048-051_53_LSB_Summer 2020.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 05/07/2020 10:50 Page 49
OVERSEAS FEEDBACK
France: Patrick Tamburlin, global licensing manager, Bel Licensing “At Bel Licensing we generate direct revenue through ecommerce, but we had to stop this side of the business almost immediately to refocus on more middle to long-term projects, such as the 100th anniversary of The Laughing Cow next year. There was no change regarding our conversations with agents – such as Pink Key Licensing – and they tried to maintain ‘business as usual’ as much as they could. Discussions with licensees have been more hectic as some of them were able to continue business, even in a limited way, whereas others had to put their activity on hold. On the other hand, we have been able to start conversations and projects with major licensees, plus have finalised deals in the US with our new agent, Design Plus Licensing. We will need to act as a team through the coming months. We all need each other to maintain and develop business; we need to be comprehensive and adapt a lot of our processes and ways of working.” Inset: We all need to act as a team in the coming months, believes Patrick.
Good communications has always been one of our agency hallmarks so Spotlight has been working hard to stay in touch with our clients and licensees regarding approvals, renewals and plans for the future. Even amid all the uncertainty, we were able to move forward with deals for Downton Abbey, Little House on the Prairie, Call the Midwife, The Last Kingdom and US: Carole Postal, president, Precious Moments (some new Spotlight Licensing deals and others already in “Being a New York-based agency, we were progress before the pandemic). impacted dramatically by the pandemic. This pandemic has been an Although we miss the ease and camaraderie unprecedented challenge and we’re all in it of being in an office together, we know NYC together. One of the keys to getting things back will probably be among the last places to in full swing will be figuring out ways to help return to normal (or the new normal), but licensees who’ve been hit hard because of the good news is that we’ve proven we production and shipping delays or the loss of can adapt with the help of retail windows and opportunities. That may technologies and practices that make Inset: Little House on mean delaying or being more flexible on the Prairie is one of the work from home effective so we are brands Spotlight has receipt of royalties from licensees who are been able to move prepared to keep working remotely as forward with new struggling and need more time to recover.” long as necessary. deals, says Carole. payments to IP owners or agents. This cash flow issue is, in my opinion, one of the major threats in Italy as regards business in general and licensing in particular. I think IP owners and licensees need to hear each others needs and compromise to allow business to continue until the general business situation has stabilised.”
France: Capucine Humblot, head of licensing and merchandising, Xilam Animation “In a business where, even before the crisis, it was important to take nothing for granted, this sentiment feels even more relevant today. We need to always maintain awareness of the risks posed at every level of our industry - for brand owners, licensees and retailers - and ensure we have systems in place to anticipate and react to any unexpected obstacles and challenges. I think this crisis has seen the different sectors of the international licensing market become more connected than ever before as we try to limit the impact together and I hope this collaborative approach is something that will continue in the long-term. This time has also been an opportunity to learn, gain new insights, expand our knowledge and enjoy new experiences thanks to the webinars hosted by many partners such as Licensing International. The chance to be in direct contact with the global licensing industry and discuss our concerns, perspectives and plans for the future has been hugely valuable. This is a challenging period for everyone but I’m confident it offers a unique chance for everyone to take stock, innovate and come out of this stronger than ever. At Xilam, we’re using this period to rethink the way we build and forge brand strategies, particularly in relation to sustainability, and to look at how we build sustainable brands, with sustainable products from sustainable partners for the long-term.” Right: Xilam is using this period to rethink the way it builds and forges brand strategies, says Capucine.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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