50
Interview
“Smurfette blew out her Birthday Candles on French Television and she has been honoured in our Theme Parks as well! ” - IMPS/LAFIG -
the release of some exclusive Jazwares “Classic Smurfs” packs. Of course, our historical partner Schleich will release 6 new smurfy figurines this year. There will also be new Smurfs playing cards, and puzzles, so stay tuned! Smurfette turned 55 in April 2021. Are there any special initiatives or product lines dedicated to her for this year? Smurfette blew out her Birthday Candles on French Television and she has been honoured in our Theme Parks as well! Recently she was honoured in apparel collections by Springfield, StayReal, Defacto, Lidl, PatPat or Benetton, and she will feature on many other products this year such as Ocean Terre’s organic cosmetic products.
Rainbow is The Smurfs exclusive agent for Italy
Will there be any new theme park openings in the next few years? In what parts of the world? Yes, we are in final discussions (still confidential) with many players in Asia, Europe and the Middle East for smurfing around the blue world.
IMPS / LAFIG has chosen the experienced Rainbow team to manage the licensing plan for the new Smurfs TV series in Italy. There are already numerous CP partners working with Rainbow to develop countless possible products and promotions for the brand. Matteo Olivetti, Sales Director, Global CP, Rainbow stated: “We are very happy to be able to manage an “evergreen” property like the Smurfs in the Italian market. It has been a much-loved brand for several generations which is allowing us to develop a very broad licensing plan dedicated to both a child and an adult target. The Smurfs lend themselves to successful partnerships in practically every product category with a particular focus on Food and Fashion. Obviously, Rainbow’s goal will be to develop a 360-degree plan that comprehensively involves all product categories.”
Matteo Olivetti
The beloved IP’s new 52 x 11-minute series for 5–10-year-olds will debut on Nickelodeon next fall and on Italian free to air Rai Yoyo in spring 2022. The series will then also air on TVOD and AVOD platforms in the first half of 2022, followed by SVOD channels in the beginning of 2023.