V Premieres in October on CBS V 175 all-new one-hour episodes hosted by Wayne Brady V Airing weekdays after The Price Is Right For further information, contact: James Ngo Senior Director, Consumer Products FremantleMedia Enterprises T: +1 (818) 748 1145 E: james.ngo@fremantlemedia.com
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BUILDING GLOBAL BRANDS FremantleMedia Enterprises is the leading independent one-stop-shop for global brand representation. We have a proven track-record of groundbreaking programs across all licensing disciplines including consumer products, interactive, mobile, sponsorship, integrated marketing, live events, home entertainment and international television program distribution.
For further information, contact: James Ngo Senior Director, Consumer Products FremantleMedia Enterprises T: +1 (818) 748 1145 E: james.ngo@fremantlemedia.com
www.fremantlemedia.com
CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP BUILD YOUR BRAND
0330FLW LMAD Royalties ad Sep 09.indd 2
17/9/09 12:28:30
• Top 10 Preschool Show*
– Winner of NAMIC Children’s Award – Reaching 22.3 million total viewers*
• Upcoming On-Air Events – Premiere week (Fall ‘09)
• Consumer Products Launch
– Including toys, books, video games, apparel & stationery (Fall) *Source: Nielsen Media Research (3/30/09 - 6/28/09) *Source: Nielsen NPOWER (YTD - 12/29/08-8/30/09)
For US licensing and retail information contact: Shaun Turner VP, Retail Development Shaun.Turner@nick.com
For International licensing information contact: Jill Tully VP, International Consumer Products Jill.Tully@nick.com
Kristi Wasmer VP, Retail Development Kristi.Wasmer@nick.com
© 2009 Viacom International. All Rights Reserved.
NHKL_LicenseBk_AD.Resize.2.indd 1
9/18/09 2:07:59 PM
Volume 4, No. 10
October 2009
Features 20
BY
CHRIS ADAMS
24 BY
Assembling the Avengers
PAUL NARULA
28 BY
Automotive Licensing: Licensor Roundup
CHRIS ADAMS
26 BY
Licensed Products Lead Auto Manufacturers Toward Road to Profitability
MIPCOM: Licensor Roundup
PAUL NARULA
Departments
OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS
PAGE
4
THE TICKER
PAGE
6
REAL DEAL
PAGE
10
PAGE
14
PAGE
16
ANIMAL PLANET
PAGE
18
YOU’RE HIRED!
PAGE
42
ROYALTIE$ CHALLENGE
PAGE
44
CALENDAR
PAGE
46
PAGE
47
ESSENCE
OF
MAVERICKS
STYLE IN THE
MARKET:
SUSAN BRANDT ROYALTIE$ MARKETPLACE:
32
2010 Toy Preview
COMPILED BY
LAURIE LEAHEY AND PAUL NARULA
ON THE COVER (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): FremantleMedia’s The Adventures of Merlin, American Greetings Properties’ Strawberry Shortcake, Nelvana’s Bakugan New Vestroia, MEGA Brands’ Dora’s Pirate Adventure, Thinkway’s 16-inch Woody the Sheriff, Porchlight’s Art With Mati and Dada, Playmates’ Captain Kirk figure, Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, K’nex’s Kick It! Elmo, and Elmer’s Mythbusters Power of Air Pressure Science Exploration Kit COVER BY DESIGN EDGE
ENDCAP
OF
EVENTS
ON THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP): an Animal Planet-
licensed dog toy by Jakks, Bachmann Trains’ Percy and the Troublesome Truck set, and Custom Accessories’ line of Pennzoillicensed car accessories.
www.aNbMedia.com PUBLISHED BY ANB MEDIA • Volume 3, Number 8
T
PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM
by Andy Krinner
AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS DRIVE SALES his issue of ROYALTIE$ covers
both the Fall Toy Preview and SEMA, the automotive after-
market expo. Both of these industries are
influenced directly by automotive licensing. With the U.S. auto industry treading water thanks to a government bailout program known as “Cash for
Clunkers,” I asked around about how these struggling automakers’ licensing
ADVERTISING MANAGER AMY LAND AMY@ANBMEDIA.COM
cars, including seat covers, graphics, floor
mats, shades, etc. In addition, most vehicle
owners want to represent the brand of vehicle that they own and do so with hats, jackets, hoodies, and T-shirts. Never is that
more apparent than with four-wheel-drive and sports car enthusiasts.
Automotive licensing also gets an
indirect boost from the marketing job
that NASCAR does, which helps to pro-
programs were doing. The answer is, sur-
mote the U.S. automakers’ brands
that licensing may be the only division
N ASCAR fan base can mean big divi-
prisingly well. One agent who represents
one of the big three went so far as to say
through the individual race teams. Sales
to even a portion of the immense
that is in the black within the company
dends for automotive licensors.
onto their vehicles longer, apparently
strongly with consumers not just on a
that he or she represents.
Although consumers are now holding
they are still immensely loyal and brand
specific. Die-cast collectors are still looking for replicas of the new model
year of their favorites, making licensing
to the toy industry almost an annual automatic. Couple that with toys based on
vehicles and you can see why an auto-
motive licensor may breathe a little easier than entertainment-based licensors when the market is unstable.
Let’s not forget apparel and acces-
sories—I’m not talking earrings and hair
clips. I’m talking about accessories for
4
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
And time-tested brands like John
Deere and Caterpillar still resonate collector level. They have transcended
into home landscaping equipment and safety footwear as well.
I’d like to offer congratulations to the
winners of TimetoPlayMag.com’s Most
CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM MANAGING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR LAURIE LEAHEY LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR PAUL NARULA PAUL@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTOR MATT NUCCIO MATT@DESIGNEDGE.NET HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE TONY LEE SMART REGENT PRODUCTIONS LTD., 66–72 STANLEY STREET, ROOM 603, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, CENTRAL HONG KONG PHONE: 2815 0166 • FAX: 2815 6911 • SREGENT@NETVIGATOR.COM
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DR., HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM
Wanted list for this holiday season, as an-
INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM
Play Awards. Voting for the People’s Play
229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, NY 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727
nounced at our recent press event, along with the nominees for this year’s People’s
Awards will be conducted on TimetoPlayMag.com through November 30,
2009, with the winners being announced and showcased soon after.
ANB
MEDIA, INC.
ROYALTIE$ is published 12 times a year by aNb Media, Inc. Copyright 2009 aNb Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. ROYALTIE$ is a registered trademark of aNb Media, Inc. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of ROYALTIE$ management.
A RECAP
OF
INDUSTRY HEADLINES
TOYS ‘R’ US ACQUIRES KB TOYS BRAND
Toys “R” Us, Inc., has acquired the KB Toys brand, which includes its URL, KBToys.com, its trademarks, and other intellectual property rights. Founded in 1922, KB Toys was once the largest mall-based toy retailer in the United States. Its operations included KB Toys stores in large shopping malls, KB Toy Works stores in outdoor shopping centers, and KB Toys Outlet and Toy Liquidators stores in outlet centers, as well as an online store, KBToys.com. KB Toys closed its doors in February 2009, following a bankruptcy filing. Toys “R” Us is working to determine the role KB Toys will play in its growing portfolio of family-friendly brands over the long term. In the interim, visitors to KBToys.com will be invited to shop Toys.com, where they will find exclusive savings and daily deals offered by other ecommerce sites. This is the latest in a string of acquisitions by TRU, which also includes the acquisition of FAO Schwarz and eToys.
LITTLE AIRPLANE AND SPIN MASTER PARTNER
Little Airplane Productions and Spin Master Entertainment, a division of Spin Master, Ltd., announced a partnership to develop and launch Stella Takes the Stage, a new preschool series that encourages self-knowledge among preschoolers and that will feature a new animation style called “Theatre Arts Animation.” Stella Takes the Stage, is about a charismatic little girl who shares the big events of her life with the child-viewer from an extraordinary and ever-changing paper stage. The new series will combine elements of traditional theatrical stagecraft with computer animation. The theme of Stella Takes the Stage is selfknowledge and the educational curriculum is by child-development expert Dr. Laura G. Brown (The Wonder Pets!, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan).
VALEN GROUP SIGNS IHOP
The Valen Group has entered into a licensing representation agreement with IHOP restaurants. The Valen Group will utilize the unique equities, flavor profiles, and emotional connection that consumers have with the IHOP brand to extend it into a variety of product categories. “We have developed a solid short- and long-term entry strategy for IHOP and are seeking strategic licensees now,” says Janna Markle, vicepresident of licensing for The Valen Group. “In our work, we have uncovered insight into unique characteristics of the brand that differentiate it from other restaurants and have identified strategic opportunities for brand expansion they can best serve.” These include IHOP’s Rooty Tooty Fresh ’n Fruity flavors for candy and ice cream; iconic and nostalgic appeal of the brand for apparel; a waffle maker and griddle for cooking at home; and ice cream, candy, and convenience-oriented breakfast products sold in grocery stores that help bring the IHOP experience home.
NYC & COMPANY AND MLS EXPANDS DEALS WITH OPSEC SECURITY
NYC & Company and Major League Soccer (MLS) each announced that they have extended their deals with OpSec Security. NYC & Company, the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for the City of New York, and OpSec Security have announced a three-year contract exten-
6
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
A RECAP
OF
INDUSTRY HEADLINES
sion of their partnership to combat counterfeiting of the city’s brands, including NYPD and FDNY. The on-product authentication program is a continuing keystone of NYC & Company’s enforcement efforts to protect the city’s valuable intellectual property. Major League Soccer has also announced an extension of its longstanding partnership with OpSec Security to acquire expanded services for anti-counterfeiting and brand licensing management. MLS’ holographic labels use overt and covert anti-counterfeiting technologies to provide a deterrent to counterfeiting. It also provides a means for fans to identify genuine merchandise from fakes. In the past year, MLS has implemented OpSec’s license management solution to significantly streamline, automate, and integrate its licensing business workflow. The system provides efficient distribution of official trademark and brand guidelines, and greatly reduces turnaround time for artwork approvals. The additional deployment of the contracts management module this year will provide further efficiencies in royalty collection, contract renewals, and asset management.
JENNY MCCARTHY AND PEM LAUNCH TOO GOOD LINE
Keeping in line with celebrity mom Jenny McCarthy’s mission to build a better environment for children, Too Good by Jenny has partnered with PEM America to launch a line of affordable, nontoxic infant and juvenile products, including bedding, bath textiles, room décor, and newborn gift sets. The licensing agreement was developed and negotiated by Los Angeles-based new business development consultancy Brand Sense Partners. The line will debut in bedding and will reflect McCarthy’s passion for creating safe, nontoxic surroundings for children with a focus on safety, technology, and design. Too Good plans to pretest raw materials prior to the manufacturing stage and will also test all products for lead and phthalates with results posted prior to the product arriving in any retailer. Too Good will be utilizing high thread counts and 100 percent cotton on all crib sheets, mattress pads, and other products that are in direct contact with the child.
CAA SPORTS SIGNS GREG NORMAN
Jenny McCarthy and PEM’s Keith Schneider Golf champion Greg Norman has signed with CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists launched the Too Good line at the ABC Expo. Agency (CAA). CAA will create new opportunities for the global sports icon across a variety of platforms, including television, broadcasting, marketing/endorsements, licensing, speaking, and digital media. While he continues to compete internationally, Norman also serves as chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, a multinational corporation that administrates a variety of businesses including Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Greg Norman Collection (apparel), Greg Norman Estates (wine), Greg Norman Production Company (event management), Medallist Developments and Southern Cross Developments (real estate development), and numerous other merchandising and licensing arrangements.
CPLG SIGNS SLEEPWEAR LICENSEE
FOR
PINK COOKIE
CPLG Canada, the recently named licensing agent for Pink Cookie Design in Canada, has signed Paris Geneve as the fashion brand’s new sleepwear licensee in Canada. Paris Geneve will create Pink Cookie Design sleepwear for girls of all ages. Set to launch in 2010, the line will be available throughout Canada.
8
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
BURGER KING AND CON AGRA FOODS
Broad Street Licensing Group has brokered a new deal for the Burger King brand with Con Agra Foods. Con Agra will produce a line of microwaveable Burger King-branded French fries. The line will hit shelves this fall. King Krinkz are seasoned crinkle-cut fries, King Kolossalz are extra large fries, and King Wedgez are seasoned potato wedges. Each packet, after being heated in the microwave, can be made to look and work like Burger King’s frypod container for easy transport and snacking.
C3 ENTERTAINMENT AND MULTIPLE LICENSEES
C3 Entertainment has signed a number of new deals for The Three Stooges. USAOPOLY will be producing a Three Stooges Monopoly Game and Trivial Pursuit Game. American Greetings has signed on to produce a line of Christmas ornaments with sound effects. Atronic has signed a deal to produce a series of Three Stooges Slot Machines, as well as a series of tie-in Three Stooges Lottery Games and promotional uses. Top Heavy Clothing and Trau & Loevner will both be producing T-shirts. Studio B will handle posters and MeadWestvaco is producing wall calendars.
SCHOLASTIC MEDIA AND ITUNES
Scholastic Media has announced the release of its first series of applications for the iPhone and the iPod touch. The company has launched six apps featuring the Scholastic brands WordGirl, Clifford the Big Red Dog, I Spy, Goosebumps, and The 39 Clues. The games will act as educational material and entertainment for families and children on the go. All games are currently available on iTunes for purchase.
CINNABON AND MELLACE FAMILY BRANDS
Cinnabon, the cinnamon roll bakery, has signed a new licensing deal with Mellace Family Brands, a snack food company that specializes in tree nuts, peanuts, snack mixes, and chocolate items. The deal was brokered by IMC Licensing. The companies will launch a co-branded line of flavored nuts and snacks that feature flavors from both companies’ major product lines. The first line of products combine Mama Mellace’s kettle roasted nuts with Cinnabon’s signature Markara Cinnamon flavoring and spices. More kettle-roasted products will follow and the line is expected to be at retail early in 2010.
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS AND PRIMARY COLORS
Discovery Communications has announced a licensing agreement with Primary Colors, a supplier of stationery, back-to-school, craft, and activity paper products. Primary Colors will develop a full line of Animal Planet-branded stationery, craft, and school supplies for next spring. The line will feature animal imagery and themes from the network’s shows, and will include products such as sketchbooks, scribble pads, stickers, binders, and more.
10
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
NEW YORK TIMES AND FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS The New York Times has reached an agreement with Franklin Electronic Publishers to expand the companies’ current licensing deal and broaden the range of handhelds Franklin will offer under The New York Times trademark. Franklin will release a number of new handheld puzzles such as Sudoku, crosswords, and more. This licensing expansion was facilitated by MODA International Marketing and builds upon the licensed SET game released earlier this year.
CHIQUITA BRANDS AND CONCORD FOODS
IMC Licensing has signed Concord Foods as a new licensee for its client, Chiquita Brands. Concord will produce the new Chiquita Banana Bread Mix, which requires two bananas, water, and an egg to be added to the mix to create a more authentic banana flavor. The bread mix will be available at grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and club stores in the U.S. The launch will include in-store merchandising programs, coupons, sampling events, and more.
ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS AND PAIDAS MANAGEMENT
Orange County Choppers, home of custom designed choppers and branded theme bike builds for television, has engaged Paidas Management to assist with sponsorship, licensing, and custom bike-builds. The licensing program will build on Orange County Choppers success with its own reality show on Discovery/TLC and will focus on developing Orange County Choppers as a lifestyle brand.
CON SURFBOARDS AND STONE AMERICA LICENSING
Con Surfboards has appointed Stone America Licensing as the company’s exclusive licensing agent in the U.S. Con, founded in 1959 and celebrating its 50th anniversary, has produced a wide range of popular and successful surfboards. Stone America will capitalize on the Con brand’s success to take the company into licensing programs in categories such as apparel, accessories, social expressions, room décor, toys, and more, taking advantage of Con’s artwork and trademarks.
LINGERIE FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has been appointed as the exclusive licensing agent for the Lingerie Football League (LFL). The agreement sees FME handling the rights for the property across television distribution, home entertainment, sponsor integrations, digital extensions, and consumer products. The LFL is an expansion of the Super Bowl halftime special called the Lingerie Bowl, featuring celebrity hosts and a seven-on-seven football game featuring female models. The LFL will include 10 teams competing in a 20-week session.
12
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
New Looks for Classic Brands
Classic Media and premium sportswear company Wildcat Apparel Group, Inc., announced that Wildcat’s “The Original Retro Brand” label will add character brands from Classic Media to its portfolio. Rocky & Bullwinkle, Underdog, and Mr. Magoo will debut on vintage T-shirts and specialty outerwear and headwear this fall, timed to Rocky & Bullwinkle’s 50th anniversary and Mr. Magoo’s 60th anniversary. The apparel will be available in select high-end department stores and boutiques nationwide, including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Fred Segal.
Hello Kitty Sparkles
Sanrio Global Consumer Products signed an agreement with accessory brand Judith Leiber for a co-branded handbag and accessory collection. Sanrio and Judith Leiber, LLC’s new collection of Austrian crystal accessories honors Hello Kitty’s 35th anniversary. The co-branded collection features Austrian crystal minaudieres including a Retro Kitty curved oval clutch (shown), the new Hobo style with silver handle, a doublesided mirror compact, and a key fob. The exclusive Hello Kitty Collection by Judith Leiber is available now at Judith Leiber boutiques and online at www.judithleiber.com. Items from the collection will also be available at Sanrio’s flagship boutiques in New York’s Times Square and Ala Moana, Hawaii. Suggested retail prices range from $295 for the key fob, to $3,995 for the Hobo handbag.
14
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
True Style
Nickelodeon/Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) announced the launch of Mad Style by True Jackson, a new apparel and accessories line inspired by Nickelodeon’s live-action series, True Jackson, VP, starring Keke Palmer. The line touches on the trends from the TV show. Designed by Jane Siskin, president and CEO of L’Koral, LLC, every item from sneakers to dresses retails at $14 or under and is available exclusively at Walmart. The Mad Style by True Jackson apparel line features long sleeved henley T-shirts, graphic knit tees with positive messages, fashion leggings with novelty buttons, jumper dresses with removable straps, tunic dresses with pre-scrunched sleeves, Mary Jane shoes, ballet flats, and sneakers. Additionally, a microsite (http://www.nick.com/madstylefashions/) has been developed exclusively for consumers and will be the digital headquarters for the new line. Kids can log on to view images of the line, get weekly style tips, play dress-up games, and more.
New Happy Bunny Licensees
CopCorp signed Imagine Apparel Group and Mystic Apparel Company as new It’s Happy Bunny licensees. Imagine Apparel has been granted the rights to manufacture and market It’s Happy Bunny girls’ (sizes 4–20) sleepwear. Mystic Apparel has been granted the rights to manufacture and market It’s Happy Bunny juniors’ swimwear (shown).
W
SUSAN BRANDT - DR . SEUSS ENTERPRISES by Laurie Leahey
hen creating a licensing program, it’s important to start with a game plan. That’s the first step taken by Susan Brandt and the licensing team at Dr. Seuss Enterprises in order to formulate a licensing strategy. Is there a book anniversary coming up? Who are the target audiences? “We start strategically with what the idea is, what the program’s going to be, and then we’ll figure out what the categories are that make sense and the partners,” says Brandt, the company’s executive vice-president, licensing and marketing. Brandt has been with Dr. Seuss Enterprises for 11 years managing licensing partnerships and negotiating new deals, while also setting a strategic direction for the properties. But she wasn’t always a part of the licensing industry. With a background in marketing, Brandt worked at advertising agency Leo Burnett before moving on to the Gallo Winery, where she helped introduce the company’s fine wine program. She also worked with Miraval Resort, helping to launch the luxury resort and spa in Tucson, Ariz. Brandt then moved on to Twentieth Century Fox where she helped launch its international video business. Four years later, Dr. Seuss Enterprises recruited her to head up the business entity for Dr. Seuss. Brandt’s approach to licensing encompasses the skills she honed as a marketer. From working at Leo Burnett, Brandt says she brings “a sense of how to work with creatives, how to give good creative direction, and how to evalu-
16
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
ate creative. That is essential as you’re looking at products and product reviews.” Classic marketing also means that one must understand a brand’s position, personality, competitors, opportunities, and weaknesses. Brandt says she uses those analytic skills every day when thinking about the Dr. Seuss brands. Another important part of marketing that is also beneficial in licensing is interpersonal skills. “Licensing is a community and we’re nothing without our partners,” Brandt says. While she uses marketing skills in the licensing business, there is one part of marketing that Brandt doesn’t mind leaving behind—the monotony. “When I worked as a classic marketer in the packaged goods area where I was selling wine, well, that’s the same product every day and the same accounts,” she says. With licensing, Brandt can approach a new client one day and then meet with a 20-year partner the next to discuss new ideas. “What keeps it interesting is that it’s always changing,” she says. “If you work with your licensees and truly understand your property, it’s never ending in terms of what you can come up with and what you can create together.” What Brandt has created with the licensees for Dr. Seuss Enterprises runs the gamut from apparel with Mighty Fine, Junkfood, and Hybrid Apparel to bedding and accessories with Pottery Barn. Manhattan Toy produces plush and puppets and I Can Do That! Games recently launched
a number of Dr. Seuss-branded board games. If a Dr. Seuss film is coming out—such as the new CGI-animated film based on The Lorax, set for a spring 2010 release—Brandt manages the relationships with the entertainment partners to create a licensing program. Near Leaf Paper, CSS Industries, and the National Education Association have signed on to be licensing partners for The Lorax film, which will be distributed by Universal Studios. While Brandt receives numerous product proposals from potential licensees, the majority of licensees are sought out by Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “Most of the time we have an idea or a program that we’re going after. I’m probably knocking on doors more than I’m accepting proposals,” she says. Brandt gets ideas for the right licensee by walking the stores, looking for dominant players, and checking company track records. She says, ultimately, picking a licensee comes down to doing research on the company and its products and listening to her gut. “We like to partner for the long-term, so I want to like the people we’re working with,” Brandt adds. It’s especially important to make healthy licensing partnerships given today’s economic climate. The retail landscape is changing, as are consumers’ buying habits. Even so, Brandt says that licensing still has opportunities to provide products and services to consumers. “We need to be aware of where the opportunities are,” she says. “It’s a lot harder and you have to be a lot smarter, but there are opportunities.”
Lingerie Football League is a sports franchise that’s sexy, adrenalinedriven and action-packed. Fans can now follow America’s most beautiful and athletic women as they compete on Friday nights in a full contact tackle football league. Lingerie Football League offers the ultimate entertainment experience – action, athleticism, and beauty with the thrill of competition.
For further information, contact: James Ngo Senior Director, Consumer Products FremantleMedia Enterprises T: +1 (818) 748 1145 E: james.ngo@fremantlemedia.com
www.fremantlemedia.com
N
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATION’S by Paul Narula
o matter how civilized or city- tions. Animal Planet also provides a wealth bound mankind becomes, there of programming for pet owners, such as will always be a fascination Dogs 101, which teaches facts and trivia amongst many when it comes to the animal about various dog breeds, and It’s Me or the kingdom. Whether it is the appeal of seeing Dog, in which dog trainer Victoria Stillwell a wild predator from a safe (or perhaps un- teaches dog owners how to deal with probsafe) distance or the desire to have lem animals by being responsible and care for a puppy or kitdog owners. ten, people often seek Beyond the matea connection with rial that is available animals. Animal on television, AniPlanet Media, part of mal Planet Media also Discovery Communicaincludes web content tions’ lineup of educational via the Animal Planet channels, helps provide that website, a 24/7 broadband connection with a wide varichannel, mobile content, ety of shows that focus on video-on-demand, and more. different aspects of the The comprehensive covworld of animals. erage that Animal Planet The key feature of Aniprovides on all things animal Planet Media is, of mal makes it a strong brand course, the Animal Planet for animal- and environTrau & Loevner Animal Planet T-shirt television network. This channel mental-related products, and reaches more than 95 million the company has an extensive homes in the U.S. and airs in more than 70 library of imagery and video for licensed countries around the world. The Animal products. A number of companies have Planet lineup covers a wide variety of topics. signed on to act as licensees for Animal Television shows such as Meerkat Manor Planet, including Jakks Pacific for pet toys, provide a narrative look at wild animals, Trau & Loevner for fashion tops, and Jay at teaching and entertaining simultaneously. Play for plush. Activision has signed on as a The channel carries edgier material as well, video game licensee and has produced such as Untamed and Uncut, which focuses games for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo on wild and unedited footage of animal at- DS. The company continues to seek litacks, rampages, and other dangerous situa- censees for new products and categories.
18
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
Fast Facts ° The Joester Loria Group is the official licensing agent for Animal Planet.
° Animal Planet has its own
version of the Super Bowl, called the Puppy Bowl, that aired the afternoon of Super Bowl Sunday. It features groups of puppies playing with one another while professional sportscasters commentate on the event.
° Canada, India, Taiwan, Japan, and a number of other
countries have their own country-specific version of the Animal Planet television channel.
° Animal Planet Media also runs petfinder.com, a resource that
allows people to find and adopt pets from around the world via the internet.
° Animal Planet relaunched
itself in 2008 to add edgier and more exciting content, as well as changing to a more versatile and functional logo.
JAKKS PACIFIC
JAY AT PLAY
Jakks Pacific has signed up with Animal Planet to produce a line of highquality toys for dogs and cats modeled after animals from all across the globe. The items feature bright colors and the packaging features animal facts for pet owners. Some of the latest products include the Small Meerkat Dog Toy, Tennis Rope Spider Monkey Dog Toy, and the Jellyfish Cat Toy.
Jay at Play will be producing a new line of plush for 2010, including traditional basic plush and plush bundled with Animal Planet DVDs. The new plush will feature electronic movement and animal sounds. There are four new assortments coming up—the 20-inch Mommy and Baby plush, the nine-inch Endangered Wild Eyes assortment, the 12-inch Plush with DVD assortment, and the five-inch Rainforest assortment with sounds.
TRAU & LOEVNER
Trau & Loevner have signed on with Animal Planet to produce a line of men’s, young men’s, boys’, juniors’, and ladies’ tops and hoodies. The shirts and hoodies bear imagery based on Animal Planet’s programming and attitude.
ENVIROSAX
TEXSTYLE
TexStyle will produce a full line of Animal Planet bedding, featuring colorful designs that are based on a number of wild animals that have appeared in the channel’s programming. These bedding sets will include blankets, comforters, pillow cases, sheets, and more. The three available bedding styles are The World of Spiders, Safari Expedition, and Butterfly Adventures. TexStyle’s products will be available at Target.
Envirosax has created a line of Animal Planet brand shopping totes for the environmentally-conscious consumer. Each of these totes is reusable, to discourage the use of paper and plastic grocery bags when shopping. Each bag features different Animal Planet imagery. There are also three smaller bags of different designs, made specifically for children.
ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
19
A
LICENSED PRODUCTS LEAD AUTO MANUFACTURERS TOWARD ROAD TO PROFITABILITY by Chris Adams
mid the economic turmoil of the past few years, few industries have had as much high-profile negative publicity as the auto industry. Especially when the big three were going to Washington D.C. looking for bailout money, the industry at large was placed under intense scrutiny from the taxpayers who were to foot that bill. Reports of people’s outrage at the CEOs traveling from Detroit to Washington in private jets were widespread. Maybe the CEOs just didn’t realize the magnitude of the changes that were necessary to revive the faltering industry. After almost a year of repositioning themselves and their production processes, the auto manufacturers were given a chance to prove their mettle. The wildly popular “Cash for Clunkers” program was a testament that even in tough times people were willing to go out and lay down their hard-earned money on vehicles. And the infusion of cash generated by these sales will certainly be a help as the manufacturers put themselves on the path toward profitability. It is up for debate what this rollercoaster ride has meant for the licensing of automotive brands. Sure, many brands are having less success in 2009 than they had only a few years ago, but so is every type of brand. “The [automotive] category is pretty challenged right now given all of the flux in the auto industry, the impact the Cash for Clunkers has had on the replacement parts market, and the economy in general,” says Cara Bernosky, IMC’s president. “I think once the dust settles and the economy rebuilds over the next year or two, we’ll see more activity because it will remain a space where licensing can add differentiation and value.” Others in the licensing industry agree with this basic assessment. “For the short term, auto licensing has become a much more difficult sell to retail,” says Ramez Toubassy, president of Brand Sense Partners, which manages the Dodge property for licensing. “In the long run, the automobile will continue as a status symbol, a statement of where the consumer is in their life, so the sale of related licensed products will eventually swing back upward as the love of the automobile re-emerges.” The love of the automobile that Toubassy speaks of cannot be discounted. The United States is a country in love with its vehicles. It is this love affair that breathed new life into the industry through the Cash for
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This image by artist Bruce Kaiser adorns the package of a die-cast two-pack that includes a 2009 and a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, which commemorates the 70th anniversary of WIX Filters. The deal was brokered by Brand Sense Partners.
Clunkers program. It will be this love affair that brings the re-jiggered auto industry back to profitability. And even amid the wild ups and downs of consumer and taxpayer sentiment, there are still bright spots to be found within the realm of automotive licensing. For instance, it looks like the Jeep licensing program, which is managed by The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), will be up in 2009 compared to 2008, according to TJLG. What cannot be taken away from Jeep is its rock-solid brand image. “Jeep is a globally recognized brand with a distinct identity,” says Debra Joester, president and CEO of The Joester Loria Group. “The brand is aspirational and accessible and has translated successfully into a number of categories.” Not only does the brand work in a number of categories, but it is working in many countries across the globe. Its expansion into Korea with 22 new Jeep shops-within-shops in major department stores has proven successful. Ford is another automotive brand that is focusing heavily on expanding its licensing presence globally. About two years ago, The Beanstalk Group (the auto manufacturer’s licensing agent) and the Ford Motor Company realized that the U.S. market was pretty
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mature, so they decided to expand internationally. Ford sells vehicles in 142 countries but the licensing program was 80 percent in the U.S. So, Beanstalk set up an office in Hong Kong to cover Asia Pacific in addition to the office it has in the UK that covers Europe. Then Ford established agents in South and Central America as well as India. And by establishing various foreign bureaus, Ford discovered some trends that it found interesting. “As we were launching the licensing program in India, my first thought was that they would want Ford Ikon, a vehicle that is popular in India,” says John Nens, director, global brand licensing, Ford Motor Company. “We have discovered in India that the Ford brand is Americana and that the folks in India were seeking not those products made for the Indian market, but those products made for the American market, from pickup trucks to Mustangs to Thunderbirds.” This sort of aspirational/lifestyle attraction is what drives one of the major segments of the automotive licensing industry. It is the same concept that has given the Jeep property legs in categories as varied as infant and pet products—two categories removed from the gearhead segment of the market. However, the gearhead segment is another viable market for automotive properties. “For lifestyle products like apparel, there must be a variety of artwork available to a licensee and many brands don’t have enough of this to sustain a program for the long term,” says Elisha Janet, account executive at Nancy Bailey & Associates. “For brand extensions, the products must be appropriate to the brand and be able to make a connection quickly with the consumer. They have to reinforce and extend the core brand equity.” Nancy Bailey & Associates manages the Pennzoil and Quaker State licensing programs, both of which rely heavily on brand extension type of products—tools that DIY-ers use to work on their car. In order to successfully execute a brand extension program, property managers must discover what the property means to consumers and what product categories that definition gives them permission to enter. “The first thing we do is look at the umbrella of what the brand means,” says Bill McClinton, senior vice-president of licensing at Global Icons. “With Honda it is dependability, quality, and reliability. If you say Honda, everybody knows that they will be getting a car that drives for 200,000 miles, no questions asked.” It is this brand image that McClinton says readily allows Global Icons to stretch the Honda brand into the tools and auto
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Nancy Bailey & Associates has stuck to pure brand extensions for the Pennzoil property, which it manages for licensing.
accessories market because, “people know that they will get a quality product with the brand.” Whether talking about true brand extensions or more lifestyle-oriented products, it is an interesting time for automotive licensing. Not only has the core automotive industry seen some tough times in the past couple of years, but consumers are tightening up their belts in purchasing the “want” type of items that many licensed products are defined as. As with so many other industries, there are still some bright spots. Also, as with so many other categories, consumers are still seeking out value-positioned products. “We have to adapt to changing consumer needs in the marketplace and consumers today are looking for a better value proposition,” says Rachel Terrace, director, brand management, at The Beanstalk Group. “We have been working with our licensees to get products placed in Walmart and other value-driven channels like dollar stores, which is an underpenetrated channel for licensed product.” Even if consumers are spending less money overall, it is important for licensors in the automotive industry to keep making connections with consumers through licensed products. It will help heal the open wounds that the bailout process may have caused and drive consumers back to the happier, feel-good road that these properties can readily evoke.
AUTOMOTIVE LICENSING by Chris Adams
While 2008 and 2009 have been trying years for the automotive industry, there are some bright spots emerging. As auto manufacturers gain traction in the sales of cars, they remain top of mind with consumers through licensed products. Below is a sampling of some of the latest licensed offerings.
JOESTER LORIA
The latest introduction in the successful Jeep stroller line by Kolcraft is the g Edition (shown), which features environmentally friendly materials. Another big initiative for the program is the Jeep luggage line by Olivet International.
SOURCE INTERLINK
Rock & Roll Religion has signed a license with Source Interlink Media to produce the Hot Rod The Clothing Collection. The line incorporates Hot Rod Magazine designs into a line for men, women, and juniors.
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FUSION
Fusion manages the British Motor Heritage properties for licensing. The first North American apparel licensee for the program has been named: ODM. Licensees in accessories and other key product categories are in development and are expected to be announced soon.
GLOBAL ICONS
Global Icons recently completed a deal with ODM for the Honda property. ODM will produce the first national-market apparel line for the property. Previous Honda apparel was targeted toward Honda dealerships. The line will focus on the tuner culture that surrounds the Civic.
NANCY BAILEY & ASSOC.
Custom Accessories’ Pennzoil and Quaker State lines include oil filter wrenches, fluid transfer pumps, and siphon pumps. Navajo Manufacturing’s Pennzoil line (shown) includes auto accessories such as booster cables, funnels, and spouts.
BRAND SENSE
In celebration of WIX Filters’ 70th anniversary, the pictured die-cast twopack features replicas of the 1970 and a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The 2009 model is in 1:18 scale and the 1970 is in 1:24 scale.
S
ASSEMBLING
THE
AVENGERS
by Paul Narula
pider-Man. Iron Man. The Hulk. For the casual consumer and moviegoer, these names are just the characters from some of the most recent blockbuster action films that have been hitting theaters. For comic book fans and for Marvel, the company that has been bringing those superheroes to the big screen, these names are part of something much greater than just a few movies. Each character has a rich individual history, developed over years of media. But beyond even that, each character shares a connection with one of Marvel’s longest-running and furthest-reaching titles and properties: The Avengers. The Avengers first appeared in 1963, in Avengers No. 1, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The new team of superheroes was made up of some of Marvel’s most popular superheroes. The Avengers have always been a part of Marvel’s comic book business and now the company will be bringing them to the big screen as well, with a multi-year program that the company has dubbed the Avengers Assemble initiative. “We are known for our characters,” says Paul Gitter, president of consumer products at Marvel. “We felt that this was going to be a good platform to assemble many of the best and most known characters in one brand.” Avengers Assemble will act as a tentpole franchise for upcoming Marvel movies in 2010 and 2011, leading up to the release of The Avengers in 2012. While each movie will continue to be promoted in its own right, it will also be a part of the Avengers Assemble initiative. The current release schedule will have a Marvel movie out every summer up until 2012, with Iron Man
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2 in 2010, Thor and Captain America films in 2011, and finally The Avengers in 2012. Marvel has already laid the framework for the property in released films, with teasers and cameos that hint at the development of The Avengers in the framework of the movies. Because Marvel finances and produces its own
films, there are no obstacles to having characters from one Marvel series appear in a film centering on another. “We can add characters from Iron Man into The Hulk, and vice versa,” says Gitter. “It’s allowed us to integrate characters from one film to another and show that there’s an overarching concept, something much larger we’re building, and that’s The Avengers.” The company intends to hook consumers with the interlinking story that threads its way through each film. “People will want to come to see them ultimately knowing they are a prelude to The Avengers film,” says Gitter. The Avengers Assemble brand will be completely separate from the upcoming movies on an individual basis. Each film from Marvel will still be licensed in a traditional way, with its own products and licensing program. Avengers Assemble will act as an umbrella brand for all of the separate movies and movie characters, as
well as the combined Avengers team itself. Marvel has begun introducing the Avengers Assemble logo and brand elements on a number of new products and existing product lines, such as footwear and on figure and toy packaging. “We want to build such an awareness of the brand that in 2012, nobody is asking ‘What are The Avengers?’ but rather ‘Where do I buy it and how much can I buy?’” says Gitter. The Avengers Assemble brand has the potential to provide a great deal of new licensing opportunities for Marvel, as well as new merchandising opportunities for licensees. Because Avengers Assemble is tied into multiple films, products based on the line could extend well beyond the standard short shelf life. “It gives us an opportunity to platform our characters in a way we haven’t been able to in the past and position them as a brand strategy rather than an individual film event,” says Gitter. Marvel will maintain a number of its licensing relationships for this new tentpole brand. Many of the licensees the company has signed with for individual movies will be a part of the Avengers Assemble lineup. Though Marvel declined to name all of its potential licensees, Hasbro was named as an important part of the program, with other master partners still in potential negotiations. It is too soon to tell if the recent acquisition by Disney will alter Marvel’s plans for the future, but Gitter seemed confident in the success of the Avengers Assemble initiative, and for what Marvel plans to do after the release of the 2012 film. “There’s a much grander plan that we have in place,” Gitter says. “We haven’t come this far to stop now.”
MIPCOM
by Paul Narula
This month, media and entertainment companies from across the globe will gather in Cannes, France, to unveil new shows, films, and licensing programs for some of their key properties. From claymation to cinematic drama, exhibitors at MIPCOM have a wide variety of properties available. Here is a look at what some key exhibitors will be introducing on the show floor this year.
Twentieth Century Fox
Twentieth Century Fox will be highlighting a number of its new programs for MIPCOM 2009. Glee, a musical comedy series, follows the adventures of an optimistic high school teacher as he attempts to transform a school’s glee club into a world-class vocal ensemble, despite the misfits involved. Modern Family is a “mockumentary” that follows the lives of three family units that are all very different and anything but typical. Phil and Claire are two parents who want to have an open and honest relationship with their three kids, which consist of a teenage daughter growing up too fast, a middle daughter too smart for her own good, and a rambunctious boy. Jay, a “traditional guy’s guy,” has married the White Collar much younger Gloria, who brings her sensitive son Manny with her and is constantly mistaken for Jay’s daughter rather than wife. Mitchell and his partner Cameron have just adopted a child from Vietnam and have already become doting fathers. Also at MIPCOM will be White Collar, a comedic drama about the partnership between a con artist and an FBI Agent. Con-man Neal Caffrey, when finally caught by his nemesis FBI Agent Peter Stokes after breaking out of prison, offers to use his own skills to help catch other notorious criminals rather than go back to jail. He provides insight and intuition that can’t be found on the right side of the law. Finally, Fox will also be focusing on the upcoming Family Guy spin-off, The Cleveland Show, which focuses on Cleveland Brown, who loses his wife and house in a divorce and decides to move to California with his son, Cleveland Jr., to pursue his dream of becoming a minor league baseball scout. On the way, he stops at his old hometown, Stoolbend, Va., and ends up deciding to settle down there with his high school sweetheart Donna, and a new cast of characters including a redneck neighbor named Lester and a family of talking bears. Fox will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons series at MIPCOM this year, with creator Matt Groening and executive producer Al Jean on hand at the show, delivering a Creative Keynote speech. Groening will be receiving the inaugural MIPCOM Creative Icon award.
NBC Universal
NBC Universal will be focusing on programs for its television series, Lipstick Jungle, to coincide with its launch for the German market. Based on the book by Candace Bushnell (author of Sex & The City), Lipstick Jungle follows the lives of three successful New York business women as they juggle their careers and their private lives. L’Oreal Paris has already signed on to produce a line of makeup for the series in Europe.
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FremantleMedia Enterprises
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) will be unveiling a number of new programs at MIPCOM, as well as the continuation of the company’s current roster. ESPN aired one of FME’s newest programs, the inaugural HardBat Classic table tennis championship, last month. Taking place at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, the two-hour special had 500 players competing for $100,000. It was hosted by Judah Friedlander and featured appearances by Anna Kournikova and Biba Golic. Existing licensees include Bud Light, Killerspin, K-Swiss, and The Venetian Las Vegas. FME will also continue to support its existing television properties. The Adventures of Merlin has debuted its second series on BBC One, which will feature Merlin continuing to support Arthur and help protect the mythic city of Camelot. Licensees include Random House, Christy’s, Topps, and Danilo. American Idol will also return with a brand new season and new judges, including Paula Abdul’s replacement Ellen DeGeneres, after last season’s finale broke records with nearly 100 million votes cast for the winner, Kris Allen. Existing licensees include Ford, AT&T, Coca-Cola, EA, Ludia, Habbo, and more.
The Adventures of Merlin
American Greetings Properties
American Greetings Properties (AGP) will be expanding both its classic and new properties with new developments and media. The classic Strawberry Shortcake property will be receiving an updated CGI look for the new Strawberry Shortcake Berry Bitty Adventures, a 26-episode television series. AGP will also launch a Strawberry Shortcake movie, Sky’s the Limit. The Care Bears property will feature stories about the Care Power Team in CGI animation, which features a team of special Care Bears that respond to caring emergencies with high-powered belly badges. Two new CGI specials are in production for 2010. AGP will also continue to produce specials based on its Holly Hobbie property. The company will also continue to expand its programs for additional properties, such as Maryoku Yummy and Twisted Whiskers. The Twisted Whiskers television series is currently in production.
4Kids Entertainment
Rocket Monkeys, one of 4Kids’ newest properties at MIPCOM, follows the story of Wally and Gus, two trained monkeynauts traveling through outer space. The two monkeys adventure through space, meeting aliens and space pirates, and conducting experiments on new planets. The 20-episode series will be available for all markets in fall of 2010. 4Kids will also continue to develop pre-existing properties. Chaotic will return with 12 new episodes, in a series entitled Secrets of the Lost City, following the series’ original characters as more of the world of Perim is revealed. New episodes of Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds are also on the slate, featuring new cards, new players, and new adventures. 4Kids will also be releasing the TMNT 25th anniversary special, Turtles Forever, featuring a cross-over between characters from the original 1987 series and the modern 4Kids television series. Chaotic
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MIPCOM Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop will be introducing three new shows featuring Sesame Street characters. In Munchin’ Impossible, Cookie Monster is assigned by the CIA (“Cookie Intelligence Agency”) to discover healthy alternatives to cookies. This series encourages children to learn more about healthy food as Cookie Monster, dressed in a suit and tie, plays secret agent in strawberry patches, corn fields, and rice paddies. Elmo’s Backyard teaches children about the scientific process as they learn through exploration and discovery while Elmo explores his own backyard, discovering spider webs, worms, and frozen bird baths. Children can send in their own photos, drawings, and videos of their backyards. Abby Cadabby will be the host for the new series 3-2-1 Let’s Go, which will feature segments from Play with Me Sesame and Global Grover, as well as clips of Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures, a new claymation series from Sesame Workshop. Abby Cadabby will invite the audience to play, cheer on her favorite segments, and say hello and goodbye to viewers.
Nelvana
Scholastic
Nelvana will continue to expand its popular Bakugan television series with Bakugan: New Vestroia. The Battle Brawlers find themselves in New Vestroia, with new allies and challenges to face as they try to defeat the evil Vexos. Episodes 105–144 will be available for 2010. Nelvana will also debut the new Beyblade: Metal Fusion. The new Beyblade series features a new cast of characters taking on a new enemy called the Dark Nebula. The new series features 51 half-hour episodes. Hasbro is the master toy partner for the Beyblade brand. Nelvana’s Babar is getting a 21st century update with a new 3-D animated series called The Adventures of Badou. Viewers will be introduced to Babar’s 8-year-old grandson, Badou, and his friends as they explore the setting of Celestville.
Scholastic will be focusing on two new live-action series at MIPCOM, both based on best-selling book series. The Wedding Planner’s Daughter follows 17-year-old Willa as she tries to find love for herself and her commitment-phobic mother. Goddesses tells the story of three sisters—Thalia, Polly, and Era—who are accidentally sent to Athens, Georgia, instead of Athens, Greece, by Zeus and must survive in a modern high school without the use of their goddess powers. Scholastic will also be introducing Motor City, a show following the lives of twenty-somethings in Detroit as they face real life challenges and finding first jobs. Scholastic will also be focusing on a number of new animated properties, with a new lineup for preschool audiences. Chicken Socks takes children into Chicken Socks’ playhouse to explore the world using his magical notebook. Dragoonies is a sing-along series for preschoolers that follows the adventures of six dragon friends. Fuzz and Sparkle is an animated comedy that follows the adventures of a pair of intergalactic traveling disco lovers.
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The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company (TJHC) will be introducing a number of new series at MIPCOM. Pajanimals is a new live-action, short-form musical series produced by TJHC and 4Kids, featuring the newest puppet characters from TJHC. The series was commissioned by PBS Kids Sprout. The company will also be focusing on Dinosaur Train, which debuted at MIP-TV this year and launched in the U.S. last month. The company will also be highlighting Sid the Science Kid, which debuted at MIPCOM last year and has been licensed to multiple overseas networks. TJHC will also be working on establishing licensing and merchandising programs for Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Farscape, as well as Fraggle Rock and Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas. The Octonauts
Porchlight
Porchlight Entertainment will be unveiling a wide variety of film and television series. Art With Mati and Dada follows the adventures of 7-year-old Mati, a girl who is fascinated with art, as her magical sidekick Dada transports her to the lives of great artists. Porchlight will also be highlighting a number of film properties, including Broken Hill; Faith, Fraud, & Minimum Wage; and Right Hand Drive.
Art With Mati and Dada
Dinosaur Train
Little Airplane
Little Airplane Productions is introducing two new animated preschool series. Small Potatoes is a short-form series that features four potatoes who sing songs as they journey around the world with their imaginations. Each episode features a new style of music, from rock to reggae and house to hip-hop. Jo B. G. Raff follows the adventures of friends Jo B. and G. Raff, who co-host their own preschool show. However, G. Raff takes off before each show and Jo B. must find him, traveling to the pyramids, under the sea, and to the moon to find his friend and start the show.
Chorion
Chorion will be unveiling a new series, The Octonauts, at MIPCOM. The series follows the adventures of underwater adventure heroes Barnacles Bear, Kwazii Kitten, and Peso Penguin in HD CGI as they explore underwater worlds and save the day.
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2010 Toy Preview COMPILED
BY LAURIE LEAHEY AND
PAUL NARULA
From October 6–9, toy manufacturers and retailers will return to Dallas, Texas, for the Toy Industry Association’s annual Fall Toy Preview. The show, which is a precursor to February’s Toy Fair, gives attendees a look at the hottest toys for 2010. The following pages give a taste of some of the toys that will be exhibited inside the Dallas Market Center.
UNCLE MILTON Uncle Milton’s Star Wars Science Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab shows the science behind lightsaber technology. Kids choose from four different-colored crystals and customize their own 8.25-inch version of the lightsaber used by Anakin Skywalker. The 12-piece kit is for ages 6 and up. The Star Wars Science CT-5 Exploration Unit lets kids survey a corner of the universe and document the creatures and specimens that live right in their backyard. Use the tools and earth sifter to find insects and other objects to do a close examination.There’s also a built-in flashlight so kids can search at night for elusive nocturnal critters. The kit is for ages 5 and up.
Moxie Girlz Jammaz Avery doll
Star Wars Science Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab
MGA ENTERTAINMENT
MGA Entertainment, Inc., introduces Moxie Girlz, a new doll line with the brand motto of “Be True! Be You!” The Moxie Girlz line inspires creativity through four characters: Lexa, Avery, Sasha, and Sophina. Girls can interact with these characters through three main themes: Artitude, an art-based theme; Magic Hair, a hair stylingbased theme; and Jammaz, a music-based theme. Each Moxie Girlz Artitude Doll includes a funky second outfit, fashion accessories, a bike, and two markers for personalizing the doll. The Artitude Fashion Design Kit includes stylish fashions that girls can draw on to create one-of-a-kind looks. Change the look of the Moxie Girlz Magic Hair Dolls using the twisting style tool, hair brush, cream colors, glitter mascara, and accessories. The interchangeable style head features two different base colors and styles—curly and straight. The Moxie Girlz Jammaz Dolls come with a guitar and colorful wig. The Jammaz Sleepover Kit includes a Moxie Girlz sleeping bag, Silly Star eyewear, a tiara, a colorful wig, a carry-along tote, and a play microphone. The Jammaz Guitar really plays music and gives girls three ways to play: push the frets, strum the strings, or move the whammy bar. All Moxie Girlz products are for ages 6 and up. MGA’s My ePets 3D is a virtual world where kids can explore, play games, earn points, and buy things for their virtual pet. Using a secret code printed on cards (purchased at retail), kids register for entry into the online 3-D world. They can earn points and special room items by playing the educational games. My ePets 3D is for ages 4 and up.
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TECHNO SOURCE Techno Source will introduce a line of electronic handheld and key chain LCD video games for spring 2010 to tie in to the release of Disney/Pixar’s summer 2010 film Toy Story 3. For ages 5 and up, the games will celebrate all three Toy Story films. Kids can help Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg, bop the Little Green Men when they light up, help Woody round up a loose Barrel of Monkeys, and even figure out which alien is not like the others. The games feature multiple challenging levels, vibrant full-color LCD screens, sound control, and real music and sound effects directly from the movie. Next fall, kids will be able to express themselves in new ways using Smileys. Smiley Central Studio Plush Series 2 will include seveninch plush and three-inch plush key chain characters. Each plush doll will include a secret code to unlock exclusive Smiley features and accessories for creating Smileys online at www.SmileyCentralStudio.com. Series 2 is for ages 6 and up. Following up Rubik’s Revolution and the Rubik’s TouchCube, Techno Source will unveil the Rubik’s Slide—a brand new challenge that combines casual gaming with the speed and strategy of classic cubing.
MEGA BRANDS MEGA celebrates the 10th anniversary of Dora the Explorer with new MEGA Bloks building sets. Dora’s Pirate Adventure includes a Pirate Dora figure, a Swiper the Fox figure, flowers, a bridge plank, palm tree accessories, a treasure chest, a cannon, and Dora’s pirate crew specialty blocks. Dora’s Royal Adventure includes a Dora as a princess figure, Boots the Monkey figure, friendly bunny, magic wand blocks, flowers, banister blocks, a castle rook, and decorations. Both sets are for ages 3 and up. MEGA’s new line of Ni Hao, Kai-Lan sets allow kids to create their very own KaiLan world. Tolee’s Treehouse is a buildable playset that includes Kai-Lan and Tolee figures, a twirling elevataor, and a special Lulu and Hoho block. Kai-Lan’s Thomas & Friends Busy Day at the Quarry playset Garden includes Kai-Lan and Hoho figures in gardening outfits, a green tree accessory, a wheelbarrow, a shed to store tools or vegetables, and vegetable blocks. Both sets are for ages 3 and up. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, Thomas & Friends is now available for preschoolers through MEGA Bloks. The four-foot-long Busy Day at the Quarry playset includes detailed Thomas and Mavis characters, a real-working crane, coal, a coal chute, buildable blocks, and ramps. Build and rebuild the Thomas 3-in-1 Buildable Assortment sets, James on the Move and Thomas Load ’N Go. Both sets include either Thomas or James and all the accessory parts to make adventures on Sodor come alive. All Thomas & Friends sets are for ages 3 and up. Kids can build the battle between the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) forces and the Covenant with MEGA’s new 2010 Halo Wars construction sets. The 375-piece Halo Wars UNSC Gausshog vs. Covenant Locust set includes a Red UNSC Gausshog, a Covenant Locust, a Covenant Elite, a Covenant Brute, two UNSC Spartans, and two Suicide Covenant Grunts. All products in the Halo Wars line are for ages 8 and up. ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
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2010 Toy Preview BASIC FUN Basic Fun will preview its 2010 product line at the Fall Toy Preview, including additions to its impulse toys, handheld electronic games, and preschool toy lineup. Basic Fun will roll out two new series of key chains featuring Bakugan characters. The Bakugan Battle Brawlers Mega key chain transforms from a Bakugan Battle Brawler ball into one of six Bakugan fighters when the button is pulled. Series 4 and Series 5 will be released next year. Basic Fun will also introduce miniature electronic carabiner forms of Bop It, Simon, and Catch Phrase (all shown), based on Hasbro’s electronic game titles. Basic Fun will also be expanding its Take Along line with a new version of Connect 4. The tube can unfold to create the playing grid and the removable end caps serve as the base or feet for the grid. Legs, checkers, and dump bar are all stored inside in a zipper bag. Take Along Connect 4 is co-branded with Transformers, with more brand partners coming up. Basic Fun will be adding to its Fisher-Price Classics line with a remake of the 1963 TV Radio. The radio features a wind-up knob and plays “Farmer in the Dell” while images rotate in the small window.
SCHOLASTIC Scholastic Media has teamed up with Briarpatch for new products based on the I Spy and WordGirl properties. Upcoming I Spy products include the I Spy Quest Adventure Hunt Game, I Spy Card Games, I Spy 100-piece children’s puzzles, I Spy Little Wheel & Animals starter puzzles, and I Spy Grab N Go Games. For WordGirl, Briarpatch will create a number of new games, including Word Up, Grab N Go Spelly Delly Games, and the Precocious Card Game. The company will also make a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle based on the brand.
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ESPN The ESPN 3 in 1 Skills Challenge, made by Moose Mountain, lets kids play three games in one playset. Children can throw strikes at the K-Zone Target, throw passes and kick field goals, or score goals into a soccer net. The target flips up to convert from a baseball target to a football target. The set includes a baseball, soccer ball, and football.
THINKWAY TOYS Thinkway Toys has teamed up with Disney/Pixar for a full line of Toy Story products. The new Toy Story line, called Toy Story Collection, will feature a variety of toys based on the characters from the Disney/Pixar film series. Figures include a 12-inch talking Buzz Lightyear, with pop-out wings and flying and landing sound effects; a 16-inch highly detailed deluxe replica of Woody the Sheriff (shown) that talks when the string is pulled and reacts to hearing a child’s voice; and a 13-inch Rex the Roaring Dinosaur that talks and roars with moving arms and head. The line also includes the Ultimate Buzz Lightyear figure. The 16-inch figure features seven motors to keep Buzz walking, talking, and animated. The eyes blink, the head turns, and the lips are synchronized to his lines. It comes with a wireless infrared remote control and has a Voice Command Mode. The Toy Story Collection also includes the R\C Remote Control Car, Bucket ’O Soldiers, and Three Pack Space Aliens.
CEACO Ceaco will be releasing a number of new puzzles for 2010, featuring work from numerous artists. The company will be producing 1,000-piece puzzles featuring work from Robert Lynn Nelson, Jane Wooster Scott, and Jennifer Vranes. Ceaco will also team up with LIFE magazine to produce a 750-piece puzzle based on the Can You Spot the Differences? puzzles from the magazine.
BACHMANN TRAINS Bachmann Trains will be adding two new sets to the Large Scale Garden Railway product line. The new Thomas with Annie and Clarabel starter kit includes a Thomas the Tank Engine model, as well as Annie and Clarabel coach models. The Percy and the Troublesome Truck set features Percy the Small Engine, with Troublesome Truck No. 1 and No. 2 models.
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2010 Toy Preview I CAN DO THAT! GAMES I Can Do That! Games has signed a multi-year licensing partnership with Cookie Jar Entertainment to develop games based on the Richard Scarry brand. The new Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It game features the artwork and characters of Scarry’s world. Designed for ages 3 and up, the game features a six-foot-long game board across which kids can hunt for objects and solve mysteries with teamwork, working alongside Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Goldbug, and other popular Scarry characters. The launch of the new game coincides with the U.S. debut of Busytown Mysteries, a preschool educational/information series inspired by the works of Richard Scarry. It will air on the Cookie Jar TV CBS weekend morning block.
THE JOESTER LORIA GROUP The Joester Loria Group will be debuting new toys for Discovery and Animal Planet, with new toy partners for both brands. Animal Planet has signed Jay at Play as a new toy licensee. In addition to producing the traditional basic plush and plush bundled with Animal Planet DVDs, Jay at Play will collaborate with factories and inventors to create new and innovative feature plush unique to Animal Planet. The spring 2010 line of plush from Jay at Play will feature electronic movement and animal sounds. Elmer’s will continue to work with the Discovery Channel’s MythBusters brand, based on the television show of the same name. The company will release three new science kits based on experiments done on the show—Weird World of Water, Power of Air Pressure, and Forces of Flight.
BATTAT Battat Toys has been named the tentpole toy licensee for the Baby Genius brand. The Battat line of Baby Genius toys launched at Walmart this fall with seven feet of dedicated space in the preschool aisle. The initial collection will include learning, activity, and roleplay toys. Products will include music-oriented items, such as the All-In-One Musical Band, the Musical Vacuum, Tempo’s Musical Broom, DJ’s Singa-Long Keyboard, and Old McVinko’s Musical Farm. Other products in the line include the Pet Care Center, which allows children to care for Melody the Puppy.
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Old McVinko’s Musical Farm
K’NEX K’nex will be expanding its line of Sesame Street construction sets with sports themes. Kids can build their favorite Sesame Street characters to play sports. Elmo gears up to play soccer in Kick It! Elmo, Ernie puts on flippers for Swim Time Ernie, and Cookie Monster is heading out to shoot some hoops in Cookie Monster’s Basketball. In addition to these sports-themed sets, K’nex will be creating two new Elmo Adventure building sets. The Elmo’s Dragon Adventure building set casts Elmo as a knight in shining armor with a loyal dragon buddy. The Elmo’s Space Adventure building set features Elmo as an astronaut with his rocket ship. Both kits feature a Play & Learn activity sheet with educational activities. Elmo will say fun facts when his head is pressed. K’nex will also produce a number of NASCAR building sets, including models of Dale Jr.’s 88 AMP Energy Car, Jeff Gordon’s 24 DuPont Car, and Tony Stewart’s 14 Office Depot Car. The company will also be producing a line of Monster Jam K’nex sets, featuring trucks such as Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Mutt, Blue Thunder, and more. Kick It! Elmo
LAFAYETTE PUZZLE FACTORY
A SQUARED ENTERTAINMENT
The Lafayette Puzzle Factory will unveil a new line of puzzles, educational products, playing cards, and calendars. The company will release Crayola-brand Chalkboard Puzzles, which are two-feet by three-feet floor puzzles that include Crayola sidewalk chalk. Lafayette Puzzle Factory will also release a line of flash cards and educational lapboards featuring the Crayola brand. In addition to Crayola products, the company is introducing Chris Flisher Mandalas, based on the artwork of artist Chris Flisher. The company will be further expanding its line of puzzles with the Fodors’ Places to Visit Puzzle Books.
Newly formed children’s media company A Squared Entertainment introduces a new slate of brands for kids. The company has teamed up with AOL to debut its line of entertainment for children. The Secret Millionaire’s Club features an animated Warren Buffet, who will teach children about finance. GiGi & The Green Team features an animated Gisele Bündchen, who lives a double life as a supermodel and an environmental superhero. Little Martha (working title) features a 10year-old animated Martha Stewart, teaching children about cooking, crafting, and gardening. Kosmos features an animated Carl Sagan and combines science and adventure. Secret Millionaire’s Club and GiGi & The Green Team will debut in Q1 2010. Little Martha and Kosmos will launch in Q2 2010.
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2010 Toy Preview DUNECRAFT
CARDINAL
DuneCraft has created two new kits featuring Curious George. The Wiggly Jiggly Silly Squares kit comes with a number of Wiggly Jiggly Silly Squares that can be put in a bowl of water and made to grow up to 100 times larger. Kids can use the stacker tray to build a tower before the squares begin to wiggle and fall down. The Arctic Adventure with Curious George comes with the materials needed to make lifelike snow, snowmen, a snow fort or igloo, and many small snowballs, as well as Curious George decals.
Cardinal will be expanding its games division with a new license, Penguins of Madagascar from DreamWorks. Cardinal will be offering a large selection of games based on the Nickelodeon television show for 2010. Cardinal is expanding its range of games for Disney’s Toy Story 3, as well as more games based on Disney classic characters. A new line of games based on Marvel Super Heroes is also a part of the Cardinal 2010 lineup, as well as new games for Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer, as well as Sesame Street and Twilight.
ELOPE Elope recently acquired the Disney license and will roll out Disney-branded product later this year and into 2010. Its Tinkerbell Felt Wig is a lightweight, durable wig with the distinctive Tinkerbell updo. There is a soft green ribbon with a decorative Tinkerbell image. The wig is for ages 5 and up.
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LEARNING CURVE
FUNDEX
Learning Curve introduces an all-new line of original products based on The Jim Henson Company’s animated series Dinosaur Train, which airs on PBS Kids. The line will include collectible dinosaurs, interactive dinosaur action figures, plush, puzzles, and electronic learning aids, all featuring the characters, sights, sounds, and dinosaur-themed adventures from the series, which features a world of dinosaurs and prehistoric lands, all connected by a colorful train line known as the Dinosaur Train. On the heels of Learning Curve’s 2009 launch of original Super WHY! toys, several new High Flying Super WHY! Action Figure items designed to encourage imaginative play while reinforcing core literacy skills will be introduced. Products will continue to feature the sights and sounds of the readingpowered superhero characters from Out of the Blue’s animated series. Spring 2010 highlights include the High Flying Super WHY! Action Figure, which includes a motorized, waving cape; spring-loaded jet booster boots with lights and sounds; and Super WHY! phrases. The Thomas Wooden Railway has a new component designed for beginning engineers. Sets and engines in the Thomas Wooden Railway Early Engineers Line are made with the same quality wood craftsmanship and signature look found in every Thomas Wooden Railway set and is compatible with the rest of the Thomas Wooden Railway. Feature items include the Round About Station Set, Rock & Roll Quarry Set, and Busy Day on Sodor Set.
Fundex’s hoops&yoyo Gimme Donuts Dice and Card Game is a game of chance. Donut cards have images of hoops, yoyo, and piddles in crazy positions. Players roll the dice in an attempt to recreate the poses. With successful dice rolls come more and more donuts. The player with the most donuts wins. The game comes in a take-along tin and includes three character dice, 40 donut cards, a score sheet, and instruction booklet. It is for two to four players ages 8 and up.
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2010 Toy Preview JAKKS PACIFIC Jakks Pacific’s Disney Fairies doll line continues to feature items that are authentic to the movie storylines. New items include 4.5-inch Magic Glow Fairies, which have light-up molded wings. Each doll features three modes: fluttering light, rainbow effects lights, and color glow lights. The dolls also contain a Pixie Pass to use as currency online at pixiehollow.com. The Balloon Playset Magic Glow with 4.5-inch Terence doll is based on Tinker Bell’s cotton puff in the movie. The balloon unlocks to Fairy reveal an adventure playset with accessory pieces. The included Terence doll has five points of articulation. The products are for ages 4 and up. New Hello Kitty toys include international-themed Hello Kitty Beans. Perfect for Hello Kitty fans and beanie collectors, the six-inch Hello Kitty Beans feature India, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. Hello Kitty World House Playsets let fans build their own Hello Kitty world. Themes include dentist office, travel agency, and tanning salon. Each playset comes with a mini figure and accessories. Hello Kitty toys are for ages 6 and up. UFC Deluxe Figures feature 29 points of articulation to recreate the most realistic and dramatic Mixed Martial Arts moves. Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, Mauricio Rua, Quinton Jackson, Georges St. Pierre, Lyoto Machida, and more will debut in the spring. The figures are for ages 8 and up. The Bella Sara Magical Horse & Winged Magical Horse collection bring the world of the trading card game to life. Girls can collect horses and Pegasus characters with this new assortment. The five-inch figures come with wings or without. They are for ages 4 and up. Collect all the Chipmunks and Chipettes with Jakks’ new line of Alvin & The Chipmunks plush. There are a variety of six- to 12-inch plush and a mini plush three-pack. They are for ages 4 and up. The Club Penguin online world is a snow-covered virtual island where kids can play games and interact. Each Club Penguin product includes a one-of-a-kind collectible coin with a code to unlock items on clubpenguin.com. The Two-Inch Figure with Vehicles assortment includes a Space Ship with Space Alien figure and a Snow Trekker with Gary the Gadget Guy figure. Club Penguin 6.5-inch Plush features six unique characters and one “chase” character. The soft plush assortment brings Club Penguin characters to life with distinctive and detailed outfits. Club Penguin products are for ages 5 and up.
PLAY VISIONS Play Visions, Inc., will introduce LEGO LED lighting products from IQ Hong Kong. The products combine the fun and nostalgia of the LEGO mini figure and brick with illumination. There are six products in the collection, available in an array of sizes including a 2.75-inch pocket-sized mini torch, a 7.5-inch dynamo torch, and an 8.8-inch lantern.
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PLAYMATES TOYS The second wave of Playmates’ Star Trek action and roleplay items includes a variety of 3.75-inch, six-inch, and 12-inch action figures featuring characters from the movie such as Captain Kirk, General Ayel, Spock, and Uhura. The new Starfleet Utility Belt roleplay item includes a Starfleet phaser and communicator, which interact with the Utility Belt when waved or moved in front of the belt. Kids will then hear commands and must use the phaser and communicator to complete missions. There are eight interactive missions with multiple endings for repeat play. There are also multiple challenges and obstacles within each mission.
Starfleet Utility Belt
MOOSE MOUNTAIN The Fisher-Price Little People Build ’n Fun Farm Ride-On comes with lots to do and discover. Kids will ride along with Farmer Jed and his animal friends, listening to farm sounds and music. The ride-on includes under-seat storage, a Farmer Jed figure, a real working windmill, and nine blocks that are easy for little hands to stack, build, and play with. With the Disney/Pixar Toy Story Pizza Planet, kids will join Buzz and Woody on their journey to escape the terrible Sid and find their way back to Andy’s Room. The playset features a bouncing base, crawlthrough holes, and an inflatable slide, as well as realistic movie graphics. Disney/Pixar Toy Story Pizza Planet
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SANDHILL CONSULTING GROUP LAUNCHES
A group of executives from the children’s toy, licensing, and multimedia publishing businesses are working together as part of the team at Sandhill Consulting Group, LLC. Bryce (Skip) Boothby Jr. is a CEO/COO/president with experience from Quebecor, Lulu.com, and Sales-Link. Nicholas A. Clementi, with experience at American Greetings, Contempo Colours, Innoware, Games Gang/Pictionary, and Mara Mi, is a CEO of high-growth ventures, turnarounds, and divestitures. Doug Guendel, most recently of Meredith Publishing, is experienced in general management, sales and marketing, new business development, and organization design. Tom Klusaritz, with experience at Hasbro and Golden Books, is a new business/channel architect, and will help identify new growth opportunities. David A. Rust, with experience at Scholastic and School Specialty Supply, is a business unit president, publisher, and C-level officer responsible for restructures and new growth ventures. Patti Saitow, with executive level experience at 20Q.net, Radica, and Golden Books, is Sandhill’s vice-president of business development.
LUDORUM PLC
MAUREEN TAXTER, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Ludorum plc appointed Maureen Taxter to the position of senior vice-president, U.S. consumer products. Taxter will be responsible for all of Ludorum’s commercial operations in the U.S., working across Ludorum properties, including the CGI-animated preschool series Chuggington, which will air on Playhouse Disney in the U.S. this spring. Taxter has more than 25 years experience in building and managing entertainment brands. She has held senior positions with companies including Jim Henson Productions, Hasbro, and Viacom, contributing to kids’brands such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, The Muppets, Playskool, and more.
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TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC.
CHRISTINA MILLER, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, TURNER SPORTS STRATEGY/MARKETING/PROMOTIONS AND CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., promoted Christina Miller to senior vice-president of Turner Sports Strategy/Marketing/Promotions and Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE). Miller will continue her oversight of Cartoon Network’s consumer products and home video business in the U.S. Added duties will include responsibility for overall management and direction of Turner Sports strategy, marketing, and programming, including overseeing relationships with league partners, Turner networks, and their digital extensions. Previously vice-president of CNE, Miller joined Turner in 2005.
PRECIOUS MOMENTS, INC.
SUSAN MEEK, VICE-PRESIDENT, LICENSING & MARKETING
Precious Moments, Inc., promoted Susan Meek to vice-president of licensing and marketing. In her new role, Meek will oversee brand communication, direction, and marketing strategy along with her responsibilities of licensing acquisitions and sales. Previously, Meek was vice-president of licensing for the company.
SPIN MASTER LTD.
HAROLD CHIZICK, VICE-PRESIDENT, GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTIONS
Spin Master Ltd. expanded its communications department with the appointment of Harold Chizick as its vice-president, global communications and promotions. Chizick joins the company after spending two years at MEGA Brands, Inc., as vice-president of marketing. Prior to that, Chizick headed Spin Master’s public relations and promotional initiatives for eight years.
MONSTER MASH
Answers on page 46
Bats Blood Candy Apples Costumes Cryptkeeper
Dracula Frankenstein Ghosts Goblins Goodies
Guess Who?
Makeup Monsters Princesses Pumpkins Rats
This 18-year veteran of the entertainment marketing business has built and
executed strategic marketing plans for a number of well-known properties in
television and media, from classic television brands such as The Lone Ranger and Lassie to newer properties including SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar. Who is he?
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ROYALTIE$ OCTOBER 2009
Spiders Superheroes Treats Tricks Wolfman
09.”
20 F in T B C rting ” o p p 009. u 2 S n t i n F eve CBT A g n M i I t r ly L ppo u “On S t n eve A M I yL
l
“On
DREAMS AND PROMISE GALA honoring DREAMS AND PROMISE GALA honoring
Ronnen Harary, Chairman & CEO Anton Rabie, President & CEO Ronnen Harary, Chairman & CEO Ben Varadi, Executive Vice President Anton Rabie, President & CEO Spin Master Ltd. Ben Varadi, Executive Vice President Jonathan Finlay, M.D. Spin Master Ltd.
Director, Neural Tumors Program—Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Professor of Pediatrics—Keck School of Medicine, Jonathan Finlay, M.D. University of Southern California
Director, Neural Tumors Program—Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Professor of Pediatrics—Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
Thursday, October 22, 2009 Beverly Hills Hotel Thursday, October 22, 2009 Melina Beverly HillsKanikaredes Hotel
Melina Kanikaredes
Evening Host
N OVEMBER
3–5
SEMA/AAPEX
aapexshow.com
Sands Expo Center
Las Vegas
26–27
Brand Licensing India
licenseindia.com
Hotel Ashok
New Delhi, India
15–17
PLMA
D ECEMBER
plma.com
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL
7–10
International Halloween Show
hiaonline.com
Halloween Building
New York City
7–10
International CES
cesweb.org
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas
11–14
Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
JANUARY
11–13
25–28
Hong Kong International Licensing Show
hklicensingshow.hktd.com
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Wanchai, Hong Kong
NATPE
natpe.org
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas
FEBRUARY
hktoyfair.com
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Wanchai, Hong Kong
10–12
KidScreen Summit
kidscreensummit.com
New York Hilton Hotel
New York City
26–3/1
Halloween Costume & Party Show
hcpshow.com
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL
14–17
American International Toy Fair
MARCH
8–9
Brand Licensing Central & Eastern Europe
toyassociation.org
brandlicensing.eu
Jacob Javits Convention Center
VAM Design Center
Solutions to Puzzles on Page 44
New York City
Budapest, Hungary
Jason Korfine is a partner at Licensing Street, LLC.
Korfine has worked in the entertainment marketing business for the past 18 years. Prior to joining Licensing
Street, Korfine started at Broadway Video Entertainment, where he helped develop the first licensing and merchandising program for Saturday Night Live. He has
worked at Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products,
overseeing licensing for Comedy Central, Spike TV, and Paramount Pictures
Properties. He also helped drive all aspects of consumer products brand management for SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Most recently, Korfine acted as vice-president of marketing for CBS Consumer Products, where he oversaw marketing and brand management for the Star
Trek franchise, working closely with licensees and retailers for the 2009 film.
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by Christopher Byrne
POSTED
BELOW IS A SAMPLING OF WHAT
A MERICAN
TOP DOWNLOADED TV EPISODES, SEPT. 18, 2009 Source: iTunes 1. “Acafellas”—Glee 2. “Reversals of Fortune”—Gossip Girl 3. “Night of the Comet”—The Vampire Diaries 4. “Gossip”—The Office 5. “To Sext or Not to Sext”—90210 6. “Good God, Y’all”—Supernatural 7. “Harbinger in a Fountain”—Bones 8. “Fortress of Fierceness”—America’s Next Top Model 9. “The Fog”—Mad Men 10. “Small Tears”—Sons of Anarchy
PROJECTED TOP ADULT HALLOWEEN COSTUMES Source: Various 1. Michael Jackson Beat It 2. Michael Jackson Billie Jean 3. Star Wars Darth Vader 4. Star Wars Princess Leia 5. Halo 3 6. Indiana Jones 7. Iron Man 8. The Joker 9. Pirates (men and women) 10. Superheroes (men and women)
BEST-SELLING DEAD CELEBRITY BOOKS, WEEK OF SEPT. 14, 2009
Source: Barnes & Noble 1. True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy 2. The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze 3. Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1 by Julia Child 4. Moonwalk by Michael Jackson 5. Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 2 by Julia Child 6. Michael Jackson, The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story 1958–2009 by J. Randy Taraborrelli
CONSUMERS ARE INTERESTED IN THIS MONTH .
7. Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson by Ian Halperin 8. People Tribute: Remembering Michael 1958–2009 by People Magazine 9. Michael Jackson Rolling Stone Commemorative by Rolling Stone 10. Michael Jackson Conspiracy by Aphrodite Jones and Tom Meserau
BEST-SELLING KIDS & FAMILY VIDEO GAMES, SEPT. 18, 2009
Source: Amazon.com 1. Scribblenauts—Nintendo DS 2. Wii Sports Resort—Nintendo Wii 3. Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box—Nintendo DS 4. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story—Nintendo DS 5. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days—Nintendo DS 6. Wii Fit Plus—Nintendo Wii 7. Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection—Xbox 360 8. Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel—Nintendo Wii 9. Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection—PlayStation 3 10. New Super Mario Bros.—Nintendo DS
TOP-GROSSING CHRISTMAS MOVIES 1980–PRESENT
Source: Box Office Mojo 1. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas—$260 million 2. The Polar Express—$181 million 3. Elf—$173.3 million 4. The Santa Clause—$144.8 million 5. The Santa Clause 2—$139.2 million 6. Four Christmases—$120.1 million 7. The Santa Clause 3: Escape Clause—$84.5 million 8. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas—$74.7 million 9. Christmas with the Kranks—$73.8 million 10. Fred Claus—$72 million
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TNAENTERTAI NMENTLLC 20910TH AVENUESOUTH SUI TE302 NASHVI LLE,TN 37203 ( 615)2445557 FORMOREI NFOCONTACT: JASON WALKER-j walker@tnawrestli ng. com