52-53 & 55 Milestones.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 19/12/2017 09:15 Page 55
MARKING MILESTONES
Quarter Century for Power Rangers Tim Juckes, vp EMEA consumer products and retail at Saban Brands has lived and breathed the brand throughout its 25-year history, and was actually a licensee the first time round and printed Power Rangers t-shirts. “All of us at Saban Brands are ecstatic to commemorate this incredible 25th anniversary milestone with fans in 2018,” he enthuses. “Saban’s Power Rangers is an iconic, evergreen property that has been a top kids action brand for decades. As one of the longest running series in television history, we’re reaching a milestone few franchises do,” Tim points out. “I think that is a testament to the incredible brand it is, as well as a reflection of its global fan base which continues to grow and, yes, having a milestone to celebrate is a very special way to engage with fans and partners.” Next year will be an amazing celebration of Power Rangers history including an anniversary campaign that will, according to Tim, “remind fans of all ages that ‘You’ve Got the Power’ to unleash your inner superhero.” “We will soon unveil never-before-seen content as well as partnerships and interactive programmes that embody the core pillars of the Power Rangers brand: inclusivity, diversity and teamwork; and keep an eye out for the big anniversary day on August 28, 2018,” he reveals. “I don’t want to give any spoilers away but with our valued partners, we’re building up momentum for a great celebration of the Power Rangers 25th anniversary next year and fans should stay tuned for more.”
The Snowman Hits 40
Penguin Ventures is celebrating 40 Years of Raymond Briggs’ original picture book, The Snowman in 2018 and due to the seasonality of the brand, the majority of the promotional activity will be taking place in Q4. “Highlighting the anniversary of a classic character or brand, demonstrates that it has stood the test of time. The Snowman has an enduring nature and a timeless appeal, beloved by fans around the world and this anniversary allows us to celebrate and reflect on the origins of the brand,” comments Susan Bolsover, director of licensing and consumer products at Penguin Ventures. The anniversary will be celebrated “across all consumer touch points,” according to Susan. There will be a range of limited editions products from licensees and publishing from Puffin, while the company is collaborating with partners to offer a series of live events and immersive experiences towards the end of next year. “Outside of the UK, Japan and the US are important markets for us and we are in discussion with our colleagues in those territories to see how we can maximise our celebrations internationally,” Susan adds. Next festive season she promises there will be a 360-degree campaign that will see The Snowman at the heart of everyone’s Christmas next year; from bespoke retailer activity to media coverage and digital activations, a fully integrated PR and social media campaign. “Now that The Snowman has come home to Penguin Ventures at Penguin Random House, we are looking forward to maximising opportunities with our partners both in the UK and around the world,” adds Susan. “We will be using the 40th anniversary as a springboard to position this much-loved and classic brand as the ultimate go-to winter property for retailers and licensees alike, while we continue to find new ways to engage a growing global consumer fan base for The Snowman.”
Above: Q4 of 2018 will see the activation of The Snowman’s 40th anniversary plans. Right: Power Rangers will mark 25 years with a host of activity and never-before-seen content. LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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