TOTAL LICENSING
TOEI ANIMATION EUROPE’S MOMENTUM CONTINUES IN 2019 Toei Animation Europe’s (TAEU) 2019 licensing endeavors are already well under way. Continuing its 2018 momentum, TAEU is once again setting the global stage with creative, diverse and wide-reaching campaigns for its legendary animated library. Dragon Ball Super’s acclaimed storyline continues in the feature film Dragon Ball Super: Broly. The 20th film in the Dragon Ball series, and the first to follow the television run of Dragon Ball Super, the film has earned outstanding figures in Japan. Since its December release, the film has earned a stunning box office return of 3.3 billion yen ($30 million plus USD) and stands as one the most-anticipated films of the year in countries across Europe – where its release schedule is confirmed: January 23 in the UK; January 29 in Germany; February 1 in Spain; February 28 in Italy; March 13 in France. At the same time, the Dragon Ball Su-
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per television series will soon be available in new markets across Europe. Nickelodeon in Greece debuted the series on January 14, while Biggs in Portugal is confirmed for a March launch. Supplementing these significant feature film and television broadcast updates is a comprehensive merchandising program encompassing several major retail categories. Bandai is hard at work developing a new action figure line in follow up to their incredibly successful 2018 releases – which were included in the top ten sales figures in France and Spain. At the same time, noted Spain-based clothing retailer, Bershka, is designing a men’s apparel collection utilizing images and characters from the worldfamous Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball wowed the gaming world in 2018 with the release of Bandai Namco’s award-winning multi-console videogame, Dragon Ball FighterZ. Not only did it sell 750K units in EMEA (3.5 million worldwide), but its French promotional video made with Le Rire Jaune was the most seen video of 2018 in France (over 13.6 million views). Bandai Namco plans to extend their success with the franchise this year, with Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission for the PC and Nintendo Switch. A digital card game, Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission will captivate players when it launches on April 5. Another surprise success for Toei Animation Europe and Dragon Ball
was its symphonic concert series which toured across Europe. This is confirmed for its triumphant return in 2019. After breakthrough performances throughout Europe, including a sold-out concert at the Grand Rex in Paris (October 27th), the live musical journey through the world of Dragon Ball has become a popular addition to the brand’s storied history. The concerts are currently scheduled on May 4 in Milano, Italy, and May 11 in Barcelona, Spain. 2019 will also be a year for celebration and reflection – it’s classic property, the One Piece animated series, will turn 20. After 20 years, however, One Piece shows no sign of slowing down. Not only is a new feature film being produced for an August release (the series’ 13th overall) – but, new broadcasts continue to line-up through Europe, including most recently simulcasts on Wakanim in Russia and Germany, Anime on Demand in Germany, ADN in France. The series is