OctOber 2011 Vol. 6, No. 5
Features 18
2012 toy preview compiled by Laurie Leahey and Jennifer Lynch
26
brand Licensing europe compiled by Jennifer Lynch
32
the changing Face of america’s auto Obsession by Chris Adams
Departments 4 6 10 12 14 16
Observations & Opinions The Ticker Real Deal Essence of Style Royaltie$ Marketplace: Rovio’s Angry Birds Mavericks in the Market: Travis Rutherford, Travis James, LLC
34 36 38
You’re Hired! Calendar of Events Endcap
ON THIS PAGE (FROM THE LEFT): Muhammad Ali Enterprises is representing the famed boxer. The Bridge Direct is introducing toys for Annoying Orange. Sanrio is representing Badtz Maru. Fremantle is representing Rebecca Bonbon. Rovio is representing Angry Birds. Shown here are T-shirts from Fifth Sun. ON THE COVER: Brand Sense Partners represents Dodge and Ram for licensing. Global Icons represents BMW. Rovio Entertainment represents Angry Birds. Travis Rutherford crafted a licensing program for Dorothy of Oz. Beanstalk is representing Paris Hilton. The Jim Henson Company represents Psyclops. Classic Media represents Where’s Waldo. Creative Licensing Corporation is representing Terminator. COVER BY DESIGN EDGE
www.aNbMedia.com
ANB
HOSTS SUCCESSFUL MEDIA EVENTS; 2012 PLANNING UNDERWAY by Andy Krinner
A
4
lthough the temperatures in the
editorial and gift guides. While emphasis
Northeast are now chilly as
is often given to kids’ entertainment com-
happens every autumn, we at
panies during this important time frame,
aNb Media are really heating up. We
RBS offers a wide range of brands for
have just come off our most successful
both adults and kids.
Time to Play Holiday Showcase ever. If
Team aNb is really looking forward to
you’ve never participated, our Holiday
seeing the new toys for 2012 and beyond
Showcase has become the ultimate toy
in Dallas and later in Los Angeles. Many
media event in the country. More than 40
of next year’s crop of toys will likely fea-
toy companies, large and small, spent
ture movie licenses including The
September 27 at The Altman Building in
Avengers, Men In Black, G.I. JOE, Bat-
New York City engaged with members of
man, and Spider-Man to name a few. Al-
traditional media and online social media
though 2011 was highly touted as a big
presenting the hottest toy trends of this
toy year, it certainly did not meet expec-
holiday season. In addition, we an-
tations. I expect retailers to be a little gun-
nounced The People’s Play Awards Nom-
shy after this year’s lukewarm results in
inees and The Most Wanted List, which
movie-licensed toy sales, but these prop-
consists of the hottest toys of 2011.
erties will still likely be the drivers
PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM ADVERTISING MANAGER DONNA MOORE DONNA@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR LAURIE LEAHEY LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM
A majority of computer users search
throughout the year and expectations are
the internet for information before mak-
once again high. There were a few posi-
ing a purchase. aNb’s consumer website
tive merchandising stories out of 2011 in
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH
www.TimeToPlayMag.com has become
Toyland, none the least of which are our
LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DR., HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030
the trusted “go-to” choice for consumers
little blue friends, the Smurfs. After being
interested in making toy purchases.
stalled for some time, nobody could have
I am also pleased to announce that year
anticipated the blue crush that the Smurfs
two of Royaltie$ Brand Showcase (RBS)
caused. Some think the explanation for
will take place July 24 and will once again
the Smurfs’ success is that most of the
be housed in The Altman Building in New
other heavily promoted properties were
York City. Moving into its second year,
from a similar genre and perhaps they
RBS is the only brand-specific media
cancelled each other out. Smurfs however
event of its kind, giving licensors a chance
went against the superhero grain and ap-
to showcase products across all categories
pealed to a wider audience, in particular
to journalists working on fourth quarter
girls. Vive la différence!
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
CONTRIBUTOR MATT NUCCIO MATT@DESIGNEDGE.NET
(201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM
INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM ANB
MEDIA, INC.
229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, NY 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727 Royaltie$ is published six times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2011 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. Royaltie$ is a registered trademark of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of Royaltie$ management.
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ImperIal Toy To launch KIdz Bop Toy lIne Imperial toy has signed a licensing agreement with Kidz Bop to develop, market, and manufacture a line of pop star roleplay toys and playthings based on the Kidz Bop music brand. the line is being developed to embody the excitement and high energy associated with the brand. Introductory products are expected to include a range of pop star roleplay items such as musical instruments, fashion accessories, and more, with on-trend styles and color pallets and high-tech features. Imperial expects to launch the Kidz Bop line timed to coincide with the release of Kidz Bop 22 in summer 2012.
BuIld-a-Bear parTners wITh peanuTs through a partnership between Build-A-Bear Workshop and peanuts Worldwide, customers can make their own snoopy in stores and online at buildabear.com for a limited time. other characters from the peanuts gang, including snoopy’s sidekick Woodstock and best friend charlie Brown, will be available in pre-stuffed mini-form. Guests who purchase snoopy will receive exclusive gifts to be redeemed on Bearville.com, the Build-A-Bear Workshop online entertainment destination and virtual world. Guests will receive a virtual snoopy avatar and virtual doghouse for their cub condo. consumers in Bearville will also be able to go on snoopy’s Great pumpkin patch Quest.
TeTrIs producTs
from
paladone
paladone products, a gift supplier in the uK, and the tetris company announced a new licensing partnership to produce a range of products that will be launched in two phases. the first will launch this month and the second will launch in summer 2012. products in the first launch include heat-changing mugs, cufflinks, jigsaw puzzles, and tetrimino-shaped stress blocks. the initial range will be expanded during the second launch to include more gifts and gadgets. All products will either be in the shape of one of the tetrimino shapes or feature core tetris brand elements.
new deals
for
hGTV
elK lighting, Inc., will team up with HGtV to develop a line of lighting fixtures. the HGtV Home collection table and floor lamps are expected to be in stores in Q1 of 2012. Bassett furniture has also signed with HGtV to create an HGtV Home-branded line of custom upholstery and accent furniture, available in Bassett Home furnishings stores in 2012. A separate HGtV Home furniture collections will also be made available to the top 100 and major independent furniture retailers across north America and select international markets.
6
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
A RecAp of IndustRy HeAdlInes for More news, Visit www.anbMedia.com • sign up to Receive
New Rebecca boNboN PRoduct LauNches
iN
fRee
Weekly news Blasts
FRaNce
fremantleMedia enterprises has released a new range of licensed Rebecca Bonbon products in france. A line of plush toys launched in retail stores including Jouet club, Relay, Geant, casino, and super casino in late september. A children’s apparel collection also launched at retailers Gemo, chauss-prix, chauss’expo, styleco, and Intermarche, along with a range of Rebecca Bonbon mobile phone accessories and laptop cases at Internity. further product will start rolling out this month including a new apparel collection for children and teenagers and a Rebecca Bonbon footwear line, which will coincide with an appearance by the Rebecca Bonbon character at the cuisinez cooking trade show this month in paris.
tuRNeR euRoPe acquiRes LazytowN turner Broadcasting system (tBs) europe has acquired latibaer, the Icelandic entity that owns and operates the lazytown brand. the announcement comes with an immediate commitment to produce a new series of the Icelandic kids tV series known and aired in more than 100 countries in more than a dozen languages. under the terms of the deal, lazytown’s creator and star Magnus scheving remains ceo of latibaer and retains his management team, and the series production stays in Iceland. the announcement follows turner’s consolidated preschool expansion across eMeA with the rollout of its preschool channel cartoonito across the region. this is turner’s fourth strategic investment within the last year in the eMeA region.
MiNd caNdy eNteRs the Music busiNess Mind candy, creators of Moshi Monsters, will launch its own music label to back its characters’ musical exploits. the label is a result of the success of lady Goo Goo, heroine of the Moshi Monsters. lady Goo Goo’s debut single “the Moshi dance” is now available for download on itunes. the label is also working with other tongue-in-cheek acts such as dustbin Beaver, 49 pence, Broccoli spears, Hairosniff, and Avril le scream, from whom future releases are expected. A Moshi Music album is planned for release later this year.
PoweR RaNgeRs eNteRs LatiN aMeRica MarVista entertainment, the exclusive international tV distributor for saban Brands’ new Power Rangers Samurai and classic Power Rangers series, finalized terrestrial television licensing agreements for the property with top broadcasters throughout latin America through the company’s distribution alliance with snap tV of Argentina. the new broadcast partners include peru’s America tV; ecuador’s tctV; panama’s corp. Medcom panama; paraguay’s telefuturo; Bolivia’s unitel; nicaragua’s Intrasas tV; and uruguay’s Monte carlo tV.
FisheR-PRice, sheRwiN-wiLLiaMs teaM
FoR
digitaL RooM décoR tooL
fisher-price and sherwin-Williams have teamed up to develop an innovative, online solution for nursery design called Room to Bloom as part of the redesigned fisher-price Baby Gear site for expectant parents. the online design tool (found at www.fisher-price.com/roomtobloom) helps consumers choose nursery fashions and coordinating paint colors and wall patterns. fisher-price will be making additional Baby Gear business announcements in the coming months.
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
4sight Licensing soLutions and ceLestiaL imports 4sight Licensing Solutions, the licensing arm of 4Kids Entertainment International, has signed a new agreement with Celestial Imports, Ltd., to create a range of new UK products for teen/tween fashion brand Chicaloca. The new line will feature earmuffs, a hot water bottle, and a slipper set including slippers, foot soak, foot wash, and foot scrub. The goods will be available in a leading department store throughout the UK, joining an exclusive range of Chicaloca products, which includes a toiletries and cosmetics line from SLG and a range of items by Peers Hardy such as lockable diaries, notebooks, and umbrellas.
sLoaneVision unLimited signs new Licensees SloaneVision Unlimited has added a list of new licensees to its roster. For Dairy Queen, licensees include Jerry Leigh (adults’ and children’s fashion and knit tops), Cra-Z-Art (activities, stationery, and toys such as construction, compounds, Softee Dough, bubbles, and drawing toys) and CandyRific (Rice Treatz and Jelly Beans). For Little League Baseball and Softball, new licensee Stylecraft will create branded lighting and decorative accessories. Licensee Softball Industries UK will offer licensed clothing and bags for the Patrick Nagel brand.
disney consumer products and opi OPI entered an agreement with Disney to produce 12 limited-edition nail lacquers inspired by the upcoming film The Muppets, due in theaters November 23. The line features six shimmery red and neutral shades as well as six glitter-packed shades including Animal-istic; Meep-MeepMeep; Wocka Wocka!; Pepe’s Purple Passion; Designer, de Better!; Warm & Fozzie; Excuse Moi!; and more. The line will be available beginning November 2011 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA.
urbanspoon and Zagat Urbanspoon, the leading mobile restaurant app, signed a deal with Zagat, the original provider of user-generated restaurant content. Through the content partnership, excerpts from more than 25,000 trusted Zagat reviews will now be featured prominently on Urbanspoon, giving users even more rich content about local restaurants. Under the agreement, excerpts from Zagat’s curated restaurant reviews will run alongside Urbanspoon’s leading critic reviews and trusted consumer “likes.” Users can access Urbanspoon’s complete snapshot of the restaurant that includes general business information, photos of the restaurant or dishes on the menu, and related popular blogger posts, in addition to user reviews.
hiLco consumer capitaL, infinity LifestyLe brands, and miss america Infinity Lifestyle Brands and Hilco Consumer Capital signed an agreement with The Miss America Organization for the rights to licensing, sponsorship, and brand creation. Building on a 90-year iconic Americana heritage, the partnership seeks to revitalize the brand through expansion internationally and beyond the annual Miss America Pageant. It will also pave the way for Infinity and Hilco to grow Miss America into a contemporary lifestyle brand by positioning the new entity, Miss America Properties, as a sponsorship and licensing-driven platform focused on co-branded efforts with leading American companies including fashion, media, lifestyle products, and events.
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
NickelodeoN aNd Fisher-Price Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price have teamed up to create a new line of Dora the Explorer toys, launching this fall. Items include Dora the Explorer Dress-Up Collection Doll and Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen. With long hair and eyelashes, the 15-inch poseable Dora the Explorer DressUp Collection Doll wears a stylish dress, faux leather boots, scarf, jacket, and a bow in her hair. It also comes with an extra outfit and 32-page storybook. The kitchen includes a double-sided “fiesta recipe card” to place in the kitchen window when “cooking.” Dora talks through each recipe with 60 relevant phrases in both Spanish and English. The Fiesta Favorites Kitchen includes a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, grill, sink, and a phone play piece.
Tomy iNTerNaTioNal, BooN, aNd keeN disTriBuTioN Tomy International, which owns brands, such as The First years and Lamaze, acquired all assets of Boon, Inc., and Keen Distribution (Boon/Keen), a privately held developer, marketer, and distributor of mother, infant, and toddler products. With the acquisition Tomy will work to expand Boon/Keen internationally, support its growth into new product areas, and maintain its existing positioning in the market.
BeaNsTalk’s salma hayek lauNches BeauTy liNe Beanstalk and its client Salma Hayek have expanded into the beauty category with the launch of Nuance Salma Hayek. The full beauty line offers 100 products across four categories—skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and body. It is now available exclusively at CVS/pharmacy locations nationwide and on cvs.com/nuancesalmahayek. Salma Hayek worked with Beanstalk to develop the line throughout the entire product development process.
Bulldog aNd The magaziNe cloNer Bulldog brokered a deal with top digital content specialist The magazine Cloner for European football brand Shoot that allows fans to access Shoot magazine through an app on mobile devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and Android. It is also available for download on mac and PC. other new licensees for the brand include Portico (greetings cards and gifts), Samuel Eden (socks), Poetic Gem (adult apparel), and Iron Gut (framed wall art), with an online shop in development from the official Web Shop, which will offer a full range of Shoot-branded merchandise.
BiPlaNo sigNs arTesTar aNd The liTTle PriNce Biplano was named the exclusive licensing agency in Spain and Portugal for New yorkbased Artestar. Biplano will handle art and design licensing for its brands, which includes artists such as Keith Haring and Jean michel Basquiat. Biplano was also granted rights to manage El Principito (The Little Prince) for Spain and Portugal, shown here. This will include both the original classic created by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the new 3D CGI-animated television series, which debuts on the Disney Channel this month.
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
11
CNE Partners with Zazzle
The Muppets Get in the Spirit
Cartoon Network Enterprises, the exclusive licensing and merchandising agent for Spin Master’s Tech Deck brand, and Zazzle partnered to create official gear for Tech Deck. Fans can pick up their own Official Tech Deck Gear by logging on to Zazzle.com/techdeck and selecting from a range of designs and products inspired by Tech Deck, its boards, and skateboarding fashion. The line of Tech Deck print-on-demand products includes a range of apparel including T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, as well as accessories.
SpiritHoods, a manufacturer of animal-inspired faux fur accessories for men, women, and children, and Disney Consumer Products will launch a new line inspired by The Muppets characters. The collection will be available this fall for a limited time in conjunction with the release of Disney’s The Muppets in U.S. theaters on November 23. The Muppets line combines the distinctive style of SpiritHoods with the classic features and personality of timeless Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Gonzo, in both kids and adult sizes. The collection is available now in Fred Segal stores and on the SpiritHoods website.
Zoodorable Apparel CopCorp Licensing signed Berkshire Fashions, Inc., as the newest U.S. licensee for Zoodorable, the new property from pop artist/illustrator Han L. Lee, creator of the Bobby Jack brand. Berkshire Fashions will produce and sell a wide range of Zoodorable-branded products including headwear (baseball caps, fashion cut and sew, cold weather hats), cold weather accessories (including hats, mittens, gloves, arm warmers, ear muffs, scarves), rain umbrellas, rain slickers, rain boots, slippers, flip flops, socks, and slipper socks.
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
A New Fashion Look for Batman Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), on behalf of DC Entertainment, partnered with fashion designer Blayne Siegel to produce a collection of men’s and women’s Batman-inspired premium casual apparel by Kinetix. The collection will incorporate a wide range of apparel, including a line inspired by the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises. Items will include tanks, basic Tees, and hoodies. The Batman-themed collection will be available at high-end department stores and specialty boutiques throughout the U.S.
R ov i o E n t E RtainmEnt ’ s a ngRy B iRds by Jennifer Lynch
T
he Angry Birds’ survival may be at stake in the game, but that’s certainly not the case in terms of Angry Birds’ business. In fact, since its start Angry Birds has positioned itself as the model for the emerging market of turning apps into sustainable brands. In December 2009, Finland-based Rovio Entertainment launched the Angry Birds app as a casual physics-based puzzle game for the iOS system (iPhone, iPod Touch). The goal of the game is to take revenge on the green pigs that stole the Angry Birds’ eggs using touch-screen technology to activate the flightless Angry Birds’ powers and destroy the pigs’ castles. Since then, Rovio has become the fastest-growing online company, expanding the app to Android, Mac, PC, and gaming platforms. Angry Birds has also evolved into a flourishing franchise composed of multiple off-shoots of the original including Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Seasons, with more on the way. After signing with Rovio in 2010, its licensing agent Striker Entertainment debuted the brand at Licensing Show that year. Shortly after, the brand hooked its first licensees, Commonwealth Toys (toys) and Fifth Sun (apparel), proving its power as more than an app. After both licensees successfully launched product across specialty and began to segue into mid-tier and mass, other licensees began signing on. Now, the list has grown to nearly 20 licensees, including Mattel, which created a skill-and-action board game modeled after the app. (Production is already underway for a follow-up game.) Rovio also plans to open up Angry Birds retail stores internationally, with the first store set to open later this year in China. With a focus on long-term growth, Rovio is constantly looking at new ways to connect the brand with consumers. To plan for the future, Rovio hired former Marvel Entertainment chairmen David Maisal (Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger) earlier this year to help build its entertainment business and help plan for Angry Birds films. Angry Birds is also entering new categories including publishing (cookbooks and educational books).
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
Fast Facts • Commonwealth Toys was the first licensee to sign on with the Angry Birds property. • Rovio Entertainment Ltd. changed its name from Rovio Mobile Ltd. to better represent its goals for the Angry Birds brand. • Rovio Entertainment has a goal to reach 1 billion downloads of the Angry Birds app. • Two new Angry Birds games are set to release later this year into 2012: Angry Birds Epic (exclusively for tablet and console) and Angry Birds Space.
aCCessory innovations Accessory Innovations launched an assortment of Angry Birds-licensed products for back to school and will follow up with more for the holiday season. Products include bags, backpacks, hosiery, headwear, and cold weather accessories. The products are geared toward all fans of the Angry Birds franchise.
fifth sun Fifth Sun’s line of Angry Birds T-shirts are branded with the signature Angry Birds and expressions based on the game. The line is now available across multiple tiers including big-box stores, such as JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Target; mid-major vendors such as Hot Topic, Against All Odds, and Gap; and independent retailers.
Mattel Mattel’s Angry Birds Knock On Wood game is a tabletop board game for ages 5 and up based on the app. In the game, players draw construction cards and must build the structures shown on the cards. Then their opponents load an Angry Bird onto the launcher and catapult the bird to knock down structures and, of course, the evil green pigs. The player with the most points and knockdowns wins. The game includes three Angry Birds, four green pigs, one slingshot-style launcher, structure pieces, and construction cards.
swaddledesigns SwaddleDesigns launched a line of Angry Birds baby products this month. The collection features Angry Birdsbranded items such as the Ultimate Receiving Blanket, a Marquisette Swaddling Blanket, a zzZipMe Sack (wearable blanket), Baby Lovie security blanket for ages 6 months and up, and a set of two Baby Burpies.
BakeryCrafts BakeryCrafts’ Angry Birds Edible Image is an edible paper image printed with edible inks that bakeries use to decorate quarter sheet and round cakes.
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
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Travis Rutherford Travis James LLC Sherman Oaks, CA Phone: 818–501–3186 Email: travis@travisjamesllc.com
Travis ruTherford, Travis James LLC by Jennifer Lynch
T
ravis Rutherford is in the process of merging his three-year-old consulting business Travis James LLC with two yet-to-be-named industry senior executives to build a new end-to-end solution brand management and licensing firm called Evolution Management Group. Rutherford says that while there are a lot of great agencies out there, this one will do things slightly different. And in many ways that statement also applies to Rutherford’s own 20-plus years in the business. He got a taste for the industry earlier than most. His father held the licensing rights to Hang Ten and Ocean Pacific for New Zealand, and his mother started her own surf lifestyle retail store. But it wasn’t until 1992 that Rutherford says “the rubber started to meet the road” when he joined Disney. As director of licensing, Rutherford spearheaded the entertainment apparel business within Disney Consumer Products to become the largest revenue earning department in fiscal 1995, working with franchises such as The Lion King, Pocahontas, and, later, Toy Story. After four years, he left to work with entertainment heavyweights Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg on their “start-up” entertainment company, DreamWorks, where with Brad Globe, president of consumer products, he helped to pioneer the organization. “I think the early DreamWorks days had the benefit of really doing things differently in terms of how we thought licensing should be done,” Rutherford says. “It was fun to take a new
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
Dorothy of Oz
approach and put together anchor partners that allowed [DreamWorks] to have continuity and flow of content.” It was Rutherford’s first taste of doing things differently, and after that the term “traditional” wasn’t in his vocabulary. A stint working in the dotcom boom gave Rutherford an added set of non-traditional licensing skills that big-box media guys don’t get, he says. It also prepared him for the next eight years working as executive vice-president worldwide for MGM Studios Consumer Products and Location Based Entertainment. There, he retooled the organization, bringing it back into profitability, and started up its operating division for location-based entertainment projects. After leaving MGM, Rutherford started Travis James LLC, his own strategic consulting and brand management firm. His previous experience comes together for his latest work, as Travis James LLC merges into Evolution Management Group to take entertainment, new media, and character IPs to the next level. One such property is Dorothy of Oz, a 3-D CG-animated musical feature film from Summertime Entertainment, based on the sequel stories to L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by his great grandson Roger Stanton Baum. Rutherford is working closely with Summertime owners and producers Ryan and Roland Carroll to ensure the content will help sell product at retail. But what has truly defined Rutherford as a maverick in terms of this project (set to launch in
August 2012 with 25 licensees on board), is he single-handedly did the work of an entire operating department, including licensing sales, retail development, creative oversight, contract management, and is in the process of establishing its entire sub-agent network in all international territories. “We’ve now got premiere partners and best-in-class licensees, and we’ve set the stage with major retailers to leverage the content into their channels,” he says. In addition, Rutherford is working with the Marine Corps to help establish a relationship within the video gaming category, identifying the right partners and monitoring the marketplace in terms of console transitions and what appears to be the next big thing, the free-to-play market. There, Rutherford seeks to establish a joint venture between the parties, granting all the rights to that entity. “It’s a totally different model than what you’d expect to see in a licensing structure and that sort of speaks to breaking the mold a little bit and changing the dynamic,” he says. His new agency will take on multiple roles beyond what is normally seen in the industry with an arm in traditional licensing and merchandising, self-sourcing and development of product, and self-development in the app world. “There’s value in having someone that knows both sides to the equation, both licensee and licensor, and I think between [my partners] and myself, we’ll be a force to contend with,” Rutherford says.
2012 Toy P review COMPILED BY LAURIE LEAHEY AND JENNIFER LYNCH
From October 4–6, toy manufacturers and retailers will converge in Dallas, Texas, for the Toy Industry Association’s annual Fall Toy Preview. A precursor to February’s Toy Fair, this show gives attendees a look at the hottest toys for 2012. The following pages give a taste of some of the toys that will be exhibited inside the Dallas Market Center.
JAkkS PAcific Disney Fairies will get new lines of 4.5-inch dolls. The 4.5-inch Basic Fairies Fruit Collection features five styles of fruit-themed fashion and intricate wings. The 4.5-inch Basic Fairies with Sweets Fashion dolls come dressed as desserts—Creamsicle, Frosty Mint, Cherry Pop, Lemon Drop, Berry Parfait, Banana Split, Candy Apple, and Sugar Plum. The 4.5-inch Sky High Tink “flies” through the air when kids place the doll on the flowered platform and pull the string. Build upon Tink’s Pixie Cottage with the new 4.5-inch Tink’s Sweet Treats Café. The playset comes with a flowery table and chairs, a stove for baking, and a sign welcoming customers. New nine-inch dolls include the Nine-inch Basic Fairy Ballet Dolls with tutus that match each fairy’s signature color. The Nine-inch Classic Spring Flowers Fashion Dolls feature various spring flower themes, including Wild Rose, Water Lily, Violet, Cherry Blossom, Poppy, and Fuchsia Flower. The Nine-inch Fashion Designer Tink comes with seven pieces of clothing to create multiple outfits.
Alex The My Chocolate Shop kit is part of the Dylan’s Candy Bar line of craft and accessories kits from Alex. With this kit, kids can make and wrap their own chocolates. Create 60 different shapes and display them on the chocolate shop stand. The kit includes three candy molds with 60 shapes, 10 lollipop sticks, 10 lollipop bags, two gift boxes, 60 stickers, three pastry bags, five paper cups, four candy wrappers, 10 foil sheets, 10 cupcake liners, 15 wooden stir sticks, ribbon, a chocolate stand, and instructions. Chocolate and candy are not included. It is for ages 7 and up.
edu-Science Edu-Science (H.K.) Ltd., will launch a new line of Scientific American science toys and kits. In a multi-year licensing deal, Edu-Science was granted rights to develop, manufacture, and distribute Scientific American-branded science toys for children ages 6 and up. The line will focus on a variety of themes, including dinosaurs, physics, astronomy, and other areas of science. The Scientific American line of toys and science kits will be available in spring 2012.
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2012 Toy P review thinkway toyS Thinkway Toys is creating a collection of vehicles in support of Marvel Studios’ upcoming feature films The Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man. The Avengers line includes an Infrared Control Quin Jet based on the transport vehicle in the film, while The Amazing Spider-Man line has an Infrared Control Spider-Man Motorcycle. In addition, each line will feature vehicles with Thinkway Toys’ proprietary Lazer Stunt Chaser and Lazer control vehicles, plus transforming vehicles and Wind-up Stunt Racers. Product will roll into retailers in advance of each film’s release in 2012.
JazwareS Jazwares is producing several Star Wars-themed electronics for ages 6 and up. The Star Wars Darth Maul Alarm Clock displays the date and time and has a functioning AM/FM radio. Kids set the alarm at night and wake up to the sound of Darth Maul’s voice in the morning. The clock works with a wall adapter or three AA batteries, both of which are included. Inspired by Darth Maul’s Probe Droids from Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, each Star Wars Darth Maul Perimeter Droid features a trip wire alarm that projects an invisible beam of light to its companion unit. When the invisible beam of light is broken, the alarm will sound and LED lights will flash, indicating intrusion. These are special-edition items available for a limited time only. Inspired by Anakin Skywalker’s podracer helmet from Star Wars Episode 1, the Star Wars Anakin Skywalker’s Podracing Night Vision Goggles come equipped with an adjustable headband and a detachable LED tactical light so kids can see in the dark. The goggles are a special-edition item available for a limited time only. Star Wars Darth Maul Alarm Clock
Sony ConSumer ProduCtS On the heels of The Smurfs theatrical release, Sony Pictures has announced a second film for release in summer 2013, and Sony Pictures Consumer Products will launch a licensing program featuring all the characters along with some new additions to the Smurfs family. The current licensing and merchandising program encompasses toys and games, apparel and accessories, publishing, interactive games, domestics, and housewares. Jakks Pacific created a line of figures, playsets, and plush. BuildA-Bear Workshop created unique stuffable plush. Beeline created the Smurfs’ Village mobile app, and Ubisoft created The Smurfs Dance Party video game, as well as a Facebook game. The movie novelization from Simon and Schuster is on The New York Times Best Sellers List for children’s paperback. The Smurfs will once again be featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade just prior to the launch of the DVD/Blu-Ray that includes a 22-minute Christmas special with all-new holiday content.
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2012 Toy P review Cardinal Cardinal will introduce its new line of Monster High puzzles, licensed from Mattel, which include two 150-piece puzzles. One is a super 3-D puzzle and the other is a foil holographic puzzle in a coffin-shaped package. Cardinal will also introduce a Minnie Mouse bow-shaped tin with three puzzles inside. Minnie Mouse Bow-tique Puzzle Pack Each puzzle depicts Minnie Mouse modeling her new Bow-tique look. Cardinal’s games will feature a new line of wooden games for Nickelodeon, featuring Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and other characters. The games will challenge preschoolers as well as older kids.
University Games University Games will expand its Eric Carle games, puzzles, and activities. The Eric Carle series will feature a board game based on Eric Carle’s new picture book The Artist who Painted a Blue Horse, which hit stores this month. The game encourages kids to practice self-expression and imagination by allowing them to create animals of various colors.
spin master Spin Master’s Air Hogs full-function indoor/ourdoor 1:24 NASCAR R/C will feature a race-inspired design with a range of up to 30 feet. Models will include Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s (Amp Energy or National Guard), Tony Stewart’s (Office Depot), and Jimmy Johnson’s (Lowe’s) cars. The cars operate on multiple R/C frequencies so kids control the race. The R/C is for ages 5 and up. The Tori “Freak the Freak Out” Singing Doll is modeled after Nickelodeon tween star Tori Vega from the show Victorious. Just lift the microphone up to the doll’s mouth to hear it sing “Freak the Freak Out,” the show’s hit song. Raise the doll’s other arm in Tori’s signature stance to hear the fans go wild. The doll comes with one fashion, one microphone, and accessories (shoes, necklace, bracelet, and hairbrush). One cell battery is included. It is for ages 5 and up. The Teck Deck line will add the new Tony Hawk Grind Krew, a motorized skater that moves around in a seemingly random fashion. The motor makes the board vibrate and the bristles that the board rests on will transfer those vibrations into movement, usually in a straight line or sometimes in circles of varying sizes. The included Tony Hawk figure can be adjusted on the Cast of Victorious board to affect its movement. Spin Master is also bringing Moshlings, the characters from the online Moshi Monsters community to plush life. Each six-inch plush will be available per series and include one in-game code to use on www.MoshiMonsters.com, where kids can play games, get creative, and connect with friends. The plush toys are for ages 5 and up.
UnCle milton Uncle Milton will debut its spring 2012 line of National Geographic-branded Outdoor Explorer toys. Building on both brands’ rich history of innovation, the line will feature items such as an All-Terrain Nature Collector, the High Sierra Eco Explorer kit, and a new activity called Earth Tag. Products are designed to inspire kids to explore the wonders of the natural world.
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2012 Toy P review The Bridge direcT The Bridge Direct will launch a line of Annoying Orange toys including plush, collectibles, and clip-on key chains. When squeezed, the 2.5-inch Talking Kitchen Crew Collectibles, 1.5- and 2.25-inch Talking Kitchen Crew Clip-Ons, and 3.5-inch Talking Fresh Squeezed Plush tell classic jokes and puns from the online series. The 1.25-inch Mini Kitchen Crew Collectibles come in packs of 12 so consumers can collect their favorite Annoying Orange characters. Items feature the wellknown Orange character styles as well as the rest of the Annoying Orange Kitchen Crew including Annoying Orange Pear, Midget Apple, Grandpa Lemon, Marshmallow, and Passion Fruit. The Justin Bieber Voice Effects Microphone from The Bridge Direct lets kids sing like a superstar with music, lights, and digital voice effects. Press to play clips and sing along to three of Justin’s hit songs—“Baby,” “One Time,” and “Somebody to Love”—and hear your voice amplified with the song. Lights flash to the beat of the music as you sing. The microphone also connects to MP3 players to sing along to any digital tunes. Hit the voice button while singing to digitize your voice with three different voice effects. Along with the microphone, an amplifier and connector cord are included (available in silver or pearl white). With the Power Rangers Samurai Battle Buddy, kids can recreate the action-packed adventures of the new Power Rangers series. Battle Buddies are available in Red, Blue, and Green Rangers. Each 18-inch Power Ranger makes battle-action sounds when you wrestle it.
discovery Discovery Communications and its licensing agent The Joester Loria Group (TJLG) are broadening new merchandising programs for Animal Planet. Ravensburger will feature three new Animal Planet puzzles including Endangered Earth puzzleball, Kids XXL puzzleball, and Suitcase box, including 100-, 200-, and 300-piece puzzles. For the Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters property, two licensees will feature new Mythbusters –inspired product. Giddy Up will feature the latest Mythbusters Science kits and Wonder Forge will feature the Mythbusters Hit the Target game and Mythbusters Build or Bust card game. In the fast-paced card game, players mix, match, swap, and swipe supplies to complete “builds” just like the crew on the TV show. Race to grab the best cards to create catapults, car crashes, sinking boats, and more before the competition.
JusT Play Just Play will bring specialty plush line YooHoo & Friends to the mass market in 2012 with new plush and the first-ever YooHoo & Friends small dolls. The new YooHoo & Friends plush and doll line will highlight several favorite YooHoo characters with a new look. Just Play will create a full line of plush, feature plush, small and large dolls, playsets, dress-up, and roleplay items inspired by the new Disney Junior series Doc McStuffins, launching in 2012. The toy line will feature Doc and her pals Lambie, Hallie, Stuffy, and Chillie. Just Play will also create new plush, dress-up, and roleplay toys inspired by Disney Junior’s animated series Jake and The Never Land Pirates and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Bow-tique, as well as Barbie dress-up and roleplay items for fall 2012.
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Brand Licensing Europe Compiled by Jennifer Lynch
This year the industry will once again gather at The Grand Hall Olympia in London for the 11th annual Brand Licensing Europe (October 18–20). With more than 2,200 worldwide properties on display, Brand Licensing Europe is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension.
CrEativE liCEnsing Corp. For the Terminator franchise, Creative Licensing Corporation (CLC) will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Terminator 2: Judgment Day with a set of limited-edition silver $5 coins from Coin-Invest of Lichtenstein. New licensees, including Best-Lock (construction toys) and Edit Wholesale (contact lenses), will use the T2 20th anniversary logo on all T2 product. Arnold Schwarzenegger has also Terminator announced intentions to participate in a new Terminator film. The rights for this sequel are currently being shopped. The classic American warrior Rambo is now a worldwide brand with new international licensees from Hong Kong, the UK, Italy, and Denmark. Some of the newest items from UK licensees include Rambo slot machines (Barcrest), Rambo boxed consumer games (Reef Entertainment), and online slot games (PartyGaming). Other new products include 18-inch figures, apparel, and theme park attractions. Online gaming company Zynga also completed a Rambo tie-in with its Mafia Wars Facebook game.
thE JiM hEnson CoMpany HIP Brands, the third-party licensing banner of The Jim Henson Company, has signed new international licensing agents for Psyclops, the multiplatform product and online experience for tweens, teens, and young adults. New international agents include Spain’s Carmen Arize Licensing for Europe (excluding the UK, France, Israel, and Russia); Alphanim, part of the Gaumont Group, for France; Wild Pumpkin for Australia; and Segal Licensing for Canada. HIP Brands seeks new partners to develop a range of Psyclops-branded consumer products in key categories.
MuhaMMad ali EntErprisEs Muhammad Ali Enterprises signed a deal with BigTimeBats.com and Louisville Slugger to produce a special, limited-edition and numbered collectible bat honoring Muhammad Ali. The bat is a regular size 34-inch natural finish Louisville Slugger engraved with an array of highlights from the three-time World Heavyweight Champion’s life and career. Features include Ali’s signature engraved into the bat and his famous quote, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The bat also notes Ali’s achievements as a boxer as well as his humanitarian work. The Muhammad Ali—The Greatest Louisville Slugger bat is available exclusively at www.BigTimeBats.com. Only 10,000 bats are available, and each is numbered.
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nickelodeon consumer Products Dora the Explorer will begin new on-air specials in 2012, themed around girl interests, including gymnastics. Along with Dora the Explorer’s new on- and off-air look, the Dora the Explorer website will also get a makeover. Internationally, the Help Dora Help pro-social initiatives continue to roll out in 2012. In the UK, Nick Jr. is providing schools with free activity packs and the opportunity to apply for educational grants. In Germany, Nickelodeon Consumer Products (NCP) is partnering with Toys “R” Us on a local campaign. Products for Winx Club (a new girl-targeted series), beginning with toys from master toy licensee Jakks Pacific, will launch for back to school 2012 in the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and fall 2013 in Latin America. Plans for a new CG-animated version of the comedy/action-adventure series Teenage Dora the Explorer Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to debut on Nickelodeon in the U.S. fall 2012, and internationally beginning spring 2013. Toy licensee Playmates Toys is developing a line of new products based on the refreshed series for international rollout launching spring 2013. NCP is also working with licensees on adult ranges of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles legacy product collections for launch before the end of this year.
Fremantlemedia
coPcorP licensing CopCorp Licensing added new licensees for art brand Barcode Kitties. Sub-agent for France MJA Licensing signed Alcara; Eastern European sub-agent Plus Licensing signed Mak-Dak for Russia; and Turkey sub-agent Sinerji signed SAB Insaat Turizm. CopCorp appointed its first overseas agents for the Zoodorable licensing program. London-based agency Caroline Mickler Ltd. will manage the brand in the UK and Ireland, while Munich-based Team! Licensing will handle the licensing program in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Zoodorable is the newest character brand from pop artist and illustrator Han L. Lee.
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) expanded the Rebecca Bonbon brand (created by the original Hello Kitty designer Yuko Shimizu) to the UK this fall, beginning with a range of branded toiletries and cosmetic gift sets produced by Grace Cole. The products will be stocked in John Lewis and House of Fraser stores across the UK and Harrods in London, as well as on store websites. Products include nail polish sets, lip gloss, and a cosmetic case with body wash, Rebecca Bonbon lotion, bath crystals, and bath fizzers. Across EMEA, Rebecca Bonbon now has more than 25 licensees across multiple categories. French company Alpa produces more than 60,000 branded Rebecca Bonbon gifts and accessories; the Leomil Group creates branded footwear and various apparel; and French retailer MOA stocks Rebecca Bonbon jewelry and accessories across its EMEA-wide network of stores.
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Brand Licensing Europe Mattel Mattel Consumer Products continues to build Barbie’s status as a pop culture icon through an array of licensing opportunities, now represented in 45 different consumer categories across both adult and girl segments. Hot Wheels has expanded from a toy brand to a boy brand with deals across multiple consumer categories, including apparel, sporting goods, and publishing, in addition to toy and toy accessories.
Barbie I Can Be Architect
ClassiC Media For Voltron, master toy licensee Mattel debuted its new toy line based on the classic Voltron TV series at Comic-Con in July, and a toy line based on the new animated series Voltron Force is expected to launch in the U.S. for back to school 2012. Voltron’s master gaming partner THQ is scheduled to launch Voltron avatars on Xbox Live and the classic Voltron game this fall. New global licensees for the property include Extreme Concepts (T-shirts and tops) and Dreamwave (swimwear and sleepwear), both divisions of The Bentex Group, Inc.; Rubie’s Costume Company (costumes); VIZ Media (kid’s graphic novels for Voltron Force); and Trends International (posters). Pop-culture property Where’s Wally (Where’s Waldo) is gearing up for the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2012. Licensee Ludia, an interactive entertainment company, released the second Where’s Wally app, Where’s Wally? in Hollywood. Consumer products for the brand are launching in new key territories including the U.S., Australia, and France. Twenty-five licensees in Japan are also launching Where’s Wally products at retail with 400-plus SKUs as well as pop-up shops opening to support the launch.
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NelvaNa In celebration of Babar’s 80th anniversary, Nelvana is producing 26 additional episodes of the CG-animated series Babar and the Adventures of Badou. Licensing agents in Europe include TF1 Licences in France; M4E in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; Bulls Press in Scandinavia; BLI in Israel; and Popcorn in Portugal. Almost 30 licensees are on board in France with Hachette, Lansay, Bayard, TF1 Games, Smoby, and Nouvelle Frontières covering major categories. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris will house a retrospective exhibit celebrating Babar from December 2011 through September 2012. Nelvana and d-rights, Inc., will produce an additional 51 episodes of the anime-style action series Beyblade: Metal Masters. The new season launches in Europe this fall and introduces the Beyblade World Championships, which will also hold a live event for competitors in Toronto in March 2012. Hasbro is the master toy partner and Nelvana has also secured more than 200 international partners including sub-representative licensing agents (CPLG for the UK and Spain; M4E for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; Lagardère Active for France and Belgium; Ink for Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Russia; Popcorn for Portugal; and BLI for Israel) and licensees in Europe (Belltex, Van Der Erve, Leomil, Tech 4 Kids, Konami, Panini, Cartorama, DeAgostini, and more.)
Big tent entertainMent Big Tent Entertainment Domo announced new products designed to further establish the Domo brand on a global scale. International licensing agencies, including Brand and Licensing Group (BLG), Carmen Ariza Licensing, CTM Concept TV & Merchandising GmbH, Stella Projects, and Televisa Consumer Products, have brokered new agreements on behalf of Domo and Big Tent in Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Product will roll out across these territories throughout 2011 and beyond. Among the new deals, BLG signed Cordez for Domo-licensed fashion and travel bags as well as small accessories such as iPod cases, lipstick holders, key chains, and umbrellas for Brazil, which launched this fall. Carmen Ariza Licensing also signed Sunset International for Domo apparel and accessories across Eastern and Western Europe.
aMerican greetings ProPerties American Greetings Properties’ (AGP) Care Bears has a new CGI-animated television series slated to debut in 2012 along with a 2013 line of toys from worldwide master toy licensee Hasbro. Strawberry Shortcake is also launching new product categories, as well as new entertainment episodes, and a brand new character Cherry Jam. The WotWots, a new AGP preschool property under a partnership with Weta Workshop, has began expanding. It features the alien siblings SpottyWot and DottyWot as they embark on fun adventures on Earth.
Moda Licensing MODA Licensing continues to raise awareness of global cycling brand Tour de France. Tour de France bicycles, parts, and accessories are currently in distribution in North America, the UK, and Europe across multiple channels, including IBD, sporting goods stores, distributors, and online retailers.
sanrio New co-branded projects for Hello Kitty are underway for 2012. Collaborators include fashion, streetwear, cosmetics, technology, and toy brands Liberty Art Fabrics, Momiji, Hydrogen, Swarovski, Chupa Chups, and Forfex. The Sanrio Foundation also launched a series of special charity collaborations with limited-edition watches by Nooka in collaboration with designers Tokidoki, Chris Parks, Jon Burgerman, and John Lacko to help the Japanese Red Cross tsunami relief efforts. ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
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Brand Licensing Europe BEanstalK Beanstalk was appointed the global licensing agency for digital app brand Talking Friends. Beanstalk is working to extend Talking Friends, which includes characters such as Talking Tom Cat, into new product categories including toys, games, apparel and accessories, social expression, arts and crafts, electronic accessories, home décor, and health and beauty. As the European licensing agency for Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, Beanstalk is in talks with UK and European retailers and licensees for an apparel and fashion accessories range set to launch for fall/winter 2012. Through Beanstalk’s works with Paris Hilton Entertainment, the Paris Hilton brand now has 17 product lines including fragrance, footwear, handbags, and beauty products, as well as Paris Hilton-branded stores in more than 31 countries around the world. Beanstalk is currently seeking best-in-class apparel partners for the Paris Hilton licensing program.
4Kids EntErtainmEnt
ZinKia Zinkia flagship children’s property Pocoyo will debut a new third season of Pocoyo, Let’s Go Pocoyo, shown in a new multi-layered, stylized format with an overarching music theme. Each episode begins with a themed adventure introducing vocabulary; followed by lessons on various themes, including numbers, colors, shapes, animals, words, and more; and ends with a musical journey, featuring different styles of original music that recaps the lessons learned. The brand continues to pursue new strategic partners across all major categories.
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4Kids Entertainment International property Yu-Gi-Oh! has a new series, Yu-GiOh! Zexal, set to launch in Europe in the near future, while the film Yu-Gi-Oh! 3-D: Bonds Beyond Time was released earlier this year. On a new global web hub for the brand (www.yugioh.com) fans can read about their favorite characters, download exclusive wallpaper and screensavers, and get news on the latest Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise and games. As a brand consultant for the Max Adventures property, 4Kids is currently Max Adventures exploring a number of potential categories for licensing, including publishing, collectibles, promotions, mobile applications, digital content and accessories, amusement park attractions, and more. Key European broadcasters have signed on and a Max Adventures ice cream range is now available through retail, restaurants, and leisure parks in most European markets. A Max Adventures website also launched across Europe, customized for each market in which the brand is present, featuring games, activities, and a sing-along animation.
UniverSal Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) has new properties available for licensing, retail, and promotional partnerships. Leading its line-up is Despicable Me 2, the follow-up to the blockbuster 3-D CGI-animated film, set to hit theaters summer 2013. Producer Chris Meledandri and his team at Illumination Entertainment have spun an all-new adventure featuring the super-villain Gru, his girls, and his vast army of minions in the next chapter of Gru’s life. Snow White and the Huntsman, a refreshed version of the fairy tale from Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland), is due in theaters summer 2012. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Snow White and Charlize Theron as the evil queen. In the updated tale Snow White trains in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) who was dispatched to kill her.
Saban brandS The Paul Frank brand is growing on a global scale with new licensees, product categories, retail stores, and content initiatives, including a first foray into broadcast television with a prime-time Christmas TV special set for 2012. The special will feature Julius and other characters from the brand. There are more than 20 Paul Frank dedicated retail stores worldwide, including the new flagship store in Beijing. Sixty more stores are planned to open in China over the next five years. Saban Brands has also initiated marketing events to deliver the Paul Frank experience to fans worldwide, such as the Paul Frank Academy of Awesome mobile tour in the U.S. and a presence at key family music festivals in Spain, France, and the UK. Saban Brands will also continue to expand the Power Rangers Samurai franchise in key international territories, including Europe, Latin America, and Australia.
Chorion Chorion’s newest production Octonauts is an animated underwater actionadventure series for preschoolers, currently broadcast on CBeebies in the UK and ABC in Australia. Octonauts is set to debut on Disney Jr. (U.S.) in 2012, and season 2 is scheduled for development. A new Octonauts toy line created by master toy licensee Fisher-Price launched prematurely in July 2011 due to popular demand. The heritage franchise Noddy continues to grow with new product lines rolling out across all key territories and a product refresh from Bandai, which launched in the UK this fall. The storytelling preschool property has a 60-plus year history in publishing with more than 200 million books sold. Noddy, the preschool television series, is broadcast in more than 120 markets including the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, Canada, and India. Chorion will also celebrate the 110th anniversary of The World of Beatrix Potter in 2012 with a high profile PR and marketing campaign. Nickelodeon (U.S.) is also working with Chorion to develop a new Peter Rabbit preschool series set to launch in 2012. ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
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The Changing Face of America’s Auto Obsession by Chris Adams
A
merica’s ongoing obsession with automobiles contin- consumers who gather all the information they can to ensure they ues—even after the bad taste left from auto industry get the most bang for their buck when buying a vehicle. bailouts as well as the ongoing economic troubles. “America will always be a car culture and that won’t change However, the economy, and how fuel prices are faring, plays a role anytime soon,” says Robert Cooper-Diaz, senior director, marketin what types of cars are attracting consumers and the level in ing and brand management, at Source Interlink, which owns the which they can engage with an automotive brand. Motor Trend brand. “The difference now is that consumers want Sure, the U.S. auto industry bailouts did leave a sour taste in the easy-to-find information that is specific to their needs. New car mouths of consumers, but signs of growing buyers want all the information about the current strength and innovation among U.S. automakers selection of cars, while those holding onto their have had a positive effect on how today’s concars for a little longer want information about sumers view these brands. performance and repairs.” “There seems to be a move back to pride in vehiThe economy has influenced how people cles made by your neighbor, so retailer willingness research a car purchase or how long a consumer is very slowly responding to that situation,” says will go between car purchases. Not only that, Ramez Toubassy, president of Brand Sense Partners, but it has also influenced the types of vehicles which represents the Dodge and Ram brands for people are buying. licensing. “Licensed products are a ‘want’ purchase, “Swings in gas prices can directly impact so the love affair must continue if we ever expect the whether SUVs and trucks are top sellers or retailers to fully embrace auto-related products. The econo-boxes rule the showroom,” says Brand car companies want and need to sell aspirational Sense’s Toubassy. “Consumers in the U.S. have cars and consumers still want to buy them. But the shown a consistent tendency to migrate toward Among Brand Sense’s latest economy needs to show continued strengthening for trucks and SUVs and performance cars relatively introductions for the Ram brand is Ram Racing by Storm City the licensed product world to see growth.” quickly when gas prices drop or the economy The aspiration factor plays a big role in the world shows signs of improving, and auto-licensed of automotive licensing. This aspiration gives a brand its identity and product sales follow the same trend.” makes it attractive to an audience beyond owners of a brand’s vehicles. The swings in consumer interest in the vehicles they drive and It creates the selling proposition that leads to licensing success. aspire to will be showcased at the upcoming SEMA and AAPEX “Aspirational brands work better than a mode of transportation trade shows. SEMA focuses on the automotive specialty product that is simply an automobile,” says Bill McClinton, senior vice- market and will be held November 1–4 in the Las Vegas Convention president of licensing at Global Icons, which represents the BMW Center. Among the companies exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA will be and Ford brands for licensing. “We’ve had both in our stable and 500 first-time exhibitors. The AAPEX show, which caters to the having a brand that stands for something and is aspirational and is $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket, will be November 1– a lifestyle by nature is easier to license.” 3 in the Las Vegas Sands Expo Center. More than 115,000 profesThis aspirational element goes beyond the brands from automo- sionals from around the globe are expected to participate in the tive manufacturers. Motor Trend has showcased and reviewed end- Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas. less aspirational vehicles in its 60 years. In addition, the magazine’s The size and scope of these two concurrent trade shows speaks volrole as an information resource has been strengthened by today’s umes about just how engaged U.S. consumers are with their vehicles.
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While a weak economy and memories of U.S. auto industry bailouts have influenced how Americans interact with vehicles and vehicle brands, the country’s obsession continues. The automotive specialty product market and the motor vehicle aftermarket industries will showcase what manufacturers will be introducing to consumers at the SEMA and AAPEX shows. Below is a sampling of new automotive brand-licensed products.
Global Icons
Source Interlink
Global Icons represents BMW and all Ford brands for licensing. Recently signed for BMW is a worldwide luxury watch deal with Ball Watch that will launch next year. Also new is a deal for high-end BMW strollers from Maclaren. While Global Icons could give no details as of press time, it says there is a big worldwide fashion deal in the works for BMW and Mini. New domestically for the Ford property are pressure washers, generators, air compressors, garage storage, and garage flooring, which will be introduced at SEMA.
Source Interlink has expanded its Motor Trend brand by offering car organizational tools and safety products, including the Auto Emergency Tool, which is pictured to the right. The company has also undertaken an aggressive digital strategy that includes mobile marketing for Motor Trend and Automobile as well as an array of apps for mobile phones, iPods, iPads, and Android for many of its brands. It plans to apply this strategy to additional brands.
Brand Sense Partners
Nancy Bailey & Associates
Brand Sense represents Dodge and Ram for licensing. The 2013 Dodge Viper will impact every category in BSP’s licensing program, including die-cast, R/C, ride-ons, social/online gaming, and apparel. This is the centerpiece of a lifestyle program under development that highlights both the Viper and the new SRT brand. Eutechnyx, Ignite Game Technologies, and EA all recently signed social/online gaming deals for the Dodge, SRT, and Ram brands.
Nancy Bailey & Associates represents Shell Oil Company’s Pennzoil and Quaker State brands for licensing. Navajo Manufacturing offers Pennzoil and Quaker State automotive accessories, including booster cables, battery terminals, battery post cleaners, funnels, spouts, automotive glue, and flashlights. Shown are two of Navajo’s Pennzoillicensed flashlights.
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WILd PLanet entertaInMent, InC. JosePh gUndLaCh, sPeCIaLty saLes Manager Wild Planet entertainment, Inc., hired Joseph gundlach as specialty sales manager. his new role includes managing Wild Planet’s specialty accounts and outside sales groups. gundlach’s experience includes 23 years at Lego, where he held various positions. Most recently, he focused on key account management for consulting companies hired by Mega Brands, k’nex, and others. he also worked as a consultant in the areas of product development, strategy, and P&L improvement.
saBan Brands kehoe & hardMan, aPPoIntMents saban Brands LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of saban Capital group, Inc., appointed Bill kehoe as Coo and CFo. kehoe will provide strategic leadership and oversee operations, finance, accounting, human resources, and It functions across all aspects of the saban Brands businesses, including the television production entities. he will also take an active role in identifying and executing new acquisitions, as well as bolstering the company’s global growth Bill Kehoe strategy and initiatives. kehoe joins saban Brands from the Beanstalk group, where he most recently served as Coo and CFo. John hardman joins saban Brands as the director of development & programming. he will oversee the creative development and production of content for saban Brands’ properties. hardman will also oversee the development of multiplatform content strategies for all intellectual properties acquired by saban Brands. he joins saban from kids WB!, where he oversaw development and programming on the series Pokémon, Yu-Gi Oh!, Jackie Chan Adventures, X-Men: Evolution, and others.
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Brodsky & Mooney Leave Posts; ChaPek ProMoted Leigh anne Brodsky has left her position as president of nickelodeon and viacom Consumer Products. In a statement, the company praised Brodsky for her work building the dora the explorer and spongeBob squarePants brands, but said she will not be replaced. her position was eliminated as part of a company-wide realignment, a spokesperson for nickelodeon said. Brodsky had been with the viacom family for more than a decade. In her current post, she lead the licensing and merchandising for Mtv networks, Comedy Central, nickelodeon, tv Land, spike, and other viacom properties. andy Mooney resigned from his post as chairman of disney Consumer Products (dCP). he joined the company in december 1999 as president of dCP and was promoted to chairman in May 2003. no further information was given as to his next role. disney named robert Chapek as president of dCP. he will oversee a newly formed companywide consumer products organization, which will consolidate retail and licensing across disney’s lines of business including Walt disney studios, Pixar, Marvel, Media networks, Interactive Media, and Consumer Products. Chapek was most recently president of distribution for the Walt disney studios.
IMC LICensIng neW hIres IMC Licensing acquired thinkFire trademark Licensing, a new Jersey-based brand licensing and advisory firm, and appointed Carla dearing as Ceo. Brand strategists drew kastner and Boris Peres, Ph.d., joined IMC as managing directors. dearing, an active IMC Licensing board member since 2003, most recently served as assistant vice-president, strategic initiatives, University of Louisville, office of health affairs. kastner founded and managed all trademark licensing ventures for thinkFire services Usa, a full-service intellectual property advisory, brokerage, and licensing services firm. kastner and his partner Peres spun out this business as thinkFire trademark Licensing. Prior to co-founding thinkFire trademark Licensing, Peres identified companies interested in licensing and buying clients’ IP and driving the implementation process at thinkFire services Usa.
November 13–15
PLMA Show
plma.com
Rosemont Convention Center
Chicago
19–20
Chicago Toy & Game Fair
chitag.com
Navy Pier
Chicago
30–12/3
Dubai Intl. Character & Licensing Fair character.ae
Dubai Intl. Convention Center
Dubai, UAE
Halloween Tower, 1115 Broadway
New York City
December 5–10
International Halloween Show
hiaonline.org
JaNuary 9–12
Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
hktdc.com
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
Hong Kong
10–13
CES
cesweb.org
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas
24–26
The Toy Fair
toyfair.co.uk
Olympia Grand Hall
London
Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair
toyfair.de
Nuremburg Exhibition Center
Nuremburg, Germany
February 1–6 7–10
Kidscreen Summit
summit.kidscreen.com
Hilton New York
New York City
12–15
New York International Toy Fair
toyassociation.org
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York City
29–3/2
Global Pet Expo
globalpetexpo.org
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Fl.
6–8
Paperworld Middle East
paperworldme.com
Dubai International Convention Center
Dubai, UAE
march 8–11
Halloween Costume & Party Show
hcpshow.com
America’s Center
St. Louis
10–13
International Home & Housewares Show
housewares.org
McCormick Place
Chicago
19–22
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
bookfair.bolognafiere.it
Bologna Fair Centre
Bologna, Italy
MIPTV
mipworld.com
Palais des Festivals
Cannes, France
april 1–4 16–18
London Book Fair
londonbookfair.co.uk
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
London
21–26
High Point Market
ihfc.com
International Home Furnishings Center
High Point, N.C.
TOY FAIR 2012 FEBRUARY 12–15; JACOB JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER, NEW YORK CITY; WWW.TOYASSOCIATION.ORG LICENSING SHOW 2012 JUNE 12–14; MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER; LAS VEGAS; WWW.LICENSINGEXPO.COM
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
by Nancy Lombardi
p osTed
BeLoW is a saMpLing oF WhaT
a MeRiCan
Top paid iphone apps Source: iTunes on September 14, 2011 1. spy Mouse 2. angry Birds seasons 3. angry Birds 4. Fruit ninja 5. Camera+ 6. Whatsapp Messenger 7. Jetpack Joyride 8. Words with Friends 9. postsecret 10. angry Birds Rio
ConsuMeRs aRe inTeResTed in This MonTh .
5. The Heroes of Olympus Book Two: The Son of Neptune [kindle edition] by Rick Riordan 6. Because of Winn-Dixie [kindle edition] by kate dicamillo 7. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian selznick 8. LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia by dk publishing 9. The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles) [kindle edition] by Rick Riordan 10. Llama Llama Home with Mama by anna dewdney
Top FRee iphone apps Source: iTunes on September 14, 2011 1. asphalt 6: adrenaline 2. early Bird 3. Tangled 4. Talking Larry the Bird 5. six Towers 6. Line Runner 7. Zombie highway 8. stupidness 2 9. Brain Fit 2 10. Fondue Maker
BesT seLLing ChiLdRen’s Books on aMaZon.CoM Source: Amazon.com on September 14, 2011 1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff kinney (expected release date november 15, 2011) 2. The Heroes of Olympus Book Two: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan 3. Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher paolini (expected release date november 8, 2011) 4. Wonderstruck by Brian selznick
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2011
Top gRossing gLoBaL Movies oF 2011 Source: Boxofficemojo.com on September 14, 2011 1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 $1.321 billion 2. Transformers: Dark of the Moon $1.115 billion 3. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides $1.039 billion 4. Kung Fu Panda 2 $656 million 5. Fast Five $609.8 million 6. The Hangover Part II $581.5 million 7. Cars 2 $547.6 million 8. Rio $483.9 million 9. The Smurfs $457.4 million 10. Thor $448.5 million 11. Rise of the Planet of the Apes $374.5 million 12. X-Men: First Class $352.6 million 13. Captain America: The First Avenger $348.5 million 14. Bridesmaids $283.3 million 15. Super 8 $253.2 million