12-13 SOTN Corp_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 24/09/2020 08:46 Page 12
Right: Kelvyn spotted a gap in the market for a licensing podcast.
STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE
Strong growth for Brands In Brands In has enjoyed unprecedented growth in its retail partnerships during the first seven months of 2020 – at a time when it had initially anticipated fluctuation in its business due to the pandemic. The company has secured new jersey apparel licensed partnerships with BooHoo, Pretty Little Thing, Nasty Girl and Shop Direct, all of which Above: Brands In’s vertical had not previously worked operation and local sourcing is an attractive strategy for retailers. with the licensee. In addition, it has seen growing interest in Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Warner Bros.’ teen hit Space Jam and a continued resurgence in the Friends licence. Notably, at a time when all bricks and mortar stores were closed in late March, Brands In was able to maximise upon the online opportunity created by consumers as they changed their shopping habits. Brands In’s strategy of providing both a vertical operation and local sourcing was a key factor in the new retail partnerships. Amazon is currently its largest retail partner with it boasting thousands of live skus on its online store.
Industry trio join forces A new venture with ‘storytelling at its core’ has been co-founded by a trio of industry experts. ARTiSTORY has been co-founded by Dave Collins (co-founder and commercial director), Tamara Dixon (co-founder and creative director) and Natasha Dyson (co-founder and licensing director) to provide retailers, licensees and IP owners an innovative solution to licensing. The new company is focused on developing content in the art, culture and science sectors, translating objects into usable assets for consumers of today. There will be three key areas of business – IP asset development, IP licensing and content development. The design studio will be based in London, while the sales office will be based out of Barcelona. Dave and Tamara will also continue in their roles at PowerStation Studios, while Natasha will maintain the current clients and projects at her agency, Blonde Sheep Licensing. Above: From left Natasha Dyson, Tamara Dixon and Dave Collins.
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
Living with Licensing debuts Asgard Media md, Kelvyn Gardner, has launched a new licensing-themed podcast after spotting a gap in the market. Episode one of ‘Living with Licensing’ features IP creator, Keith Chapman. Further episodes have been recorded with other well-known industry names including bRAND-WARD’s Trudi Hayward and David Scott, treasurer of The Light Fund and recently retired md of Rainbow Productions. Kelvyn is planning to release new episodes twice each month. “I listen to many podcasts, and while I expect to be informed, I also want to be entertained,” Kelvyn explained. “So, the style of Living with Licensing will be to interview prominent figures from the business about their lives and careers, and how each has affected the other. “This editorial angle produces content that includes anecdotes and case histories from the contributors which will enhance listeners’ licensing knowledge but also put a smile on their faces,” he added.
Ragdoll taps BWI Ragdoll Productions has appointed Brands with Influence to manage the licensing for its new animated series, B.O.T. and the Beasties – which is due to air on CBeebies in early 2021. Developed by Anne Wood and the team at Ragdoll’s studios in Stratford upon Avon, the series follows the trials and tribulations of a loveable robot called B.O.T. (Beastie Above: B.O.T. and the Beasties Observation Transmitter) as he will air on CBeebies in 2021. discovers new worlds and all manner of new Beasties which inhabit them. The BBC has acquired 50 episodes of the new series. Ragdoll’s research and development process saw all the characters tested with the target demographic for appeal and comedic value. “We have been working with Ragdoll for the last 18 months through the development phase of this exciting new series and it’s fabulous that we are now able to share this great show with the licensing industry,” said Martin Lowde, md of Brands with Influence.