity from Horizon, posters and stickers from Trends International; colour and activity from Bendon; and novelty toys from What Kids Want, Inc.

 

ZAG launches new Games and Interactive Experiences division with gaming’s Elinor Schops in VP role

The award-winning independent animation studio, ZAG has launched a new Games and Interactive Experiences division in a move to develop new gaming experiences and interactive opportunities across mobile, PC, online, console games, VR and AR, video and mobile apps. The division will develop new concepts for all properties under the ZAG Heroez label.

Leading the new operation will be Elinor Schops who takes on the role of vice president in order to lead an all star team of creatives from her base in Israel. Schops will report directly to Julian Zag, executive vice president, global operations art ZAG.

ZAG’s first official global mobile game for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was released in April 2018 and ranked the number one game in 39 countries with 100 million downloads to date.

“Following the huge success of the first Miraculous game, as well as the phenomenal presence of the brand online with over 20 billion views on YouTube, establishing the ZAG Games & Interactive Experiences division has been an important strategic goal for us, especially in managing the requests from gaming companies worldwide,” said Julian Zag.

“We are thrilled to have found the ideal executive in Elinor to lead this new division and the talented team we are building, while bringing her extensive expertise across entertainment, music, media and mobile fields to this new important role. With a renowned reputation as a ‘Startup Nation’ and a major global player in the gaming industry cross platforms, Israel is a perfect location to launch this new endeavor to manage game development for our phenomenal award-winning stable of brands.”

Schops added: “Gaming has become a tremendous multi-billion-dollar industry globally, and I am thrilled to lead this new division to maximize all of the untapped potential in this arena with ZAG’s amazing catalog of hit properties to develop unforgettable gaming experiences for fans all over the world.”

Schops will drive new opportunities for the company’s key brands under the  ZAG Heroez label, including the flagship brand Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.   

Over 150M products have been sold for the brand during the past three years. Seasons four and five of the number one ranked series are currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) on Disney Channel and Disney+, plus a major $70M U.S. theatrical release.

Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world. Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking #1 in the U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico, and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.

Power Players, which currently airs on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and in key territories across EMEA and Asia Pacific, is available for streaming on Netflix and available on France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s KiKa, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.

A new toy line from Zag Lab and Playmates Toys for Power Players recently debuted in the US, with an international roll-out commencing this fall. ZAG’s newest property, Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

Before joining ZAG,  Schops served as vice president of business development at CrazyLabs (formerly TabTale), a Top10 mobile casual and hyper casual game developer and publisher. Among other initiatives, she was responsible for establishing the casual IP business for the company, and for the planning and execution of the company’s B2B marketing strategy to expand the company’s reach and recognition, as well as to drive potential partners’ awareness, engagement and satisfaction.

Schops also worked at Israel’s leading sports, media and entertainment company ONE (part of Yedioth Achronoth group) and its subsidiary Mobile1, where she initiated and managed strategic partnerships. As an executive in the gaming industry, Schops initiated the first ever Women In Games event in Israel. She also established an online network and mentoring program for Israeli Women In Games.

ZAG appoints MGA’s Lisa K Foster to vice president of licensing, North America

The global independent animation studio, ZAG has bolstered its senior executive once more, with the appointment of Lisa K. Foster to the role of vice president, licensing, North America. The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP, of global operations at the firm.

In her new role, Foster will report directly to Kirk Bloomgarden, the company’s SVP of global licensing, and will work alongside Rebekah Belzer in her own new position as VP, new business and retail development. Both Foster and Belzer will work to develop and execute the US consumer prodiucts strategy for the properties under the ZAG Heroez label.

“We are at unprecedented time of growth at ZAG, with seasons four and five of Miraculous currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) this fall and next Spring on Disney Channel and Disney+, and a major US$70m theatrical release,” said Zag.

“Our new brand, Power Players, is airing around the globe, and Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

“Our new content, together with the commitment of our global broadcasters, has made a significant impact on our licensing business around the world, and this is the perfect time to bolster our team. Lisa brings over 25 years of licensing and brand management experience in the toy and entertainment industries to her new role, and we are confident that she will be a great addition to our team.”

ZAG’s flagship brand, Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noirsold over 150M products during the past three years. Seasons four and five are currently in production, as well as two big-budget animated specials to be available globally (except for Brazil and China) on Disney Channel and Disney+, and a major US$70m theatrical release.

Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world.  Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking number one in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico, and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.

Meanwhile, a new toy line from Zag Lab and Playmates Toys for Power Players recently debuted in the US. Power Players currently airs on Cartoon Network US and in key territories across EMEA and Asia Pacific, is available for streaming on Netflix, and available on France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s KiKa, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.

The company’s newest property, Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

Before joining ZAG, Foster oversaw the licensed hardlines and publishing categories at MGA Entertainment. She was instrumental in launching the licensing program for L.O.L. Surprise!, and spearheaded licensing initiatives for Little Tikes together with several other brands in her five years with the company.

Prior, Foster was vice president of client services at boutique marketing and creative agency The Equinox Group. She joined Equinox in 2014 following a nine-year stint at Random House Children’s Books, serving as Director of Brand Management, and handling their portfolio of entertainment brands for top studios.

Foster began her career at Mattel in 1993, where over the course of her seven-year tenure she was responsible for leading the management of licensed categories and developing long-term strategic marketing plans for Barbie.

 

ZAG bolsters its global licensing and merchandising team

The global independent animation studio, ZAG has appointed a robust team of experienced executives to expand the company’s licensing and merchandising business.

Kirk Bloomgarden will serve as head of consumer products, Rebekah Belzer joins as senior director, licensing and merchandising, North America, and Eva Rodriguez will serve as director, Latin American Licensing. The announcements were made today by Julian Zag, EVP of Global Operations.

“We are very proud to expand our licensing and merchandising department with such talented and respected people in our industry. Working with such accomplished executives on the strategy for all our brands is an essential step towards our growth, and our main goal – giving to kids and families all around the world a maximal experience with their favourite heroes,” said Julian Zag.

Bloomgarden is a global consumer products industry veteran, working in senior management roles in both Europe and the US. He has held leadership roles in both boutique and multi-national companies serving as CEO of CPLG in London, Europe’s largest licensing agency and SVP at Twentieth Century Fox. In recent years, he has focused on developing new business in Asia, particularly China.

Meanwhile, Belzer will oversee the licensing and brand-building efforts for North America. Rebekah boasts 20 years of retail and consumer products experience and has managed sales and licensing for brands such as Power Rangers, Paul Frank, Pantone, MasterChef JuniorDwell Magazine. She spent her early career at globally recognised studios including Disney. She has also served at Brand Central, managing numerous lifestyle, fashion and celebrity brands.

Rodriguez most recently worked at Twentieth Century Fox, managing the Latin American consumer products portfolio for major brands such as The Simpsons, Ice Age, andRio, across all categories. In this capacity, she worked with licensing agents on the ground to ensure brand integrity and to expand the consumer products’ program across the region.

The team will lead the development and execution of the worldwide consumer products strategy for all of the properties under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG’s flagship brand, the global phenomenon, Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noirsold over 100M products during the past three years with seasons four and five currently in production as well as a major theatrical release.

A new toy line from Playmates Toys for Power Players recently debuted in the US. Power Players currently airs on Cartoon Network US and in key territories across EMEA and Asia Pacific, and is available for streaming on Netflix.

The series is also set for debut on France’s France Télévisions, Germany’s WDR, Brazil’s Gloob, and Discovery Latin America.  The company’s newest property, Ghostforce, is currently in production for Disney Channel EMEA, TF1, and Discovery Kids Latin America.

Ian Lambur named EVP production and distribution at ZAG

The global independent animation studio ZAG has promoted Ian Lambur to the post of executive vice president, production, distribution and co-production, reporting to CEO and founder Jeremy Zag.

Lambur joined ZAG in November 2018, serving as SVP, global distribution and co-productions. He will now oversee the company’s TV productions, including several series under the Zag Heroez brand, including Ghostforce, Power Players, and Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir.

Alongside this, Lambur will continue to lead global distribution and co-production strategy of content to all platforms, including television, home entertainment, and digital media.

“Over the past eight-months, Ian has made a substantial contribution to the growth of ZAG, building on his network of extensive relationships and keen understanding of current and future media distribution platforms,” said Jeremy Zag.

“Adding oversight of production is a natural progression given Ian’s oversight of co-productions to date.”

Lambur said: “2020 is a pivotal year for ZAG with three series on air around the globe and two new series that we anticipate being greenlit in the coming months.

“We have tremendous co-production partners on board for each of our properties with a collective commitment to prioritise creativity and deliver series that we believe in, all featuring theatrical level animation that we are known for.”

Lambur joined ZAG from The Jim Henson Company, where he served as SVP of global distribution.  Previously, he held positions based in London UK at Disney Channels EMEA, serving as acquisitions manager and as director of sales at Guru Studios.