Licensing International Expo Show Preview

June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Licensing International Expo 2011 Show Preview Your guide to the brands and companies at this year’s big US showcase

Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Introduction

BIG IN VEGAS

Over 90 new exhibitors have signed up, making the showfloor the biggest it has ever been. The type of company attending has also diversified, showing just how far reaching licensing as an industry has become.

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SO, YOUR flights and hotel have been booked for months, your meeting schedule is pretty much full and those of us with US visas have checked, and double checked, that they’re up to date.

Last year it really felt like the licensing industry had accepted Las Vegas and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center as the new home for Licensing International. More effort had gone into the stands, the showfloor was busier and buzzier and some of the large entertainment companies, such as Warner Bros and Fox, obviously took inspiration from their glittering surroundings when it came to planning their licensee and retailer presentations.

So, this year I’m excited to see how the show can develop even further.

Over 90 new exhibitors have signed up, making the showfloor the biggest it has ever been. The type of company attending has also changed, showing just how far reaching licensing as an industry has become.

Mind Candy is a prime example of one of the new types of firm pledging support, and expect the company’s booth to be one of the most popular across the three days, with everyone hoping to pick up a few tips from the creators of Moshi Monsters. Other stands on my personal must-visit list will be eOne to find out how Peppa Pig is being welcomed by the US audience; Sega, which will be talking about its plans for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 20th anniversary; Turner CN Enterprises, which will be presenting its expanding portfolio, this year including its first fruits in the girls sector; and toy firms Hasbro and Mattel, both of which always make an effort with their stands.

Smaller UK companies, such as Bang on the Door, Santoro London and V&A, are also well worth a visit, and BBC Worldwide never disappoints.

Our guide doesn’t claim to cover every single exhibitor at the show, but it is meant to give a snapshot of the kind of companies and brands which will be present. Some of our must-visit firms and where to find them are printed on the right, and I hope to catch up with as many of you as possible during the event – either on the showfloor or in the now traditional UK industry after-hours haunt, Eyecandy.....

Samantha Loveday Samantha.Loveday@intentmedia.co.uk

highlights Bang on the Door ........................ 4 BBC Worldwide .......................... 4 Chorion ...................................... 5 Discovery Enterprises Int. ............ 6 Endemol...................................... 6 Entertainment One ...................... 6 Gogo’s Crazy Bones .................... 6 Hit Entertainment ........................ 8 Marvel ........................................ 8 Mind Candy ................................ 8 Santoro London .......................... 9 Sega .......................................... 9 Sesame Workshop .................... 10 Turner CN Enterprises ................ 11 V&A Licensing .......................... 11 Warner Bros .............................. 11

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Your guide to the show

American Greetings Properties Suite, 7, 8 & 9 Having celebrated 30 years in 2010, Strawberry Shortcake welcomes series two of Berry Bitty Adventures, while global licensing agent CPLG will continue to work with AGP on growing the programme. The brand has almost 500 licensees worldwide and has generated more than $3.6 billion in worldwide retail sales since 2002.

Meanwhile, the Care Bears has over $2.6 billion in global retail sales since 2002. This year has already seen Mindworks come on board as its licensing agent in Asia, signing more than 20 deals for the brand throughout the region.

who have developed a very imaginative range of gifts including mugs with mini plush animals, and DNC who have created some great lunchbags using Fabric Animals."

Other new deals include a range of personalised products from the Personalised Memento Company.

"We are hopeful that we will be able to meet some retail buyers on this brand, as we feel there is great scope to work with retailers to create bespoke ranges," Downes continues.

"The show creates a great environment to discuss new opportunities - indeed, it was in New York a few years ago that we brokered a DTR deal with Mothercare on BOTD that is still active today."

Art Impressions Booth 4076 Among the brands showcased by the firm in Vegas will be Skelanimals, So So Happy and Milky Way & the Galaxy Girls.

Lifestyle brand Skelanimals has already generated approximately $150 million in global retail sales, also picking up LIMA's Best Character Brand accolade in 2010.

Meanwhile, apparel, fashion accessories, footwear, plush toys and novelties are available for So So Happy, with pop-up shops in key US boutiques. Milky Way & the Galaxy Girls has been created by animator Lauren Faust, who has worked on My Little Pony and The Powerpuff Girls.

BBC Worldwide Booth 5458 The commercial arm of the BBC will be seeking new partners for key brands such as Top Gear, Doctor Who, BBC Earth, Lonely Planet, Dancing with the Stars, In the Night Garden and Charlie & Lola among others.

Highlights will undoubtedly be Top Gear, which since January to date has seen 7.2 million viewers tune into BBC America to watch the UK version. The US version on History attracted the youngest audience on the channel ever, reaching nearly 60 million viewers.

Last month almost 1.8 million viewers tuned into BBC America to catch the latest season of Doctor Who. US talk show host Craig Ferguson has a Tardis on the studio desk of his CBS show, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, while he also devoted one entire episode to Doctor Who with Matt Smith as a guest. Karen Gillan has also appeared with Ferguson; plus in early May, NBC's The Today Show aired a segment which featured host Meredith Vieira's trip to the set of Doctor Who in the UK, as well as her on screen role which will air in new episodes on BBC America this autumn.

Bang on the Door Booth 4379 Bang On The Door and Start Licensing will be looking to meet up with UK licensees and retailers to discuss the brand, which is now in its 25th year.

"We have had great success in the UK with Fabric Animals, a reworking of Bang on the Door's classic animals," says Ian Downes, MD of Start. "Licensees include Bluebird Brands

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Beanstalk Group Booth 5063 Beanstalk will be showcasing a wide range of properties. These will include Stanley Black & Decker, HGTV, AT&T, US Army, Airheads, Jaguar, Land Rover and Salma Hayek, as well as European clients such as Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniel's and Sean John.

Beanstalk has recently added DIY Network, Old Bay and David Tutera to its roster. Earlier this year, Nancy Bailey & Associates became a division of Beanstalk.

Big Idea Entertainment Booth 5452 Pre-school series Veggie Tales will be launching new products in several categories.

These will include floor and tabletop cardboard play-sets, interactive kids' video booths, removable wall art and karaoke CDs. Big Tent Entertainment Booth 4157 Big Tent will be announcing a major cable entertainment brand in its portfolio.

On top of this, it will also be discussing the latest developments for animated character Domo; the Discovery Kids and TLC brands; personalisation product PixFusion; Miffy & Friends; and Purple Ronnie.

Bruno Productions Booth 3885 Bruno will be showcasing a new sentimentled property, Soft Spots. The range includes six collectable Dalmatian puppies such as Sunny, Beauty, Trouble, Sad and Tickly.

Angel Cat Sugar will also be a major focus.

From the original creator of Hello Kitty, Yuko Shimizu, there are over 300 products available in Asia, Europe and the US, plus over two million items sold only in Europe.

Other properties will include Wooly and Calimero.

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

CBS Consumer Products Booth 5437 CBS will continue to translate its portfolio of film and TV properties into new interactive platforms and consumer products.

The 'bebe for 90210' apparel collection, worn on-air by the actresses, will feature new lines throughout 2011. Expanded live event programmes last year brought Britain’s Next Top Model Live to UK fans and Star Trek Live to over 50 venues, along with its home at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This year, Survivor: Live opens at Six Flags theme park.

The Showtime portfolio - including Dexter, Weeds, Californication and Nurse Jackie - will be expanded into new categories, while CBS will also be celebrating the 60th anniversary of I Love Lucy, plus there will be anniversaries for Cheers and Mighty Mouse in 2012.

Finally, Star Trek expands its interactive gaming platforms, leading up to the Star Trek film sequel in 2012.

Cepia LLC Booth 1884 Having begun as a toy property, ZhuZhu Pets has been steadily branching out into other licensed sectors. Indeed, it has grown from the original four interactive hamsters into a range of pets and play-sets.

Lisle International is the master licensing agent, with sub agents in key territories including Character Licensing & Marketing

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(South Africa), Stella Projects (Australia/New Zealand) and Kidz Entertainment/EEMC (Nordics and Eastern Europe). New developments for the brand include a 72minute 3D, CGI animated DVD - The Quest for Zhu - launching later this year, plus a second movie planned for 2012, Power of Zhu. Chapman Entertainment Booth D412 The debut Roary the Racing Car DVD, which features episodes not previously seen on TV, will launch on June 7th from Lionsgate and Hit Entertainment. The toy line is also available exclusively at Toys R Us in the US. Meanwhile, Fifi and the Flowertots airs on Sprout and Chapman will be hoping to gain further attention at the show. Also on the firm's booth will be new properties Little Charley Bear and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion.

Chorion Booth 4860 Octonauts debuted strong on lead broadcasters Cbeebies (UK), TF1 (France), ABC (Australia), Discovery Kids (Latam) and is due to air on Disney Junior (US) in 2012. FisherPrice, the master toy partner, is launching the toy line this year, while Simon & Schuster will publish further TV tie-in books, too.

Olivia also remains important for the firm. It airs globally in over 130 countries, and following the successful debut at retailers in

the US and Australia last year, new toys, apparel, accessories and books themed Olivia: Princess for a Day will launch in the autumn based on a new DVD special.

Gaspard and Lisa, plus Noddy, Mr Men and Little Miss, The World of Eric Carle, The World of Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, Spot and Flower Fairies will also be on the booth.

Classic Media Booth 5452 "Licensing Show is the big event," says Nicole Blake, EVP, marketing and consumer products at Classic Media. "The show's tremendous international presence offers the perfect chance to go beyond the standard video conferences and emails to meet with partners from all over the world in person."

The firm will be gearing up for Where’s Waldo? A Fantastic Journey and the 25th anniversary of the brand in 2012, while Postman Pat is already involved in 30th birthday celebrations this year.

Pre-school brand Tinga Tinga Tales continues to roll out worldwide - it premiered in the US on Disney Junior earlier this year, with the consumer products launch expected in autumn 2012. Finally, 1980s classic Voltron is being updated, with a new animated series, Voltron Force, due to debut in the US on Nicktoons, and other key broadcasters worldwide, this year. Mattel and THQ are already on board for consumer products.

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Counterpoint Systems Booth D303 This will be the 15th year that Counterpoint is exhibiting at the show. The firm is a leader in software solutions for contract and rights management, royalty accounting and product licensing for the media, entertainment, licensing and music industries.

Discovery Enterprises International Booth 2675 DEI will be making its debut on the show floor, with its international kids’ licensing programme being a key focus. The strategy focuses on three brands - Animal Planet, which already boasts 45 licensees with new toys and books launching this year; Doki, the host of the Discovery Kids network across Latin America, who has over 50 licensees; and Explore Your World.

Aimed at boys aged six to 12, the Explore Your World programme will focus on product categories such as science and spy kits, outdoor, role play, electronics, publishing and interactive.

Elvis Presley Enterprises Booth 3277 EPE will be unveiling the artwork which will be used throughout 2012 on merchandise and advertising for the 35th anniversary celebrations of the icon.

The artwork features a variety of Elvis silhouettes in bright, contemporary colours along with the type ‘ELVIS PR35LEY’.

Licensed merchandise featuring the 2012 artwork will begin to appear at retail around Thanksgiving this year.

Endemol Worldwide Brands Booth 2684 Endemol is another first time exhibitor.

Bananas in Pyjamas has aired in more than 70 countries and the stars of the show, B1 and B2, will be in Vegas to launch the new animated adventures. Meanwhile, there will be an exclusive screening of the first episode of Matt Hatter Chronicles on the Monday evening before the show.

Other properties on display will include game show The Money Drop; children's horror series, The Haunting Hour; Miss France, which follows the country’s largest

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beauty competition; plus global formats Wipeout, 101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow, and Deal or No Deal and 1 vs 100, plus, of course, successful reality format Big Brother.

Entertainment One Booth D309 eOne will be revealing ambitious plans to build on the momentum which has been growing in the US since Peppa Pig launched on Nick Jr. The brand debuted in the US in February, with the consumer and trade response surpassing all expectations. Meanwhile, in the UK, Peppa Pig World, a themed attraction at Paultons Family Theme Park in Hampshire, has further helped to build awareness for the brand. The property has 63 partners on board and last year at retail it grossed £200 million, retaining its position as one of the nation's top selling pre-school brands. eOne is now focusing on developing opportunities in the FMCG and promotions categories.

Peppa Pig also continues to perform strongly internationally, in Spain, Central and Eastern Europe, Portugal, Italy, Australia and South Africa. eOne will be using the show as a platform to reveal a major new toy partnership for Peppa Pig in the US. Other properties on the booth will include Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom and Humf.

Fox Consumer Products Booth 2984 The world’s longest running scripted show, The Simpsons, is about to celebrate its 500th episode, while Family Guy has been running for ten years and Glee’s popularity keeps growing.

On the big screen, Alvin and the Chipmunks are Chipwrecked, while Scrat triggers a worldchanging cataclysm in Ice Age: Continental Drift, and new animation Leaf Men arrives from Blue Sky Studios. Tim Burton’s new 3D action thriller, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, plus Ridley Scott's sci-fi epic, Prometheus will also be discussed.

FremantleMedia Enterprises Booth 2668 Idols is one of the most successful television formats across the world, produced in more than 40 territories and distributed to over 100.

American Idol is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and for the last seven

years it has been a number one TV show in the US. Worldwide it has launched the careers of over 50 solo artists.

Meanwhile, The X Factor is making its debut in the US this year. It is one of the UK's biggest shows, with the finale of the last series peaking with an audience of 21 million a 65 per cent audience share. It is also highly rated in the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece. FME is seeking licensees in all categories across consumer products, online, promotions and sponsorship.

FME will also be pushing Rebecca Bonbon, the design property from the creator of Hello Kitty. The brand is sold exclusively in the US at Kmart and Sears, and widely available in most major Western European countries. Also on the booth will be Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent.

Gogo’s Crazy Bones/Martomagic Booth 4478 Gogo’s is now the number one selling toy/collectable in the UK, Spain, Germany, Benelux, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand. The product also shifts solid numbers in the Nordics, Italy and the US. Indeed, Gogo's is growing so quickly in the US that it is already the second biggest collectable brand in Wal-mart.

"Gogo’s Crazy Bones has sparked one of the biggest collecting crazes of all time and this popularity is showing absolutely no signs of abating, with each release of new characters leading to a buying frenzy," says Rob Corney, MD of licensing agent Bulldog. "Licensees are understandably keen to be a part of this and Las Vegas gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with potential partners from across the globe who are interested in joining the Gogo’s phenomenon."

Hakan Canta Booth 5625 Hakan Canta is a leader in the back to school category in Turkey, while its merchandise is distributed across more than 50 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Its range of licences includes Barbie, Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants and Hello Kitty among others, while it is currently enjoying good success with its NBA-branded collection.

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Hit Entertainment Booth 5015 Hit will focus on a number of properties at the show including Thomas & Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Barney, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and Rainbow Magic. The firm also represents Aardman brands Shaun the Sheep and Timmy Time, plus Chapman’s Roary the Racing Car. Forthcoming animated feature length movie Day of the Diesels will be a key highlight from Thomas & Friends.

To support the autumn launch, licensees worldwide, including Fisher-Price, Random House, Egmont, Mega Bloks and Learning Curve, will be creating over 75 tie-in products such as books, games, engines, play-sets, apparel, bedding and accessories.

A new DVD is also due featuring Angelina Ballerina. The Shining Star Trophy debuts in August, accompanied by new products.

Visitors to the Hit booth will also be treated to a look at Mike the Knight, a new preschool series set in the medieval land of Glendragon. Episodes are due to be delivered to broadcasters in the autumn and over 20 licensees are currently on board.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment Booth 2457 Lifestyle show This Morning has undergone a creative re-brand which has been a hit with viewers and created a launch platform for new homeware and cooking product ranges.

Brand extensions can also be expected from Loose Women and Coronation Street.

New drama on the horizon for 2012 includes the hotly tipped Titanic which marks the centenary of the ship’s sinking, while Alan Titchmarsh is also coming to ITV with UK gardening show, Love Your Garden.

Other properties on the ITV booth will include Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares and Come Dine With Me. Lisa Marks Associates Booth 4618 LMA has signed up to develop the first ever licensing programme for Sassy, a key name in the infant development area. It has earmarked the multimedia content, publishing, apparel and accessories, food and room décor.

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The firm has also signed up two properties from Sean D’Anconia - Stark Raving Mod and Mayumi-chan. Women’s humour property, My Friend Ronnie, will also be on the booth, alongside the CF Martin guitar brand, Just Born and sour candy brand Warheads among others.

Lucasfilm Booth 4427 Since its debut more than three decades ago, Star Wars has continued to grow, expanding through film, television, publishing, video games and more.

The key news is that Episode I The Phantom Menace will get a 3D release on February 10th, 2012 across cinemas.

On top of this, Lucasfilm will also be talking about further developments in The Clone Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.

Lunartics Booth D618 Lunartics will be showcasing its first ever range of apps on its stand. Developed in conjunction with media content provider, Mobile Software House, a range of over 40 Lunartics apps will be available to download for iPhone, iPad and Android from the summer.

The initial range is made up of simple free games to introduce the brand, extending through paid for games which provide an interactive experience of the Lunartics world.

Elsewhere, the brand has been building up its profile in the licensing space. Funky Pigeon has released a new range of personalised cards, while the core line of stationery and paper goods is available across the UK. An initial limited range of posters, notebooks and gift stationery is also selling well in independent High Street stores.

Marvel Entertainment Booth 5632 Marvel is continuing to support its theatrical slate which includes the recently released Thor, plus upcoming The First Avenger: Captain America (July 22nd 2011) and Marvel's The Avengers (May 4th 2012).

The company’s approach to the portfolio is long-term and expansive, establishing the ‘Avengers Assemble’ umbrella theme as the tent pole franchise which will help drive

licensed product sales through 2012 and beyond. Partners already on board include master toy Hasbro, plus Hallmark, Franklin and Maisto.

Meanwhile, the company is also continuing to build its animated property The Super Hero Squad Show, among others, as it looks to drive awareness for key brands outside of the film window.

In addition, Marvel is also looking to make more of the Black Widow character, creating a lifestyle brand targeting females.

Mind Candy Booth 5669 Mind Candy will be unleashing the Moshi Monsters in Las Vegas for the first time as it ramps up its North American licensing programme.

Moshi Monsters now has over 40 million registered users in more than 150 countries worldwide. The website forms the heart of the experience, which combines adoptable pet monsters, secure social networking, games, missions and educational puzzles.

The brand has also expanded offline with a range of toys (Vivid, Spin Master), books (Penguin, Scholastic), trading cards (Topps) and the UK’s largest selling kids magazine.

After Vivid’s success with the toy line in the UK, Spin Master will launch its collection this summer in the US. Books, trading cards and several other categories are now on shelf across all key territories.

Mind Candy is also in talks on music projects, live tours, a TV platform and a Moshi Monsters movie.

MGA Entertainment Booth 4463 The MGA family includes such brands as Bratz, Moxie Girls, Lalaloopsy and Little Tikes.

Bratz celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2010 and, as well as the dolls, the brand has grown to encompass products including room décor, electronics, stationery, luggage, sporting goods, games, puzzles and accessories.

Meanwhile, the Moxie Girls and Lalaloopsy brands are newer, while Little Tikes adds a male element to MGA’s portfolio with the property including toys, furniture and ride-ons among other products.

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Mondo TV Booth 5628 Playtime Buddies is an animated pre-school series, made up of 52 13-minute episodes.

MEG is the worldwide master toy partner, with a collection of products launching in the autumn. A range of licensing opportunities are available, including apparel, fashion, accessories, bedding, greetings, confectionery, toiletries, plush, home and gifting among others.

Puppy In My Pocket: Adventures in Pocketville boasts Giochi Preziosi as the master toy in EMEA and MEG for the rest of the world. The show will be launching on Cartoon Network and Boomerang in EMEA from July, followed by Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand in October. Turner CN Enterprises has the licensing rights.

Finally, Angels Friends will return after a successful first season, with a made-for-TV movie and a second series.

Nancy Bailey & Associates Booth 5063 Having become a division of Beanstalk in January this year, Nancy Bailey will be highlighting clients including Energizer, Eveready, Coppertone, Nesquik, Chiquita, Fresh Express, Old Bay, Arby’s, Pennzoil, Quaker State and Travelocity.

Nelvana Enterprises Booth 4832 Beyblade: Metal Fusion has been airing on key broadcast networks in over 45 countries, reaching its highest audience numbers to date this spring on Cartoon Network US and YTV Canada. It is also a top rated series on Gulli France, Nick Germany and Boing Spain among others.

The property has over 100 international licensees including Konami, Basic Fun, Tech4Kids, Van der Erve, Leomil, Panini, Belltex and Cartorama. Available categories vary by country but include apparel, accessories, party goods, sports equipment and home furnishings.

Regional Beyblade battle tournaments from master toy licensee Hasbro will begin in late summer in the US, with winners being sent to the national tournament at Comic-Con in New York on October 16th.

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Also on the Nelvana booth will be Babar and the Adventures of Badou. France is leading the charge in terms of licensing, with products hitting shelves to celebrate Babar’s 80th anniversary. Key categories include toy, publishing, apparel and accessories, home furnishings and stationery.

Pacific Entertainment Booth 1577 The Baby Genius brand will be welcoming a range of new characters at the show. Joining Vinko, DJ, Tempo and Frankie, the newcomers will be the focus of a major QSR promotion launching in 2012, as well as a series of iOS applications.

At the show, Pacific will be seeking partners in a wide variety of categories to complement the new branding initiatives, as well as its worldwide master toy licence deal with Tollytots, a division of Jakks Pacific.

Penguin Young Readers Group Booth 4044 Penguin’s pre-school character line is based on classics and best sellers such as Corduroy, Froggy, Llama Llama, Skippyjon Jones, Ladybug Girl, Otis and Cowgirl. Each is available for toys, games, activities, soft goods and domestic items.

The firm is also looking to make the most of consumer demand for young adult novels such as The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod and Vampire Academy, seeking partnerships in accessories, apparel and social expression.

Meanwhile, the lifestyle brand inspired by the art of New York Times best selling author and illustrator, Jan Brett, is debuting this year.

The World of Jan Brett offers designs for both seasonal and every day items. Finally, Penguin will be pushing Mad Libs for the games, stationery, accessories and social expression categories.

Plain Lazy Booth 3976 Plain Lazy, and its global agent JELC, are expecting a good reaction from North American retailers and licensees.

Already well-known in the UK, the lifestyle brand has expanded beyond its apparel roots into such items as bed linen, bags, backpacks, stationery and paper products.

Next licences to hit the market will be BMX bikes, car accessories, mugs, trays, sunglasses and gift toiletries.

“Plain Lazy is now an established and fast growing lifestyle brand in its home market and we have enormous confidence in its prospects across the North American market as a whole,” says Glenn Stevens, head of sales at Plain Lazy.

Jane Evans, MD of JELC, adds: “Plain Lazy is a high quality brand that is both different and universally appealing - and it’s perfect for the North American market.”

Santoro London Booth 3879 Based in the Fashion Zone on the showfloor, Santoro London will be showing off new fine art brand, Gorjuss.

Products launched to date include greeting cards, postcards, gifts, fashion bags, accessories and arts and crafts, all of which have exceeded the firm’s initial sales expectations.

The artwork features stripy-socked female characters, wildlife and childhood toys, all pictured in heartfelt situations with thoughtprovoking titles.

Sega Booth D709 Video games publisher Sega will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog on June 23rd, so the video game character will be taking centre stage for the firm in Las Vegas.

Visitors will get the chance to preview new game, Sonic Generations, which celebrates the history of the brand with a dual mode offering players the option to play as Classic or Modern Sonic.

In the 20 years that Sonic video games have been available, the brand has achieved over 70 million sales worldwide, becoming one of the most recognised icons of the video gaming industry.

On top of this, there have also been comics, toys and apparel, plus three animated TV series in the mix.

Sega is now looking to grow the licensing programme, with international opportunities in publishing, collectibles and apparel among other categories.

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Sesame Workshop Suite 3 and 4 Hasbro became the global master toy for Sesame Street in January and it will be taking a different approach to developing the toy brand, says the firm. It will be expanding its offering of characters to showcase the ensemble cast, with consumers seeing a yearround business with products which are more interactive and educational.

Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has also introduced Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster, a new video game developed by Double Fine Productions. On top of this, Sesame Workshop has unveiled new apps featuring the characters, encouraging children to explore the alphabet and numbers, as well as to read books on an array of digital devices.

Internationally, the business continues to do well in Australia and China, while it has enjoyed renewed success in Canada and the UK. Consumers have responded positively to the apparel line and Sesame Beginnings.

Promotions around the brand’s 40th anniversary in Germany and 35th in the Netherlands are also planned.

Suzy's Zoo Studios Booth 1781 The firm was created over 43 years ago by artist Suzy Spafford, the three character sets include Classic Suzy’s Zoo (Duckport), Little Suzy's Zoo and Wags and Whiskers.

Originally a hit in the greetings cards and social expressions categories, it was with the creation of baby/toddler brand Little Suzy’s Zoo that the firm found itself in the mass market, with apparel and accessories generating over $250 million each year in the US. Classic Suzy’s Zoo is also a hit in Japan, while in the UK four new licensees have recently come on board for publishing, babywear, apparel, baby accessories and games and puzzles.

Additional plans will include a new social media platform due in the summer, plus an animated TV series which is likely to air in autumn 2012.

The Giochi Preziosi Group Booth 5427 Gormiti already has an impressive list of licensees, although more opportunities are now opening up as the first series of the TV

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show launches in new territories. A second and third series bring the total number of episodes to 65.

The third series - The Neorganic Evolution is already broadcasting in Italy and will be debuting in other countries from this autumn.

Meanwhile, Puppy in my Pocket: Adventures in Pocketville has secured numerous international licensing deals in its first year. The cartoon is due to hit screens across EMEA this summer on Turner Broadcasting’s TV channels.

Finally, new boys property Dino Froz will be on show for the first time. Already a wellknown toy brand, there will be a TV series co-produced with Mondo TV. “Our properties have seen tremendous growth over the past year, with an increasing number of prestigious partnerships across the globe,” says Graziano Delmaestro, licensing director. “We are looking forward to revealing details about our new exciting property, Dino Froz, which we believe has a unique edge and great prospects for licensees.”

The Guide to the Licensing World Booth 2882 The Guide to the Licensing World is the most comprehensive international printed reference directory available on the brand and character licensing industry.

It references over 27,000 property listings such as characters, films and personalities, with over 1,900 licensing agents in more than 80 countries worldwide. It also has approximately 1,500 licensees and hundreds of specialist services - all fully supported by a regularly updated online guide.

The Jim Henson Company Booth 4611 Jim Henson will showcase a slate of new and existing brands, with its mission to expand its current roster of Henson Family Brands, Henson Independent Properties and adult/legacy titles.

The Family Brands category includes Pajanimals, Dinosaur Train, Fraggle Rock, The Possibility Shop, Sid the Science Kid, Wilson & Ditch, Jim Hensen’s Creature Shop and The Skrumps. Meanwhile, newest brand to join the HIP line-up is Psyclops, which was first introduced back in 2009 as a mobile

application which allows consumers to create unique animations and music videos synced to their iPods. Also part of the HIP roster are The String Doll Gang, model and entertainer Lauren Hutton and Skatelab.

Finally, the firm’s Legacy titles include Labyrinth - which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year - plus Dark Crystal and Jim Henson Designs.

The Sharpe Company Booth 1681 Sharpe has picked up the rights to represent four new and diverse properties in North America: picture book and animated TV special, The Gruffalo; classic video games franchise, Worms; social expression property, The Interesting Thoughts of Edward Monkton; and ViP, a kitsch collection of images inspired by the adult movie industry of the 1970s.

In addition, the firm is looking for new ways to exploit the Rubik’s Cube brand, and also has plans to monetise the 12 million+ Facebook fans that Mr Bean has gathered in the last alone. Norton Motorcycles is gearing up for the introduction of new bikes into the US, which is expected to have an impact on the North American licensing programme.

Also new to Sharpe’s roster is UK fashion forward designer and illustrator Reilly; TV animation Dennis & Gnasher; baby and toddler brand Goochicoo; and automotive property, King Dick Tools. The firm continues to represent Humphrey’s Corner, New Zealand’s Illicit Clothing, animal photography from Italy My Best Pals and Roland Rat. The Smiley Company Booth 5221 The Smiley brand will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012, with the firm planning a year-long campaign of activity including art expos, music festivals and fashion collaborations.

The company will be actively looking for partners and sponsors to come on board to join in with the celebrations at the show. 500 limited edition tins have been created, which include a book introducing the anniversary plans, plus a facsimile of the newspapers which launched the first smiley. All the tins and facsimiles have been signed by Franklin Loufrani, president of The Smiley Company.

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Licensing International Expo 2011 June 14th - 16th 2011 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas

Turner CN Enterprises Booth 5046 TCNE will be entering the girls sector with Spin Master property Zoobles, and MEG, Giochi Preziosi and Mondo TV’s Puppy In My Pocket.

Meanwhile, pre-school has been earmarked as a key growth area and TCNE will be using the launch of the EMEA pre-school channel Cartoonito to work with new partners such as Endemol - creator of Bananas in Pyjamas - and Vodka Capital - Jelly Jamm - to drive growth in this area. These are the channel's flagship licensing shows and TCNE will be looking to sign up partners in Vegas.

TCNE is also looking to cover the six to 12 age group with online interactive characters Toonix. The property already has nine million registered users in Latam and are due to launch across EMEA. The Cartoon Pop licensing programme will represent TCNE’s bundle of comedy shows including Chowder, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends and Adventure Time - a new US hit due to launch across Cartoon Network EMEA this year.

For teens, TCNE is again working with Spin Master on Tech Deck. The line of authentic miniature fingerboards is already a growing sport across EMEA and TCNE will be looking to extend it into new categories. Additionally, the firm will be talking about its successful retro properties within the Cartoon Network Originals portfolio. It will also be showcasing its new furniture design collection.

Following the Lett’s deal for CNN and Environmental Justine Foundation apparel deal for Captain Planet, TCN is now entering the adult licensing world using its back catalogue of brands and legacy properties. And, of course, the booth wouldn't be complete without Ben 10, Bakugan and latest boys property, Generator Rex. In addition to existing partners such as Mattel, Activision and Mega Brands, 60 licensees have already been announced and new partners are due to be signed at the show.

V&A Licensing Booth 2154 V&A will be unveiling some previously unseen riches from its archives. In 2012, the V&A will stage a major exhibition, British Design 19482012, due to open in March to coincide with the London Olympics.

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The exhibition documents the transformation of design in Britain since the post-war 'austerity' Games of 1948 and will showcase 60 years of British creative talent.

The exhibition offers V&A licensees a range of new opportunities. For example, some of the textiles from the 50s, 60s and 70s in the exhibition, have only recently been uncovered.

Viz Media Europe Booth 2481b Viz will be showcasing its line-up of Japanese properties, as well as revealing new franchises Nura, Yokai, Beelzebub and Tiger & Bunny.

They will line up along with classic anime hits such as Bleach - which has sold 50 million manga/graphic novels worldwide, has a TV series broadcast in 15 countries in Europe and 20 licensing partners. It will also be showing Hamtaro, Kilari and Blue Dragon.

In addition, Viz is looking to expand the licensing programmes for two properties in France: Sanrio’s Jewelpet and Inazuma 11, which is a soccer-themed animated TV series.

Warner Bros Consumer Products Booth 3254 Leading the WBCP entertainment line-up is hotly tipped The Dark Knight Rises, which is pencilled in for a summer 2012 release.

Building on DC’s roster, the Batman Live stage show will be touring arenas around the world, following a tie up between WBCP, DC and Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions.

The roster is also highlighted by Green Lantern, which arrives in cinemas on June 17th, supported by master toy licensee Mattel, while there will also be Green Lantern: The Animated Series. This will form part of Cartoon Network’s new multiplatform programming block, DC Nation, featuring DC Comics characters and launching in the 20112012 season. Warner’s DC line-up also includes Superman in a new feature film, plus Batman in a new animated series, Wonder Woman and The Flash among others. WBCP also represents DC Entertainment’s licensed publishing business.

The Looney Tunes continues as a cornerstone of the portfolio, with multiplatform worldwide support and a number of initiatives including the animated series, The Looney Tunes Show on Cartoon

Network. Also due to air on the channel this year is the new-look Thundercats, with Bandai America on board a master toy.

Scooby-Doo and Hanna-Barbera remain key, while Harry Potter continues to be high profile, with the hotly anticipated finale - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - due in cinemas on July 15th, as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and the touring exhibition.

Zinkia Entertainment Booth 1856 Zinkia will be unveiling its newly restructured consumer products business for its Pocoyo property. Pocoyo has more than 150 licensees worldwide. Zinkia is aiming to grow the brand even further - and build it on a global scale with new partnerships, new content, digital expansion and marketing. Indeed, Pocoyo is already doing well online - the brand’s YouTube channel gets 40 million hits monthly; the official Facebook page has almost 400,000 fans; while Pocoyo.com has doubled its unique users in just over eight months.

Zodiak Rights Booth 2661 Zodiak will be showcasing a range of its own properties, as well as highlights from Marathon Media.

There are now three series of pre-school show Little Princess, based on the children's picture book series by author/illustrator Tony Ross. The series currently airs in the UK and on numerous channels internationally.

The new series of Waybuloo, meanwhile, introduces viewers to the Piplings' new homes, each decorated to their individual personalities.

Currently airing in 79 countries worldwide, there will be international licensing programmes rolling out in Australia and New Zealand.

Animated adventure Redakai is set to air on Cartoon Network in the US this year, with master toy partner Spin Master launching a trading card game and range of toys.

Saddle Club is now the fastest growing horse brand, with success in video, audio, NDS, stationery, apparel, home textiles, toys and publishing. Finally, interactive live action show Yo Gabba Gabba has recently enjoyed a sold out tour in the US, as well as appearing at the White House.

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