Licensing world May 2017

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Universal Brand Development 0203 618 8360 | www.universalpictures.com Universal will present an expanding portfolio of properties from the company’s film and television creative partners, including Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation. As a follow up to Furious 7, the eighth chapter of the franchise - The Fate of the Furious debuted in theaters on 14th April. Anchored by global master toy licensee, Mattel, the Fast & Furious franchise will be highlighted by key partnerships with Jada Toys and the lifestyle brand, Affliction, among others. Tom Cruise headlines an all-new cinematic version of The Mummy, release date 9th June. From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy is an imaginative take upon the story that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters. Premiering in theaters on 30th June, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present Despicable Me 3, the next chapter in the Despicable Me franchise. Anchored by Thinkway Toys, Despicable Me 3 is supported by a broad category toy and lifestyle programme that includes partnerships with Mega Bloks, Puma, Moose Toys, WowWee, and Hasbro Games, among others. Also from the creative team at Illumination, in collaboration with Universal Pictures, comes a newly imagined version of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role of The Grinch, which is set for release November 2018. Scheduled for release in June 2018, the next installment of the Jurassic World franchise is currently in production in London. Executive producers Steven Spielberg and Colin Trevorrow and stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World Sequel. Producers Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley join Spielberg and Trevorrow in the next chapter in the franchise. Directed by J.A. Bayona (The Impossible), the film is written by Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly. Belén Atienza joins the team as a producer. Following the success of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, an all-new feature film is set to debut in 2020. Universal, in collaboration with master toy partner, Hasbro, will continue to expand the breadth and scope of its consumer products programme with more hair, more music and more characters to engage fans. New content across multiple media platforms is also planned throughout 2017-2019. From the DreamWorks Animation Television portfolio, Universal will showcase the all-new Netflix original series, Spirit Riding Free, which premiered on 5th May. The 2002 Oscar-nominated film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, introduced the world to a resilient mustang named Spirit, and now has inspired a new story set to enchant a whole new generation. Master toy licensee, Just Play, specialty partner, Breyer, and book publishing partner, Little, Brown Books will be among the key programmes supporting the upcoming launch of Spirit Riding Free. Also part of the DreamWorks Animation Television portfolio are Trollhunters, Voltron Legendary Defender, and Dragons: Race to the Edge. Children’s favourites, Dinotrux, and the preschool show, Noddy: Toyland Detective, based on the classic British brand, are also featured on the bill.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment 0207 157 3693 | www.itvstudios.com ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) will be presenting its portfolio of ITV owned and third party properties. The action TV series Thunderbirds Are Go continues to expand its global footprint and has now been on air in over 40 markets. Recent collaborations for this broadcast include Bernard Matthews turkey nuggets in the shape of the Thunderbird vehicles, and a new range of adventure wear for kids with outdoor retailer Regatta. The mobile game Parker’s Driving Challenge has also been launched for 2017. ITVS GE are adding another property to their slate in Robozuna, a Netflix Original animated series in which 14-year-old Ariston and his homemade robot sidekick Mangle attempt to free their oppressed nation from an evil empire. Fans can join forces with Ariston and Mangle when Robozuna debuts on Netflix around the globe in 2018, and in the UK after its premiere on CITV, with licensing opportunities to follow the broadcast. This year will also see the new interpretation of family favourite Watership Down. The four-part CGI animated mini-series is a reimagining of Richard Adams’ classic 1972 novel and a coproduction between the BBC and Netflix. The series will feature the vocal talents of James McAvoy, John Boyega, Sir Ben Kingsley, Olivia Colman, Nicholas Hoult, Miles Jupp, Freddie Fox, Anne-Marie Duff and Gemma Arterton, and will be written by Bafta-nominated Tom Bidwell. ITVS GE will be talking to licensees about licensing opportunities for the series. ITVS GE will also show opportunities for the Supermarionation brands created by Gerry Anderson, including the original Thunderbirds as well as Stingray, Fireball XL5, and Captain Scarlet, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and for which ITVS GE will be launching a range of new limited edition anniversary products. Thunderbirds has recently been in the UK media due to the roles of Parker and Lady Penelope in a marketing and TVC campaign for Halifax bank. The TV ad premiered during Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV on 25th March, and the campaign continues in branch, online and with posters across the country. The ITVS GE team will also be highlighting British drama series such as Poldark and Victoria. ITVS GE is a full-service licensing agent with a UK roster of third party brands including Oddbods, Super 4 and Village People.

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