LTW

October 2015

HASBRO Gives Dickie Toys the keys to

Who says you can’t be curious...

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or show your true colours?

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CALL OF DUTY

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#1 BESTSELLING FRANCHISE Outselling All Other Console Game Franchises Since 2005 Worldwide 1

GUITAR HERO

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#1 MUSIC US C G GAME

Franchise of All Time 2 Returns

©2015 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS and stylized roman numeral III are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. 1Based on North American and EU physical game sales through July 31, 2015 according to the NPD Group, GFK Chart-track and Activision Blizzard internal estimates ©2015 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION and GUITAR HERO are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. 2 According to the NPD Group, GFK Chart-track life-to-date retail sales data for North America and EU.

TM

SKYLANDERS OVER $ $3 BILLION

in Retail Revenue Life-To-Date 3

DESTINY BIGGEST NEW

Video Game Franchise Launch in History 4

FOR LICENSING & PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE CONTACT LICENSING@ACTIVISION.COM ©2015 Activision Publishing, Inc. SKYLANDERS, SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS and ACTIVISION are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. 3 According to the NPD Group, GFK Chart-track and Activision Blizzard internal estimates, including toys and accessories. ©2015 Bungie, Inc. All rights reserved. Destiny, the Destiny logo, Bungie and the Bungie logo are among the trademarks of Bungie, Inc. Published and distributed by Activision. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. 4 According to the NPD Group, GFK Chart-track and Activision Blizzard internal estimates.

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licensing T O D A Y

W O R L D W I D E October 2015

Regulars 9 The Leader

the team Director Mark Naish Mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

10 News

P40

14 People News 16 Coffee Break 18 Media News

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20 Movie News 24 Licensing Talk

Features

Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

22 Licensor Spotlight Hasbro details its licensing developments in fashion, toys and games

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40 BLE Interview Insight into this year’s Brand Licensing Europe from Event Director, Darren Brechin 42 New to BLE First time exhibitors reveal why they had to be at BLE 2015 46 BLE Show Guide Exhibitors reveal what, where and why they are exhibiting in your comprehensive 2015 show guide - including full exhibitor list

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94 BLE Heritage A focus on the most storied brands exhibiting at BLE 2015

30 Property Spotlight The Smiley Company CEO Nicolas Loufrani talks global expansion and success in APAC

102 The Media Whisperer TV industry veteran Clive Crouch channels Dr Johnson to reflect on licensing’s vast cultural impact

34 Focus on…

Pesky Productions The talent behind CBeebies hit Boj reveals licensing plans and new properties

Media Solutions Manager

Special Reports

Bradley Mason bradley@lemapublishing.co.uk

26 Licensee Spotlight KD Group reveals its dedication to bringing properties to life in the licensed electronic toy sector

35 Five Minutes with…

DreamWorks Animation - Head of CP, EMEA, Andrew Alsop shares CP developments of familiar and new brands

Group Advertising Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

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36 Anniversary Spotlight Saltkråkan celebrates 70 years of Pippi Longstocking and creator Astrid Lindgren’s other timeless characters

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

P22 P36

Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2UB

Telephone: +44 (0) 1442 289930

www.ltwmag.com The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher.

103 Art Buyer autumn issue Surtex, BLE and Blue Print are the big trade art licensing shows for autumn/winter with previews in Art Buyer along with a full Exhibition Diary, artist and agency spotlights, a look at Winsor & Newton’s latest development for artists, designer Christopher Vine talks tabletop and stationery, lenticular specialist Michael Searle goes hiking, and the Last Word comes from consultant Vicki Thomas reflecting on 30 years in the business.

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If you would like to subscribe to any of our other market leading titles please call Robert Thomas on 01442 289930 or email your request to robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Mirella Anstey

T

his we know to be true – Brand Licensing Europe boasts of the largest character parade in Europe. That is really something special when you consider it. Last year, over 7,000 people visited from 71 different countries and this year, organisers expect that figure to increase. So what can we take from all this? Well, what we need to understand is that this industry, our industry, is vitally important to the global economy – and it nails a good character parade!

As BLE approaches, we turn our minds towards what will make its mark in 2016, what properties will be seen as the next “must have”.

One thing you can guarantee is our friends at Hasbro will surely have their hands on a hot property. This month, LTW sat down with Grant Gie and Katherine Buckland to find out what the company’s focus is for the coming year. Grant tells us about working with licensees who “understand the brand value of our portfolio”. Grant also announces a new licensing agreement with Dickie Toys. Together the companies will develop a line of Transformers branded vehicles and playsets that will debut in 2016. You’ll find the interview with Katherine and Grant on page 22.

LTW also speaks with President of the KD Group, Luis Bravo. As licensed specialists, Luis talks us through the company’s approach to dealing with licensors while also acting as educators and high-tech specialists. You’ll find the licensee spotlight on page 26. A childhood hero of our editor Mairead Wilmot is Pippi Longstocking, so she was beyond thrilled to get to grips with Saltkrakan, the company behind Pippi. Next year is Pippi’s 70th anniversary and the company are looking to expand its licensing programme around author Astrid Lindgren’s body of works. Check out page 36 for the lowdown. Finally, LTW will be at BLE on stand B115 we can’t wait to see you there!

Sales@Cartamundi.co.uk Ph: +44 1268 511 522 www.shuffle.cards

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LTW W NEWS

Barbie is in the mix

Busting into 2016 in style It’s one of Hollywood’s most hotly anticipated film releases of 2016, and Rocket Licensing has got in on the act.

Ghostbusters is coming to a film screen near you soon and Rocket Licensing recently announced that it is managing the UK and Ireland licensing campaign on behalf of Sony Pictures.

The film, scheduled to appear on screens worldwide in July 2016, is already attracting a major buzz not just from film fans but from licensing and retail worldwide.

The campaign for Ghostbusters 2016 has already signed Mattel as global master toy licensee. For the first phase of the UK licensing campaign Rocket is targeting publishing, apparel, nightwear, underwear,

social stationery, stationery, confectionery, gifts and homeware.

And there’s likely to be even more; the film’s multigenerational appeal lends itself to licensing across a wide range of categories.

Mark Caplan, SVP, Global Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment, says: “Of the top film events of the coming year this is possibly the one that has the highest levels of awareness and anticipation — from both filmgoers and the licensing community. We’re looking forward enormously to bringing the new Ghostbusters to a waiting world and delighted that Rocket, with its excellent work on the Classic brand, will be building the licensing campaign for the new brand in the UK and Ireland.”

Take your shopping to bed Shopkins is one of the hottest licenses around at the moment and Character World have got their hands on it.

The company has launched an exclusive bedding and accessories range featuring the brand.

Over the past year, more than 65 million Shopkins products have been sold in 50 countries, making them one of the most popular toys in the world. It is estimated that over five million Shopkins are produced every week.

Character World has launched a full Shopkins range including single duvets sets, shaped cushions, ponchos and towels. The products are available to retailers across the UK.

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Girlband Little Mix has teamed up with Mattel’s Barbie for a new campaign to celebrate Barbie with her Rock ‘n Royals launch.

Through the medium of music, Barbie is encouraging girls to express themselves and ‘Raise Your Voice’.

The campaign began on 1 September and runs until 18 October with Nickelodeon joining the partnership.

The campaign includes sponsorship, TV promotion and online banner advertising featuring Little Mix. The lucky winner will be selected by Little Mix and will get to meet the band at one of their concerts.

Girls have had a chance to enter a singing competition in addition to celebrating the launch of the new Barbie in Rock ‘n Royals DVD and toy range.

The campaign will be supported with a fully integrated marketing campaign across TV, digital, social and retail including partnership with major mum and girl’s websites. Mattel has sustainably increased investment in the Barbie brand in the second half of the year which includes the ‘Raise Your Voice Campaign’ plus an upweighted TV plan.

A first for Peppa In a first for our favourite little pig, Peppa, Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) has revealed details of its Peppa Pig Halloween seasonal retail and broadcast activity.

To coincide with the broadcast debut of the brand new ‘Pumpkin Party’ episode, eOne has collaborated with selected partners to develop a new Halloween themed collection of Peppa apparel, publishing and home entertainment products poised to launch at retail this October.

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Pammee stands out One of Aurora World’s most popular YooHoo & Friends characters, Pammee, is set to make her mark on the licensing world.

The company has sold over 40 millions pieces of YooHoo & Friends’ Plush and Pammee stands out as the most popular girls’ character in the range.

The character is now being offered as a standalone license under the title of “Pammee Boutique”. This is complemented by a dedicated Pammee plush line for Aurora World, called Princess Pammee. Aurora World are initially targeting licences in the apparel and accessories categories. Catch them at BLE on Stand C001.

Be an ‘appy Brat

License This! finalists announced for BLE Brand Licensing Europe will be a nervous time for the four finalists of the License! This competition.

The winner will be announced on Thursday 15 October, the final day of the exhibition.

Now in its sixth year, the challenge offers those with brand new creative concepts the opportunity to break into the global licensing industry.

The finalists are: Natu Natu, presented by Fran Bravo, OiDroids, presented by Jonathan Klemenz, Victoria Spunge, presented by Stuart Simpson and Wussywat, presented by Simon Quinn and Simon Rolph. The finalists will pitch their property in front of a live audience.

October 2015

MGA Entertainment, the company behind the famed Bratz dolls brand recently launched an app to support its newly relaunched toy line.

Available now from the iTunes store and on Google Play, the free app from MGA Entertainment (MGAE) targets girls six to eight and is available in 16 countries.

Bratz Brand Manager, Nicola Mellor said: “Bratz are back with a host of modern updates for Generation Z, including immersive digital content and webisodes. The new app sits alongside these and also brings elements from the product range onto a digital platform. The Photobooth playset for example has increased play value when pictures are uploaded to the app, giving users the chance to customise and get even more creative.” All of the Bratz webisodes and CIY videos can also be watched through the app.

A Clanger of a read We all love a good book, and kids in particular enjoy nothing more than curling up with their favourite read.

Fans of the Clangers will surely be thrilled to hear that the Coolabi Group recently signed a new deal with leading children’s book publishers, Penguin Group USA. Following the show’s successful launch on the US 24-hour pre-school network Sprout, Penguin Group USA will distribute a Clangers Picture Book with audio CD recording by US TV series narrator William Shatner.

The book, which is expected to hit shelves in the

US and Canada in autumn 2016, adds to the major deal between Coolabi and Penguin UK, who are already signed as master publishing partner for Clangers worldwide, excluding US and Canada.

Speaking about the deal, Valerie Fry, Director of Licensing at Coolabi says: “We’re extremely proud to be working with Penguin Group USA, and to be releasing such an exciting product, with audio CD from William Shatner, in the US and Canada. We are thrilled to expand our Penguin relationship into such a major market.”

Enter Eden One of the UK’s most fascinating visitor attractions, The Eden Project, which is home to the largest rainforest in captivity, has entered the licensing world.

The Cornwall-based project, recently acclaimed as the UK’s greatest landmark for the 21st century, has teamed up with IPR Licensing.

The aim is to create a range of high-quality, eyecatching licensed products under the Eden brand, enabling the project to take its message to a wider audience. All licensed products are available through the Eden Project retail store.

Mister Maker

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LTW NEWS

The end game There will be something for Playstation fans at BLE as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe present the latest installment in its award-winning actionadventure Uncharted series, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Launching exclusively on the PlayStation 4 system on 18 March 2016, A Thief’s End hails from acclaimed developer Naughty Dog. David Evans, European Licensing Manager at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe says the latest installment “presents a very exciting licensing opportunity… you have a compelling opportunity for both licensees and retailers and we look forward to sharing details of the new game with partners at the show.“ SCEE will be using BLE as a launch pad to showcase licensing opportunities and will be seeking partners across EMEA, Australia, New Zealand and India. Lead categories include apparel, accessories and collectibles targeting adult gaming fans.

It’s Bond, card style We all love a bit of Bond – he’s a British, film and licensing institution for goodness sake!

With that in mind, Cartamundi are following hot on the heels of the eagerly awaited new Bond flick with the launch of three stylish and exciting new James Bond products: two movie-based card decks and a poker set.

For fans of the classic movies, there are both an updated James Bond Movie Poster Deck with illustrations from all the films and a brand new Spectre Deck with stills from the newest Bond adventure.

For serious fans of both poker and

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Bond, a new James Bond Luxury Poker Set will be available soon.

All three launches are expected to enjoy a strong retail performance thanks to the enduring popularity of the James Bond brand and the arrival of the new James bond film.

Trudi Bishop, Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi Group, says: “The James Bond Movie Poster Deck, the James Bond Spectre Deck and the James Bond Luxury Poker Set brilliantly capture the style and excitement of one of the best-known film brands in movie history.”

The Licensing Awards 2015 winners revealed The winners The Licensing Awards 2015 were revealed at an event in The Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Tuesday 15 September 2015. Now in its 10th year, 1,400 retailers, licensees, licensors and suppliers attended the event, hosted by actor and entertainer Alexander Armstrong (pictured).

The Licensing Awards 2015 winners are: The Retailer Awards: Best Retailer of Preschool Licensed Products (age group 0-5) The Entertainer Best Retailer of Kids’ Licensed Products (age group 6-16) Primark Best Retailer of Adult Licensed Products - Primark The Radar Award - Shop Direct Top Retailer Award - Primark

The Licensed Product Awards: Best Licensed Toys or Games Range - Shopkins Master Toy Range from Flair Leisure Products Best Licensed Dress-Up or Partyware Range - Frozen LightUp Princesses Range from Rubie’s Masquerade Best Licensed Preschool Apparel Range (0-5 years) - Star Wars Baby Range for Mothercare from Dennicci Best Licensed Children or Adult Apparel Range - Minions Boys Range for George@ASDA from Cooneen by Design Minions Boys Range for George@ASDA from Cooneen by Design Best Written, Listening or Learning Range - Classic Winnie the Pooh Collection from Egmont Publishing Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range Despicable Me Greeting Cards, Calendars and Giftbags Range from Danilo Promotions Best Licensed Giftware Range - Mr. Men and Little Miss Grow Kits from Gift Republic Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range - Ted Baker Rosie Lee Collection from Portmeirion Best Licensed Food or Drink Range - Minions Ice Cream Range from Icefresh Foods Best Licensed Brand Range - Kellogg’s Vintage Health And Beauty Range from Mad Beauty The Innovation Award - Historic Royal Palaces Fashion Collection No4 From Hobbs

The Licensed Property Awards: Best Preschool Licensed Property - Peppa Pig from eOne Best TV Licensed Property - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products Best Film Licensed Property - Minions from Universal Studios Partnerships & Licensing Best Gaming Or New Media Licensed Property - Minecraft Best Brand Licensed Property - Ted Baker Best Music or Celebrity Licensed Property - One Direction from Modest! Management Best Sports Licensed Property - Rugby World Cup 2015 from The Legacy Agency Elite Sports Properties The Best Classic Licensed Property - Barbie from Mattel UK Best Licensed Marketing Communication Award - The Gruffalo Forestry Commission Trails Honorary Achievement Award - Laurence Prince, founder and MD of Danilo Promotions

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Planet pet Discovery Consumer Products have ventured into the pet care market. They will partner with 4e de Mexico, a producer of personal, hygiene, home and pet care products, on a line of pet care products in Latin America and the United States. This partnership between Discovery Consumer Products and 4e de Mexico further develops Animal Planet’s pet programme in the region. The range will include shampoo and conditioners for dogs and cats, pet odor neutralisers, pet repellents, pet cleaner and detergent (with and without chlorine), hummingbird pet food and pet food dishes although this is for Mexico only.

4e’s Animal Planet product line will be available at mass market retailers, specialty stores, price clubs and online retailers in Mexico, the U.S., and throughout Latin America in Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá, Colombia, Perú, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. The new pet product line will debut at retail in spring 2016.

A passion for looney fashion Italian fashion house Moschino recently launched their coveted Looney Tunes collection.

The launch kicked off with dedicated windows across Moschino’s European stores.

The branded store windows ran in Milan and Rome for a two-week period, while the collection launched in London and Los Angeles later.

“We’re delighted to partner with Jeremy Scott to bring the universal appeal of the iconic Looney Tunes characters to Moschino’s autumn/winter 2015 range,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We know our high-fashion fans will enjoy this chic meets pop culture collection that is a true combination of the Looney Tunes’ attitude and Moschino’s flare.”

Moschino’s Looney Tunes collection made its debut at Milan Fashion Week in February to much acclaim from the fashion press and has been spotted on a number of A-list celebrities.

October 2015

Record year for Hong Kong show The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show returns 11-13 January 2016 and is generating plenty of buzz already following a record number of visitors to this year’s event. More than 19,500 licensing professionals from around the world headed to the three-day event back in January, a nine per cent increase on the 2014 show.

This increase in visitors was attributed to higher

participation from mainland China, as well increases in the number of visitors from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the States, cementing the event as a must-attend for anyone in the industry looking to engage with or break into the market.

Registration for the LIMAsponsored event is now open on the HKTDC website, and will give visitors free admission. Visit www.hktdc. com for more.

Sure to be popular!

DreamWorks Animation has partnered with leading European soap bubble manufacturer Dulcop for a line of licensed bubbles inspired by some of its hit animated properties.

This new alliance will give DreamWorks fans the chance to engage in play with their favourites characters. Dragons, Kung-Fu Panda, Shrek and Madagascar join Dulcop’s 300plus strong range of licensed bubbles and bubble toys. ”We are all thrilled to have entered into this partnership with DreamWorks because they embody instant joy, much like Dulcop,” said Fabrizio Frisoni, Dulcop Sales Manager. “We look forward to creating a harmonious relationship and further expanding opportunities within the European stores. Few companies inspire creative imagination like DreamWorks.” Featuring DreamWorks’ most popular and diverse lineup of boys and female characters, Dulcop’s DreamWorks line will offer multiple options at retail, including both 60ml and 175ml containers, plus blister-card and multi-pack tubs.

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LTW PEOPLE NEWS

A golden opportunity Katherine Pierce has joined UK toy company Golden Bear as Senior Licensing and Marketing Manager.

In her new role, Katherine will head up the expanding marketing team as well as being responsible for sourcing new license acquisitions for the company and managing existing licensing relationships. She will also be actively supporting the

sales team in line with new license and marketing initiatives. Formerly Head of Marketing and Licensing at Jumbo Games, Katherine has also worked for leading games developer Activision, Acclaim Entertainment and BBC Worldwide among others.

“We welcome Katherine to our expanding team,”says Barry Hughes, Commercial Director at Golden Bear. “She brings with her a wealth of creative talent and industry experience having worked for a number of high profile companies prior to joining Golden Bear in this newly created role. Her expertise will be instrumental in driving the business forward”

New hiring for HTI HTI has appointed a new Global Licensing Director.

Alison Downie took up her new role recently and brings a wealth of experience in the children’s toy market gained from over 30 years in the industry. She joins HTI from Golden Bear where Alison headed up the Product Development function and managed licensing for the company. Previously Alison worked for Boots the Chemist as a Buyer, predominantly within the children’s clothing and toys category.

In her new role at HTI Alison will be responsible for identifying, developing and negotiating new license opportunities for the company on a global level as well as managing existing licensing business relationships.

Jenny Watson, HTI Global Marketing Director, commented comm mented “We are thrilled to have e Alison Aliso on on board boa ard at HTI.” HT TI.”

Brandgenuity launches new European office

Brandgenuity, the US-based licensing agency has announced its plan to expand operations internationally with the opening of an office in London this Autumn.

The European team will be led by licensing industry veteran, Teri Niadna. Brandgenuity Europe will exhibit at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) in London on stand N52.

Claudia’s story 9 Story Media Group recently announced the appointment of Claudia Balzer ScottHansen to the newly created position of Vice President, Distribution.

Reporting to Managing Director Natalie Osborne, Claudia will be responsible for leading US and international distribution efforts, as 9 Story continues to grow its global footprint and will be based out of the New York office. Osborne will maintain oversight of distribution, consumer products and third party content acquisitions.

Claudia boasts 20 years experience in both transmedia platform distribution and global franchise development.

That’s entertainment!

RMI has promoted Saphia Maxamed to run its Entertainment Division. Saphia joined the company in 2012 as New Business Manager.

In her role she developed new businesses for RMI which lead to creating the new Entertainment Division for the company. As the Head of Entertainment, Saphia will be developing licensing strategies for RMI’s portfolio of Celebrity and Entertainment brands. She will continue to work with the current roster of clients, which includes Samantha Faiers, Billie Faiers, Ferne McCann, Sanctum Soho and Hardy Bucks the Movie as well as new signings. Saphia is also tasked with supporting the licensees and the properties at retail,

CPLG appoints MD for France CPLG has appointed Virginie Kleinclaus-Renard as Managing Director, CPLG France. Virginie took up the role on 1 September and rep reports to CPLG CEO Peter Byrne.

Virginie has 20 years of top-level experience in licensing and merchandising at Disney Consumer Products, where her roles include included Director of Infant, Fashion and Home for France, and Retail Marketing Director for major retailers in France and Benelux. She also oversaw the global DTR sales development of Carrefour after starting her career as Manager in emerging markets.

Category Ma Speaking about her new role, Virginie says: “I am delighted to join CPLG at such an exciting time. The company is widely respected in the industry and has a prestigious pedigree with a roster of prominent brands. I am very much looking forward to spearheading activity in France and working with Peter and the team.”

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c o f f e e

break

....with Nickelodeon We grab a quick coffee with Marianne James, VP Consumer Products UK & Ireland & European Retail Sales & Marketing at Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products to hear about the company’s exciting pre-school line-up

“

We work closely with our partners and support them as much as we can from style guides to marketing and retail plans

Nickelodeon’s pre-school offering is pretty exciting this year, give us an insight into some of your hero properties?

Dora is a key evergreen pre-school property of ours and this year we have seen her age up and leave the forest for the city in Dora and Friends: Into the City!

Following the successful on air launch, the beautiful Dora and Friends toy line from Fisher-Price has been performing well at retail with other categories set to roll out in the New Year. Another hero in the pre-school space is Paw Patrol; both on air and on shelves, the property has been performing phenomenally well and we have high hopes for it across Christmas and into spring/ summer 2016. Also set to be stellar next year is Blaze and the Monster Machines, which become one of the top shows on Nick Jr.

“

Let’s talk about Paw Patrol, it has really exploded – how has the licensing programme around the brand been developed?

The partnership with Spin Master has worked really well. From the core toy line we’ve expanded into plush stationery, back packs and apparel with new categories being added all of the time.

Why has it resonated with consumers so much?

I think the core appeal comes from the strength of the show.

The characters and storylines have a wide appeal with the mix of action, problem solving and cute comedy offering something for everyone. As

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for the product line, the show lends itself to a variety of play patterns from toy to role-play.

Also the mix of puppies and vehicles is hard to beat with the pre-school audience.

What are your future plans for the licensing programme?

For Paw Patrol next year we’ll be building on the already strong category portfolio and working with retailers on bespoke marketing programmes.

We have to speak to you about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – how has the brand been performing?

The Turtles continue to perform well. This year we have seen the roll out of the Mutations line and Half-Shell Heroes from Flair and the launch of a very successful direct to retail partnership with Forbidden Planet. The series continues to rate well on Nicktoons and has

launched on Channel 5. We are also thrilled that the property has been recognised with its second Licensing Award. The strength of the series, along with the success of the theatrical film and the abundance of style guides has kept toy aisles Turtle powered the brand strong in the hearts of fans young and old.

What can consumers expect to hit the shelves next?

The next theatrical movie comes out in summer 2016 and, working closely with Paramount, we are developing plans for product and retail activations. The next season of the Nickelodeon Turtles series premieres in the New Year and we will have product to support that. For younger fans, the Half-Shell Heroes range will continue to grow while grown-up fans can look forward to the retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line being expand across all categories.

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LTW MEDIA NEWS

LEGO Dimensions’ got talent

Thunderbirds takes off globally Following a triumphant return to ITV and CITV in the UK earlier this year, Thunderbirds Are Go is going global with the singing of a raft of TV deals and international licensing agents.

In France the show has premiered on Canal J and will repeat on Gulli, while in the Nordics, the show has been picked up by Sweden’s SVT, Norway’s NRK Super, Denmark’s DR and Finland’s MTV Juniori. These join other European broadcast deals across Flemish Belgium, the Netherlands and Turkey. Thunderbirds Are Go is also making its way across the pond to French-speaking Canada on Télé-Québec, and Globosat’s kids’ channel in Brazil. Further afield, the show is heading to Israel, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Celebrating 50 years since Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s first episode aired, Thunderbirds Are Go premiered in the UK in April, drawing an audience of close to three million. A second 26 x 30’ series has been ordered

by CITV for 2016 and 2017.

DHX favourites head to China

Little Miss Mobile P2 Entertainment has expanded its roster of popular licensed children’s apps in a new partnership with Sanrio and its Mr. Men Little Miss property. Joining P2’s portfolio of licenses, including Horrid Henry, In the Night Garden and Fireman Sam, the new Mr. Men: Mishaps & Mayhem gaming app is now available on mobile and tablet devices.

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More than 2,500 half-hours of programming is now available to Chinese consumers in a deal signed between DHX Media and Alibaba Group. The content will come to Alibaba’s video on demand service, available on its set-top Tmall Box and other content-delivery devices in China.

Some of the biggest and most recognisable talents from the world of entertainment have lent their voices to the new LEGO Dimensions videogame.

Combining physical LEGO brick building with interactive console gameplay, LEGO Dimensions fuses 14 global entertainment properties from film, TV, and games, including Back to the Future, The LEGO Movie, Ghostbusters, The Lord of the Rings, The Simpsons, and Doctor Who, among others.

Principal actors from these properties voice their characters in the game, including Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Gary Oldman, Peter Capaldi, and Stephen Merchant.

LEGO Dimensions launched 29 September for all major home videogame consoles.

Mega deal for WBCP Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA (WBCP) has appointed Megalicense International as its licensing representatives in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States’ markets, beginning 1 January, 2016.

Under the agreement, Megalicense will be responsible for WBCP’s vast portfolio of classic brands, television, films and new theatrical releases and its licensing and merchandising programs in Russia and CIS markets.

Properties include Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and DC Comics Super Heroes.

“Warner Bros. Consumer Products represents the excellence in the entertainment licensing industry and their plans for the future are just amazing,” said Friderico Gatti, CEO Megalicense International.

“We plan to build, promote, assist and expand the Warner Bros.

Consumer Products licensing and merchandising business, reinforcing its position as a leader of the market in our territories.”

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KYLO REN AIRWALKER™

© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd

The Force Awakens

BALLOONS ready to order now

by

TEL: +44 (0)1908 288 500 E-MAIL: sales@amscan-uk.co.uk WEB: www.amscan.co.uk ©Amscan 2015, All rights reserved

LTW MOVIE NEWS

Warner Bros. eyes UK studio expansion Warner Bros. is looking to expand its UK studios in Hertfordshire, England with a sizeable investment of tens of millions of pounds.

Plans submitted with a planning application in September would see the 200-acre site in Leavesden expand by up to a quarter, enabling Warner Bros. to produce more longterm projects such as television dramas and franchise movies.

Famously the home of the eight Harry Potter movies, which turned over almost $1 billion each at the box office, the popular studio tour would also be expanded. With sets used for filming, costumes, props, and a model of Hogwarts, the fan destination has reportedly attracted more than 5 million visitors since opening just three years ago.

Development of the studio would happen over a 10-year period, and would also allow for the production of more independent features and a handful of additional blockbuster titles each year.

Tyrannosaurs cheques When Jurassic World crashed into cinemas in June, it earned $1 billion worldwide in a record breaking 13 days. Now it has become only the fourth film ever to reach that same figure outside of the US. Not counting the ticket sales from its domestic box office, Universal’s dino blockbuster joined Avatar, Titanic and Furious 7 in earning $1b in international markets in September. The three biggest international markets for Jurassic World were China, UK - where it made $99.7 m - and Japan.

With Jurassic World, Furious 7 and animated hit Minions, Universal has had a particularly auspicious 2015, becoming the first studio in history to release three $1 billion topping movies in one year.

Feeling like a Minion bucks Minions is now the second biggest animated film of all time at the global box office.

Universal’s Despicable Me spin-off, which follows the adventures of the titular yellow fellows, shot past Toy Story 3 after opening in China to the tune of $20.1 million. The record breaking initial ticket sales in China, the biggest for an animated film ever in the country, pushed Minion’s global ticket sales to $1.08 billion, a figure surpassed only by Disney’s Frozen which stands at $1.27b.

JT joins Trolls DreamWorks Animation has added a leading man to its animated movie Trolls, a comedy musical based on the popular retro toys with gravity-defying, brightly coloured hair.

Pop sensation Justin Timberlake will voice Branch, a character that

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Poster boy: The official poster for Spectre, the next James Bond movie, was unveiled in September. Daniel Craig returns to UK cinemas in his fourth outing as the inimitable agent 007 from 6 November 2015.

DreamWorks says “hides his surprising true colours,” and will sit opposite Pitch Perfect actress and singer, Anna Kendrick’s Princess Poppy.

Together the two characters will head out on a hair-raising adventure that “will test their strength and reveal their true colours”.

DreamWorks promises that along the way there will of course be plenty of musical mash-ups.

Director Mike Mitchell, co-director Walt Dorn, and producer Gina Shay are back for the film having worked together on Shrek Forever After.

Trolls is slated for release in November 2016.

www.ltwmag.com

TV

Brands in focus LTW’s sister title TnP hosts a weekly video series, TnP TV, which puts licensed consumer product in the spotlight, and now LTW TV is coming your way too!

The hugely popular Paw Patrol hits the toy aisles

Danilo’s Laurence Prince shares a joke with TnP TV host Mirella

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he toy market is one of the brightest and busiest licensed consumer product categories, especially when it comes to entertainment and character brands. So it’s no surprise that TnP TV, LTW’s sister publication Toys n Playthings’ weekly video series, has welcomed some of the world’s biggest brands to the studio. And now, LTW is getting in on the act with a special edition of LTW TV taking place at Brand Licensing Europe.

Each week you can discover how the most recognisable brands and characters are being transformed for the toy, kids’ gifting, party and greetings markets - and hear from the company’s behind the products.

Mirella Anstey, Group Editor and presenter of TnP TV and LTW

DKL’s Hello Kitty Hama beads are purr-fect

TV, says: “With so many strong movies and TV series this year alone, coupled with established brands that continue to sell, the licensed toy sector has real momentum at the moment. On TnP and now, LTW TV, we put those character brands and the consumer products they inspire in the spotlight.

“We’ve already welcomed 40 of the industry’s leading and most creative companies to TnP TV, so stayed tuned for more as we bring you the latest licensed toy innovations.”

TnP TV airs every week and LTW will make its filming debut at Brand Licensing Europe.

There is only one way to be a part of TnP TV and LTW TV - and that is to get in touch with Ryan Horwood now on 01442 289930 or ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk.

DC Comic’s Justice League figures from Schleich

Early years development with the Thomas & Friends Sorting Box

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The Force is with Flair’s lightsaber toydecoration

Party people Amscan’s licensed Airwalker balloons

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Licensor Spotlight

Branded play Hasbro are a force to be reckoned with and as the company pany develops its vast portfolio, Katherine Buckland, Senior Licensing Director, Europe W about how the and Grant Gie, Director of Toy and Game EMEA tell LTW company will look to focus on fashion, toys and games Is Hasbro pleased with the overall progress of its licensing programme this year?

Katherine: We are incredibly excited about the momentum behind our brands heading into BLE. Hasbro has evolved from a traditional toy and game company to a branded play company with a rich portfolio of franchise brands. Each one of our franchise brands is built on a foundation of great entertainment and immersive storytelling, which we’re proud to translate into a comprehensive lifestyle licensing programme that allows us to bring our stories to life and engage consumers across multiple mediums including entertainment, publishing and even more branded experiences.

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How have things moved on for the company since BLE 2014?

We are always looking to collaborate with leading licensees - who understand the brand value of our portfolio

Grant Gie, Director Katherine: This year, you’ll see of Toy and Game, a great focus on fashion, toys EMEA and games within our licensing portfolio. Through selective fashion partnerships with some of the most progressive tastemakers, artists, and designers in the industry, we’re offering our consumers a whole new way to experience a number of our beloved brands, while simultaneously elevating their ‘cool’ factor. On the toy front, we have Grant Gie, our new Director of Toy and Game for EMEA territories. Grant’s role is to build our licensee portfolio and develop incremental categories alongside our Hasbro Global Toy team.

Grant: I’m thrilled to be part of this

22 Dickie Toys to release TRANSFORMERS branded vehicles in 2016

already successful team, I’ve partnered with the global licensing team m for a number of years in my previous ous role as Franchise Manager on TRANSFORMERS and Nerf.. Leading this category will now give us opportunities to unlock further opportunities within the toy category. We are always looking to collaborate with leading licensees - who understand the brand value of our portfolio - and I am delighted to announce a new licensing agreement with Dickie Toys. Together we will develop a line of TRANSFORMERS branded vehicles and playsets that will debut in 2016. The TRANSFORMERS franchise has a unique positioning within the marketplace, where the brand has appeal to both action figure and vehicle play patterns. With this in mind, we have collectively embarked on a range of Remote Control, Die Cast, and Lights and Sounds Vehicles.

Other than your key franchise brands what other properties is the company enthusiastic about?

Grant: We focus first and foremost on franchise brand priorities. Entertainment is the driving force behind our strategy

for these properties, and each franchise is complemented with an incredible lineup of innovative consumer products along with a robust lifestyle licensing portfolio.

PLAY-DOH is a franchise brand that we are really excited about, equal to MY LITTLE PONY and TRANSFORMERS. PLAY-DOH is the number one compound brand across the world and our vision is to take PLAY-DOH into arts and crafts, gifting and publishing. Its global appeal and high awareness means it’s in high demand from our licensee base and subsequently consumers are looking for PLAY-DOH outside of its core space.

In addition to the franchise properties, we’re fortunate to have a vast portfolio of brands in our wheelhouse. With over 1,500 brand stories to tell, our vault of properties are being incubated with plans associated with those that have the most appeal to debut in the near future. As you are welcomed into Olympia for this year’s BLE show, Hasbro will be showcasing its vast and impressive time line, dating from 1923 to present day and we’re asking for you to join us at the Hasbro booth D020 for a look into the future.

Action Man turns 50 in 2016 – Hasbro must have something exciting up their sleeves to celebrate his birthday?

Grant: We’re excited to celebrate such a milestone in the history of one of our greatest action heroes! To mark the occasion, we’re working with Art + Science International, a specialist company in developing and launching retro toys, to release five Action Man collector edition figures in June 2016, coinciding with

www.ltwmag.com www. w ltwmag.com

Talk to us about MONOPOLY - why does this classic game lend itself so well to licensing?

Katherine: MONOPOLY celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, and more people are playing the MONOPOLY game than ever before. There’s truly a MONOPOLY gaming experience for every lifestyle; whether it’s faceto-face, on mobile devices, within casinos, or lottery gaming, we offer immersive brand experiences wherever fans are. That even includes in-person, experiential gaming events, such as life-size MONOPOLY setups across malls in the UAE earlier this year.

There has been a lot of talk about Jem and the Holograms. Tell us about the licensing programme attached to it and what products will hit stores?

Katherine: We’re thrilled to introduce Jem to a whole new generation this year, and also honour longtime fans of the brand.

Along with the feature film adaptation debuting 23 October, there will be a global Game of Thrones edition MONOPOLY from Winning Moves

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In terms of new partners we’re always inundated with requests for Monopoly across multiple categories including gifting and promotions to name just two Katherine Buckland, Senior Licensing Director, Europe

Can we expect any new MONOPOLY licenses to be announced?

Katherine: We continue to work with Winning Moves on a regional basis developing great gaming experiences across a multitude of leading franchises outside of Hasbro’s portfolio. For example, the ever-popular Game of Thrones sees MONOPOLY and Risk! editions at retail this Christmas.

Recently, we’ve re-imagined the brand through fashion with high-end apparel from Au Jour Le Jour. The classic iconography and retro appeal within the MONOPOLY brand has proven to be a favourite among fashion forward fans.

In terms of new collaborations we’re always inundated with requests for MONOPOLY across multiple categories including gifting and promotions to name just two. As we’ve recently announced, the arrival of the first MONOPOLY movie, currently in development at Lionsgate, will no doubt bring further opportunities to a new legion of fans and expand our licensing programme even further.

Hasbro will be at BLE on Stand D020

lifestyle licensing programme spanning dolls, publishing, fashion, and beauty products, all rolling out this October.

The licensing programme includes a special edition Sephora + JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS cosmetic collection, an exclusive Shopbop collection of apparel, accessories, and jewellery. Availability will vary across our global markets.

How has the TRANSFORMERS brand performed recently and can we expect anything new from the property?

Katherine: The TRANSFORMERS brand remains a perennial favourite across the globe, and continues to carve out its spot in pop culture. On the licensing front, we have a total brand approach and work to deliver products and experiences that are appropriate for fans of all ages, whether it’s a child’s first introduction to the entertainment and toys, all the way up to highly detailed collectibles geared toward our adult fans. The brand took a surprise turn for most, recently

PLAY-DOH activity table from Sambro

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Father’s Day and Armed Forces Day. The range will feature the classic British infantry man, the skier, the parachutist, the scuba diver, and the footballer, each inspired by the best of Action Man and featuring accessories, gripping hands, the realistic flock of hair, and Action Man’s famous scar.

becoming a fashion icon featuring in Italian Elle magazine and on the catwalks in Germany, where Philipp Plein debuted eye-catching, high-fashion TRANSFORMERS branded shirts which are sold at Philipp Plein luxury stores worldwide. After last year’s success at London Fashion Week, Fyodor Golan will swap rainbows for robots in their latest inspired line of high-end TRANSFORMERS branded apparel which launches spring/summer 16. The range launched in London on Friday 18 September and the latest pictures are on Instagram and Facebook. As previously mentioned, our newest line of innovative licensed toy product will come from Dickie Toys, a Simba Dickie Group company, slated to launch at the 2016 International Toy Fair in Nuremberg.

You must be pleased with how MY LITTLE PONY the property is performing.

Katherine: The momentum behind the brand has been incredible. In 2014, MY LITTLE PONY witnessed its best year since its re-launch in 2010, growing to more than $1 billion at retail.

Lately, the brand has even been taking the fashion world by storm with collaborations from high-end tastemakers including Alice Vandy, and Fyodor Golan, who have created colourful MY LITTLE PONY apparel lines. In Italy, luxury retailer Luisa via Roma even selected Rainbow Dash and her MY LITTLE PONY friends Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to be the “next big thing in fashion” with high-fashion events in its flagship store and a custom collection of designer pony figures from the likes of Missoni, Balmain, and more.

Recently we announced Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures and Lionsgate are teaming up to bring our storytelling to the big screen, in an all new animated feature film, MY LITTLE PONY movie. The movie is due for release in 2017. We will be discussing our upcoming slate in more detail at BLE. ACTION MAN turns 50 in 2016

October 2015

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licensing

TALK In this issue, we talk to some of the industry’s finest about their views on protecting IPs, growth opportunities in brand licensing, relationships with retailers and expanding their businesses

Ian Woods Senior Regional Director UK, EMEA and LATAM, Discovery Consumer Products How have you expanded your business in 2015?

We have focused on our various brand extensions including Discovery Adventures and Discovery Expedition coupled with big wins in the experiential space. The objective this year has been to focus our energy on our strengths and as a global brand with a local heart, we have placed our focus on opportunities with local Network Brands such as Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time and DMAX. What avenues does your company take to protect its IP? Our IP is our life blood and crucial to the success of our brands around the world. We have a dedicated team focused on protecting our extensive, global trademark portfolio.

Talk to us about your relationship with retailers, do you have a direct line of communication with them?

We have invested in global dedicated retail positions this year as this is an important function within the overall business. Additionally, we have our own retail destinations in Asia, Discovery Expedition, which continue to do well, growing year-on-year to create a fabulous story that can showcase our brand success. We have also established a number of key direct to retail partners across several markets which will add to the support of our brands going into 2016.

What growth opportunities do you see in brand licensing?

We’ve just scratched the surface when you look at the global licensing potential within our portfolio.

With an established, credible brand like Discovery you can genuinely offer licensees and retailers long-term investment solutions.

We’re approaching the busy Christmas buying season, which property do you anticipate will be the big hit of 2016?

Star Wars The Force Awakens will inevitably dominate the boys aisles well into 2016 but I am interested to see the consumer reaction to Batman vs Superman. Disney Pixar’s, Finding Dory will, I’m sure, do swimmingly. Personally, I can’t wait to learn more Whale.

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Mathieu Galante Senior Market Development Manager, The Pokémon Company International How have you expanded your business in 2015?

With Pokémon set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2016, 2015 has been a highly productive year of consolidation and steady growth as the team gears up for the anniversary celebrations.

Launched in late 2014, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire have sold more than 10 million units globally and have been supported in 2015 by cross-category advertising campaigns showcasing the Pokémon Trading Card Game and video games. This success has been complemented by the growth of the licensee slate in Europe across a variety of categories, including confectionery, apparel and footwear, stationery and posters, and video game accessories. The brand has secured several new licensees including GB Eye for posters and gifts, Character World for bedding, Danilo Promotions Ltd for calendars, and Aykroyds & TDP Licensing Ltd for nightwear and underwear. The existing license with Winning Moves Ltd for board games has been extended to include Germany. In addition, SAMBRO has signed for “back to school” in the UK, with the first lines due to appear at retail in 2016. BIOWORLD Europe has signed a pan-Euro deal for apparel and accessories and started rolling out their initial ranges, and DITEXMED for Italy and Spain have signed for children’s apparel and will roll out their initial ranges in 2016.

Matthew Primack Vice President, IMG for American Freshman How have you expanded your business in 2015?

American Freshman has grown considerably in 2015, having launched a new website, eCommerce business and expanded our retail footprint into new channels such as Ocado and John Lewis. We have also operated a pop-up shop on the side of a traditional yellow American School bus, which has visited various music festivals over the summer and is now touring Universities throughout September and October. We estimate over 500,000 people will have come in to contact with the Bus Tour.

What, in your view, is the biggest story in the licensing industry today?

Star Wars is unavoidable and rightly so.

What avenues does your company take to protect its IP? We actively trademark brands globally and employ J Patton to operate an anti-counterfeit programme.

Talk to us about your relationship with retailers, do you have a direct line of communication with them?

Yes, we meet retailers regularly and discuss ways to work together. A good example is our relationship with Top Man who stock American Freshman. They wanted a social media celebrity to front the product launch so we engaged Jamal Edwards, who founded SBTV and has had over 314,000,000 YouTube views.

www.ltwmag.com

Claire Shaw

Helena Mansell-Stopher

VP of Licensing, Zodiak Kids How have you expanded your business in 2015?

Earlier this year we announced the creation of Zodiak Kids Studios, encompassing Tele Images, Marathon Media and The Foundation bringing together all Zodiak Kids properties under one production umbrella. My role has expanded to include consumer products across all studios including The Ranch, Lolirock, Mister Maker, Floogals and Get Blake.

What, in your view, is the biggest story in the licensing industry today?

The domination of film licenses – Frozen, Minions, Star Wars etc are dominating at retail in multiple categories.

What avenues does your company take to protect its IP? We trademark and protect all elements of our IP and create style guides to ensure the brand identity is consistent. We also register all appropriate domain names for our brands.

Talk to us about your relationship with retailers, do you have a direct line of communication with them?

Yes. We believe in working and collaborating with our licensees and retailers to offer consumers the best possible ranges at retail.

What growth opportunities do you see in brand licensing?

There is a continued growth and development of brand management companies.

We’re approaching the busy Christmas buying season, which property do you anticipate will be the big hit of 2016?

For me there are two properties I expect to see in significant volumes at retail over the coming months -Star Wars and Shopkins!

Retail Director, Bulldog Licensing How have you expanded your business in 2015?

Retail has been key to driving the expansion of our business in gaining a deeper distribution of product, across multiple brands and categories as well as working closely with the retailer to create bespoke consumer marketing plans.

What, in your view, is the biggest story in the licensing industry today?

The growth of UK manufacturing is exciting to the industry, it means we can be quicker to market as new trends occur, this new model allows retail to trial new brands with extremely low risk and reacts quickly if rate of sale is favorable. I also think the rise in licensed products within the discount sector has been interesting to watch and a definite growth area for the industry.

What avenues does your company take to protect its IP? We work hand in hand with the license owners to minimise risk.

Talk to us about your relationship with retailers, do you have a direct line of communication with them?

Yes we talk directly to all retailers across the board to different degrees, some we see and talk to on a weekly basis others we look to see at key selling periods, all depending on the category. Each retailer operates very differently with some requesting we talk to the individual buyers, others have licensing teams who feed the updates through to the buying teams and others do both where the buyers are on a licensing consortium to allow them to be aligned.

Trudi Bishop Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi How have you expanded your business in 2015?

The most high-profile expansion this year has been the Cartamundi Group’s acquisition of Hasbro’s manufacturing locations in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Waterford, Ireland.

This will grow our capabilities in board game manufacturing enormously.

What, in your view, is the biggest story in the licensing industry today?

For Cartamundi it’s Shuffle — our range that combines famous entertainment and board game brands with cards and digital downloads.

For the industry as a whole it’s Star Wars Episode 7.

October 2015

What avenues does your company take to protect its IP? We take this very seriously, as you would expect from a global innovator in cards and card games. We not only work with IP lawyers to protect our own IP, but we also ensure that everyone at all levels of the business is aware of Cartamundiowned IP and vigilant in its protection. This may mean, where necessary, signing NDAs with partners and sharing only valid information.

However, at the same time we must not be too closed to our key partners. It’s a question of finding the right balance.

Iza Login Deputy CEO, Outfit7 Limited How have you expanded your business in 2015?

This past year, the Talking Tom and Friends franchise has grown by leaps and bounds. Our licensing and merchandise programme expanded into new territories and regions including Brazil, Middle East, Central America, Malaysia and India. Our L&M business has also increased significantly, with more than 50 partners across the world in various categories. The late Spring launch of the 52x11 minute Talking Tom and Friends: The Animated Series helped catapult the brand further. With some of the best voice actors in Hollywood such as Colin Hanks and Tom Kenny, combined with top-notch animation and a fantastic writing team, the series has drawn 100 million-plus views for its first nine episodes, delivering new content - and demand for the overall franchise. Licensees have taken note.

What growth opportunities do you see in brand licensing?

The licensing industry has many avenues for growth for us. We’re fortunate that Talking Tom and Friends is a global brand since it resonates with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. As such, each region provides a tailored opportunity for growth in different mediums - from merchandise to retail presence.

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Licensee Spotlight

The KD effect The KD Group are licensed toys specialists. The company’s famed for its dedication to bringing high-tech, high-spec quality licensed tablets and educational toys to consumers.

LTW finds out more...

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platforms and electronic toys aimed at he toy and licensing industry go children aged one to 14. Their worldwide hand in hand, they are joined at distribution of products is impressive, the hip. Both are inspired by the spanning USA, Canada, Europe, South drive to entertain and educate, and Central America, Asia, Pacific – just and the KD Group is to the fore of this. about everywhere you can think of.

With a global distribution reach, the company is a licensed toy specialist – and what licenses! Entertainment One’s Peppa Based on principles If your child can play with it, we can develop Pig, Disney’s Princesses and Frozen, HIT it and if you want it, you will have it – that is Entertainment’s Fireman Sam – they’ve got them all and they are all attached to the ethos the company is built upon. And quality educational tablets and toys it fits perfectly with a trend-based business Smiley CEO Nicolas Loufrani for children. But before we get into how like toys and licensing – if it is in vogue, if the the company works as a licensed toy license fits and if the toy is educational – the specialist, you have to understand who KD Group can make it happen. the KD Group are, what it is they do and The educators in the KD Group how they do it. understand the importance of providing children with the tools they need to be Who KD are… successful in an ever-changing world, The company is made up of an explains Luis. international team of specialists, including Expanding on his point, he says: “We everyone from engineers, educators and understand that the way our children are scientists who all work together to ensure learning and interacting with the world the highest possible quality of products around them which is constantly changing for children. And most importantly, and we are adapting to meet their needs.” everything is developed in-house.

President Luis Bravo explains that Keep the consumers front of mind the KD Group works to introduce the Taking their lead from the end consumer, latest, most advanced methods and the KD Group looks towards them to resources of educational technology into ensure they understand what it is they are

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“

If your child can play with it, we can develop it and if you want it, you will have it

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looking for in a product.

As Luis explains: “We undertake extensive market research exercises including parental and child focus groups to ensure we understand and design for whatever the latest market trends and requirements are. In addition, we keep a close eye on developments in the world at large to understand which products and licenses are likely to be successful in a particular year.”

And it is this depth of research and attention to detail which makes KD a go-to company for licensors looking to attach their brand to a quality product.

We asked…

What types of product are currently the most popular at retail?

“Tablets and 2-in-1 hybrids like the Kurio Smart are popular. In terms of toys, pretend play lines such as remote controls, telephones and keys. Ultimately children like to imitate their parents, we produce products that enable kids to do this while they learn and have fun!”

www.ltwmag.com

Talking toys Hot licenses and fresh toys are in the DNA of each and every KD Group employee. They live and breathe both industries – President of The KD Group Luis Bravo tells LTW what makes them tick

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uis, KD are known as developers of licensing electronic products – how did the link between licensing and your products come about?

Very early on KD identified a gap in the licensing market for electronic learning aids. In the end, it came very naturally to us to adapt our knowledge to wellknown licenses.

What was the first licensed product KD ever produced?

Before the UK operation was fully acquired by the KD Group, it produced product with licenses attached such as The Magic Roundabout, Dora the Explorer and Thomas & Friends. But as

KD Group produces localised products in 110 different languages

October 2015

part of the group, the first product was Peppa’s My First Laptop.

Talk to us about your current range of licenses – you have quite a lot!

We have developed educational products with fun features for Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam, Disney Princess, Disney Frozen, In The Night Garden, Thomas & Friends, Something Special,Smithsonian for the US market. We are always in contact with licensors to discover the most relevant licenses to adapt to ELA products, for both boys and girls.

What is your top selling licensed product at the moment?

It is our Paw Patrol Walkie Talkie.

And what about your top three licensed ranges – what are they?

This year it’s Paw Patrol, Thomas the Tank Engine and Disney’s Frozen.

In terms of working with a licensor, how do you find the collaborative process?

It’s really quite an exciting process from initial concept to the final product in store. We work very closely with all of our licensors in terms of their designers, product development executives, retail teams and licensing managers. We meet on several occasions throughout the year to discuss products, sales and marketing.

Most importantly, we all take on board the importance of a good working relationship in order for everything to work seamlessly not just from the UK’s point of view but from a group perspective too.

How does the DNA of a license affect product design?

The design of a product is obviously conditioned to the license and we automatically try to catch the character’s essence and work hand in hand with licensors to match the property’s core line.

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We are always in contact with licensors to discover the most relevant licenses to adapt to ELA products, for both boys and girls

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Licensee Spotlight is the y o t elling ie-Talkie s p o t lk KD’s atrol Wa P Paw

At least one of the KD Group’s products has won a ‘Loved

by Parents’ award in the past three consecutive years

characters help to engage kids in What are your educational play? strengths when KD’s top three It is obviously easier bringing popular selling licenses for little ones to play characters and are: with their favourite properties to life in the Paw Patrol character. KD enjoys electronics market?

Thomas the the daily possibility to We have different skills, Tank Engine extend the learning diversified know-hows Disney Frozen experience to well-known and a strong workforce cartoons that are also within our group that approved by parents! enable us to create apps, games, toys, tablets and music.

And does this association with learning Thanks to our in-house capabilities, we have a positive impact on brand have no limits! recognition for the licenses you work with?

How do you combine licensed hardware It gives the property a positive value and with licensed software/content in your the guarantee that the license is both devices? fun and educational. It provides added We will record with the voice talents of value in the consumer’s mind as the each property, which not only allows for design of the product is adapted to little the product to be on brand but it also hands and with full educational content. makes it even more recognisable when the little ones are playing with the toys.

All products and their associated This helps to encourage learning as they content are developed by you in-house. are playing alongside their favourite What does this control add to your characters. For our Kurio device line, we product portfolio? team up with some leading TV channels As we have no restriction in capabilities for kids in specific countries to develop and the creation process, we therefore dedicated and licensed products (Clan have more flexibility to extend our lines in Spain, Gulli in France, Telekids in and our content every year. the Netherlands, Toggo in Germany).

Licensed content is always part of our How does your team devices through the fun and educational approach content creation apps we preload. while working with an established license?

Learning through play is an integral To make sure our part of what you do. How do licensed products remain exciting we ensure

all creative elements are d developed ve by us: All sound recording and arrangements are made in our studios or with trusted partners and voice talents based in other locations. All games and content are designed and developed by us. All product design, studies or ergonomics, packaging and illustrations are designed by our teams. In return, KD has the great honor to endorse excellence through various licensed awards.

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Thanks to the endless possibilities of ELA products, the KD Group has no limits in the selection of licenses

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Do you have any upcoming collaborations that you can reveal to us?

Not just yet, however we will be able to present new lines and potential new properties in the coming weeks… watch this space!

Licensing is a very trend based business, how do you and your team keep on top of things?

Thanks to our network of professionals around the world, KD can gather market information from every country. We also have close relationships with licensors, which include regular meetings on location, at trade events and also more social occasions.

How do you liaise with retailers to ensure your products are to the fore?

In the same way we talk daily to licensors, KD also work hand in hand with retailers to make sure our products meets their and market’s expectations. Retailers are the key eyes and ears of what is successful in the market, they can obviously guide us and their advice and opinions are undoubtedly useful.

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MY PUSH & LEARN THOMAS

Peppa’s Play & Learn Smart Watch

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© HIT Entertainment Limited

Peppa Pig© Astley Baker Davies Ltd/ Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003

© 2015 Kurio™

© 2015 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

T: 01727 827 194

KD UK, First Floor, The Annexe, Salisbury Hall, St Albans AL2 1BU

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Property Spotlight

That Smiley feeling Global expansion has always been within The Smiley Company’s remit and CEO Nicolas Loufrani is a man with a plan. He tells us about Smiley’s advancement in Asia Pacific and why it is so important to the company

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Nicolas, talk us through Smiley’s expansion into APAC – when did Smiley turn their attention towards the region?

It was part of my five-year global strategic plan for the business in 2012. I had always earmarked Asia Pacific as a key territory for expansion. I knew that there was already an appetite for Smiley in the region. Also it was well known that Asia and specifically India are the fastest growing markets for smartphones in the world. This Smiley CEO Nicolas Loufrani unique combination ensured that both Smiley and SmileyWorld were Kong. I recruited a great team always going to be able to hit the ground who properly understood running in this market our business development plans for the region and who Tell us a little about how you have had existing relations with embedded the Smiley brand into APAC? our target partners and knew As with everything we do as a business how to adapt our offering to we started by doing our due diligence complement them. Our CEO, and getting a real understanding of Mr Danny Cheung had been the CEO of the territory. I travelled a lot during a subsidiary of the Hutchison group for this period to the region to get a really many years. We also trained a Mandarin hands on feel for the market, this made and Hindi speaking brand manager in me realise that there was an amazing London for two years and expatriated her opportunity for us. However I also knew to the Hong Kong office. My team has that to really penetrate this market we managed to leverage the Smiley theme had to do it properly, by adopting a local properly and it has proved especially approach and opening an office in Hong popular with fashion retailers, who

Fashion is probably our strongest category, there seems a real taste in the market for wearing Smiley…

This is definitely helped by our European catwalk designers Anya Hindmarch, Fendi and Moschino all having retail doors in the region

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”

have used Smiley as a key component within their collections and also for promotional events.

What sort of foothold do you have in the market there?

We are in our third year of business development in the region and we already have more than 20 key licensees and about 30 retail partnerships that represent over 5,000 doors and turnover in excess of $30 million USD. This includes partnerships with some of the region’s leading retailers including Giordano Taiwan, Etam China, Chocoolate Hong Kong, Superior Holdings Korea, Landmark Groups Lifestyle Stores India and Splash Middle East. This is as well as our own stores which accounts for over 50 franchised stores in China for both adults and kids (which will grow to 200 by the year end), 120 apparel doors throughout the Middle East and 160 corners (men, women, boys, girls) in India.

And how are consumers responding to the brand?

Really well. What stands Smiley apart from our competitors in the region is our products are widely accepted by

www.ltwmag.com

Go Smiley makes an impact at Hysan Place, Hong Kong

Smiley can pop-up anywhere like the Indigo Mall, Beijing the Asian consumers; products are fun, fashionable and more importantly affordable and easily accessible.

Which countries within APAC is Smiley seeing particular success in?

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Middle East and India are probably our strongest countries in the region, but we are really seeing steady growth currently right across Asia Pacific right now. Some of our collaborations with Anya Hindmarch, Joshua Sanders and Laline have been real successes in Japan.

And in terms of products, are consumers buying more of you apparel, homewares, gifts or accessories? In short, what is selling well in APAC? Fashion is probably our strongest category, there seems a real taste in the market for wearing Smiley and we have collaborations with some of the region’s most prestigious fashion retailers and also mass-market chains. This is definitely helped by our European catwalk designers Anya Hindmarch, Fendi and Moschino all having retail doors in the region, so Smiley is also getting exposure to the regions leading tastemakers. We are having a lot of success with fashion accessories, gift, home décor and technical accessories as these products really fit into our brand story, DNA and the demands of the market.

Pop-up shops are something Smiley has seen quite a bit of success with too – why does that concept work for the company?

Our pop-up shops are really successful in APAC and it allows us to showcase a complete range of products and to really activate the Smiley concept at consumer touch points. The Asian market is very developed taste wise and pop-up concepts are really widely accepted. The Asian consumer wants to live the total brand experience and this

October 2015

actually lends itself particularly well to a brand like Smiley. We recently launched “Go Smiley” at Hysan Place in Hong Kong – which featured a giant Smiley rollercoaster, interactive charitable donation machines and a giant magnet wall of Smileys all aimed at providing an interactive, happy and generally, Smiley experience. It was a way to test our gift shop concept which is positioned as a more trendy alternative in comparison to other brands.

At the moment we have just finished a pop-up and experiential mall installation at one of Beijing’s leading shopping centers, Indigo – which had a SmileyWorld Cafe, offering a range of bespoke emotion inspired beverages and snacks.

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We are in our third year of business development in the region and we already have more than 20 key licensees and about 30 retail partnerships that represent over 5,000 doors and turnover in excess of $30 million USD

Which products are you promoting in these shops?

We promote virtually all of our global licensee products that we believe are suitable and fit in with the brand mix on offer within the pop-up concept. Mostly we offer fashion, fashion accessories, gifts, back to school, toys and home décor products.

What about the future, how do you plan to further your reach within APAC to the benefit of both yourselves and your licensees?

Our future plans are very much to continue going the direction we are in and focusing more and more on our collaborations with major retail partners.

We also have plans to continue opening up more Smiley corners to engage even further with our customers and to cement our pop up and gift store concepts throughout the region. China and India continue to be two countries that present huge opportunities for us

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as a brand and we will continue to focus hard on these markets over the next two years. All of this will create opportunities for us as a brand and spin-offs for all of our licensees in the region.

Imagine we are at BLE right now, what are you saying to your European licensees about the company’s future growth and expansion?

Watch this space! We are first continuing to grow our main brand and have many new partnerships and retail promotions with major European high street and mass market retailers coming in 2016. We expect to continue our growth in France, Germany, Benelux, Italy like previous years (56% in three years). We will be launching hundreds of new products with over 30 new European licensees. We are also expecting growth for our Smiley baby brand, with several major partners, including a DTR with the OrchestraPremaman group. As you know we are also in pre-production on a major animated kids TV series – Smiley Kids, which we are producing in partnership with some of the biggest and best names in the broadcasting industry. This will present some amazing new licensing opportunities for our partners globally.

We asked….

You’ve got so much going on with APAC, but what about your European licensees – how are they being involved in your growth?

What’s really exciting about our work currently in APAC is that it is opening lots of doors for our European partners in the region and creating many ways we can involve them in our growth.

This is being achieved through a mix of our major direct to retail deals like like H&M, Zara or Etam and also our global catwalk collaborations.

Not only this but we are also promoting our European licensees through our pop up shops and distribution through our new smiley gift shop and kiosk concept.

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Property Spotlight

Stop, collaborate and listen Moschino:

When your brand is all about making people happy – there is no harm in sharing the joy. That’s why Smiley have had so many successful collaborations. Here, LTW gets a small insight to some of the global companies who have got the Smiley treatment

How is Smiley working with Moschino?

Moschino produced a capsule Smiley collection within both their men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections for spring/summer 2015. Moschino have also used Smiley for promotional purposes throughout 2015 including a major installation Smiley at Expo 2015.

The brand has also extensively seeded Moschino X Smiley to some of the world’s biggest celebrities including; Katy Perry, Rita Ora, Miley Cyrus, Robert Downey Jr, Nicki Minaj and even Skrillex.

McDonalds: How is Smiley working with McDonalds?

promotion, which was about the happiness that

We were part of an advertising campaign that ran

their food brings to millions – so a perfect fit with

in France this past spring – the original Smiley

the global symbol of happiness.

face was recoloured with McDonald’s signature

Tell us about the licensed product?

red and yellow colours to create a pictogram of

Limited edition products featuring the

their iconic French fries carton.

pictograms were created in collaboration with

This pictogram was featured along with other iconic McDonald’s products in a large scale ad campaign including print, online and outdoor.

How did this collaboration come about?

Jeremy Scott is a huge fan of Smiley and had featured emoticons in his previous collections under his own brand in New York fashion week. We approached him at the beginning of 2014 to sound out whether he would be interested in using Smiley in future Moschino collections.

Considering the history of the two brands and Jeremy Scott’s own affinity for Smiley a new partnership was a very natural progression.

Tell us about the licensed product?

It was a complete range of men’s and women’s fashion, accessories, bags, jewellery and footwear.

How have sales been?

Sales have been great, with the products featured in the best department stores and concept stores across the world. It got huge visibility in magazines, on celebrities and tastemakers. So from this perspective a hugely successful partnership.

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exclusive French boutique colette, including t-shirts and tote bags.

How have sales been?

How did this collaboration come about?

The entire collection sold out within days and

We were approached by the agency representing

was later seen being sold online via resale sites –

McDonald’s to use the iconic Smiley face in this

instant collector’s items!

Black Martine Sitbon: How is Smiley working with Black Martine Sitbon?

The brands are producing a limited edition capsule collaboration collection that has been created exclusively for Lotte department stores in Korea, Black Martine Sitbon stores and the brands official website www.en.blackmartinesitbon.com/main/

How did the collaboration come about?

We were approached by Black Martine Sitbon’s holding company Superior Holdings to create a special collaboration with the world famous French fashion designer for the Asian market.

Tell us about the licensed product?

A complete range of products that includes apparel, snapback caps, slip-on sneakers, pumps, sling back sandals and fashion accessories. There is also a classic masterpieces series, which features Smiley faces on masterpieces such as The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer and The Scream by Edvard Munch.

Contact Smiley…

For all licensing queries contact Margherita Vecchio. Tel: 020 7378 8231 Ex.220 Email: margherita@smiley.com Web: www.smiley.com Brand Licensing Europe: Smiley will be at BLE on booth D115 China Licensing Expo: Smiley will be on booth E1G59

MAKING THE WORLD A HAPPIER PLACE SINCE 1972

Boj

Boj-ing David Hodgson is Co-Creator and Director with Pesky Productions, he talks to LTW about the CBeebies show Boj and tells us about the company’s others plans

I was talking to the parents of some Boj fans recently and one described their whole household as a Boj family. I think that’s the key to the show’s success: it inspires love from parents as well as their children, and from big sisters and little brothers and not just our target three to six year-olds. I believe humour bonds families together and Boj has that in bucket loads. Another reason is that the show offers such a warm-hearted portrait of five families from very different homes, yet each very familiar - we can all identify with someone in Giggly Park. I’d like to think I’m Dr Woof, although I do occasionally lapse into Mr Cloppity-style reveries. My partner Claire (director and creator of Boj) is a self-confessed Mrs Nibblit! Our daughter Poppy is actually the voice of Rupa Nibblit - that was very good casting!

Of course, the exciting thing about having a show which parents buy into is precisely that, they will happily enter into the Boj world, so we are very excited to begin rolling out our range of Boj products to satisfy this craving.

Tell us about the publishing side of things.

We’ve had a phenomenal response to Boj’s first appearances in print. He’s a regular in six multi-character preschool magazines and is proving to be a huge hit across this format. With his bold graphic design Boj really does pop off the page and young readers love it. Throughout this year they’ve consistently voted him in their top three most-loved characters in Fun To Learn Friends magazine, according to figures released by Redan Publishing. Redan, which license Boj for

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both its best-selling multi-character titles, always ask its readers who their favourite character is, and the 2015 polls show that kids are into Boj in a big way. And so, in response to this popular demand, Redan Publishing is now planning the release of their first dedicated stand-alone Boj magazine in early 2016. We can’t wait!

This experience of how Boj succeeds in print has convinced us that the property will also make a wonderful series of books.

So one of our top priorities is to secure the perfect publishing partner and would expect those conversations to now get serious.

You’ve opened the Boj property up to potential licensees, tell us what type of partner you are looking for?

We like partners who have a feel for the special qualities of Boj, and who may take the view that although the standard route to market can work it might not always be the best thing for our show. Boj likes to think outside of the box and we are looking forward to teaming up with some great companies who enjoy doing precisely that too!

managing demand by offering parents a Boj sewing pattern so they can make their own, but soon we will need to give them the real thing!

What else has Pesky Productions lined-up for Boj?

David Hodgson

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We like partners who have a feel for the special qualities of Boj

And from your point of view, what products do you think will work well with the Boj brand?

Arts and Crafts are an obvious fit with Boj’s creativity and love of making stuff (from other stuff!). And because he’s a very lively ‘kinetic’ character, always popping up where you least expect it, we think there are loads of great puzzles and games that would work for Boj. In fact, the feedback we get is that kids love to play at being Boj by spontaneously creating their own burrrows out of duvets, etc, then jumping out with a surprising “Boo! I’m Boj!”. Thus we believe physical role-play is a big thing for Boj and would like to see a line of pop-up tents and tunnels. And then of course there’s plush. At the moment we are

“

David, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Pesky Productions’ stand-out series is the CBeebies show Boj. What has made it such a success – what is the appeal?

We are delighted to be close to a deal with a major record label for a Jason Donovan sings Boj songs album. Music is such a massive part of what makes this show popular so we are really excited about the imminent release of this. And then we have another very big Boj-a-boom idea in the pipeline, something of a gamechanger for us actually, which I hope to make an announcement about at BLE. Let’s just say that kids who love to burrow like Boj are in for a treat in 2016!

Of course, Boj is not the company’s only property. We understand Billion Dollar BowWow has been picked-up by Disney and Frank’s Zapper in the pipeline – what can you tell us about this?

Well, we hope that these shows will make it into production sometime soon. They have both had a make-over and a name-change after a long period of development, but that’s normal for all good series - Boj took us seven years to bring to life!

See Boj at BLE on Stand F125

www.ltwmag.com

Five minutes with…

DreamWorks Animation’s Andrew Alsop, Head of Consumer Products, EMEA, takes five minutes from his busy schedule to talk to LTW about the company’s plans for its consumer products programme and priorities in the studio as we head into 2016

We asked….

Are you looking for licensees or is your programme complete for Noddy, Toyland Detective?

We are working with top level partners across production, television and toys, including a first class licensee list and Spin Master as master toy licensee.

In addition to our robust list of current partners, we do have some open categories in the areas of creative and educational play, food and outdoor toys.

In the UK were are working with TDP/Aykroyds for nightwear and underwear, Kinnerton for confectionery and Danilo for greetings cards. We are also working with Smith and Brooks for daywear, Spearmark for tableware and lighting, and Character World for bedding.

Our French licensees include Sahinler for apparel, CIJEP for melamine/storage and Lansay for arts and crafts.

Andrew, what sort of a year has DreamWorks Animation been having in terms of performance?

Over the last 12 months we’ve been engaged in a highly successful licensee recruitment phase and as a result, we now have a very compelling licensee base across our diverse portfolio. We are really looking forward to working with our new partners to further drive revenue in the months and years ahead, through a compelling range of offerings.

We’ve also seen a number of exciting activations across the region, including two in the UK: DreamWorks DreamPlace and Shrek’s Adventure. DreamPlace is our reimagining of the traditional shopping centre Santa visit, featuring Shrek and his friends.

Shrek’s Adventure is an incredibly immersive walk-and-ride indoor attraction in the heart of London.

We also recently opened DreamPlay in Manila, which is the world’s first DreamWorksthemed indoor interactive play and creativity centre.

Tell us about your overarching plans for the Consumer Products programme in EMEA? We continue to build on our everexpanding licensing base, with the focus on a number of truly fantastic priority properties including Trolls, Dragons, Dinotrux and Noddy.

In order to build compelling programmes at retail across categories, we’re working in close concert with our counterpoints in theatrical and television to ensure

that collective global launch schedules are aligned.

Your latest property to start making an impact on the small screen is Noddy. Tell us about your TV plans and how has it been received?

Noddy, Toyland Detective is a new CG-animated series produced by Gaumont Animation in association with DreamWorks Animation Television and in partnership with France Télévisions. It’s a new take on Noddy that children are absolutely going to love.

In Noddy, Toyland Detective, viewers are going to join Noddy on adventures throughout Toyland, accompanied by new friends and the familiar – including his iconic car, as well as Big Ears and Bumpy the dog. Noddy has a brand new role as Toyland Detective and he’ll use it to show children how to become investigators of their own world and make discoveries as they look for clues to mysteries in each episode.

In terms of reach, where is it being broadcast?

Noddy, Toyland Detective will debut spring 2016 on France Télévisions’ France 5. We’ll be announcing our UK broadcaster and other territories shortly, including Portugal, Germany and Spain.

Where are DreamWorks are in terms of product development? Noddy lives

in a world of toys so it is easy to translate to product and it’s all moving right along. Master toy licensee Spin Master is working on a wide range of toys including figures, playsets, vehicles, games and more, which wonderfully convey the bright and exciting world of Toyland. The first product is slated to hit shelves in A/W 2016.

Do you have any BLE news you can share with us from DreamWorks Animation?

Trolls is a huge priority for the studio and we couldn’t be more excited by what we’ve seen so far.

We recently announced that Justin Timberlake has joined the cast alongside Anna Kendrick.

On the Dragons front, we continue to see the fan base expanding. Netflix has indicated that Dragons: Race to the Edge is our best performing show on the platform and we can’t wait to share the second season.

DreamWork’s newest Netflix original series Dinotrux has also been off to a great start and we have a fantastic toy programme with Mattel that has recently hit Toys”R”Us in the US. We’ll be announcing retail plans in the UK very soon and cannot wait to expand the Dinotrux line to the UK and EMEA. Take a look at the show on Netflix. In other TV news, we’re also expanding the world of The Croods, with DreamWorks’ new Netflix original series Dawn of the Croods debuting in December 2015.

DreamWorks Animation will be at BLE on stand D080

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Anniversary Spotlight The Astrid Lindgren Company

Telling the story

© NHK/NEP/Dwango, licensed by Saltkråkan AB

As a brand, Pippi Longstocking has resonated with children and adults for 70 years. Author Astrid Lindgren created a powerful character whose values continue to spark imaginations.

Saltkråkan, the company behind Pippi and other Astrid Lindgren brands such as Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter, is now looking to expand the licensing programme behind her works

W

hether you know it or not, you’ve probably come across an Astrid Lindgren character at some point in your life. The famed Swedish children’s author, who passed away in 2002, created a wealth of timeless, licensable characters and Saltkråkan, the company that own and manage the rights to her works, know this and will now look for local agents and licensees globally. In addition to an already solid programme in the Nordics, Saltkråkan is expanding its international licensing programme. They are publishing books all over the world and want to complement the range with consumer products. Today they have licensees in territories such as US, Japan

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and Germany but want to grow in key markets. “Our licensing programmes in the Nordic area covers categories such as toys, apparel, publishing, applications, ceramic, home accessories, home textile, and theme parks that is growing in a healthy way,” says Tobias Mannheimer, Head of Licensing. “Together with local agencies we want to focus on building an international licensing programme.”

Saltkråkan point out that Astrid Lindgren was very clear what kind of products that she wanted being based on her works.

“Astrid Lindgren wanted products with a long life span that were made for, and fun for, children - the reason we avoid licensing purely educational products and food,” explains Tobias.

© Ingrid Vang Nyman/Saltkråkan AB

www.ltwmag.com

“

We have solid licensing programmes in the Nordic area… Together with local agencies we want to focus on building an international licensing programme

© Jacob Forsell

Who was Astrid Lindgren?

B

Astrid Lindgren was born in 1907 in Vimmerby, Sweden and her happy childhood is reflected in many of her works.

She was an author who always wrote from the child’s perspective. Astrid Lindgren did not shy away from difficult subjects such as sickness and death, but wrote about issues she considered important for children. Saltkråkan describe her as being “unafraid and persuasive” with the author fighting for children’s rights, the humane treatment of animals and a respect for nature.

Her crusades to mould public opinion played a noteworthy role in the fall of a Swedish government, and the introduction of several laws.

In 2005 the Astrid Lindgren archive at the Royal Library in Stockholm was one of the first Swedish collections to be included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Record. Along with that honour, the author will appear on the new Swedish 20 kronor note which will release in 2015.

October 2015

However, he adds that in expanding the licensing programme around Astrid’s body of work, films and animations based on her books are all in the mix. “Besides the Ronja TV series we have other film adaptations both in the pipeline and as part of our long term strategy. New films and TV series based on the works of Astrid Lindgren are and will be an integral part of our overall strategy going forward. Equally important will be how we tie-in and co-ordinate these with our publishing and licensing programmes,” adds Tobias.

A wealth of timeless characters Saltkråkan has quite a stable of works in its remit. Astrid Lindgren was undoubtedly renowned for her Pippi Longstocking books which have been translated into 70 languages and have sold 66 million copies, and that entire body of works is now up for global licensing. But far from just being known for creating Pippi, Astrid Lindgren also created characters such as Emil, Karlson on the Roof, The Brothers Lionheart, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Mardie, and The Bullerby Children to name a few.

” About Saltkråkan…

Saltkråkan, The Astrid Lindgren Company, owns and manages all rights to the works of Swedish children’s author Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002). Astrid Lindgren’s books have been translated from Swedish into almost 100 languages, and a total of around 150 million copies have been sold. Best known of all her characters is Pippi Longstocking, who is the strongest girl in the world.

Saltkråkan’s business areas are books, theatre, film and TV, music, merchandising and licensing and the theme park Astrid Lindgren’s World, which has 500 000 visitors yearly. The company is now expanding its worldwide licensing programme based around Astrid’s body of works.

Ronja moves to the fore In fact, Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter is Saltkråkan’s latest venture with the property being transformed into an animated TV series. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, animated

by Polygon Pictures, and co-produced by world renowned Studio Ghibli and Dwango for NHK, the series is now airing in Japan and will premiere in the Nordic countries and rest of the world during 2016 and 2017. Londonbased, Serious Lunch has been appointed international TV sales agent for the series..

“The magic synergy of Goro Miyasaki and Astrid Lindgren is very powerful storytelling and Ronja is an excellent female role model,” says Genevieve Dexter, CEO of Serious Lunch.

Tobias adds: “Ronja is equal to Pippi in value of being a strong independent girl and we are honored and proud that we, together with Studio Ghibli, has transformed this into an animated TV-series that targets all markets.”

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Anniversary Spotlight The Astrid Lindgren Company

The Pippi take-over This year marks the strongest girl in the world’s 70th anniversary. Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking is celebrating a mammoth year and as rights management company Saltkråkan open the author’s properties up for worldwide licensing, LTW takes a closer look at her most popular character

S

ome children’s authors mark childhood memories. It may be Enid Blyton’s Famous Five for some, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for others but for many, it is Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking. This year, Saltkråkan, the company which owns and manages the rights to all of the author’s works, is expanding its global licensing programme and Pippi will be front and center.

is not controversial about a young girl who knows her own mind?! Not being swayed, Astrid reworked some of the content and in 1945 presented it to the Rabén & Sjögren writing competition where she won first prize. The rest, as they say, is history. The book was quickly published in several countries with illustrations by Ingrid Vang Nyman. Along with 66 million copies sold worldwide, there have been films, TV series and plays, apps and digital games.

How did Pippi come into existence?

Pippi is 70!

To know Pippi is to understand her, the character came to life when Astrid told her daughter Karin a story about an extraordinary girl named Pippi Longstocking. Karin best sumed the character up when she said: “She is a nine year-old child who is totally independent of all adults, since she is stronger than they and does not need their money.

This could have made her disgustingly self-satisfied and scornful towards others, but instead she has become kind, generous and brave. She never has to do anything she does not want to just because others want her to, and she never shows respect for anything she doesn’t consider worthy of respect. A unique position for a child!”

The Pippi manuscript was initially rejected by Sweden’s largest publishing house, Bonnier Forlag, who feared the content was too controversial – what

Remarkably, Pippi celebrates her 70th anniversary this year and Saltkråkan along with licensees, Swedish institutes and many embassys have made efforts to celebrates her anniversary all around the world. Tobias explains how they marked the event: “We published a new colorised and restored edition of the omnibus edition The Best of Pippi Longstocking, updated the publishing programme and developed a licensing programme based specifically on the anniversary. “The media reaction during the year has been overwhelming.”

Besides the licensing programme based on the original illustrations by Ingrid Vang Nyman, there is also a Pippi Longstocking Live Action licensing programme based on the movies. Both of these programmes will now set the groundwork as the company prepare for Pippi’s 75th anniversary.

Fun facts…

•

Pippi’s full name is Pippilotta Comestibles Windowshade Curlymint Ephraimsdaughter Longstocking.

•

More than 150, 000,000 copies of Astrid Lindgren’s books have been sold all over the world. The majority of these are books about Pippi Longstocking.

•

The stories about Pippi Longstocking have been adapted for the screen several times. In total, there have been eight feature length films, two television shows, and two TVmovies. The DVDs and VHS have sold over 50 million copies.

Astrid Lindgren wrote all the film and TV scripts.

What Pippi said…

Pippi is a pretty insightful young lady – here are some of LTW’s favourite quotes!

“I’m a child, and this is my home. There aren’t any grown-ups living here, so I think that makes it a children’s home.”

Pippi Longstocking; Pippi Plays Tag with Policemen “There’s no order in nothing, and I can’t find everything.”

Pippi Goes Aboard; Pippi goes Shopping

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Contact Saltkråkan: The Saltkråkan team will be at Brand Licensing Europe. For licensing enquiries please contact Tobias Mannheimer, Head of Licensing, email: tobias.mannheimer@ saltkrakan.se or call +46 703 15 15 91. To contact Licensing Manager Jessica Eriksson, email jessica.eriksson@saltkrakan.se or call +46 73 690 00 06. Find them online too, www.saltkrakan.com

www.ltwmag.com

For licensing opportunities;

· over 60 million books sold world wide · Translated into 70 languages · 70th anniversary, 1945–2015

Jessica Eriksson, Licensing Manager at Saltkråkan, The Astrid Lindgren Company, jessica.eriksson@saltkrakan.se, +46 73 690 00 06.

The Astrid Lindgren Company

Being at BLE October is here and that means Brand Licensing Europe.

One man who knows every inch of the show floor is BLE Event Director Darren Brechin. He gives LTW an insight into what visitors can expect from the three-day event Darren, tell us about this year’s exhibitors, how many will there be on the show floor?

So what is new about Brand Licensing Europe this year?

Firstly, we have a bigger educational programme than ever before – with 25 free sessions now on offer split between our Licensing Academy and Brands & Lifestyle theatres. They are both set to feature some fantastic content with speakers and panelists from the likes of United Nations, Barbie-Mattel, Warner Bros, Nike and Diageo, to name but a few. We have a fantastic keynote session from Sophia Jansson, Creative Director of Moomin Characters and niece of Moomins’ creator Tove Jansson on Wednesday 14 October, just in time for the brand’s celebration of its 70th anniversary.

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”

We have over 300 exhibitors at this year’s show, making it officially the biggest yet in its 17 year history.

Once again they will be divided into the show’s three zones: Character & Entertainment, Brands & Lifestyle and Art, Design & Image. We have such a diverse range of exhibitors, spanning many different categories, so there really will be something for everyone.

We are also welcoming SPLiCE to the show’s educational programme for the first time to bring visitors educational afternoons featuring expert panels on direct to retail, social accountability and anti-counterfeiting.

You may have also noticed our BLE Blog, which we launched back in May. This has been a roaring success, providing insights, tips and thoughts from industry professionals on the show and the marketplace.

It’s aimed at visitors and exhibitors, and we hope it is a useful for tool for anyone attending the show – in whatever capacity.

We have a fantastic keynote session from Sophia Jansson, Creative Director of Moomin Characters and niece of Moomins’ creator Tove Jansson on Wednesday 14 October, just in time for the brand’s celebration of its 70th anniversary

”

What makes BLE such a special show?

I think it’s the fact that it keeps on evolving. The show is well supported by its visitors and exhibitors, and we’re not afraid to explore new avenues and respond to their feedback which keeps the show fresh and relevant.

There is so much to see – with over 2,500 brands,

characters and images on display – and it really is the place to be to find ‘the next big thing’, the hottest properties and to stay one step ahead of your competition. The insight we’ve received from our guest bloggers has told us that our exhibitors and visitors are busy for all three days, they host back-toback meetings, and that it’s an essential date in their diaries.

How many new exhibitors do you have this year?

We’ve got over 70 new exhibitors joining us this year. They cover categories including beauty, food and drink to charity and heritage. There are some great stories already circulating from our exhibitors, Volkswagen is making its first ever appearance at a licensing event at BLE. It is looking to grow the retail global footprint by investing in DTRs and co-branding initiatives with retailers and brands which are a suitable fit.

Stanfords, the map and travel book retailer, is entering the licensing arena as it launches its Edward Stanford Signature Logo brand and the digitisation of its historic brand at the show.

IFLScience is introducing itself to the

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We asked…

How do the BLE team unwind after a hard day at the show?

We don’t! We are busy planning for the following day, and this year we will be blogging about the day and what’s still to come.

Talk to us about trend spotting – how do the team keep on track of this?

We maintain a constant dialogue with our exhibitors who help us shape the show. We monitor industry trends and specifically develop new areas of the show – for example we have been developing the sports representation, a growth area for the industry, according to LIMA’s recent study. We also work closely with our three Knowledge Partners, NPD Group, Planet Retail and GfK as well as our sponsor, LIMA, to ensure the show is delivering exactly what the market requires.

Give us some details on the character parade? It is often a favourite of many visitors!

You will be pleased to hear it’s also back, and will take place at 11am on the first day in the central aisle. You’ll have to attend on the day to see who’s taking part, but you will see a lot of familiar faces. A great view point is on the gallery level by the Art, Design & Image zone where you can see the parade in its full glory.

Tell us some more about the License This! competition?

It’s now in its sixth year, and was originally launched to find talent and provide a launch pad for new properties to enter the world of licensing. Every single past winner is still exhibiting at BLE, and most have gone on to sign impressive deals as a result of taking part. This year’s competition is even more special as we are offering an enhanced prize. Thanks to our sponsor, LIMA, in addition to the fully furnished stand for BLE 2016 the

lucky winner will also receive a one year membership to LIMA as well as a complimentary ticket to the LIMA Licensing Essential Course and LIMA Spring Fling.

Are there any changes to the Licensing Academy Programme?

Yes, there are more sessions on offer – with 16 to choose from. This year also sees the show’s Knowledge Partners hosting their own seminars for the first time on key trends and industry facts and figures.

On average, do you have an idea of the visitor breakdown and where are they coming from?

Over the past few years we have seen one in three of our visitors coming from overseas and we see no reason for that trend not to continue as BLE really is establishing itself as a truly international event, BLE 2014 had visitors attending from 71 different countries. Last year 15% of our attendees came from the retail sector and we are expecting that figure to grow again this year as licensing is becoming an increasingly more important function in the retail world.

”

licensing and retailer world through BLE, as well as using it to launch a new children’s brand.

Last year 15% of our attendees came from the retail sector and we are expecting that figure to grow again this year as licensing is becoming an increasingly more important function the retail world

What would you say to retailers to encourage them to attend BLE? Licensing presents a wealth of opportunities for retailers. Firstly, I would encourage them to get their

”

junior buyers involved in our Retail Mentoring Programme, which has been embraced by a number of retailers over the years and receives fantastic feedback. Retailers are entitled to a free VIP pass to the show. This includes fast track entry and complimentary refreshments in the Retail Buyers Lounge where they can relax and network with peers. Champagne is served each day and a free cloakroom is provided in the lounge as well as access to private meeting rooms and complimentary wifi.

What should visitors to the show look out for this year?

Definitely our new exhibitors, including Volkswagen who have taken the biggest stand ever in the Brands & Lifestyle zone which will be eye catching.

Pick up a Show Daily when you get to the show for a run down on what’s happening throughout the day – it’s a good place to start.

I would also recommend that anyone visiting uses our show planning tool on the website to manage their visit and make sure they get the most from the day.

I would also suggest attending the keynotes, and the License This! final. Get there 10 minutes early though to ensure you get a seat!

Darren says…

My vision for BLE 2015 is the same as it is every year… to make the show bigger and better than the previous edition. My goal is to continually strive to improve everything we can, to secure more diverse exhibitors, deliver more high quality attendees year on year and produce a fantastic education programme. My team works tirelessly for an entire year to ensure that those three days of show are the best they possibly can be for both our exhibitors and our visitors and I’m really excited for what BLE 2015 has to offer!

October 2015

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BLE 2015 2014 Show Preview

Fresh blood With over 70 new exhibitors at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe, LTW finds out why the show has become a must-attend for them

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W

ith the fast approach of Brand Licensing Europe, the growing appeal of the exhibition is easy to understand.

Licensing, as a global industry, was reportedly worth in the region of $155.8 billion at retail in 2014, so it is easy to see why more and more companies are getting in on the act.

With BLE boasting an additional 70 exhibitors this year, LTW get to grips with why some of these companies felt it imperative to be at the show in 2015.

Kerr. In terms of what they are looking to get out of BLE, Hannah Gabrielle Sims, Best, Senior Business Licensing Director, Development Manager explains: “It is a classic title and we are looking to extend the magic of teatime beyond the book to other licenses.”

In terms of licensees, Hannah says HarperCollins want to extend to a number of areas. “We have a particular focus on pre-school games and puzzles, paper products, apparel, partyware, arts & crafts, bags, plush, bedding, homeware, footwear and food.”

The focus Publishers HarperCollins, who have a 200-year heritage, are one of the many companies signed up for this year’s BLE. Their primary focus at the exhibition is to find partners for The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith

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Meet the newbies Unlike HarperCollins, The Boot Buddy does not have a 200 year heritage – but this new company has something nifty under its belt! Director Gurminder

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Gola (above), HarperCollins Publishers (below, left) and Volkswagen (below, right) are all exhibiting at BLE 2015 for the first time

BLE is such a significant and key international licensing show, and is the perfect stage to launch our new partnership

IMG

Dhillon explains more: “We have taken three key elements associated with cleaning muddy footwear and put them into one easy to use device.”

When it comes to licensing partners, Gurminder says the company is looking to meet with “sports clubs, outdoor lifestyle companies, merchandising, themed animation and corporates.”

Attracting established brands Recognised British sporting brand Gola will also be making its first appearance at BLE. IMG are acting as licensing agent for the company with Licensing Director Gabrielle Sims explaining that Gola will release details of their licensing programme at the show.

“We are looking to work with well established, best-in-class partners.

British companies with international - if not global - reach would be a bonus.”

Much has been made of Volkswagen’s arrival at Brand Licensing Europe.

Like Gola, the famed brand is also represented by IMG. Gabrielle explains the thinking behind the company’s decision to exhibit.

“Over the last three years, Volkswagen Zubehoer GmbH and IMG have grown the Volkswagen licensing programme to over $280m in worldwide retail sales. The Volkswagen programme has so much more to offer, with growth and opportunities in new and exciting categories. BLE is such a significant and key international licensing show, where we can share our Volkswagen success stories, highlight some of the iconic and award winning products from our licensees to date, as well as look for new partners and retail opportunities.”

In terms of who Volkswagen are interested in partnering with, Gabrielle says they are looking for like-minded companies who are also best in class and well-established. “This brand has mass appeal, which presents great opportunities for licensing. Volkswagen is truly iconic.”

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TV To be part of LTW TV call either Bradley or Ryan on 01442 288930 or email bradley@lemapublishing.co.uk or ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

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BLE 2015 2014 Show Preview

The brand plays on With some of the world’s greatest properties gathered together in one place, London’s Olympia is transformed into a dynamic, creative hub over the duration of Brand Licensing Europe, and we love it!

We’re especially keen to meet with retailers and discuss new DTR lines across our portfolio

“

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Trudi Hayward, SVP Head of Global Merchandise, ITV Studios Global Entertainment

T

his year is the 17th edition of Brand Licensing Europe, and with over 70 new exhibitors joining the BLE party, including some very notable names such as Volkswagen, there is no reason for retailers, licensors and licensees not to be at this integral show.

It is to the European licensing industry what Vegas is to the States, and with key industry personnel all in one place at the same time, this is where business is done.

Why BLE matters One of the hottest licenses this year has been Thunderbirds Are Go and ITV Studios Global Entertainment’s Head of Global Merchandise Trudi Hayward explains that BLE offers a fantastic opportunity for the entertainment industry to come together under one roof.

“It’s the ideal platform for us to find out what’s causing a stir, what we need to be looking out for and to also meet with both existing and new partners from all around the globe,” says Trudi.

Mattel’s Director, Consumer Products, UK and Nordics, Simon Price agrees about the importance of the show telling LTW that the exhibition is a “great showcase for the industry and is an opportunity for us to connect with our partners, both licensees and retailers.”

Describing BLE as “one of the most important events in the licensing business”, Mark Caplan, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Products says the company use BLE as a platform to engage

Show Facts

Keynote Speaker:

What: Brand Licensing Europe

“‘My Life with the Moomins – the story of a classic brand on its 70th anniversary” to be presented by Sophia Jansson, Creative Director of Moomin Characters and niece of creator Tove Jansson on Wed 14 at 12.30pm

When: Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 October 2015 Where: The Olympia, Kensington, London www.brandlicensing.eu

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with licensees and retail partners who are the key to expanding Sony’s licensing footprint.

Who are you looking to see?

One company riding the licensing wave is BBC Worldwide with a host of hot licenses under their belt. But who is it that BBC Worldwide want to see at BLE? Who do they want to engage with? “We’re really fortunate to have such a strong portfolio of brands, from pre-school and children to drama and entertainment, and each year we find that the visitors to the show grow and become more and more diversified,” reveals Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director with BBC Worldwide.

“We would love to see licensees from all categories whether clothing or costumes, gift or stationery. Whether it’s an established player in the licensing world or a new start up, we’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors onto the BBC Worldwide stand.”

Another company looking forward to BLE is Coolabi with Director of Licensing Valerie Fry explaining one of the joys of the show is being about to see retailers, licensees and agents in a short space of time.

“From an international perspective, visitors seem to grow year on year.

A lot of work can be done in a short space of time, without all the travelling!

And we’re always happy to also talk to marketing and promotional companies.

It’s a great opportunity to meet new potential partners.”

For SmileyWorld’s Commercial Director Daniel Jay, seeing buyers on the Smiley stand is key.

“Primarily,” Daniel says, “because they’re the ultimate end user from a commercial B2B perspective. Whether it’s working directly with them or via a third-party licensee, the retailer has the say on whether they wish to purchase product or

Meet…

Squirt, the BLE mascot Squirt the Staffie from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home will be at the show once again, and available for photos on the stand on the first two days (Q15). Other dogs from the home will also make an appearance. BLE is also working closely with other charitable organisations, The Lightfund and Help for Heroes, this year.

October 2015

BLE takes over 300 people four full days to set up the show and only 12 hours to take down not. Any opportunity to have a retailer on our stand is the best chance to speak directly and immerse them in the brand DNA and product portfolio. It’s additionally always beneficial to receive the hallmark licensees; whether or not we do business with them. I’ve often been in discussions with a potential partner for years until the timing is right to finally work together. BLE allows for the relationship to continue with constant updates on each other’s commercial success.”

We’re really fortunate to have such a strong portfolio of brands, from pre-school and children to drama and entertainment, and each year we find that the visitors to the show grow and become more and more diversified

“

”

Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director, BBC Worldwide Retail friendly

Speaking of retailers, BLE’s organisers Advanstar have actively made the show more retail friendly with the Retail Mentoring Programme now in its sixth year. But how important is it for licensors to engage with buyers at the show? Very, it seems. Cartoon Network have even extended their seating to accommodate the retail delegation!

Vice President Johanne Broadfield explains more: “Cartoon Network has been actively engaged in the Retail Mentoring Programme from the onset – many buyers have come to our offices in Great Marlborough Street for a full day of ‘licensing immersion’ and the feedback has been great. The retailer delegations coming to BLE are getting bigger and bigger – we’ve actually

Breathing space We all know BLE is a hectic time for exhibitors and visitors, but it is important to take some time to socialise and relax.

We asked some attendees how they like to unwind after a hard day in the BLE office “The end of the day has to be with a G&T or a glass of sparkly, catching up with the best in the industry. Either at a hotel bar before dinner or over the road at the Hand and Flower.”

Helena Mansell-Stopher, Retail Director, Bulldog Licensing

“Oh the usual thing: a five-mile jog, a hundred lengths of the pool and a yoga session. Or a few drinks in the Hand and Flower. It could go either way.”

Trudi Bishop, Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi

“Apart from the traditional glass of sherry at the Hand and Flower, most evenings are spent with our partners over a nice Indian or Chinese (if its ever my choice) meal.” Ian Woods, Senior Regional Director UK, EMEA and LATAM, Discovery Consumer Products

“Given that we will be hosting a number of our colleagues from our Seattle HQ, our plan is to unwind in a traditional British way: over a pub dinner. BLE’s West London location is blessed with so many good venues that we’re a little spoilt for choice. I personally like the Ladbroke in Notting Hill or the Pig’s Ear in Chelsea, so let’s hope we can get a table. I’ll be sure to be ordering some French wine, though!”

Mathieu Galante, Senior Market Development Manager, The Pokémon Company International

“Whilst its inevitable that I’ll end up in the Hand and Flower at some point I love to get away from it slightly to the Cumberland Arms just round the corner on North End Road.”

Claire Shaw, VP of Licensing, Zodiak Kids

“Ideally I ride my motorbike and clear my head but I live in London so my bike gets stolen annually and at the moment I am between theft and new purchase so I would probably have a drink and discuss the day’s events with colleagues and clients.”

Matthew Primack, Vice President, IMG

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BLE 2015 Show Preview BLE plays host to Europe’s largest character parade extended our seating to accommodate the numbers we’re welcoming on the booth.”

Another supporter of the Retail Mentoring Programme is BBC Worldwide, as Rikesh explains: “BBC Worldwide has taken part in the Retail Mentoring Programme since it started in 2009 and it’s great to see how well the programme has matured. It’s been really encouraging to see more and more retailers joining the programme and engaging with the licensing community.”

ITV’s Trudi Hayward says from its perspective, the company is very keen to engage with buyers. “We’re especially keen to meet with retailers and discuss new DTR lines across our portfolio,” adds Trudi.

Retailers are the backbone of the licensee-licensor relationship, says Sony’s Mark Caplan. “They can influence licensing partnerships, drive marketing impressions and also promote increased awareness for licensed properties. We do a lot of work to regularly meet with retail partners and look to BLE as a place to connect and engage in meaningful conversation.”

The showcase While it is important to have everyone under one roof, it is more important that there is something for them to be there for. So what is big news for our exhibitors at BLE? From Mattel’s perspective, Simon says look no further than Bob the Builder. “It is an exciting new opportunity for licensees.

He has just debuted on Channel 5’s Milkshake, and is bringing the world of construction to life through exciting characters, new relatable locations and an aspirational hero.”

Coolabi have been having a successful 2014 with the TV and toy launch of Clangers while the Beast Quest books have achieved phenomenal sales, as has the gaming app from Miniclip, which has already achieved over five million downloads, but they have something fresh up their sleeves for BLE. “We will be showcasing the new television series, Scream Street, which is based on the comedy horror book series by Tommy Donbavand,” says Valerie – who adds that visitors to the stand will find themselves in

wwf uk brand licensing

Cartoon Network has been actively engaged in the Retail Mentoring Programme from the onset

“

Johanne Broadfield, Vice President, Cartoon Network

”

possession of a free bone pen to celebrate Scream Street!

Daniel says that Smiley consider themselves to be a “true lifestyle brand” and are eagerly preparing for the launch of their new television series, so visitors to their stand can expect to hear a lot about that, and the company’s other CP plans.

“While we do have a television animation series in development for 2016/17, the majority of our showcase will be on the growth of the business and evolving design direction. I still believe to this day we are one of only a handful of licensees that develop dozens of trend relevant style guides for each season, all gender and category specific.”

With three days packed full of meetings, events, the licensing university, keynote speakers and more, there is every reason to see you at BLE.

Over 7,000 people attended BLE 2014 from 71 different countries.

BLE stand R25 48

LTW at BLE on Stand B115 Licensing Today Worldwide and representatives from her sister titles including Toys n Playthings, Tableware International, Nursery Today, Gifts Today, Party Party, Greetings Today and Art Buyer will be on Stand B115. Pop by to say hello and pick up a copy of Lema Publishing’s titles. See you there!

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COME ANd VISIT US! ON STAND D050 licensing.uk@mattel.com licensing uk@mattel com

+44 1628 500000

Š Mattel

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Exhibitiors List 1st Place Co., Ltd. C116 20th Century Fox E040 24IP Law Group G100 2Spot Communications Co. Ltd B124 4k Media E060 Aardman Animations F010 Activision Publishing C141 adidas - A.C Milan P14 Adidas- Real Madrid P15 Alchemy Licensing P62 Alex Underdown Art J10 Allsorts Licensing C095 Aluminati Skateboards N56 American Freshman M16 American Greeting Properties B048 Animaru J4 ARB Worldwide Corporation sdn bhd A100 Arsenal Football Club N57 Art + Science International G095 Art Ask Agency SL P50 Art Brand Studios R35 ARTPQ C020 Asiana Licensing inc C020 Assaf Frank Photography Licensing J23 Atlantyca Entertainment B070 Aurora World Corp C020 Aurora World Ltd C001 Automobili Lamborghini S.P.A P10 B.A.T FOUNDATION E112 BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. G050 Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Q15 BBC Worldwide D010 Beanstalk P100 Bear Surfboards K25 Been Trill M14 Beetosee NV/Globetrade H040 Belle & Boo Ltd J44 Big Tent Entertainment D060 Biplano C040 Bizarre London J1i BJA Design C120 Blue Zoo D003 Blueprint P100 Boj F125 Bonus Marketing Productions G105 Br Licensing F030 Bradford Licensing Europe F105 Brand Squared Licensing P52 Brandgenuity LLC N52 Brands With Influence A095 Bravado A020 Brazilian Brands F030 BRB INTERNACIONAL F020 Bromelia Productions F030 Bulldog Licensing G001 Bulls Licensing D086 Carbon 12011 Licensing L9 Carmen Ariza Polska A060 Caroline Mickler Ltd A090

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Carte Blanche Group C110 Cartoon Network E050 Celebrities Entertainment GmbH E001 Chalet Verbier J32 Chelsea Football Club L25 CJ E&M C020 Claire Louise J42 CONSUMER PRODUCT CONNECTION F020 Coolabi D060 Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd E070 Creative Licensing Corporation C100 Curtis Licensing G092 Cyber Group Studios B054 Daewon Media Co.,Ltd C020 Danken Enterprise Co Ltd F130 DC Thomson E150 DC Thomson & Co Ltd F040 Deer Little Forest J55 Deliso Sophie La Girafe B080 Dependable Solutions F100 DHX Brands E070 Discovery B060 DOODLING AROUND J1d Dorna Sports SL P25 Dot Dash Design Studio J43 Dracco Company Ltd C048 DreamWorks Animation D080 DRI Licensing C010 Dupenny J6 Dynit srl G098 Earth Angel Cards B126 EDEBÉ LICENSING F020 EDIS Spa Unipersonale G065 EL OCHO LICENCIASY PROMOClONES F020 Enitsua Fine Art Korea P65 Entertainment One F005 Euro Lizenzen H055 Fashion UK / Jinx B091 FICO F030 FIFA M25 Fluid World Limited A080 Fourth Wall Brands G082 Fran Bravo J12 Francetv Distribution B071 FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment E080 Games Workshop plc C075 Gateley Plc G120 Giochi Preziosi Group F090 Glenat Editions C124 Global Freestyle M69 Global Icons R100 Global Merchandising Services G018 Glory Innovations Inc G080 Gola Q20 Golden Goose M52 Grani & Partners F090

Guide to the Licensing World B095 HarperCollins Publishers B072 Hart Deco J1a Hasbro Brand Licensing & PublishingD020 HCA B055 Hearst Publications N40 Heather Kilgour J1b Hello Munki Ltd J36 Help for Heroes J0 Hoho Entertainment B100 Hong Kong Trade Development Council A070 Hoshi Dee Art J1g Hot Pickle P60 Howard Kennedy LLP G112 I.M.P.S s.a C050 IFLScience M50 Image Source J19 INK-ALC E100 Insight Licensing Services S.A.S. G116 Intellectual Property Office G122 International Brand Management & Licensing N15 IPR Licensing EMEA Licensing Agent for DuPont - DuPont KEVLAR N12 ITV Studios Global Entertainment D040 Ivana Nohel J1c IWM (Imperial War Museums) R10 Jacky Al-Samarraie J9 JCB G020 JELC Q25 Jenny Daymond J1f Jiangsu Salt Industry Group Co., Ltd M62 Joe Browns M47 JPatton M45 Kasmanas F030 Kate Knight J37 Kate Mawdsley J47 Kazachok Licensing Expertise H050 Keyring Co., Ltd. C020 King E110 King Features D100 KINTANA , powered by PEA&PROMOPLAST C118 Kocca C020 Laser Art J3 Lee Stafford M60 Leoni S.P.A F115 Licensing Management International F105 Licensing Today Worldwide B115 Licensing.biz & Toy News H090 Licorice Trading Ltd J38 LIMA L100 Lionsgate Entertainment C045 Lisle international E045 Litebulb Group C105 Live Nation Merchandise G030 LoCoCo Licensing F110 London Icesmiths M70 Longboard P48

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LUK INTERNACIONAL S.A. H025 m4e AG C005 Manchester City FC R18 Manu J18 Maria Pishvanova J5 Marilyn Robertson J2 Mary Evans Picture Library J20 Mary Gernat-How Illustrations J57 Masha and the Bear E100 Mattel Brands Consumer Products D050 Maui & Sons Q22 Mauricio de Sousa Produções F030 MAYA STUDIO, S.L. F020 MB-Mary Beth, Pink Light Studio J21 Mediatoon Licensing G060 Melnitsa Animation Studio D113 Metrostar C080 MGL Licensing J16 Millimages C122 Mind Candy G075 Monday 2 Friday P49 Mondo Tv E120 Monskey G051 Moomin D085 Morrigan Ltd J13 Mr Trafalgar J8 My Mediabox B110 Nanaritos B053 Napa Arts & Licensing Agency J24 National Portrait Gallery K20 NECA B005 Nelvana Enterprise Inc F080 Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products E005 Nintendo of America E152 NOW That’s What I Call Music C098 NumbersAlive!

C140 Octane5 H030 Official Show Research B065,G110,N59 One Target A030 Outfit7 Limited F065 Pango Productions J26 Panini Spa H020 Paper Island B056 Paper Rose Ltd J14 Penguin Random House F060 Pepsi N50 Perfetti van Melle M10 PGA TOUR M18 PGS Entertainment G045 Pink Key Consulting K35 Plain Lazy (Holdings) Ltd P71 PLANETA JUNIOR F020 Plastic Head Distribution B040 Playboy M15 POSH Graffiti® by Emily Readett-Bayley J31 Rachael Hale F085 Radio Days B025 Rainbow E020

October 2015

Raydar Media B085 Red Nose F030 Redan Alchemy Ltd G062 Redibra F030 Rediks Graphics C020 Redrover C020 Rocket Licensing Ltd G005 ROI VISUAL C020 Rovio Entertainment Ltd D030 Russian Children’s Products Industry E125 Saban Brands LLC D005 Sagoo G068 Sanrio GmbH B030 Santoro B050 Sarah Hurley J51 Sarah Ray J1h Science Museum Group Enterprises L15 Scruffy Little Cat J1 SEGA C030 Sekiguchi- Monchhichi B098 Sinigaglia G052 Smiley World D115 SMMEX International L68 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe F050 Sony Pictures Consumer Products A010 Sound Team Enterprise Co., Ltd F133 Spain Licensing Pavillion F020 Stanfords L21 Start Licensing F040 STOR F020 Studio 100 B045 Studio Pets by Myrna E045 Studiocanal B090 SUNRIGHTS INC. H100 Técui J40 Tempting Brands AG P20 Teo Jasmin Q10 Tezuka Productions Co B128 TF1 Licenses G058 The Boot Buddy L30 The British Library L40 The Copyrights Group G040 The Franklin Mint P51 The Jim Henson Company A050 The Licensing Company N100 The Licensing Source Book Europe H095 The National Museum of the Royal Navy L20 The Natural History Museum R38 The Partnership N10 The Pokemon Company InternationalF070 The Rastamouse Company F001 The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust K18 The Walt Disney Company C000,E000 The Zoonies B132 This Is Iris J61 Tinderbox P100 Toei Animation G035 Tokidoki H085

Tomato Source Ltd F118 Topps Europe H080 Total Licensing Ltd H035 Tour de France, PSG & Roland Garros Q12 Two little Boys Ltd J53 Ubisoft EMEA D110 UEFA EURO 2016 Q11 UL VS LTD G090 Ultrasport Products LLC L32 Universal Partnerships & Licensing E090 V&A Enterprises limited K10 Veronica Dearly J1e Vicki Thomas Associates J33 Vimto International K30 Vistex, Inc C074 Viz Media Europe F003 Volkswagen N20 VOOZ C020 Voozclub Co., Ltd. C020 Walker Books UK Ltd G010 Warner Bros Consumer Products E030 Withit Studios C090 Wizart Animation D113 WOMEN IN TOYS D001 WWE C060 WWF UK R25 Yellow House Art Licensing J63 Yvette Jordan J45 Zag & On Method E065 Zodiak Kids B020 Zolan Company LLC R16

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

It’s cool to clang Coolabi 020 7004 0980 www.coolabi.com Coolabi Group is a leading independent international media group and rights owner specialising in the creation, development and brand management of children’s and family intellectual property rights.

Brands owned and represented by Coolabi include Clangers, currently airing on CBeebies, and Scream Street, currently in production for broadcast on CBBC. Other properties include Beast Quest, Domo, Poppy Cat, Purple Ronnie and the Smallfilms’ properties Bagpuss and Ivor the Engine.

Joint rights owner Coolabi co-produced and launched the new stop-motion animated series Clangers on the Sprout Network in the US and on CBeebies in the UK, immediately hitting No.1 in the UK’s top Children’s programmes.

Master Toy partner Character Options has recently launched new toys and is experiencing significant success.

New books are now also available from Penguin UK, master publishing partner worldwide.

Licensing opportunities exist for tableware, stationery, arts and crafts, pocket money toys, confectionary and cakes, plus adult focused gift products.

Scream Street is a new 52x11 television series based on the successful comedy horror book series by Tommy Donbavand.

The stop-motion television series, coproduced by Coolabi, Factory and CBBC is

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BLE

Stand D060

due to air on CBBC in Autumn 2015.

Walker Books, original book publishers, are extending their offer to a TV tie-in range launching in 2016. A master toy partner will be appointed soon, along with a digital gaming partner.

Further key categories will follow to market in 2017 and discussions are being held across all the key categories.

Pre-school series Poppy Cat is a coproduction between Coolabi and King Rollo Films and is based on the award-winning book series by Lara Jones.

Poppy Cat is commissioned by Nick Jr. in the UK and is sold to over 140 territories including US (Sprout), France (F5), Poland (MiniMini+) and Spain (Clan TV) and recently launched in Germany on Kika.

Opportunities for Poppy Cat exist in several key categories as demand builds across Europe.

Following the amazing success of the gaming app created with Miniclip, which received over one million downloads in its first week and has now over five million downloads, plans are underway to develop a supporting broad range of merchandise.

Orchard will continue to deliver their successful publishing range on which the brand is based, with new titles already scheduled through 2016 and 2017.

Beast Quest Beast Quest is the popular fiction book series by Adam Blade, launched in July 2007

by Orchard Books. With over 15 million copies sold so far and 100 plus titles published to date, Beast Quest follows characters Tom and Elenna who battle hordes of Beasts throughout the Kingdom of Avantia.

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MEET US AT BLE. STAND D040 FOR LICENSING OPPORTUNITIES: GLOBAL.KIDS@ITV.COM 5

BLE 2015 Show Preview

You can dream DreamWorks Animation 020 7173 5121 www.dreamworksanimation.com DreamWorks Animation returns to Brand Licensing Europe with a robust, global franchise portfolio featuring content from film, television and online across multiple categories.

Spearheaded by a largely UK-based international team with in-market support in China, France and Australia, the company’s deep roster of cherished character brands is positioned for success in 2015 and beyond.

Leading the charge and poised for a major reintroduction at retail are the beloved Trolls, who will sings their way into theatres worldwide in 2016 as the stars of their very own fullscale, hair-raising, musical comedy.

Noddy, the celebrated children’s

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classic also makes his grand return to Toyland with a completely fresh look and a brand-new series for 2016: Noddy Toyland Detective. Also on the small screen, DreamWorks’ Dragons franchise continues to take flight, highlighted by the recently launched television series Dragons: Race to the Edge.

Everyone’s favourite lovable ogre Shrek continues to resonate with a worldwide audience with recent activations in the UK including the grand opening of the fully immersive Shrek’s Adventure!

London and the DreamWorks DreamPlace holiday experience, which debuts in multiple locations during the 2015 holiday season.

Dinotrux DreamWorks also recently launched its very first original television property Dinotrux, a 500-ton adventure of prehistoric proportion featuring characters that are half dinosaur and half truck.

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

Stronger than ever!

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products 020 3580 2474 www.nick.co.uk Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) is headed to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 with a portfolio that’s stronger than ever, complete with some of the most popular, time-tested entertainment brands for pre-schoolers, boys and girls, tweens, teens and adults.

The network has launched a raft of new product lines across all core properties in 2015 – from Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer (and the hotly anticipated Dora and Friends: Into the City), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol, to adult targeted brands including Comedy Central’s South Park and MTV Classic.

It has also continued its international roll-out of Nickelodeon branded retail stores around the world – with its first European flagship store launching in London’s iconic Leicester Square in May 2015. The network will be debuting products and lines for energy fuelled interactive animated series, Blaze and the Monster Machines, the first pre-school show on TV to comprehensively cover all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in every episode, through exhilarating storytelling. NVCP will also be introducing Shimmer and Shine, an enchanting new series about twin genies and their magical adventures with their best friend Lea. With both series already creating buzz and excitement across all major markets, NVCP will be eagerly exploring all product opportunities with local partners –

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spanning all categories and lines - with debut product lines set to hit shop floors in spring/ summer 2016 including publishing, home entertainment and apparel. NVCP will also be unveiling new product for established hits including Paw Patrol (a co-production with Spin Master Entertainment). The show’s most popular characters - Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Zuma, Rubble and Skye - are translating into popular products with local partners on board including Character World in the UK, TV Mania in France and Amscan and Rubies regionally.

Products include bedding and accessories, play-sets, bath toys and games, with collectables in particular becoming the leading item in early toy sales. Additional lines and categories, spanning toys, video games, publishing, apparel, food, health and beauty will roll out across the region in 2016.

Globally renowned evergreen Dora the Explorer will also be launching a range of new product and lines in support of her latest adventures in Dora and Friends: Into the City. Now 13 years into her career, Dora reaches more mo than 75 million viewers across 13 countries. brand new NVCP will be unveiling b toy and apparel lines with wit master partner FisherPrice; whilst continuing w to explore all opportunities with o local partners and retailers across key regional territories. territo

SpongeBob SquarePants!

S Demonstrating its cross-demo appeal for tweens and young adults, NVCP will be unveiling new content and property launches in 2016 for the ever-popular evergreen SpongeBob SquarePants, who returned to the big screen in February blockbuster smash ‘SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge Out of 2015 in blo (accumulating $311.6M global box office sales). Having launched Water’ (ac brand new toy lines with Simba and Mega and apparel lines with Undiz in France and a with strong statements at apparel retailers the loveable sponge will wi be hitting the catwalk in 2016 in collaboration with Patrick (across Europe and the US) and HYPE (across Europe and Asia).

Mohr (acro

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

Our world BBC Worldwide 0207 612 3000 www.bbcworldwide.com

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BBC Worldwide returns to BLE showcasing new product and licensees extending popular BBC brands to new audiences.

For BLE 2015, they are introducing some new pre-school friends including loveable Huggable Duggee, and the dynamic Go Jetters! Established global brand Doctor Who, and popular pre-school brands Sarah & Duck and Something Special will also be represented. Golden Bear recently launched a TV advertised range of plush and plastics for the hugely popular CBeebies show Hey Duggee, including Woof Woof Duggee, the Soft Toy Talking Squirrels, and the Squirrel Club Playset. In July BBC Worldwide partnered with mobile games developer, Scary Beasties to create the first pre-school app. For publishing, Penguin created range of companion books that launched earlier this year. In November 2015, the second, and Christmas themed Hey Duggee DVD, will launch into all major accounts. Lastly, Golden Bear will launch a Talking Duggee Soft

Toy, Set of Duggee & Squirrel Figurines with Badges plus some brand new jumbo squirrel plush, all new for s/s 16. Hotly anticipated CBeebies Show Go Jetters will make its debut at BLE this year. BBC Worldwide recently secured Fisher-Price as the global master toy licensee for the innovative new animated pre-school series. The series is packed with discovery and teamwork with pre-school geography concepts driving the humour and dialogue throughout. The Fisher-Price product line will debut in A/W 2016 in the UK with the roll-out in other markets, including the US, expected to follow. In A/W 16, publishing partner Penguin will release a range of companion books.

Doctor Who returns to BLE with Master Toy licensee Character Options, featuring new

additions; the Hovering Dalek, Cyber Attack!

Sonic Blast Game and Walking Talking Cyberman. The most anticipated Doctor Who product of the year is the brand new Doctor Who Lego set, will arrive at retail in December, as well as LEGO Dimensions, the new Toys To Life game from WBIE. New licensee Black Milk Clothing is developing a clothing range with new products from Universal Poster, Moonpig, Legends Wall Art, Zeon, Funko, Vibe and publishing from Panini and Titan.

Something Special increases product lines and licensees for 2015. New for 2015 is HTI, for Move and Groove scooters, Quad skates, bikes and Balance Bikes. Plus there are books from Egmont, an Electronic Learning Aid from KD Group to name a few.

Get talking Outfit 7 Ltd 020 7432 4567 www.outfit7.com

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Outfit7 Limited returns to Brand Licensing Europe for the third year in a row riding a wave that illustrates its incredible momentum as a major player in the family entertainment space around the globe. The company’s flagship property Talking Tom and Friends has over 2.8 billion app downloads, with more than 250 million actively players each month in over 230 countries across the globe. Its first app launched five years ago, and today the suite of apps includes 15 titles. Combined, the franchise has also amassed a whopping 3 billion views of its various content on YouTube since its creation.

“Talking Tom and Friends: The Animated Series” has cemented a rock solid audience amassing over 70 million views since its launch in late Spring on YouTube and the YouTube Kids app. The 52x11 minute episode series, features an all-star voice cast led by Golden Globe and Emmy-nominee Colin Hanks (“Fargo”) and Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants.”)

Outfit7 is exhibiting at the Brand Licensing Europe from stand F065. The company is seeking domestic and global partners to support and further develop the brand’s consumer products program - which now stands at 50 licensing partners in various categories from all parts of the world.

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

Protecting people, products and places UL VS LTD 0118 927 3340 www.ul.com Product safety and quality is absolutely critical for licensed products to safeguard consumers and help protect brands - often a company’s most valuable asset.

As an independent provider of third-party testing, audit, inspection and responsible sourcing services, UL can help to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and brand specifications at every step in the supply chain. Covering a wide variety of licensed products including toys, nursery, premiums, apparel, homeware and electronics, UL also has extensive experience in helping licensors and licensees to develop, implement and maintain customised endto-end quality assurance programmes.

Through its global network of accredited laboratories and active involvement in the development of international safety standards, UL can help provide confidence in the quality and safety of licensed products, and help launch products that delight both consumers wherever you source or sell.

Stop by stand G090 where UL’s experts and new look sales team will be on hand throughout the show to offer advice on how to help ensure licensed products comply with brand specifications as well as international safety standards and regulations such as the EU Toy Safety Directive, ASTM and REACH. To make an appointment with UL staff during the show or for more information on how UL can help mitigate supply chain risk and safeguard the reputation of your brand, please contact Mark.

Johnson@ul.com or call 07469 084 495.

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All about the brands Mattel 01628 500 000 www.mattel.com

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Mattel continues to innovate and challenge the licensing industry with its impressive portfolio of brands and exciting new releases including the highly anticipated release of Bob the Builder.

The iconic fashion doll Barbie continues to engage and inspire girls of all ages, by reflecting the new reality of girls and their world as it changes. The new brand campaign for Barbie has been encouraging girls to find their own superpowers within from superheroes to superstar. Barbie continues to bring exciting partnerships to life with key licensees in numerous categories including fashion and role play.

School to freaky fab ghouls, Monster High empowers girls to express their individuality, embrace their imperfections and form friendships that last beyond a lifetime. Monster High continues its freaktacular brand campaign, We Are Monster High, inviting current and new fans to fly their freaktastic flags and show their ghoul spirit! Working with best in class partners, the brand is being bought to life in fashion as well as fun innovative role play items and Halloween is playing a key part in licensing partnerships.

It’s full steam ahead for Thomas & Friends as the brand continues to celebrate his 70th anniversary year, with friendship at the heart of storytelling including programme of friendship-themed activities. New content and an extensive licensing programme are continuing to fuel Thomas’ success.

Fireman Sam is having an amazing year as the fourth fastest growing license in pre-school toys. It is also number two Boys pre-school property in Europe, number three UK pre-school license, number six in France and number seven in Germany and Italy. With exciting new content and an extensive licensing programme, this brand is on fire!

Bob the Builder is back with an exciting all new CG-animated series on Channel’s 5’s Milkshake! (UK), PBS KIDS (US) and on Super RTL (GER) and Televisa (MEX) from early 2016.

The n ew Bob the Builder keeps the core values that were loved by fans – construction, teamwork, positivity, empowerment and learning as well as many of the core characters. With an extensive licensing programme planned, Bob the Builder is back!

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

What will you discover?

Discovery Consumer Products 020 8811 3950 www.corporate.discovery.com Discovery Consumer Products will be at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to explore new licensing and brand extension opportunities for its core properties including Discovery Channel, Discovery Adventures and Animal Planet. Discovery Consumer Products will use Europe’s biggest licensing trade show to focus on outdoor adventure property, Discovery Adventures. Discovery Adventures encourages consumers to make their world bigger and its consumer product extensions have a central goal of making outdoor exploration and adventure possible. Discovery Adventures will debut an innovative range of hard goods and travel products within the outdoor living category across camping, luggage, travel accessories, and more that gives families the tools to expand their horizons. The Animal Planet brand continues its success for Discovery Consumer Products. This year, Animal Planet partnered with Chrisco in Denmark and 151 Pets in the UK to launch a line of Animal Planet pet treats appealing to its core pet lover audience.

To further the success of Animal Planet’s rapidly growing Pet Products programme, Discovery Consumer Products is looking to establish partners across EMEA within this expanding market from toys, bedding, pet accessories, and homewares. In addition to the core Discovery Channel brand, Discovery Consumer Products will be featuring product offerings across key properties under this flagship network brand including Shark Week and How’s it Made.

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You’re the best menace!

You DC Thomson Tho Consumer Products 02 7400 1072 020 www.dcthomson.co.uk w DC Thomson Consumer Products will be heading to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to showcase its extensive portfolio of iconic properties Eu including The Beano and Jackie. in Spearheading DC Thomson’s presentation slate is long-standing British comic The Beano which has been entertaining fans of all B ages since 1938. The evergreen brand has inspired an award winning ag merchandise programme targeting the gifting markets. DC Thomson mer continues to build a successful range of consumer products around also cont the comic’s comic unforgettable comedy duo Dennis the Menace and Gnasher for children. The thriving licensing programme inspired by the star characters from the BAFTA BAFT nominated TV series on CBBC covers all key categories including a best-selling books, toys and accessories, apparel, gifts and stationery and best-se digital products. pro At BLE 2015, DC Thomson will also present new plans for Jackie. The weekly British teen magazine sold 1 million copies per week at its peak during B the 1970s and was the leading title for fans of music and fashion.

Following new work with leading designers, DC Thomson is making Jackie a label based on ‘70s music and fashion styles targeting fans of all ages.

First to launch this spring was a sell-out range with leading fashion retailer ASOS and with Jackie The Musical set to tour theatres nationwide from spring 2016, the firm will launch new products with partners covering CDs, stationery, accessories and apparel. DC Thomson Consumer Products will be exhibiting from Stand F040 and diaries are now open for appointments.

S

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Visit the Entertaining World of Pokémon!

We choose you to become part of a great team at Stand F070 at Brand Licensing Europe 2015!

For Licensing Opportunities, please contact: Mathieu Galante Senior Market Development Manager—France and ROE m.galante@pokemon.com Fabrice Blanchefort Market Development Manager—France f.blanchefort@pokemon.com

Romina Ialongo Harris McQueen Market Development Manager—Spain & Italy Market Development Manager—UK Soft Lines r.ialongo@pokemon.com h.mcqueen@pokemon.com Samantha Mortimore Market Development Manager—UK Hard Lines s.mortimore@pokemon.com

© 2015 Pokémon. © 1995–2015 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, , and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

®

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Tune in

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Cartoon Network Enterprises 020 7693 1000 www.cartoonnetwork.com

Dream team ITV Studios Global Entertainment

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020 7157 6163 www.itvstudios.com ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) will be heading to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 with its spectacular portfolio of ITV owned and third party properties. d The hugely successful new boys’ action adventure series Thunderbirds Stan 0 Are Go will lead ITVS GE’s extensive presentation slate. The firm3will 0 also be showcasing Classic Thunderbirds which celebrates D its 50th anniversary this year, iconic toy property PLAYMOBIL, the Playmobil inspired kids’ TV series Super 4, digital game sensation Cut the Rope, ‘70s music brand Village People and the licensor’s new licensing property historical TV drama Poldark. Paying tribute to the Classic Thunderbirds series which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Thunderbirds Are Go is the ground-breaking remake of the iconic 1960s TV show. ITVS GE has assembled a robust licensing programme for the property that spans all key categories including toys, digital, publishing, apparel, accessories, gifting, stationery, personal care, FMCG and homewares. Products have begun rolling out at UK and international markets. ITVS GE are committed to building upon this momentum as they gear up to the launch of the second series of Thunderbirds Are Go in 2016. At BLE 2015, the licensor will be presenting licensing opportunities for the show’s next instalment. ITVS GE will also showcase opportunities for its new TV property, Poldark. The British period drama is an adaption of Winston Graham’s popular book series and ITVS GE will be harnessing consumer demand from the show’s huge UK fanbase to assemble a dedicated consumer products programme that will launch at UK retail from Q4 2015. The licensor is currently seeking licensing partners in key categories including apparel and accessories, homewares, gifting, stationery and personal care.

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Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) returns to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 (BLE 2015) with a colourful portfolio of brands that are leading the trend for licensed properties that are original, irreverently funny and just a little bit unpredictable!

Cartoon Network is currently riding high as BAFTA Children’s Channel of the Year.

Smart, contemporary and unpredictable, its unique shows offer licensees and retailers an opportunity to connect with the discerning youth audience while also forming a totally committed, no going back connection with the entire family.

Adventure Time leads CNE’s BLE 2015 presentation slate as the ever-increasing popularity of Finn and Jake’s adventures in The Land of Oooo continue to draw record audiences and increased demand for licensed products.

Over 43 million fans regularly tune in to watch the show across EMEA and the franchise currently boasts more than 100 licensees in the region. CNE will be using BLE 2015 to share details of the brand’s journey from underground cult phenomena to a mass-market bestselling proposition that presents long term licensing opportunities across all key categories.

What’s more, two of Cartoon Network’s most successful franchises of the last decade are on course for major revivals in 2016. Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup are back in a reboot of one of the channel’s most enduring original series The Powerpuff Girls supported by a new toy range from global master toy partner Spin Master. As the first ambassadors of girl power, the brand possesses a cool credibility and heritage that makes it perfectly positioned to capitalise upon the current trend for superhero properties for girls.

The new-look alien-fuelled kid hero Ben 10 will also be introduced to a new generation of fans from autumn 2016.

Playmates have been confirmed as the global master toy partner for the franchise that has generated more than $4.5 billion in global retail sales to date.

The multi-award winning comedy sitcom The Amazing World of Gumball will also feature on the presentation slate alongside the brand new animated show We Bare Bears that launches on Cartoon Network across EMEA from September 2015.

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GLOBAL A WORLDWIDE SPRINGBOARD FOR INDEPENDENT ANIMATION AND STORYTELLING. CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

t MEDIA DIA DISTRIBUTION t CONSUMER PRODUCTS

© Masha and the Bear Ltd. 2015

MEET US AT BLE BOOTH #E100

tickle your MIND, catch your EYE, win your HEART. If you would like to hear more about our projects or wish to develop your story with us then please contact: STORYTELLING

Claus Tømming | Managing Partner ct@ink-brands.com

MEDIA DISTRIBUTION

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Bruno Zarka | Media Director bz@ink-brands.com

Annalisa Woods | Commercial Director aw@ink-brands.com

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Bear Essentials The Copyrights Group 020 3714 1181 www.copyrights.co.uk

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A super line-up Warner Bros.

Consumer Products 020 7984 6100 www.wbcpmedia.warnerbros.com

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Warner Bros. Consumer Products returns to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to highlight key developments from within its iconic entertainment franchises and honour its best-in-class licensing partners.

DC COMICS heads the presentation slate with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice fronting a line-up that includes nine further DC movies set for launch by 2020.

Targeted licensing programmes including DC Super Hero Girls, a multi-platform universe of animated shorts, books, apparel and toys featuring Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl for girls six to 12 will also feature on the bill.

Scooby-Doo leads the Classic Animation pack as brand new content and LEGO Scooby-Doo rolls out across EMEA and WBCP continues to build upon its 15-year relationship with Character Group with the launch of new toy lines and distribution in new markets.

The beloved Looney Tunes will continue to drive new trends with hot new partnerships such as Hare Jordan for NIKE and haute couture apparel and accessories with globally renowned label Moschino.

Also in the spotlight are three shows from Warner Bros.

Animation that will bring life to WBCP’s classic animation slate: Wabbit—A Looney Tunes Production, Be Cool Scooby-Doo! and a new series of The Tom and Jerry Show, all of which will partner with top-tier licensees.

Currently in production as part of an expanded creative partnership between Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the first in a new film series from Rowling’s world of witches and wizards, inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbook “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” and the adventures of the book’s fictitious author, Newt Scamander.

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them will mark J.K. Rowling’s screenwriting debut and will be fully supported by WBCP, with global partners offering fans an exciting licensing and merchandising program.

The Harry Potter franchise that continues to expand in the themed entertainment space and engage fans across the generations completes the line-up for Europe’s leading licensing show.

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There are exciting developments for The Stand G040 Copyrights Group across their portfolio of properties including new product launches and deals, the development and launch of brands in new markets and international success for its classic properties.

Following the phenomenal success of the first Paddington movie and with a second movie in discussion new international product launches and refreshed ranges for 2016 include: toys and plush, apparel and accessories, puzzles and games, nursery goods, books, adult accessories, collectables, social stationery, QSR promotions, confectionery, arts and crafts, a new audio book narrated by Hugh Bonneville. Country Diary sees new publishing partners launching in Denmark, China and Japan in 2015.

Existing products include dated stationery and calendars, puzzles, greeting cards, compacts and pill boxes, printed cushions, bedding, craft, an e-book, and wrap and gift boxes. New for 2016 is refreshed ranges from existing licensees, as well as a new party paperware and cake decoration range launching from Creative Party. The Snowman licensing program continues to go from strength-to-strength with new licensees on board for 2015 including apparel, food gifting, arts and crafts, as well as additional toys and games. In 2016 new product launches will include an infant My First Christmas range launching from Rainbow Designs, as well as expanded and refreshed ranges.

New content Aardman

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0117 307 1318 www.aardman.com

A big year DRI Licensing 020 3757 2170 www.drilicensing.com DRI Licensing’s brands have had a tremendous year so far.

Miffy’s 60th Anniversary celebrations continue apace, and a new branding and licensing direction for Roald Dahl is now almost complete in preparation for 2016’s centenary year.

2015 has been a busy year for Aardman with the global release of Shaun the Sheep The Movie, a new Shaun the Sheep series and a half hour special in the can and Nick Park’s brand new feature film Early Man currently in production! Not only does the studio have a raft of exciting new content for audiences to look forward to over the coming months, but it is also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016.

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BILLION APP DOWNLOADS AND COUNTING

ANIMATED SERIES: One of the most watched animated series on YouTube Kids CELEBRITY VOICE TALENT: All-star voice cast led

by Colin Hanks

3 Billion reasons why we’re #1 in the world of digital MY TALKING TOM: 3rd most downloaded game in 2014*

MERCHANDISE: Lifelike toys and an exciting range of consumer products

For licensing opportunities, please contact: * Data source App Annie Index 2014

Licensing@Outfit7.com • www.outfit7.com

BLE 2015 Show Preview Big brands BIPLANO +34 93 452 6000 www.biplano.com

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Once again, Biplano will be present at Brand Licensing Europe. Besides evergreen properties such as Hello Kitty, Smurfs, Betty Boop, Popeye or Chupa Chups, Biplano has extended his licenses portfolio with new properties from different categories.

Make sure you call by the company’s stand to find about its full remit of brands as it celebrate 25 years.

Hot properties Entertainment One 0207 3691 8509 www.eonefamily. co.uk

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Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) will be returning to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to showcase its growing portfolio which includes pre-school properties Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, teen lifestyle brand SO SO Happy, hip-hop record label Death Row Records and new film properties The BFG and Ricky Gervais’ Life on the Road.

Masha bears down on BLE Ink Global +45 20 33 30 20 www.ink-brands.com

BLE Stand E100

Ink Global will be presenting one of the world’s biggest, most innovative and best-loved properties at BLE 2015 – Masha and the Bear.

Masha and the Bear is about an adorable, but hyperactive, little girl who befriends a retired circus bear. The bear craves a quiet life, but Masha has other ideas and twists him around her little finger with hilarious results.

The show is broadcast in almost every country in the world - via both pay and free-to-air channels – and was named best animation in the Creative Talent category at the 2015 Kidscreen Awards. Broadcasters include France TV, KIKA, Rai YoYo (Italy), Turner Cartoonito (UK and Latin America), Turner Boing (Spain), ABC (Australia), Canal Panda (Spain and Portugal), Minimax (Central Europe), Russia 1 (Russia and CIS), SIC (Portugal and Portuguesespeaking Africa) and SpaceToon (Middle East, North Africa and Malaysia).

The show isn’t confined to TV - a theatrical release of exclusive Masha episodes will take place in Italy later this year, whilst the brand’s official YouTube channel has recorded over 10 billion views in total. One episode – ‘Recipe for Disaster’ – is amongst the 25 most watched YouTube videos of all time.

The property boasts hundreds of licensing partners, with a recent BrandTrends survey rating Masha and the Bear as the third-placed favourite brand in Europe.

“Masha and the Bear is much more than your average kids show,” says Ink Global Director Claus Tømming.

“It’s completely different to anything else out there and audiences love it, which is why the licensing community is so strongly behind the brand. Our job at BLE 2015 will be to connect with as many interested partners as possible to discuss the possibilities presented by this unique property.”

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It’s all about the panda WWF-UK 01483 412 517 www.wwf.org.uk

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WWF is a leading environmental Stan charity and lifestyle brand championing its ethos for R25 d sustainable but desirable products.

Its logo is 98% globally recognised.

WWF is delighted to be working alongside Otterhouse and Carousel Calendars to produce under license an exciting brand new range of FSC diaries and calendars showcasing the natural world in all its beauty and diversity.

Hot of the press! Award winning Cuddledry (Winners of the Gold for Best Baby Bath Towel in the Loved by Parents Awards) has recently launched their superb toddler and apron towel in a beautiful snow leopard print, in addition to the cute giraffe print launched earlier this year under license with WWF UK to raise awareness for endangered species.

Standing out from the crowd is hard to achieve but consumers can feel good knowing that eco-conscious fashion never looked so good!

WWF has teamed up with Mantis World who’ve designed and created cutting-edge on trend nature graphics on soft organic cotton tees, tank tops and hoodies for adults and the cutest baby animal alphabet range ever! What can the panda do for you? Be a part of WWF’s eco-exciting licensing future.

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

Award-winning fun Blue-Zoo Animation Studio 020 7434 4111 www.blue-zoo.co.uk

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Blue-Zoo is an award-winning UK based animation studio founded in 2000. It’s a creative, adventurous and independent company which has a renowned reputation for passionate, stand-out, high-quality animation for TV, commercials, children’s programming, titles and idents. Over the past 15 years Blue-Zoo has produced fantastic hits such as Tree Fu Tom, Q Pootle 5, Olive the Ostrich, Alphablocks. Get Squiggling and the new TV series of Miffy and Digby Dragon currently in production.

In 2012, Blue-Zoo won BAFTA’s Children’s Award for best Independent Production Company.

Digby Dragon is a nature inspired comedy animation for children aged between four-six years. Set in the colourful and enchanted Applecross Woods, Digby Dragon follows Digby a fledging dragon learning to fly. Aardman Animations have acquired international TV, DVD and digital sales rights with Nickelodeon UK commissioning 52 x 11mins of the programme launching on its preschool channel, Nick Jr in autumn 2016. Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products have consumer products rights in the UK and Ireland.

The Alphablocks are 26 living letters who discover that when they hold hands and make a word it comes to life. Alphablocks is a discovery-based starter phonics system that helps children learn to read. It is based on best-practice phonics teaching and structured around the Key Stage 1 curriculum. There are 26, 3.5 minute episodes, and 65, five-minute episodes broadcast on CBeebies.

Stand D003

Brand-tastic DHX BRANDS

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020 8563 6400 www.dhxmedia.com

DHX Brands, the dedicated brandmanagement and consumer-products arm of DHX Media, heads to BLE with an exciting, diverse slate of properties this year - headlined

by Teletubbies, and brand new addition Make It Pop alongside preschool favourites In the Night Garden and Twirlywoos.

The original Teletubbies is one of the most successful children’s brands of all time and was voted one of the Best Children’s TV Programmes of the last 50 years by international kids’ television experts at the 2014 Prix Jeunesse International.

The hotly anticipated new version, set to air late 2015 on CBeebies, features the characters with a refreshed, contemporary look and will be supported by heavyweight national PR and advertising campaigns. Licensing activity continues to ramp up on the property.

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Egmont published four story book titles in 2015 and further titles will be launched in 2016. Pearson education produces 30 phonically de-codable books, which they sell into schools.

Immediate Media launched the Alphablocks Reading Programme last year. Abbey Home Media has released five DVDs while Ravensburger have launched a 24 piece Giant Floor puzzle.

Alphablocks launched an interactive app early 2015 and will be launching a further apps in 2015-2016 Alphablocks is looking particularly into markets for Back to School and stationary, toy, apparel, and bedding.

Reach for the clouds

BLE Stand B100

Ho Ho Entertainment 020 7682 3154

BLE

www.hohoentertainment.com

Hoho Entertainment will be exhibiting for the fifth year at BLE and seeking licensees and retail partners together with international licensing agents to represent its brands overseas. The company’s priorities for BLE include colourful pre-school series Cloudbabies, girls’ fashion brand Mimi and Bibi.

Real care for hair

Stand M60

Lee Stafford www.leestafford.com For the first time, multiaward winning haircare collection, Lee Stafford, is showing at Brand Licensing Europe.

The Lee Stafford brand already enjoys a very successful track record with existing licensing partners in haircare – both electricals and brushes – which is rolling out worldwide.

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» Europe’s

largest construction brand

» Over I million machines » 70 years heritage » In the dictionary » Over 50 licensees » Licensed retail sales over £85 million per annum

» Experiential

partnerships across the UK

Come and see us on stand G020

#digtheadventure m y f irst JCB Consumer Products Tel: +44 (0)1889 593499 email: sam.johnson@jcb.com www.jcbhighstreet.com

THEY’RE OUTER THIS WORLD!

Looking for Entertainment & Licensing Partners Come and meet us at BLE Stand - B132

Tel: 01403 752692 caroline2brown@btinternet.com www.thezoonies.com

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For the dogs

Real magic

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Dracco

020 7622 3626 www.battersea.org.uk

+34 93 3685 728 www.dracco.com Dracco’s top girls brand FILLY expands with further Stan international licensing agents.

C04 d Dracco has appointed ELC as 8 their licensing agent for Russia and Eastern Europe, where FILLY is growing strongly. Also Discovery Kids Licensing has been appointed as the licensing agent for Italy and Discovery plans to broadcast the FILLY FUNTASIA 26 half hour animated TV series for late 2016, early 2017. The TV series and audiovisual rights will be exploited in a transmedia way from traditional TV to DVD, VOD and YouTube across the globe. For TV and DVD rights outside GAS, BRB (the appointed producer of the series) is closing many deals. The IP owner Dracco has also been approached with further projects including a feature film and a musical project. In Germany, four new publishers have been signed on recently, including Panini, Nelson and teNeues adding to Blue Ocean which publishes the highly successful FILLY magazine.

Universal Music is distributing Dracco’s own produced Storytelling CDs (audiobooks) including newly Hollywood-produced FILLY kids pop music. The wealth of content that the brand has been able to create will be heavily enriched by licensees and content partners and finally by the CGI Animation series. Content has already proven to be highly valued by the German and international fans, who know almost each of the Filly characters. 13 million magazines have been sold and 1.1 million audiobook (storytelling) CD’s since 2010 in Germany alone. The range of 30+ licensees keeps expanding, also with Dracco building its toy distribution through the own subsidiaries and strong importer partners across the globe. The Dracco toy ranges and confectionery of FILLY Butterfly and FILLY Stars rotate very quickly on retail shelves. Dracco will present further new brand developments at Brand Licensing Europe.

Dracco creates in-depth content and stories allowing kids to expand their imagination. The Filly figurines are the base of the brand. Each character is beautifully detailed with a crown that is decorated with Swarovski crystals, each character has its own name, profession, and fantasy kingdom that the Fillys reside in. These fantasy stories, characters and collectible series innovations are the ingredients that has kept girls engaged over the years. 2016 will celebrate the 10th anniversary in Germany and many other markets.

To date Filly has sold close to 100 million figurines, with over 200 individual characters, in over 50 countries around the world. The Filly brand continues to win the hearts of consumers. In Germany Filly was ranked #1 and #2 in 2014 according to NPD Group toy charts in Playset themed figurines and accessories (based on turnover). Additionally four more Filly products were in the top 10 category. The Filly Butterfly Flower Tower in December 2014 Christmas sales was the most sold item in this category. Overall in 2014 Filly ranked #4 among the Entertainment License NPD ranking as such being the #2 girls license. Girls in Germany reinforce this finding as Filly also ranks among top three “Appeal of Licenses” with 94% appeal rate girls 4-6 years old according to research institute Icon Kids & Youth from the September 2014 Kids License Monitor.

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This year at Brand Licensing Europe, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be showcasing its brand new style guide and exciting artwork formats.

These include a new collection of contemporary photography as well as new illustrations from the pens of children’s illustrators Jason Chapman and Sophy Henn.

Battersea has had a busy year adding several new partners to its licensing portfolio including Bravado, Brand Packaging Solutions and Summit Different.

The mouse is back!

FremantleMedia Kids & Family 020 7691 6000 www.fremantlemedia.com One of the leading names Stand in global family E080 entertainment, FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment works with innovative, best-in-class partners around the world to build engaging, entertaining and ground-breaking international franchises that connect with children and families across multiple platforms. The company’s key properties for BLE are the hotly-anticipated reboot of classic 80s animation Danger Mouse and hit pre-school shows Kate & Mim-Mim and Tree Fu Tom.

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Be a warrior Mind Candy 020 7501 1900 www.mindcandy.com

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Mind Candy, creators of global kid’s phenomenon Moshi Monsters, is back at BLE with its brand new franchise World of Warriors. The franchise, which includes toys, publishing, apparel and back to school, will roll out in the UK first, with European, US and Australian programmes following in 2016. Marketing and PR support is already in full swing with an ongoing TV campaign and competitions running across a whole host of kids press titles.

This is in addition to the amazing animated content on the World of Warriors YouTube channel.

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The Boot Buddy The Boot Buddy is the newest, simplest and most environmentally friendly way to clean your muddy footwear!

We have finally designed a product which encourages people to keep their footwear in top condition with little to no effort at all. USP’s 1) Small & portable 2) Effectively removes mud & dirt 3) Environmentally friendly 4) Only uses 300ml of water.

The Boot Buddy is an example of how simple ideas can be game changers. For too long, old style scrubbing brushes have taken precedence but now there is a new, fun and cool way to get people thinking about their muddy footwear.

The Boot Buddy is all about being fun and different, yet still being able to do the job at hand better than any other cleaning brush in the world.

The Boot Buddy can be customized to sport your brand colours and logos. We can work together with you to effectively achieve your exact specification.

The Boot Buddy can easily be adapted to appeal to many different market segments. For example, if you’re a football club and require branded boot buddies. Or, if you’re an animation company.

We can create themed boot buddies to gauge children’s’ interests. The Boot Buddy also makes for an excellent corporate gift. The avenues are endless and we intend to explore each and every one.

Contact us today at info@thebootbuddy.co.uk

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See the rainbow

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Rainbow +39 0717 5067 500 www.rbw.it Content creation specialist Rainbow is bringing

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a portfolio of top brands to BLE 2015. Worldwide hits Winx Club and Mia and me will feature on the Rainbow stand, and will be joined by Regal Academy and My American Friend – two brand new shows with massive broadcasting and licensing potential.

Winx Club is the hugely popular Rainbow brand that boasts millions of viewers each day through broadcasters on every continent in the world. New content is produced regularly, with series 7 hitting screens across the world this year, whilst the property also has a huge digital presence through a website - www.winxclub. com – that’s available in 15 languages and boasts over two million unique visitors and over 25 million page views per month. This huge presence has made Winx Club one of the biggest kids brands in the world, with massive appeal to girls from four to 10 right up to tween/teen. Mia and me is the award-winning co-production with Hahn & M4e that chronicles the adventures of 12-year old Mia in the mystical land of Centopia and mixes live action with CGI animation.

TV companies worldwide have already snapped up the property and more than 70 broadcasters in over 80 territories are currently showing Mia and me, with a second series released to international acclaim this year. The brand has also proved hugely popular with licensees and a full range of merchandise was launched in many international territories, including an exciting toy line from global toy partner Mattel. Other prestigious partners include Ravensburger, Egmont, Unilever, Nestle and Panini. My American Friend is the live-action production that celebrates everything that is wonderful about Italy and its culture and people. The series is set to start shooting in September in Italy.

New properties THE JIM HENSON COMPANY

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Santoro 020 8781 1104 www.santoro.co.uk

+1 323 802 1500 www.henson.com The Jim Henson Company (JHC) will be returning to BLE 2015, under the guidance of recently appointed Vice President of Global Consumer Products Federico San Martin, who now oversees licensing activities worldwide for the company.

JHC will debut three brand new properties to the international consumer products’ marketplace, including Dot., Word Party and Splash. The company is currently developing global programs for all three brands, which are anticipated to launch at retail in the U.S. in summer and fall 2016.

JHC will also continue the global expansion of two of its original brands, Dinosaur Train and Doozers.

Additionally, the Company will present Elias: Rescue Team Adventures under the company’s third party banner, HIP (Henson Independent Properties).

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Get angry Rovio Entertainment

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+358 207 888 300 www.rovio.com Rovio Entertainment returns to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to update the industry on the hugely anticipated Angry Birds movie and the burgeoning consumer products programme that is attracting bestin-class partners including LEGO and Spin Master.

Set to hit the big screen in May 2016, The Angry Birds Movie is being produced by the creative geniuses at Rovio Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

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This year Santoro, well known for Gorjuss and its other beautiful art-infused fashion collections such as Mirabelle and Willow, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in style.

From humble beginnings in a tiny studio off Carnaby Street, founders Meera and Lucio Santoro are now at the helm of an internationally renowned brand, with an abundance of awards to its name and a reputation for creating exquisite products, from stylish stationery to high-end fashion bags.

www.ltwmag.com

Visit us at BLE booth B060

Ian Woods Senior Regional Director Licensing UK, EMEA & LATAM o: +44 (0) 208 811 4351 e: ian_woods@discovery.com

Charlotte Payne Regional Manager Licensing UK, France and Emerging Business o: +44 (0) 208 811 3049 e: charlotte_payne@discovery.com

www.discoveryconsumerproducts.com

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World class Twentieth Century Fox

Leave the outdoors outside The Boot Buddy

020 7632 2352 www.fox.co.uk

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074 4698 6544 www.thebootbuddy.co.uk The Boot Buddy is the newest, simplest and most environmentally friendly way to clean your muddy footwear!

The company has finally designed a product which encourages people to keep their footwear in top condition with little to no effort at all. It is small and portable, effectively removes mud and dirt, it’s environmentally friendly and only uses 300ml of water.

The Boot Buddy is an example of how simple ideas can be game changers. For too long, old style scrubbing brushes have taken precedence but now there is a new, fun and cool way to get people thinking about their muddy footwear.

The Boot Buddy is all about being fun and different, yet still being able to do the job at hand better than any other cleaning brush in the world.

The Boot Buddy can be customised to sport any brand colours and logos. The company can work together with partners to effectively achieve the exact specification. The Boot Buddy can easily be adapted to appeal to many different market segments. For example, if you’re a football club and require branded boot buddies, or, if you’re an animation company, they can create themed boot buddies to inspire children’s interest. The Boot Buddy also makes for an excellent corporate gift. The avenues are endless and the company intends to explore each and every one.

Always care AG Properties +1 216 252 7300 www.agpbrands.com

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Care Bears is a brand with heart with core attributes including wholesome values like caring, sharing, love, kindness and cheer. American Greetings Properties (AGP) invests millions in entertainment year after year. Today’s generation can catch Care Bears on just about every platform with distribution in 450+ million households and 50 languages worldwide. Care Bears toys can be found in more than 45 countries worldwide with Just Play as the master toy partner in the U.S. and Vivid as the distributor in key European territories like the UK.

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Twentieth Century Stand Fox Consumer E040 Products (FCP) will showcase their worldclass portfolio of top entertainment brands, available for multi-category licensing programmes, anchored by the upcoming release of Ice Age: Collision Course, due in theaters July 2016. FCP will also showcase upcoming franchise films Independence Day, Planet of the Apes and the all new Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip. In addition, new TV series including FOX’s hit show Empire and the hotly anticipated Scream Queens will be showcased alongside top animated brands The Simpsons and Family Guy. Finally, FCP is gearing up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic film Aliens in 2016.

Make it pop

Romero Britto 020 7572 0858 www.beanstalk.com

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World-renowned Brazilian born pop artist, Romero Britto, has partnered with leading global brand extension agency, Beanstalk, earlier this year. Beanstalk will strategically extend the Britto brand across Europe and North America while working with existing licensees.

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NEW SERIES, NEW PLANETS, NEW MONSTERS

BE PART OF THE ADVENTURE Please come and visit us at BLE, stand number D010 For further information please contact clare.piggott@bbc.com BBC logo © BBC 1996. Doctor Who logo © BBC 2009. Dalek image © BBC/Terry Nation 1963.

Cyberman image © BBC/Kit Pedler/Gerry Davis 1966. K-9 image © BBC/Bob Baker/Dave Martin 1977.

Licensed by BBC Worldwide Limited.

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Hey Boj Boj 01273 982501 www.pesky.com

It’s my birthday Pokemon

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020 7381 7009 www.pokemon.com The Pokémon Company International gears up for an action-packed autumn as the European Licensing team prepare for a milestone year in 2016 2016 will see the Pokémon brand celebrating a significant milestone as it reaches 20 years since it was first launched. Mathieu Galante and his European team are excited by the business opportunities that this special year presents to existing and potential new licensees and promotional partners in the UK and Europe, and they will be discussing their plans at Brand Licensing Europe.

In the UK, The Pokémon Company International is preparing for a busy autumn. The company recently announced a partnership with KidZania for the inclusion of a Pokémon Animation Studio within its Londonbased educational entertainment experience. This will see children creating their very own Pokémon animation using stop-motion animation techniques. During their visit, children will learn about the fundamentals of animation within a real-life studio setting and will be able to select a number of TOMY Pokémon figurines and other props to produce their film masterpieces.

On the retail front, The Pokémon Company International announced its first-ever retail activation with Smyths Toys, a leading provider of children’s toys and entertainment in the UK and Ireland. Supporting the launch of the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, XY—Ancient Origins, the activation involved a cross-category display unit for the TCG cards, toys, and video games; the digital distribution of a rare and powerful Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Rayquaza; and an exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game SKU also featuring Shiny Rayquaza. It was accompanied by an extensive TV advertising campaign and special guest appearances from superstar Pikachu at selected branches of Smyths Toys.

The company also partnered with major retailer The Entertainer in August to deliver an exciting retail promotion for Pokémon TCG: XY—Ancient Origins.

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BAFTA award-winning Pesky Productions, creators of hit preschool animation Boj, is delighted to be exhibiting this year at Brand Licensing Europe. Boj is one of the most watched characters on CBeebies, more than doubling CBeebies average audience share and achieving more big audiences (half a million plus) than any rival character brand. Boj currently airs not only in the UK but also in USA, France, Canada and Australia with new deals covering South America, Middle East, Pan Africa and a launch in Spain next year.

Boj is not only a character on our TV screens. He is flourishing in a whole range of multi–character magazines including CBeebies, Friends, Favourites, Toybox and Busy Time and the show’s popularity with young readers has prompted Redan Publishing to go for a standalone Boj magazine in February 2016.

The little bilby also delighted young fans as part of the regular Toddler Time programme at Picturehouse cinemas nationally and Pesky Productions are

ALVINNN! PGS

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currently finalising a deal to release the well–loved Boj songs as an album featuring Jason Donovan.

Pesky will soon be announcing full details of a Boj visitor attraction at one of the UK’s favourite zoos allowing children direct engagement with the brand and a retail platform for selling merchandise to the one million visitors per year. The Let’s Get Boj-ing campaign encourages kids to have fun upcycling, and was successfully trialled in a dozen Buckinghamshire pre-schools.

Pesky Productions are interested in meeting possible licensees who would like to be part of this exciting brand’s development so they can ‘Get Boj-ing’ together!

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+33 1 83 64 34 63 www.pgsentertainment. com

Energetic, impulsive and charming: the chipmunk Alvin has a new look and TV series, already launched and number one in over 20 markets!

Created by Janice Karman and produced

by Bagdasarian Productions and OuiDO! Productions, ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks reunites Karman and Bagdasarian, the couple that produced the original 1980s cartoon series and three blockbuster movies.

Together, the three films have generated nearly $2 billion. Alvin and the Chipmunks is a classic, global property that was created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr in 1958. The first iteration of the Chipmunks debuted as The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)written by Bagdasarian.

The record sold more than four million copies in just seven weeks, and spent four weeks at number one.

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THE #1 SHOW FOR CREATIVE KIDS!

BRAND NEW

MISTER MAKER’S ARTY PARTY FOR 2016 ON CBEEBIES 87% of all children aged 4-6 in the UK have watched Mister Maker* Mister Maker is the highest rating morning programme on CBeebies** Lima Brand trends 2015 shows Mister Maker in Top 10 most mentioned TV shows Over 156 million views on Mister Maker YouTube channel UK 2015/2016 National Tour – over 100 shows

*Source: BARB from launch to date (17th Sept 2007-8th Sept 2015) ** Source: BARB for children aged 7-9 (1st Jan-8th Sept 2015 – across the morning 0600-1200)

BLE Stand No. B020 zodiakkids.com Claire.shaw@zodiakkids.com

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Let’s make it happen Zodiak Kids

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020 7013 4004 www.zodiakmedia.com Zodiak Kids will be showcasing a range of properties at BLE and arts & crafts entertainment sensation Mister Maker will be taking centre stage. Mister Maker’s Arty Party, the seventh series since its 2007 launch, goes to air on CBeebies in spring 2016. Zodiak Kids have created an updated brand identity and packaging for the brand and will introduce the rebranded and refreshed product range into retail following the broadcast launch.

Zodiak Kids have conducted extensive research with a leading research agency which has shown the increasing importance of inspiring creativity within their children to parents and that Mister Maker has an evidenced right to extend into a range of creative areas. Zodiak Kids will be looking into further consumer product and licensing opportunities around creative areas such as art; performing arts; outdoors activities.

Mister Maker has been named in Lima’s recent UK brand trends report (April 2015) as one of the

Top 10 most mentioned TV shows and also in the top 10 most mentioned licenses amongst parents of boys and girls ages 0-2 and 3-6 giving an incredibly strong brand awareness to build upon.

Ziodiak Kids will also be representing new mixed media pre-school series Floogals for CP, Floogals launches on Sprout US in early 2016. The Ranch will be returning to BLE with a second season which launches on TFI in this Fall, accompanying novel range (produced by Hachette label Bibliothèque Rose) has now reached sales in France of over 250,000 copies with its 12 edition series to date.

LoliRock, the girls series aimed at 6-12 year olds, now has several licensing deals in place in France including; Hachette (publishing); PVC figurines (Comansi); Sahinler (textiles); DVDs (France TV); a McDonalds Happy Meal campaign and a promotion at Flunch Restaurants and Zodiak Kids will be looking at international territories at BLE.

Bagful of big brands Bulldog 020 8325 5455 www.bulldog-licensing.com

Bing it BLE

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Bulldog Licensing will be showcasing a strong and diverse portfolio of properties at BLE 2015.

Shopkins is the phenomenally successful collectible. A large and rapidly growing programme includes categories such as toys, wheeled goods, apparel, publishing, bedding, arts and crafts, annuals, games, posters and amusement plush, through top licensees including Blueprint, Flair, Aykroyds TDP, Spearmark, Winning Moves, Danilo, NJ and Icon.

Iconic Images is the publishing owner/distributor that owns or represents portfolios of renowned photographers who have captured the biggest names in movies and music in over six decades. Partners include Brulimar, which will produce eyewear and accessories, and NJ Screen Prints for apparel. In the US, Body Rags have signed an apparel deal and Euro Graphics for puzzles.

Garfield is the instantly recognizable cartoon cat featured in over 2,100 newspapers across the globe. Current licensees include Five Mile Press (publishing and puzzles), Roy Lowe and Sons (socks and tights), Sambro (bags and stationery), Ravette (publishing), and J Fox (accessories). Garfield apparel is also a major seller on the high street with Blues, Brand Alliance, Poeticgem and BCI all on board. EA is one of the biggest games is behind major franchises that have dominated the digital landscape for years. These include Battlefield, Need for Speed, SIMS. Plants vs. Zombies is the action hit from PopCap and Electronic Arts that requires players to stop a fun-loving horde of zombies using of a host of zombie-zapping plants.

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Acamar Films 020 8222 6100 www.thelicensingcompany. com

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Acamar Films and its licensing agent The Licensing Company (TLC) are taking the award-winning preschool property BING to BLE 2015.

Produced by independent studio Acamar Films and Dublin-based partners Brown Bag Films, BING has seen extraordinary success since it launched last year. The hand-picked group of world-class licensees already on board include: FisherPrice (Master Toy), Woodmansterne (Greetings), Egmont (Magazines), Rainbow (Costume Characters), Ravensburger (Games), Harper Collins (Publishing), and StudioCanal (Home Entertainment).

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PROTECTING PEOPLE, PRODUCTS AND PLACES

With comprehensive knowledge and expertise across a wide range of consumer product categories including toys, textiles, furnishing and food, UL can help ensure product compliance and quality of licensed goods to safeguard the reputation of your brand.

Rely on UL to help manage product safety and quality for licensed goods. To find out more visit us at Licensing Expo 2015, October 13-15, Booth G 090, contact mark.johnson@ul.com, or mobile +44 746 908 4495.

IN NEW AND IMPORTANT WAYS

ul.com/consumer-products UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2015.

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This is smurftastic!

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I.M.P.S. s.a. +32 2 652 02 20 www.smurf.com

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The story of the little blue elves created by Peyo in 1958 started with the creation of comic books. Managed by IMPS sa – the worldwide licensor of the Smurfs, headed by Veronique Culliford (Peyo’s daughter) – the Smurf license is split between book publishing, audio visual, movies, merchandising and retail. With 33 albums translated into 30 languages and over 35 million copies sold worldwide, the Smurfs is soaring. Thanks to an active publishing programme in over 70 territories, IMPS offers a wide variety of books, from picture books and learning books, to activity books, magazines and and digital books. The Smurfs animated TV series, adapted by the American animation studio Hanna-Barbera, has had a continued success since the 80s. The picture and sound of the 272 episodes have been digitally remastered and the episodes – translated into 40 languages – are broadcast on TV and available on DVD in over 100 countries.

The series is also now available in HD 16/9 VOD and on Netflix and iTunes. The Smurfs’ humour and high collectability are great strengths that have led to long-term partnerships: Le Lombard, Dupuis, Hachette, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, De Agostini, Panini, Warner Music, Sony Home Entertainment, Chupa Chups, Ferrero, Haribo, McDonald’s, Oreo, Pez, Zara, Women’s Secret, Jakks, Schleich, Ubisoft, Albert, Tesco, to name a few! The future will also see creation webshops, the first Smurf live show, shopping mall events and amusement parks.

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The world’s best play experiences Hasbro Brand Licensing and Publishing 020 8569 1234 www.hasbro.com Hasbro is committed to leveraging its beloved brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYDOH, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS to create the world’s best play experiences. At Brand License Europe 2015, Hasbro will continue to bring its stories to life across multiple mediums including entertainment, publishing and branded experiences. Hasbro will also showcase a successful range of High End Fashion from industry taste-makers, as well as a broad range of consumer products including toys and games, back to school and apparel and accessories at this year’s show.

Design it Joe Browns 0113 2766655 www.joebrowns.co.uk Joe Browns was created in 1998 and has since grown to a business with Gross Retail Sales of over £105 million.

It is actively looking for partners who understand its unique, colourful and charismatic brand and who want to expand using its proven blue prints.

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Love science!

IFLScience 020 7379 0441

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www.iflscience.com IFLScience was launched as a Facebook blog page in 2012 by Elise Andrew, who not only had a passion for science but also a desire to make science accessible to everyone by stripping away the jargon and making it educational, engaging and entertaining.

In just three years its irreverent and offbeat tone-of-voice has helped turn IFLScience into a global phenomenon and has amassed a global following of more than 120million people, which proves that Elise was on to something! They will be showcasing its global brand IFLScience and product concepts to the licensing and retailer world for the first time.

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Best in brand Saban Brands +1 310 557 5230 www.sabanbrands.com

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Saban Brands is continuing its global growth as a company and across its core and new brands, maintaining a diverse portfolio of properties. The company is continuously looking to further grow its portfolio with additional new properties and acquisitions for both Saban Brands Entertainment Group and Saban Brands Lifestyle Group in the future. Saban’s Power Rangers series is currently in its 22nd season, Power Rangers Dino Charge, which has already premiered around the world in the U.S. (Nickelodeon), Latin America (Cartoon Network), Canada (Nickelodeon & Teletoon), France (Canal J) and various other markets. The current season saw continued success after the U.S. premiere, remaining number one in its time period across key demos week over week.

For this fall, global master toy licensee Bandai America Inc. has released exciting new additions to the Power Rangers Dino Charge toy line, along with new themed merchandise from hundreds of other Power Rangers licensing partners. Highlights from Bandai’s new products line include Mix n’ Morph Figures, the Dino Spike Battle Sword and the Rumble N’ Roar T-Rex Zord. Other key Power Rangers items from Bandai include the Deluxe Morpher, Dino Charger 3-Pack, Deluxe Megazord and action figures,

as well as collectible items such as the Legacy Sabba Sword, Legacy Megazord and Legacy Morpher.

In September 2015, during world renowned New York Fashion Week, Paul Frank debuted its new spring/summer 2016 collection with a fashion show and event to launch the new vision and elevated fashion range for the brand. Macbeth joined the Saban Brands portfolio in June 2014. Established in 2002 with rock music as its muse, Macbeth originated as a footwear line and has since expanded to also include apparel, accessories and lifestyle products. Further expanding its operations in Australia, Saban Brands announced the acquisition of Piping Hot, one of Australia’s leading surfwear brands in March 2015. Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, Piping Hot offers innovative, quality surf products for those immersed in the surf lifestyle. This is just a snapshot of the brands within Saban’s mammoth portfolio.

Pop by its stand to find out more.

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Main stage Rocket Licensing

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0207 207 6243 www.rocketlicensing.com

Play the game Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

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020 7859 5000 www.uk.playstation.com Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) returns to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 with its globally renowned portfolio of kids and adult video game franchises. SCEE will be showcasing new multi-award winning action gaming brand Horizon Zero Dawn set for release on PlayStation4 (PS4), the latest instalment of the phenomenally successful Uncharted series; Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and lifestyle licensing opportunities for the PlayStation brand. SCEE’s broader portfolio of brands including Bloodborne, God of War, Tearaway, RIGS, LittleBigPlanet, Invizimals, The Last of Us, Journey, and retro titles Lemmings, WipEout and Parappa the Rapper will also be available to license. Visitors to the stand will also be treated to a sneak preview of Sony’s highly anticipated Project Morpheus virtual reality headset.

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Diversity rules on stand G005, where Rocket highlights hit properties across TV, film, publishing, fashion and design for ages from pre-school to adult.

Underlining the massive expectations for both the forthcoming film and the brand, Ghostbusters will take centre stage at BLE. But it will be accompanied by some major established names focused on diverse markets ranging from pre-school, children and tweens to teens and adults, and with origins in TV, film, publishing, fashion and design. This year they include the universally loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar, TV phenomenon Breaking Bad and its successful spin-off Better Call Saul, unstoppable comedy hit Mrs Brown’s Boys, film classic Rocky, Dr Seuss favourite The Grinch, CBeebies hit RuffRuff, Tweet and Dave, kid’s classic the Smurfs, badass car building icon Gas Monkey Garage, design classic the A-Z guide books, fashion accessory and style brand Model’s Own and even the Classic Ghostbusters.

Boom!

SEGA 020 8995 3399 www.sega.co.uk This year sees the continued expansion of SEGA’s Sonic Boom licensing programme Stand driven by the new CGI TV C030 animation. Packed with action, adventure and comedy, this is Sonic unlike anything you’ve seen before! The series is already proving a hit with fans and is currently the number 1 show on Boomerang in the UK and a major hit show on Gulli in France. The show is set to roll out across other EMEA territories late 2015 into 2016.

The Sonic Boom licensing programme is anchored by master toy partner TOMY and is looking to extend into multiple categories across EMEA including publishing, apparel, accessories, back to school and more.

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Lots to talk about Start Licensing 020 8337 7958 www.startlicensing.co.uk

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Start Licensing will be showcasing the Britvic brand portfolio. Olly the Little White Van will feature on the stand. This imaginative show runs regularly on Milkshake - it is a vehicle based show offering licensees a great preschool licensing opportunity.

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

Best-loved books Walker Books

Explore life JCB 01889 593 499 www.jcbexplore.com

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JCB will be celebrating in style at BLE this year marking its platinum 70th anniversary with a totally new stand design featuring scaffold, bricks and new lifestyle imagery capturing kids and adults fully immersing themselves in the iconic British digger brand.

JCB has firmly established itself as a trusted, durable brand recognised globally, and has an ambitious programme in place to further develop both the kids and adult product offering. 2014 proved to be an extremely successful year with the retail sales value of licensed products exceeding £85M and a record year on apparel and accessories.

This success is set to continue with its latest campaign which launched this year Dig The Adventure encouraging children and their parents to venture outdoors, get active and explore the world around them.

The great range of lifestyle images available reflect this drive and fully capture the JCB brands clear appeal to young fans. Aligned to this campaign, JCB will be showcasing their new collections of hard wearing outdoor clothing featuring bold and fun graphics designed to cope with everyday rough and tumble play.

Visitors at the show can also view the new range of toys, targeted at a range of age groups; from pre–schoolers through to older collectors, launching this year and into 2016. New licensing partnerships now in place enables JCB to expand their product offerings into new categories including greetings, baby gifting and die-cast to name but a few. This momentum continues in the adult sector with the launch of new products geared to the construction industry as a whole including work wear and footwear, tough mobile phone accessories, decorating products, batteries and even CCTV security towers.

Children and families now have a unique opportunity to further engage with the JCB brand, through numerous experiential partnerships which have opened up all over the UK in 2015. Families can navigate a giant maze, drive real machines at Diggerland, become a young builder at Gullivers Kingdom and even scoop ice cream! The end of 2015 will see footfall of over four million per annum through JCB themed attractions in the UK. Expansion abroad with the USA’s first Diggerland theme park, the dancing diggers performances and the fastest digger in the world the JCB GT continue to help bring the brand to life for new audiences internationally.

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020 7793 0909 www.walker.co.uk

BLE

Stand G010

Visit the Walker Books stand at BLE and find out more about its popular children’s brands inspired by some of the best-loved books for children. This year it’s celebrating 20 fantastic years of the iconic picture book Guess How Much I Love You. With a well-established baby and infant licensing programme already performing well in the market place, Walker will unveil a new style direction at BLE this year to build on the brand’s growing success in adult gifting categories. Modern classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has sold over four million copies in the UK alone. Walker will be looking for new partners at BLE to join existing licensees.

New games Tinderbox 020 7572 0858

BLE

Stand P100

www.tboxagency.com Tinderbox, the dedicated digital division of leading global brand extension agency, Beanstalk, has added two new titles to the roster of games it represents under the Microsoft Studios umbrella while working with existing clients on further extending their consumer products programmes.

In a partnership brokered by Tinderbox, Microsoft owned games developer, Turn 10 Studios, has teamed with leading apparel manufacturer, Level Up Wear SA, to produce a range of branded apparel, headwear and accessories for hugely popular racing game series, Forza Motorsport.

Turn 10 Studios has also partnered with leading apparel manufacturer, C-Life Group, for a range of Forza Motorsport branded men’s and boy’s clothing including t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts and hoodies.

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BLE 2015 Show Preview

Be luk-y Luk Internacional +34 93 272 3059 www.lukinternacional.com

Drive on Volkswagen +49 5361 916 313 www.imglicensing.com

BLE

Stan H02 d 5

Luk Internacional is one of the largest distribution companies managing audiovisual rights in Spain and Portugal focused on product for kids and young adults and has over 35 years of continuous existence in the audio-visual sector.

The company started as a theatrical distributor in Spain, and has earned its reputation as one of the leading distributors in Europe.

Luk Internacional easily adapted to the changing market and later Luk Internacional moved on into television area and established an unprecedented track record of hits both with feature films and animated series. Day after day, Luk Internacional obtained success and the reputation as one of the biggest distributors in the Spanish and Portuguese markets.

Luk Internacional has an individual and specialised licensing and promotional programme according to each property.

It has important agreements with major companies and have developed wonderful partnerships and great success in all product categories such as outdoor and sports, textile, gift, plush, games, puzzles, role play, arts and craft, back to school, books, DVD etc..

Luk Internacional is able to integrate and coordinate the overall property strategy in all the areas and develop it in the best way for it.

Presently, they are TV distributors for Spain, Andorra, Portugal, and EMEA (Europe-Middle East-Africa) of TV Properties like: DORAEMON and the Licensing agent for Spain, Portugal.

They are also the licensing agents and TV distributors for Spain, Andorra and Portugal for ZOMBIE PRINCESS, a girls’ property.

Doraemon is the main character of a series that tells about the adventures of robot-cat from the future and his friends. In the series, problems and common situations in life are dealt with making use of the most magical and imaginative possible solutions.

BLE

Stan d N20

Volkswagen will be exhibiting for the first time at BLE this year. It’s a truly exciting time for the Volkswagen licensing programme and BLE will be a great chance for Volkswagen Zubehoer GmbH and IMG, Volkswagen’s licensing agent, to showcase the programme and share success stories to date with new partners and retailers, as well as developing the strategy going forwards.

Drawing on a few of the highlights over the past year, the Volkswagen stand will certainly be an eye-catching talking point. As well as being entertaining, it will strive to show how the brand can really come to life, and how extendable it is as a concept for retailers.

Volkswagen Zubehoer GmbH and IMG will be available to share and discuss opportunities in key categories, including luggage, eyewear, sporting and outdoor goods and baby items.

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Get SMURFY ! ©2015 Columbia ia Pictures Industries, Inc. SMURF, and all Smurfs characters: ©Peyo.

All Rights Reserved. “Smurf” and n “The Smurfs” are registered trademarks de of STUDIO PEYO.

Active publishing program in 70+ countries Timeless appeal to boys & girls across generations & cultures Series preferred by major channels in 100+ countries Ongoing product development across key retail categories Regular launch of new creative style guides All-new fully animated film to be released in 2017

Meet us at

BLE Booth C050

Get SMURFY !

In Theaters Spring 2017

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Favourite pet

Talk TV

BLE

Stand B080

Desliso Sophie la girafe

Cyber Group Studios

+330450010620 www.sophielagirafe.fr

+33 0155563244 www.cybergroupstudios.com Cyber Group Studios is a French independent multi-award winning company which produces and distributes its own and third party audiovisual productions and brands with strong international appeal targeted to kids and families in particular, 3D CGI and 2D HD animation products (TV series and movies) targeted at two-12 years old kids and tweens. Its mission is to bring the best quality entertainment to kids and families, associating to the best creative talent they can find around the world and developing breakthrough technology to enhance our productions.

It is also to associate to other top producers in the world to help bring them to market , through its distribution network. Key brands are ZOU, Zorro, Mia, Mirette investigates.

Zorro will be launched worldwide by the end of 2015 and will be accompanied by a licensing program supported by digital and social networks. Zorro will be broadcasted all across the world, France 3 and Boing (France), Rai (Italy), Clan TV (Spain). A new specific style guide has been made to meet kids’s expectations and to make Zorro a long-lasting kids license. Many partners have already trust us: Swatch, Hachette, EDEL, Rubies, Pap. Zou is a worldwide phenomenon. Sold in over 150 territories, 156 episodes available by the end 2017 and broadcasted in 30 languages, the series includes a strong licensing program with over 50 licensees all across the world and some major products (300,000 books sold, 200,000 DVD).

Season 3 is now in development.

BLE

Stand B054

Take a pop Perfetti van Melle

From the strength of her international success as baby’s first IT toy, Sophie la girafe is the indispensable license for babies. 2015 continues to be a very busy year for the property, with many new launches, projects and ideas. Among others, 2015 have seen the launches of five baby clothing collections (Milli company / Mayo-Parasol), eight books (DK /The experiment), wall stickers (RoomMates), reusable food pouches (Squiz), baby bedding (Poree Havlik), mattresses (P’tit lit), antiuv swimsuits (Mayo-Parasol) and pop-up playmats (JBM).

In fall 2015, Sophie la girafe will be pairing with chauss-europ for a range of baby bootees made in France and with FunFam for bamboo tableware.

A license with timeless, classical, natural, reassuring and friendly values, which targets babies, and their nostalgic mothers.

BLE

Stand M10

www.pvmlicensing.com +34 9377 39316 Perfetti van Melle is excited to be part of the Brand Licensing Europe in a setting which will reflect the enormous core essence of its gigantic brands Mentos, Chupa Chups, Airheads and Frisk in full grandeur!

The leading confectionery house, Perfetti Van Melle, always offers its consumers new ways to experience these brands’ long standing heritage and built-in brand awareness.

They allow for massive opportunities in licensing, both for lifestyle oriented products as in the food and beverage aisles.

Indeed, in food and beverage extensions, the great-tasting flavours and colourful image of these popular brands can truly give a new edge to make products stand out on the crowded retail shelves.

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Beanstalk has been appointed in exclusivity by Perfetti Van Melle to take Mentos, Chups Chups and Airheads into selected food categories.

Jumbo brand Chupa Chups has already signed up with an ice cream giant in the European market and full details about this exciting launch will be revealed during the BLE 2015.

“Among the novelties which we will present at BLE, we will offer the preview of our new fashion artwork. Don’t miss out on the Cheeky Chupa designs and the nostalgic artwork of Mentos, for example, which are particularly suited for apparel or stationery launches,” says Christine Cool, Area Licensing Manager of Perfetti Van Melle.

“We also look forward to discussing with our partners how the sweet or fresh candy aromas can be transformed into big business

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BLE 2014 Show Preview

Break with tradition Heritage brands by their very definition are synonymous with storied values. But that all changes in the licensing arena, where they are rejuvenated, reimagined and reborn - and more brands than ever are exploring their untapped potential more widely known than the father of english literature himself, Shakespeare.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (K18), which care’s for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratfordupon-Avon, is heading to Olympia this year - and it has lots to talk about.

“Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage are iconic properties recognised the world over, but we also have the world’s largest Shakespearerelated museum, library and archive, with over one million documents, 55,000 books and 12,000 museum objects,” explains the charity’s Retail Development Manager, Adam Sherratt.

As a charity, the trust relies on income generated through various commercial activities, and with a very special anniversary on the horizon, Adam reveals that it is seeking licensees and partners that share its values to share the opportunity.

“2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, and the world will be celebrating 400 years of Shakespeare’s cultural legacy. With the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at the centre of the global celebrations, licensing is a great opportunity for us to extend our commercial reach internationally and to showcase our collections too.”

BLE is the best forum to showcase what we have to offer

“

“

M

emorable, trusted, storied: three of the most attractive properties a brand can have describe exactly why heritage brands continue to appeal to consumers of all ages, across a vast number of CP categories.

Universally recognised, these brands have stood the test of time to embody and represent their brand values.

From national institutions to pillars of culture and sporting brands, licensing gives consumers the opportunity to align themselves with these values and draw on years - sometimes decades, sometimes centuries - of history.

Heritage brands exhibiting at this year’s BLE epitomise the true spirit of licensing: rejuvenating and reinventing brands in creative ways, and using their vast portfolio of properties in interesting new ways. These properties challenge the industry to see beyond the traditional forms of licensing and this year’s exhibitor line-up includes some true heavy hitters. From The Natural History Museum (R38) and the V&A (K10) to the National Portrait Gallery (K20) and 110-year-old British sports icon Gola (Q20), it’s a truly impressive collection of some of the world’s most respected institutions.

And what heritage brand could be

Giles Gould, National Museum of the Royal Navy

Another heritage brand joining the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at BLE is The National Museum of the Royal Navy (L20).

With 19 licensees on board already, plenty of opportunities are already being explored, bringing its collection of historic treasures to life.

The museum’s Head of Commercial Services, Giles Gould, believes that “BLE is the best forum to showcase what we have to offer”, and this year he will be seeking something specific. “I will be actively seeking a high-end watch deal and replica furniture and homeware deals,” he says. “We have a rich collection of Nelson’s furniture, cutlery and glassware and among it are some very strong pieces to work from.”

Shakespeare Birthplace Trusts’ Adam also has some specific aims in mind, namely in the continued export of the brand around the world.

“We’re looking for partners who share our values, who will be inspired by and creatively engaged with Shakespeare’s world, and who share our ambitions to reach an international audience. Shakespeare is hugely popular overseas, especially in China, Japan and the US,” he says.

We asked: What’s the long-term goal for your brand?

“To be the go-to brand for anyone wishing to license or develop commercial opportunities around Shakespeare’s works, life and times. To develop a sustainable portfolio of licenses that is truly ‘Shakespeare Inspired’ and enables us to engage with the biggest and broadest audience possible around the world.” Adam Sherratt, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

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The Victoria and Albert Museum is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading museum of art and design with over two million objects and designs providing almost inďŹ nite sources of inspiration from textiles, furniture, graphics, to photography, jewellery and fashion. The V&Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collections appeal to a broad range of clients, including advertising agencies, publishers and broadcasters offering almost limitless opportunities for image licensing. The global brand licensing programme spans interiors, table top, stationery, apparel, jewellery and gifts.

BLE stand number K10 Images and brand licensing opportunities are available.

For further information contact: Lauren Sizeland Director: Business Development & Licensing +44 (0)20 7942 2981 licensing@vam.ac.uk

vandalicensing.com vandaimages.com

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Real quality V&A 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

BLE

Stand K10

The V&A’s licensing activity is building momentum in new categories and world territories. These exciting developments will be showcased at BLE. They include apparel with Oasis, shoes with Clarks, lingerie in China, accessories and gifts in India and wine in the USA. These diverse categories and increasing international reach are evidence of the museum’s persuasive position as the world’s leading museum of art and design. It has long been a place of inspiration with its overriding mission to bring design awareness and to encourage creativity for British designers and manufacturers. Its collections hold over two million objects and designs, continuing to provide almost infinite sources of inspiration.

The V&A provides a tailor made service for research and design

Imagine the images National Portrait Gallery 20 7312 2475 www.npgimages.com This year at BLE the National Portrait Gallery, London will be showcasing its latest collaboration with Blackpop wallpaper in the hope to encourage similar creative projects with new licensees at the fair.

The National Portrait Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, spanning over 600 years of history, with more than 300,000 portraits of fascinating and inspiring people.

The collection celebrates those who have made Britain great: kings and queens, artists, authors, musicians, actors, scientists, politicians and more.

But beyond the portraits on the gallery’s walls, it has a vast offline archive of rare and unseen images.

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of all its licensed products. In identifying patterns or styles that are seasonally on trend, licensees are given scope to adapt colours and highlight particular details to give the designs relevance and appeal for today’s market.

The V&A team facilitates research for seasonal planning and presents design themes every year. The themes are conceived and mood boards developed, illustrating how the trend is already appearing in fashion or lifestyle. These themes are adopted by the licensees to inform their next phase of product development.

This process ensures V&A products are seasonally relevant in the market place and the branding provides a valuable message: authenticity, good quality and privileged endorsement by the V&A.

BLE

Stand K20

The National Portrait Gallery Rights & Images team is very happy to be exhibiting at BLE for the third time this year. It has been steadily growing its licensee base and the most recent collaboration is with Blackpop, a design company which has led to the production of a fabric and wallpaper range based on the internationally famous Tudor portraits.

The Gallery’s collection is incredibly wide-ranging, and is constantly growing through new commissions, acquisitions, bequests and gifts. It is keen to collaborate with companies who are interested in exploring the collection in a creative way to produce original and exciting products. © National Portrait Gallery

www.ltwmag.com

Discover the largest natural history collection in the world.

With more than 80 million specimens, there are dodos to dandelions, dinosaurs to diamonds.

• access to the world’s largest collection of natural history artwork • expertise of 300 onsite scientists to aid in creating educational and unique products • access to images from the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Visit us on stand R38 at Brand Licensing Europe For licensing opportunities please contact: ct: The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD UK licensing@nhm.ac.uk

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Read to believe British Library

BLE

Stand L40

020 7412 7704 www.bl.uk This will be the British Library’s fourth year at BLE, and its list of partners continues to grow steadily with over 30 licensees. A major focus for the library over the last year has been the 150th Alice in Wonderland, and it will be showing a great range of products from We Love Cushions, The Wooden Postcard Company, Moleskine, Museums and Galleries Ltd, Big Strawberry, Flametree, Pomegranate, Fox & Chave, Rug Maker, Paula Bolton and Bagabook, as well as launching a brand new range of children’s pyjamas and bedding from Cotton World. It continues to look for visionary and innovative partners to join the expanding licensing programme, who are genuinely excited by the British Library brand potential and who have the commitment and capability to work with the library to bring the brand alive at retail. Homewares will be a particular area of focus in the year ahead.

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What’s your his-story?

Natural History Museum 020 7942 5652 www.nhm.org

BLE

Stand R38

Home to over 80 million specimens, from Darwin’s original collections to the most complete specimen of a Stegosaurus ever uncovered, the Natural History Museum is a British institution and an authority on the natural world. It is also home to the phenomenal Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition which tours worldwide, seen by over one million visitors.

With access to the world’s largest collection of natural history artwork and 300 onsite scientists, it aims to inspire all ages with branded product.

From dodos to dandelions, dinosaurs to diamonds, the Museum has it all.

It is pleased to announce several new signings in key categories such as toys, games, apparel and dress-up. Additionally it is developing some beautiful new design-led products targeting adults, including stationery, apparel and wall art. These utilise images from the archives, which house some of the finest natural history artworks ever created. This includes J.J. Audubon’s Birds of America, a masterpiece of natural history artwork and one of the most expensive folios in the world.

The Natural History Museum is also pleased to announce two fantastic retail initiatives for 2015.

A pop-up shop at Bluewater Shopping Centre will open in the run-up to Christmas 2015. The museum-branded shop will be the top destination for all things dinosaur from October to December. It will feature some brandnew licensed ranges including fantastic puzzles and games from Lagoon Group, palaeontologist-approved toy ranges from Geoworld and Wild Republic, and bespoke apparel by licensee Fashion UK. Additionally, the Museum has teamed up with handmade heaven Etsy for a fabulous new range for the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Selected Etsy designers and makers will be invited to a private viewing of 2015’s WPY entries as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum. They will then have two weeks to create product inspired by the images they see. These will be on sale in the museum shop and touring exhibition shops.

www.ltwmag.com

© National Portrait Gallery, London

Rights & Images

Talk to us about licensing at BLE on

Stand K20 +44 (0) 20 7312 2475 rightsandimages@npg.org.uk npgimages.com

– Launching ‘The Spitfire Collection’

by Hemingway Design for IWM – Licensing Awards 2015 finalists – Dedicated in-house Brand Licensing team and extensive collections

STAND R10 licensing@iwm.org.uk iwm.org.uk

BLE 2015 Show Preview

Licensing victory!

Imperial War Museums 020 7091 3072 www.iwm.org.uk

BLE

Stand R10

Bow to the bard Shakespeare Birthplace Trust 01789 201819 www.shakespeare.org.uk

Imperial War Museums (IWM) will be returning to Brand Licensing Europe 2015 to present unique opportunities for its diverse licensing programme inspired by the museum’s rich archive.

At the show, IWM will be unveiling an exciting design collaboration to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which will be marked by a spectacular Spitfire event at the IWM Duxford air show in September 2015.

IWM was established to tell the story of people who have lived, fought and died in conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since the First World War. Last year IWM marked the centenary of the First World War and opened brand new First World War Galleries at its flagship branch IWM London.

A licensing programme was developed four years ahead of this major national commemoration and the museum now has numerous licensees who use its unrivalled collections to inspire very special licensed product.

To date IWM products have achieved great success. The Kimm and Miller product range ‘Victory is in the Kitchen’ was popular in Sainsbury’s and the Garden Centre Group as well as being nominated in the Gift Category at the Licensing Awards 2015. Products are also on sale in major high street retailers and the toiletry range designed by SLG was the bestselling male toiletry range in Marks and Spencer last Christmas.

A partnership with The Caledonian Brewery will continue into 2015 and a new beer inspired

by Second World War pilots launching at Brand Licensing Europe.

BLE

Stand K18

Licensing with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers a unique brand endorsement, a wealth of design resources and unparalleled access to Shakespeare’s world.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, and promotes the understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times all over the world. 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and the world will be celebrating 400 years of Shakespeare’s cultural legacy. As well as the five historic properties where Shakespeare and his family worked – including his Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and the site of his final home, New Place – the Trust also cares for the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare related material accessible by the public and holds over 1 million archive items, 50,000 books and 11,000 museum objects.

Licensees can discover the world of Shakespeare with the help of expert curators and Shakespeare specialists - from beautiful rare books and the words that have inspired the world for over 400 years through to unique objects, exquisite textiles, herbs and flowers, and Tudor cookery.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s ‘Shakespeare Inspired’ brand launches at BLE, with a range of toiletries evoking the romance of Shakespeare’s plays and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

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www.ltwmag.com

BLE Stand Q20

Are you ready?

GOLA 0170 621 2512 www.imglicensing.com IMG are incredibly proud to be representing a truly iconic British Sports Brand with such heritage and contemporary appeal. With the legacy spanning over a century, it’s fair to say that Gola has made its mark and has a great story to tell. With heritage looks and ‘football casual’ being so on-trend, the timing is ideal for Gola to launch a new direction in licensing at BLE 2015. To any child of the 70’s Gola was as iconic as Star Wars and spacehoppers. It was the biggest British sports brand of the era. Gola will be exhibiting and sharing the wealth of its history from being allied to some legendary football clubs of the time, including Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as an overview of its current and iconic range of footwear and bags. IMG’s ambition is to extend the brand outside of its core categories, building from its roots into an authentic global, lifestyle licensing programme.

IMG will be available to share and discuss opportunities in key categories which will include fashion, fashion accessories, underwear nightwear, headwear, kids, men’s grooming and social stationery.

LICENSING WITH THE SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Discover the world of Shakespeare with the help of our expert curators and Shakespeare specialists: from rare books and the words that have inspired the world for over 400 years, through to unique objects, herbs and flowers, Tudor cookery and more.

Visit us at BLE Stand K18

Registered Charity Number 209302

Tel. 01789 201819 business@shakespeare.org.uk www.shakespeare.org.uk

15 million books, 4 million maps, 8 million stamps, miles and miles of newspapers, and Leonard da Vinci’s notebooks.

All this and more at the world’s largest library.

Be creative.

Visit us at BLE, stand L40

October 2015

101

Broadcast insight

The force may not be with Dr. Johnson Clive Crouch takes a look at the impact of advertising and licensing

U

pon reading this article Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is just days away. Ahead of the sell-out show at Olympia, the merchandise for the seventh Star Wars movie The Force Awakens, hit stores. The ribbon was cut at 00.01 hrs on 4 September and the stampede duly followed.

A similar pattern emerges at Olympia for the opening of BLE. Once inside, the overabundance of product is difficult to comprehend, but easy to rationalise in that everything on view is available to purchase by a licensee.

The business of licensing adds persuasion to the product purchasing decision, from coasters to posters, from apparel to travel and almost every other category you can think of.

I have long been a fan of the art of advertising and its creative ability to persuade and influence the purchase decision.

Advertising used to be a very simple process. Samuel Johnson (Dr S. Johnson 1709 – 1784) wrote in Idler No.40 in 1742: “promise large, promise is the soul of an advertisement” and that is “necessary to gain attention by magnificence of promise”.

Fast forward 273 years from an

The business of licensing adds persuasion to the product purchasing decision, from coasters to posters, from apparel to travel and almost every other category you can think of

“

unregulated classified advertising market to an industry called licensing.

Licensing places a strong association on a product; some blend better than others. That process then allows the imagination to consider the association and the possibility to purchase that product.

For my part, I intend to try and establish the role of licensing in sending a subliminal advertising message. To help me, I started to think what Dr Johnson would make of BLE if he arrived at Olympia on Tuesday October 13 . The best solution appeared to be to bring the great man along with me in terms of his written words on advertising.

As early as 20 January 1759 in his Idler essay No. 40, Dr Johnson writing on the Art of Advertising claimed: “The trade of advertising is now so near to perfection that it is not easy to propose any improvement.” To set the scene for Dr Johnson’s attendance I thought some size of scale in terms of value would make his visit worthwhile. In Promotions Licensing Group 1977, published by BTHA, the licensing industry was quoted as generating a worldwide income of $70 billion dollars. This certainly lives up to Dr. Johnson’s “promise large”.

Although the next sentence that followed that huge figure almost disqualified the impact of a $70 billion valuation: “Yet it remains a mystery to a majority of people not directly involved in it”.

I could have searched for a more recent figure yes it would obviously have been bigger, but what really interested me was that having established that the market was worth $ 70 billion 38 years ago, how could all that money be spent, yet remain a “mystery to a majority of people not directly involved”?

Back in the 18th century, advertising existed only in the form of classifieds.

Display advertising had yet to be invented and licensing was even further away.

Today, the BLE event never fails to

impress me, the sheer volume of products available and the categories/genre that they originate from is fascinating.

The impact of placing another label onto an existing product or brand with the right license can ultimately change the fortunes of a product .

The consumer when presented with a licensed product can make their choice either way in a nano second without necessarily digesting the “promise large” promise endorsement of a licensed property contributing to the sell through. If were to Dr Johnson arrive at Olympia he came from a time when no generic advertising trade existed, even in the good man’s dictionary advertising remained as a verb “to advert”; an advertisement existed only to convey information and intelligence.

I can reassure Dr. Johnson of the credibility of the structure that surrounds this industry in terms of the licensor, the licensee, the licensing agent and the property. My biggest concern as we enter the halls of Olympia would not be the sheer size, colours and the scale of BLE, but rather that Dr Johnson may find the subliminal branded IP message to be useless?

I intend to explain the merits of this form of advertisement over a glass or two in The Hand and Flower with Dr J. I have the perfect story to explain, as best I can, the case for the effectiveness of licensing on a big, big scale to Dr. Johnson. It is a true story about a man called George Lucas, and a company called Walt Disney and now it’s rather topical.

Finally, on that note, allow me to close with a quote from the darker side of Dr Johnson who said of advertisers that they should desire to “advance our own interest without lessening that of any other, and to excite the curiosity of the vacant”. Two compelling statements in one sentence for your thoughts, while I set them up at the bar.

“

Clive Crouch is a TV expert with a career spanning more than 35 years in the medium.

He joined GMTV at its very inception – long before it began broadcasting - as Sales and Marketing Director during which time he was responsible for managing more than £1.5billion of commercial revenues. Clive rose through the ranks to be appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2007. Clive runs his own media insights company and you can get in touch with him by emailing; insight@clivecrouch.com or go to his website, www.clivecrouch.com

Contents 103

Leader

104

News & Exhibition Diary

106

No Ordinary Marker

Winsor & Newton talk about their new Pigment Marker which gives new scope for artists, designers and illustrators.

107

Go-To Source

Looking ahead to Surtex 2016, the 30th edition of the B2B marketplace for original art and design.

108

Top Of The Table

While some designers can become known for a particular medium, Christopher Vine talks about licensing his patterns and images to two completely different formats.

110

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Take A Hike

The master of 3D lenticular artwork Michael Searle talks hiking and expanding his library of designs.

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112

Autumn 2015

The SPLiCE Of Life

Now in its 17th year, Brand Licensing Europe is the

P100

definitive event for the European brand and art licensing industry.

121

Artist Spotlights

Goldilocks and Rose Mary Berlin.

122

Agency Spotlights

Ansada, Happy Art, Pomelo & Pomelo and World Art Group.

124

P106 Steady As She Goes

Blue Print may only have had one show so far, but the collectively-organised event has a second outing in December, and the third is already arranged.

126

Last Word

Thirty years in the business is a good vantage point to look back from â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vicki Thomas explains how learning to adapt has kept her consultancy going.

P114

Advertisement Manager Christine Contreras christine@lemapublishing.co.uk +44 (0)1442 289936 (direct)

Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk Subscriptions Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk @ArtBuyerMag https://www.facebook.com/ ArtBuyerMagazine Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Church Gates, Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2UB, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1442 289930

www.artbuyermag.com

Tracey Bearton

Editor Tracey Bearton tracey@lemapublishing.co.uk

Leader

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UCKING the trend is something the a stake in its success – and success it has proven art world is known for, with artists already. and illustrators often tackling difficult Small but perfectly formed is their aim and, subjects, or coming up with inventive having started with 12 studios, not only are they new and exciting ways to depict the returning to New York in 2016, but it will be a fiveimages they see in their heads. day show instead of three – and following a second In the world of art licensing, outing in December! there are many different trends as The initial dozen exhibitors has They all also been expanded to 30 in a bigger manufacturers find ways of making their products stand out with the use have a stake in venue in the city, not bad going at all of surface pattern, characters and for a few friends who just wanted to the show’s pictures. try it their way – and the best of luck success One trend common to all to them. industries is trade shows – and the The particularly nice thing is that fact that buyers and suppliers have Blue Print isn’t taking anything been pulling back a little on their away from the bigger and more attendance in many cases, which has traditional shows like Surtex, seen exhibition organisers either cut Licensing Expo or any of those down on space, or the number of mixed events in our Exhibitions’ days they open.

Diary on page 96.

So it’s nice to see a new kid on Interestingly, that list actually gets the block buck the trend, as is longer every issue as we discover happening with Blue Print, the new more shows around the world where show that opened its doors for the artworks and surface pattern designs first time in May this year. are available for licence.

Run in a different way to the more If any readers know of any that are traditional trade show, all the studios taking part missing from our list, please do let us know so we collectively help organise the event so they all have can make sure it’s as comprehensive as possible.

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news

News in brief

Bringing art to the wilds

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UST listening to the bands at the Wilderness Festival misses the point as there’s always so much more going on and this year Bridgeman Studios added artists, workshops and a social media competition to the mix.

A new concept for the 2015 event held in Oxfordshire, England, in August, the Wilderness Studio was nestled between a gin bar and the makers of the iconic Swiss Army Knife, and boasted a classroom space, exhibition shop and reception.

From Katie Edwards’ screen printing and paper-cut headdresses with Isobel Barber to Sally Muir’s knitting your own dinosaur workshop, selected Bridgeman Studio artists shared their skills, bringing affordable art classes to the wilds.

It was also the place for Bridgeman Studio Award winner Nik Van Els to show off his prize of producing the conceptual map (pictured) of the festival, with 30,000 copies printed for everyone attending, and there was the #wildmap competition where festivalgoers could post a picture of themselves with a map and one lucky entrant was drawn out to win a limited edition print worth £200.

Three other artists who entered Bridgeman’s annual contemporary art contest won the chance to have designs featured on limited edition prints, deckchairs, silk scarves and tote bags as part of their sister company CultureLabel’s collection.

The products featuring work by Laurie Hastings, Yoko Honda and Rosie Emerson were on show in CultureLabel’s Secret Emporium and are also available on their website along with prints of Nik’s map. www.culturelabel.com www.bridgemanimages.com

THE SHORTLIST of 165 of the entries to the first World Illustration Awards has been announced by organisers the Association Of Illustrators with international partner the Directory Of Illustration. Judges sifted through more than 2,000 submissions from all over the world and all 165 shortlisted entries are showcased online, and will permanently be available to view in the Awards archive following the private viewing on October 5. From the 16 category winners to be selected, two overall award winners will be chosen for Professional Illustration and New Talent. www.theaoi.com www.directoryofillustration.com TARA Reed has sold her Art Licensing Info teaching business to concentrate on creating her own work and licensing it – and a happy new project. She released her first eBook, How To Get Started In Art Licensing, seven years ago and has now handed the reins of the teaching side of her business to John Mavrakis and Melissa Schulz of Ideaologie.

Following changes in her personal life, Tara is now working on www.pivottohappy.com, a new project building a community, support and tools around being happy. www.artlicensingblog.com ARTISTS gathered on Wandsworth Common in London in August to enjoy the fun and games as global illustration agency Bright Group International hosted their annual artists picnic. Along with the rounders, sandwiches and homemade cakes, Bright also hosted an exclusive preview of their new Emporium venture, a one of a kind gallery, retail platform and events space that opened in London’s Battersea in September. www.brightartlicensing.com DESIGNER and artist Debra Valencia has published the first in a three-book series featuring her quilt and home décor fabrics. Co-authored with her sister Cheyanne, the DIY book Sewing Pretty Bags: Boutique Designs To Stitch & Love also features fabrics by some of Debra’s favourite fellow designers – Ana Davis, Josephine Kimberling, Ann Kelle, Teresa Woo-Murray, and Pampered Girls. www.debravalencia.com THE British Museum have declared they are “amazed and impressed” at the quality and quantity of the response to their call for the provision of licensing agent services. The call came with the museum’s June announcement of a global licensing campaign to build on their strengths as a unique institution with strong marketing potential that has attracted a wide range of respected industry names in all areas of licensing and promotion. www.britishmuseum.org CHALKBOARD art is a major trend in gifting and homeware for 2015/16 and Iron Gut Publishing now have the licence from MGL Licensing for art prints featuring Lily & Val. Specialising in creating limited edition and fine art collections, Iron Gut will be releasing framed and unframed artwork for the UK home and gift market. www.irongutpublishing.com TREASURES from the British Postal Museum & Archive are now available for licensing as the organisation moves towards opening the Postal Museum & Mail Rail next year. BPMA have appointed Heritage Licensing as the licensing agency for their collections, including the designs for iconic street furniture like the red telephone and pillar boxes which will also be made available for licence. www.heritagelicensing.com MORE than 80 free mini-courses are on offer from All Art Licensing to help artists build successful licensing properties. The official blogger, interviewer and resource centre host for Licensing Expo, All Art Licensing claim to be the first online video education portal, and founder J’net Smith runs regular Q&A Live Events where registrants send in questions which she answers in hour-long sessions. www.allartlicensing.com

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EXHIBITIONS DIARY October 2015 Brand Licensing Europe October 13-15, 2015 Olympia, London, UK www.brandlicensing.eu Comocrea Interni October 26-27, 2015 Villa Erba, Como, Italy www.comocrea.com Mega Show Part 2 October 27-29, 2015 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre www.mega-show.com

Paperworld, Creativeworld, Christmasworld January 30-February 2, 2016 Frankfurt am Main Frankfurt, Germany www.paperworld.messefrankfurt. com

February 2016 Spring Fair February 7-11, 2016 NEC, Birmingham, UK www.springfair.com

April 2016

Blue Print II December 2-4, 2015 404NYC, New York, USA www.blueprintshows.com

MosBuild April 5-8 2016 Expocentre Moscow, Russia www.mosbuild.com

Showtime Market December 6-9, 2015 ITMA Showtime High Point, North Carolina, USA www.showtime-market.com

Kazachok Licensing Forum April (dates tbc), 2016 Paris Event Centre, Porte De La Villette Paris France www.forumlicence.kazachok.com

January 2016 AmericasMart License & Design (part of the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market) January 12-19, 2016 Atlanta Convention Center Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com PrintSource January 12-13, 2016 Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, USA www.printsourcenewyork.com West Coast Art And Frame Show January 25-27, 2016 Paris Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, USA www.wcafshow.com

PrintSource April (dates tbc), 2016 Metropolitan Pavilion New York, USA www.printsourcenewyork.com Comocrea Interni April 26-29, 2016 Cernobbio Sport Hall Cernobbio, Italy www.comocrea.com

May 2016 Blueprint III May 12-16, 2016 404NYC (tbc) New York, USA www.blueprintshows.com

Surtex May 15-17, 2016 Jacob K Javits Convention Center New York, USA www.surtex.com

June 2016 Showtime Market June (dates tbc), 2016 ITMA Showtime High Point, North Carolina, USA www.showtime-market.com Licensing Expo June 21-23, 2016 Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, USA www.licensingexpo.com

July 2016 AmericasMart License & Design (part of the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market) July 12-19, 2016 Atlanta Convention Center Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com

August 2016 PrintSource August (dates tbc), 2016 Metropolitan Pavilion New York, USA www.printsourcenewyork.com

September 2016 Indigo September (dates tbc), 2016 Paris Nord Villepinte Paris, France Expo Chicago September (dates tbc), 2016 Navy Pier, Chicago, USA www.expochicago.com

feature

No ordinary marker Winsor & Newton have announced a world first for the industry with the release of their Winsor & Newton Pigment Marker.

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UNIQUE collection of marker pens that will revolutionise the market, the new Winsor & Newton launch demonstrates the company’s commitment to shaking up the category.

These new Pigment Markers are the first to use Winsor & Newton’s patented fine art pigment technology, giving them a completely original feel and fine art quality.

Offering a palette of 107 colours and grey tones, the range incorporates the world’s first-ever White Blender which enables artists, designers and illustrators to mix an unlimited colour palette to create a wide range of textures and tones as well as giving them the option to draw on black and coloured paper – taking the marker pen experience to a new level.

The Pigment Marker’s ergonomic design is sleek, comfortable and precise. The dual nibs, one fine and one broad allow artists, designers and illustrators to create work with maximum comfort and control.

Developed in Winsor & Newton’s very own laboratory, the Pigment Markers draw on the company’s rich heritage of fusing science and art to create industry-leading products.

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The pigments were formulated by a team of scientists then rigorously tested by professional artists, designers and illustrators – the final product took three years to develop, and is set to be a great success with more than five million pens pre-ordered for the second half of the 2015.

Ben Hovanessian, Global Brand Director at Winsor & Newton, said: “This year Winsor & Newton are experiencing rapid growth.

We are unrelenting in our pursuit of perfecting the best artist materials on the market, and are confident that our new Pigment Markers offer artists, designers and illustrators something completely unique.

“Winsor & Newton actively want to drive the art materials market – and there is nothing quite like this available at present.

We hope it inspires a new wave and style of fine art, design and illustration.

“The innovation doesn’t stop with the launch of the Pigment Markers. Artists, designers and illustrators should watch this space as we have a lot more in the pipeline for 2016.”

Winsor & Newton Pigment Markers will be available from ww.winsornewton.com and in leading art shops from September 2015.

www.winsornewton.com

Now in its 30th year, Surtex is known as the B2B marketplace for original art and design for every product category available, and planning is already well under way for the 2016 edition in New York.

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VER the past 30 years, Surtex has become renowned as a go-to source for manufacturers and retailers seeking unique artwork and patterns for their product development needs.

The 2016 edition of the annual tradeshow for the surface design industry will take place from May 15-17 at New York City’s Jacob K Javits Convention Center.

More than 300 exhibitors will feature the work of over 1,000 artists, designers and studios from around the world to an audience of 5,500-plus manufacturers and brands that licence art for finished products in industries such as fashion, home goods, stationery, and furniture. ”We are very excited about the success our attendees and exhibitors had at Surtex this year,” said Liz Crawford, vice-president and group show director for organisers Emerald Expositions.

“We have received great feedback and are working hard to ensure an even more positive experience next year.”

The Surtex show floor has three key sections: ● Art + Brand Licensing – the largest section of the market, with approximately 200 exhibitors offering creatives for licence.

● Atelier – roughly 80 exhibitors showcasing designs exclusively for sale. ● ReSource HuB – where attendees can find licensing-related technology and business resource providers.

In addition to exhibits, attendees can also take advantage of the Surtex Conference – three days of programming that will cover all aspects of licensing, monetising art and trend spotting. The full conference line-up will be announced in January 2016.

Other Surtex features will include the annual Designext international design competition for students judged by a panel of industry professionals.

Trend Theatre will also return this year, with presentations by world-renowned trend forecasting companies. There will also be networking opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Surtex is co-located with the National Stationery Show and ICFF, so attendees can use their badge to access all three shows.

Attendee registration will open in November 2015 and designers looking to licence or sell art can find out about exhibiting at Surtex by emailing john.erich@surtex.com www.surtex.com

surtex preview

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feature

Top of the table Becoming known for licensing designs in one particular medium doesn’t preclude a licensor branching out into completely different products, as Christopher Vine Designs show with their two specialities of paper products and ceramics.

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ELL known in the US and the UK, licensing and design house Christopher Vine Designs also work with partners and licensees in ceramics and tabletop.

And, despite being a completely different material to the paper products of greetings cards, gift tags and bags that they are best known for in their two biggest markets, tabletop is the largest category product-wise for founder and owner Christopher.

“We’ve had incredible interest from Germany and Italy, in particular, for our new tableware collections,” Australian-based Christopher said.

“The Christopher Vine designs and style lend themselves seamlessly to ceramic and tabletop. I’m passionate about dining and cuisine and I truly love the category.

“Ceramic is a lot like a canvas, its white composition providing exceptional contrast to our bold designs and colour palette,” and he explained how he takes inspiration from the world around him and global cultures for his detailed style with an emphasis on sophistication and focus on timelessness.

“Colour is very important, it sets the mood and evokes emotion. I want my collections to be aesthetically pleasing with or without food, and to be used as decoration pieces as much as they are used to serve food,” he added.

“I believe classic becomes timeless and we only use hints of trends to avoid the designs being seen for only one season.

This can be seen throughout the collections, which use classic colouring and detail. I love the idea of mix-and-match and pattern-clashing to create individuality and a personal touch.”

Marigold is the latest intensely striking collection, featuring rich monochrome patterns contrasted by golden copper lustre.

“Inspired by the exotic flavours of the East combined with the sophistication of European styling, it draws on the cats’ eye shape and classic patterns,” said Christopher.

As for forms, he uses modern and functional shapes that can be used for a variety of cuisines: “My designs are intended to be as much home fashion as they are functional. I combine styles from across the globe to reimagine classic dinner sets.

“Depending on the market, we’ll add different pieces – for example, in Italy a pasta bowl and espresso cup is vital.”

Christopher is launching his ceramic ranges in 16 countries over the next 18 months, with the rollout currently underway in the UK where Valerie Graham have been appointed as distributors to the brand for the UK and Eire, with the Maxwell & Williams tabletop company manufacturing the collections.

Valerie Graham MD Michael said: “With its bright colours and patterns and fantastic modern shapes, Christopher Vine Designs give our customers a different look of product.

“So far, it has been a huge success with more than 100 doors opened in just four weeks and sale through is exceptionally strong.”

In addition to expanding the Christopher Vine tabletop/ceramic category globally, the brand is also aiming to add other licensees.

“Licensing can be incredibly powerful – much like specialisation it allows for each party to perform their speciality function. It’s the perfect model for us as we know that every function,

from concept to store shelf, is performed to a world-class standard,” explained Christopher.

“Our designs lend themselves to so many categories. I’ve always had a keen eye on the textile industry as it’s so diverse. We have recently signed a licensing deal for home textiles with Australia company IDC. “Paper product is our next target as it’s a natural progression from greetings cards, while glass is an area we want to explore.” www.christophervine.com.au T: + 61 3 9529 5560

cover story

Let’s tak ke

This has been a year of adventure for lenticular artist Michael Searle as he’s hiked his way across much of the US, including his beloved Hawaii, with youngest daughter Marisa for company, and life is good on the business front too.

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IKING has played a big part in Michael Searle’s year – both the walking version and as a reference to the climbing sales and number of ways to utilise his unique 3D art.

“It’s been a fun year of adventure for me all over the country,” Michael said, “I’ve been fortunate enough to hike from the White Mountains of New Hampshire through the rugged terrain of Arizona to the lush tropical trails in Hawaii, and also from Virginia to Utah and California.

“I’ve enjoyed observing and being inspired by all the beautiful vistas that can only be found up close on the trail.

“Some of my most profound ideas have come to me out hiking and seeing the spectacular naturally-occurring designs found in nature.

“The highlight of all my travels was to have my youngest daughter Marisa accompany me and hike alongside me exploring the islands and discovering hidden gems together.

“We had a fantastic time, it was magical to be able to show Marisa all the wonderful places that I love – and incredibly inspiring too. I can’t believe we’re approaching the end of another year.”

Things are also climbing high on the

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business front where Moodies Worldwide have teamed up with Michael to develop and launch one of the most unique applications of lenticular art yet.

PocketDazzlers are 3D holographic tradeable inserts that slide into a patented clear pocket sewn into children’s jeans.

The response has been overwhelming, making PocketDazzlers an amazing success to add to the growing list of lenticular products that are circulating and selling worldwide featuring Michael’s dynamic 3D art.

Michael is very excited to team up with Moodies Worldwide who specialise in children’s clothing. Moodies offer a unique line of kids’ couture, designed to inspire selfexpression and creativity in a youthful

a hike ● On the trail in Kauai, Hawaii – Michael at Waimea Canyon and with Marisa after hiking up Sleeping Giant aud audience with wit product exclusively exc available ava through throu www. moodies.com moodie Moodies Worldwide CEO Michael Ignaff o Ig and CVO Jason Jardine said: Jard “Combining stylish jeans jean with the universal and universal desire for customisation customis choice, ch hoice, the link up with Michael Mich is the next ne wave in children’s clothing. clothi “It’s designed for exuberant children,

Searle-art.com www.searle-art.com +1 954 663 9933 933 3 michaelsearle.art@gmail.com

with future offerings for playful teens and statement-seeking adults.”

Deluxebase Ltd have been developing and networking a very large distribution base for Michael’s lenticular art from their English offices to nearly all four corners orners of the planet.

New products are being developed oped and added to the range at warp speed, and Michael said: “It’s nice to have a great team like Deluxebase out in the trenches

and creating all these opportunities.”

To keep up to date with what’s happening in Michael’s world, check out the website regularly and see his everexpanding p g libraryy of 3D lenticular art.

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brand licensing europe preview

The SPLiCE of life Now in its 17th successful year, Brand Licensing Europe is the definitive event for the European licensing industry where people can meet to meet face-to-face with more than 300 leading brand owners, discover the hottest brands, characters, images and artwork available for license and find new partnerships that could transform a business.

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LE HAS teamed up with The Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) to present a new series of panel discussions in the Licensing Academy this year.

The three panels will address AntiCounterfeiting; Social Accountability and Direct To Retail and are breaking new ground for Brand Licensing Europe with the discussion of issues that affect both consumers and licensing professionals.

It’s the first time the trade association have brought their insights to the UBM Advanstar-organised event that takes place at London’s Olympia from October 13-15, and includes a specialist Art & Design sector.

Kimberly Kociencki, CEO at SPLiCE, said: “For years now we have been sharing best practices in the US. It’s a significant pleasure to be opening up the floor at BLE and to the European licensing Industry.”

Kimberly, pictured, will moderate the 45-minute sessions which will feature top level presenters, and host a question and answer opportunity at the end of each.

Darren Brechin, BLE Event Director, added: “We are delighted that SPLiCE are bringing such eminent speakers and lively debate to Europe. The topics are new for BLE and we can look forward to top level discussions that will offer a new level of insight and expertise for our visitors.”

The programme will run as follows: Tuesday, October 13 2.15pm Anti-counterfeiting round table – featuring experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Customs Organisation, World Trademark Review and 24IP. 3.30pm Social Accountability – featuring brands and industry thought leadership including Insight Licensing Services.

Wednesday, October 14 2.15pm Direct to Retail – featuring brands and retailers including Chupa Chups, PBS, and Sainsbury’s.

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Registration is open for this year’s show, which promises another action-packed three days, following the 2014 event which was the biggest in the event’s 17-year history.

More than 7,164 retailers, licensees and sales promotion professionals attended from over 65 countries and there was a 28 per cent increase in retailers attending the show.

Once again, this year’s event will be zoned into three distinct areas to help visitors navigate easily – Art, Design & Image; Brands & Lifestyle, and Character & Entertainment.

The highlights for this year include two educational programmes, divided between the Licensing Academy and the Brands & Lifestyle Theatre and there are two keynote presentations from industry trail blazers, with past

speakers having been from Mojang, Rovio, FIFA and Lucas Licensing.

There’s also the annual License This! competition where the four finalists are preparing to present their concepts to the judges in front of an audience on the final day of the show.

Now in its sixth year, the challenge offers those with brand-new creative concepts the opportunity to break into the global licensing industry.

The finalists are: ● Natu Natu, presented by Fran Bravo – an eco-friendly, cross-media project which features small, fantastic creatures and aims to help promote a more ecological way of life. ● OiDroids, presented by Jonathan Klemenz – pop-out and build collectable cardboard robot toys, aimed at the pocket money sector, each with quirky detail and full of personality.

● Victoria Spunge, presented by Stuart Simpson – an animation series in development about the sweet, smart Victoria Spunge age 6½ and her visits to her Grandpa, the eccentric inventor Albert Custard age 66½. ● Wussywat, presented by Simon Quinn and Simon Rolph – Wussywat The Clumsy Cat is a 2D animation series for three to five year olds, currently airing on CBeebies, about a curious and clumsy cat discovering the world with his animal friends.

Judging panel chair and LIMA UK MD Kelvyn Gardner said: “Nearly 40 entries for 2015 License This! provided an exciting session for the judges with much debate about the many different approaches taken by candidates.

“There was a lot of very good material, so no easy task to whittle the entries down to four. Our four finalists each have a very good story to tell; we look forward to their pitches at BLE and encourage everyone to come along for what should be a very lively final.”

Other judges on the panel were Rocket Licensing Joint MD Charlie Donaldson, Tom Gunn, International Brand Director EMEA at MTV Networks and Be Inspired Consulting MD Wendy Munt.

The four finalists will now compete for a chance to win the prize valued at more than £6,000 – including a fullyfurnished nine square metre stand at BLE 2016 to bring the property to market; LIMA membership for one year and one ticket to the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course & Spring Fling Networking Party in May 2016. www.brandlicensing.eu www.thebleblog.com

VISIT US at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 Olympia London

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[[[ QEVMP]RVSFIVXWSR GSQ Tel: +44 (0) 1949 860621 e: marilyn@marilynrobertson.com

Celebrating 25 years in art licensing +44 (0) 208 392 8010 info@mgllicensing.com www.mgllicensing.com

art and design licensing

brand licensing europe preview

MGL Licensing

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HIS year MGL are celebrating 25 years in licensing, making them one of the most established art licensing companies in the world.

Over the years MGL have grown from a handful of artists and licensees to being a leading artist agency with more than 300 international clients.

At BLE they will showcase a selection of their most talented artists working across a large range of styles and product categories, including stationery, gifts and textiles.

Debuting at this year’s show is MGL’s newest design artist Sharon Turner, who currently enjoys worldwide sales and has a loyal following on social media. Her collection of pattern designs, graphics and illustrations have already been licensed by Bed, Bath & Beyond, Deny, Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom just to name a few.

MGL will also be showcasing the Shell Rummel brand whose licensing programme continues to expand rapidly into the UK and abroad thanks to its sophisticated, highdesign aesthetics.

Now available for licensing through MGL, the Art Marketing collection will be introduced at BLE, which is an exciting portfolio of more than 1,000 images that includes a wide variety of styles, techniques and subject matter such as landscape, wildlife, flowers, fashion and many more. www.mgllicensing.com info@mgllicensing.com Stand J16 – T: +44 (0)20 8392 8010

Marilyn Robertson

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S AUTUMN draws in, it’s traditional for business owners to reflect on the year to date and what’s still to do, and in 2015 UK artist/designer Marilyn Robertson has been busy creating new art work while also boosting her digital profile.

Marilyn explained: “I enjoy both the image creation and business sides of art licensing but, for some time, I’ve wanted to get closer and more interactive with the end users of my art and design.”

This has involved increased use of social media and the building and launch of two new websites for general art work at www.marilynrobertson.com and her trademarked brand Catitudes at http://catitudes.co.uk Marilyn believes positive feedback from art and design fans around the world helps to confirm and refine how visual trends wax and wane across an increasingly discerning and international audience.

Based on such feedback, she believes art buyers can be confident that her work is finding increasing favour across Europe, North America, Russia and the CIS states, China/ Korea and Australasia. New product launches for 2015 have included Marilyn’s Kimono series, used on crafting kits for Crafter’s Companion in Europe and North America, and a series of note cards for NobleWorks USA using the

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artist’s Catitudes designs.

Marilyn added: “Following the launch of these products I’ve tracked definite surges of interest in my Facebook and Instagram accounts but, aside from any commercial considerations, I enjoy the simple pleasure of connecting with likeminded people across the planet.”

At BLE Marilyn will be launching a new series of fashion-related illustrations alongside extensions of her existing styles.

Also, in response to client requests, Marilyn is offering new surface pattern designs and design capability to complement her illustrative art.

As she put it: “The future’s bright, the future’s rainbow-coloured!” www.marilynrobertson.com www.catitudes.co.uk marilyn@marilynrobertson.com Stand J2 – T: +44 (0)1949 860621

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VETTE Jordan is an artist renowned for her figurative work – high visual impact coupled with intricate detailing, flowing lines and jewel-like colour are all characteristics of her style.

Yvette’s work has been adapted for a wealth of products from cross stitch to compact mirrors and particularly suited to goods that reflect the same love of quality, style and sophistication that her art celebrates.

The Academy Group’s Tatiana Smirnova said: “Graceful and elegant style reflected in Yvette Jordan’s designs revealing a woman’s unique radiance and beauty will not leave indifferent any lover of fine arts.”

Yvette’s work can be seen at BLE, and she welcomes all licensing enquiries. www.yvettejordan.com info@yvettejordan.com Stand J45 – T: +44 (0)1438 358778

brand licensing europe preview

Yvette Jordan

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brand licensing europe preview

Animal Century

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NIMAL Century GbR, Munich (Germany) is the licensing link to the artist Maria Pishvanova, creator of the art collection Animal Century.

This collection comprises more than 270 portraits of dogs, cats and other animals dressed in fine clothing designed by Maria, providing each breed with a unique and apposite personality.

Over 120 dog and cat breeds appear on portraits in their whole beauty and the natural manner and special attitude with which the artist portrays them make these paintings inimitable.

Whether your pet is a sweet princess, a noble lord, a charming lady or a brave officer browsing through the Royal Gallery of Animal Century, you will find a portrait that matches your pet’s image exactly.

More than 420,000 people like Animal Century on Facebook, and they keep showing their love each time a new portrait appears.

All this makes the Animal Century Art Collection a great licensing property with the paintings divided into 11 series making it easy to match portraits with each other or to choose a special theme.

The Cat Napoleon, Chihuahua the Pirate and Mr Rabbit Holmes are just a few of the animals who live in the magical kingdom created by Maria Pishvanova. www.AnimalCentury.com palace@animalcentury.com Stand J5

This Is Iris

Yellow House Art Licensing

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K ART licensing agency Yellow House are launching four distinctive art brands at this year’s BLE in London.

Yellow House are looking forward to meeting with clients to secure new licensees for each of these exciting brands – there’s the humorous Modern Mamil with A Cyclist’s A To Z, the architectural brand Oscar Francis, contemporary folk brand Nancy Nicholson, and the iconic ceramist Ken Eardley.

Following their Great Art – Simply Licensed mantra, at the show the popular archives of the Glasgow Museum’s heritage collection will also be strongly featured along with award-winning illustrator Paul Thurlby’s new take on London, published by Hodder. www.yellowhouseartlicensing.com hello@yellowhouseartlicening.com Stand J63 – T: +44 (0)1273 705752

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HIS Is Iris are an exciting creative licensing agency based in sunny north Devon where the team work alongside a variety of established artists, designers and IP developers to extend their ever-growing international licensing programmes.

They also serve as a creative resource for brand owners with their experienced creative team working across many category fields including style guide development, stationery, gifts, apparel, publishing and packaging.

This Is Iris have a thorough understanding of the licensing industry and a passion for all things creative – and are thrilled to welcome a number of new collections to their portfolio.

Shirley Copperwhite is a surface pattern designer and member of The Illustrators Guild of Ireland who works from her studio overlooking the sea in South Dublin.

Scottish painter Ailsa Black incorporates a touch of humour and her love of people in to her works where animals and birdlife images evolve which capture the happiness and simplicity of the good things in life.

Carousel Calendars and Otter House Card and Gift, together with licensing agent This Is Iris, have announced their intention to publish a range of Beryl Cook stationery and giftware for the first time

in 2016.

This is Iris have further boosted the Beryl Cook collection by signing a deal with Frances Lincoln to create a variety of stationery items as well as developing a unique recipe book.

Flame Tree Publishing have become the first UK partner to sign the licence for a 2016 calendar with artist Catalina Estrada as This Is Iris have been asked to represent her, working alongside the worldwide agent Edebe Licensing.

Last but not least, This Is Iris are thrilled to have secured a greetings card deal with The Great British Card Company for Tina Crawford’s Thread-Drawn, free-drawing a sewing machine. www.thisisiris.co.uk hello@thisisiris.co.uk Stand J61 – T: +44 (0)7816 970696

MARY EVANS PICTURE LIBRARY

This is Iris, a creative licensing agency.

For more information visit us at BLE, Booth J61

Snuggle up with Susi at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 Š2015 This Thi is i Iris.

I i www.thisisiris.co.uk hi i i i k

Stand J20 - Art & design Zone

www.mar y ev a n s.com

For appointments say hello@thisisiris.co.uk or visit www.thisisiris.co.uk

brand licensing europe preview

Vicki Thomas Associates

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HIS summer Vicki Thomas has been reviewing and re-thinking after 30 years of running her specialist design consultancy having been encouraged by The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, among others, to start up back in 1985 after completing a Master’s degree in design history at the Royal College of Art and the V&A Museum.

The associate designers are drawn from a wide range of design disciplines – Julie Lavender, Steve Gappy, Anna Brewin and Juliet Robson are textile and surface pattern designers; Clinton Banbury, Rachel B Stevens, Carol Tratt and Jessie Eckel are all illustrators.

They are joined by cartoonists like Anthony Smith and between them are involved in developing animal and children’s characters for the consultancy and their clients.

Ceramic designers, sculptors and product designers like Jane Jones, Roy Simpson, Sally Felton and Peter Griffin turn the two dimensions into three, making characters and products more tangible. Leonie Sharrock is an animator who can help develop storyboards ready for production and make characters come alive.

Isobel Bushell and Jill Moore are graphic designers with a specialism in packaging for foods and toiletries turning necessities into treats and can help develop brands and style guides ready for licensing programmes. Jill and Barbara Sampson join Vicki in having specific experience in design for toys and playthings – Vicki has been sharing her expertise with young designers by teaching part-time at the University of Northampton which has led to collaborative research on the creative benefits of play to the design process.

Vicki’s historical and social research has led to the consultancy representing and working with licensors like owner of Bonzo The Dog, The Quilters’ Guild Of The British Isles and Craft Partners, developing style guides and licensing programmes.

It might be easy to confuse this representative role as simply another art and design licensing agency and to overlook and appreciate the wealth of knowledge and expertise that underlies the work of the consultancy team.

The 30th anniversary has helped them re-focus their activities on their consultancy and interdisciplinary design and show how such knowledge and skills supports licensing and this new emphasis will be reflected at BLE. www.vickithomasassociates.com vickithomasassociates@yahoo.co.uk Stand J33 – T: +44 (0)20 7511 5767

Mary Evans Picture Library

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VARIETY of collections will be showcased at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe by Mary Evans Picture Library, including Love Susi X, a charming vintage brand just arrived at the library.

Love Susi X draws on the archive of photographer Paul Kaye, whose images follow the adorable antics of his family’s spaniel puppy Susi in the 50s and combines nostalgic kitsch with a definite “aah”. Perfect for stationery, publishing projects, gifts, accessories and homeware, Love Susi X will star in Mary Evans’ 2016 customer calendar, which will be distributed free at BLE. In addition, Mary Evans will be tapping into the current vogue for French Riviera chic with a stunning selection of magazine covers and travel posters celebrating this most glamorous of holiday destinations.

The work of quintessentially British cartoonist HM Bateman will also be on show, along with a selection of images of Victorian teacups, teapots and kitchenware from a rare 19th century catalogue and, looking ahead to the Queen’s 90th birthday in April next year, there’s the design archive of royal couturier Hardy Amies.

Finally, following on from the success of the library’s collection of pulp science-fiction covers last year, more artwork from their extensive collection of Amazing Stories and other titles will be available to view, featuring a parade of fantastical monsters, aliens and space adventures. www.maryevans.com pictures@maryevans.com Stand J22 - T: +44(0)20 8318 0034

Earth Angels

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LE sees the launch of the new Earth Angels concept – designed by RP Greenwood, Earth Angels boast new characters for licensing.

There are Earth Angel Cards with new card sets and greetings cards, the How To Be An Earth Angel picture book and the new This Journal Creates Angels activity journal.

RP Greenwood is a writer and healer and the Earth Angel concept has been designed for all age ranges to promote kindness and positivity – visit the stand to go through the concept with the creator and may love guide your every step today. www.EarthAngelCards.com i@makeandbelieve.co.uk Stand B126 – T: +44 (0)1204 853660

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ARTDECO are independent greetings card publishers founded by illustrator and designer Fiona Hart who is taking her designs to BLE for the first time.

HartDeco boast a diverse range of original designs, characters and images which are just begging to branch out and escape the confines of their kraft envelopes and cello bags.

Fiona trained at Winchester and Central Saint Martins before working for several years in advertising and marketing, now based in a studio at the bottom of her garden in Wimbledon, she works in pen and ink and watercolour or gouache to create her artwork – ably assisted by three very attentive cats.

Fiona said: “This is our first time at BLE, where we aim to find an exciting life outside of greetings cards for our original images.” www.hartdeco.co.uk info@hartdeco.co.uk Stand J1A – T: +44 (0)7894 354320

brand licensing europe preview

HartDeco

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brand licensing europe preview

Pink Light Studio

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INK Light Studio are excited to be exhibiting the latest work of their talented designs at Brand Licensing Europe for the first time this October They continue to expand their licences to retailers around the globe, in 2015 Pink Light launched brand-new products with Heys Luggage, Duke Imports, and Seller’s Publishing. The studio continues to grow and expand with new designers and this year Creative Director and Agent Mary Beth Freet has brought talented new artists Amanda McGee, Sanaa Legdani and Lynette Taylor to the team with all well received by licensees in just a few short months.

Pink Light offer artwork for licensing and custom projects and the studio provide a variety of services including print and pattern design, placement graphics, trend research, licensing, and hand lettering. Pink Light artwork will help your products shine! www.pinklightdesign.com marybeth@pinklightdesign.com Stand J21 T: +1 206 200 8324

Kate Mawdsley

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Kate Knight

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ATE Knight has been involved in the licensing industry for 13 years and this will be the 11th year in a row she has exhibited at Brand Licensing Europe.

This talented artist has built up an enviable reputation for producing exciting vibrant designs that are commercially successful.

Companies from all the main market sectors have collaborated with Kate and they have invariably voiced their appreciation of both the quality of her artwork and the flexibility she adopts when working to their briefs. www.kateknight.co.uk mail@kateknight.co.uk Stand J37 – T: +44 (0)7813 147966

ESPECTED and successful freelance illustrator Kate Mawdsley has over 30 years experience and is skilled at combining originality with strong commercial appeal.

Kate has developed an ever-growing client base for her surface designs which span such areas as kitchen textiles, ceramics, greetings cards and paper products.

Well known throughout the licensing industry for her images of cats and dogs, Christmas and florals, all of which she creates using a variety of media with much of it still hand-painted.

Her portfolio is predominantly the result of her own creativity but she is equally at home working to client briefs, tight deadlines and thrives on off-thewall challenges where her experience, flexibility and professionalism shine through.

This year’s Surtex in New York proved to be one of Kate’s most successful shows yet with licensing agreements being reached with several new companies across both new product areas and international regions.

Kate is now fully focused on this year’s BLE where she hopes to achieve similar success with her exciting new designs. www.katemawdsley.com kate@katemawdsley.com Stand J47 – T:

artists’ spotlight

Rose Mary Berlin

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OLLOWING the growing trend of adults who like to colour, Rose Mary Berlin has produced her first colouring book entitled Itty & Bitty Visit America’s Parks. Itty & Bitty are her two miniature horses characters based on the children’s book series that Rose Mary illustrated for author Nancy K Carpenter.

The illustrations are complicated enough to inspire adults to colour along with their children, who will enjoy Itty & Bitty’s adventures as they explore famous sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns and the Adirondacks.

The kids, in turn, will learn a little geography, and fun facts about the parks.

“I think this book will inspire a new market for Itty & Bitty to tap into,” Rose Mary said, “they could visit all the states, do a little world traveling. Nancy has an amazing imagination, which makes my job a lot of fun.

“We expect to have the book available in every gift shop of the featured parks – and

Goldilocks Designs

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there are fans of the Itty & Bitty series clamouring to get it. The licensing opportunities are limitless.”

Rose Mary would like to see these images on T-shirts, hats, mugs, totes and other products that are sold in souvenir shops as the mini horses have enough charm and mischief to appeal to both boys and girls, and the author isn’t afraid to approach subjects that are beyond preschool.

While this line-art style is a departure for Rose Mary, who is known for detailed painted images of dogs, Christmas scenes and sweet animals, she really enjoyed working in black and white. “As long as this trend is popular, I’m happy to do it”, she added, and she expects there to be more Itty & Bitty books in her future. www.rosemaryberlin.com www.ittyandbitty.com rose@berlinprod.com T: +1 914 490 6819 (mobile) +1 914 962 0526 (studio)

FTER debuting at the National Stationery Show Goldilocks Designs had an overwhelming response to their inspiring cards with the tagline “greetings cards and the stories behind them”.

These eclectic cards combine vintage photographs from family photo albums and other sources such as posters, sheet music, ephemera with

quotes from sources as diverse as Kierkegaard to Albert Einstein.

Now, with her cards to be found in upmarket boutiques, gift shops, home and decorative accessories store, museum shops and florists, founder Allison Staffin is expanding her horizons to make the artwork available for licensing. www.goldilocksdesigns.net allison@goldilocksdesigns.net

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agencies’ spotlight

Happy Art

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APPY Art design studio create fine art images and designs for babies, kids and their parents, covering goods, soft toys, greetings cards, designs for tableware and repeat patterns for fabric and paper.

Located in Bayville, NY, USA, Svetlana Titarenko, known as Lana, is the owner and the artist designer of the Happy Art studio who is helped by architect husband Anatoli and programmer son Aleks to create both 2D and 3D artwork and designs.

Originally from Russia, Lana has lived in the US permanently since 1995 having graduated from the Architectural Academy in Ekaterinburg in 1987 with a Masters’ degree in industrial design and fine art.

At the Academy she spent five years studying industrial design, classic drawing, classic fine art techniques, sculpture, fine art composition and fine art history.

Since graduating, Lana has worked most of the time as an artist designer, creating fine art images, wall décor from nature’s materials, decorative wall plates and repeats for fabric and paper.

World Art Group

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ASED in Richmond, Virginia, the World Art Group have been designing and publishing a broad range of decorative art prints for the home décor markets for nearly 40 years.

The company’s collection of more than 30,000 images spans virtually every category and subject matter. In addition to collaborating with hundreds of artists from around the world, World Art Group have their own in-house design group, Vision Studio, made up of a team of talented art directors, artists and graphic designers with advanced degrees in printmaking, illustration and textiles.

The company work in every medium, from digital illustration to oil, encaustic, inks, watercolour, acrylic, collage and pencil and the design team produce more than 85 new images weekly.

World Art Group are licensors to companies worldwide, across every industry and product category, including wall décor, housewares, floor and wall coverings, tabletop, giftware, furniture, textiles, paper products and stationery, clothing and much more. They also design proprietary lines for dozens of designers, wholesale manufacturers and retailers.

The company’s mandate and mission is to be easy to do business with – World Art Group’s sales and design team are happy to do the research on its database and submit jpegs for consideration, all they need is a category, subject matter, colour palette, etc. www.theworldartgroup.com licensing@theworldartgroup.com +1 804 213 0600

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She also worked for a large US company producing wallpaper and interior fabrics but loves having her own business, and has learned Sketch Up, V Ray, Photoshop and Illustrator although she prefers freehand sketching and painting where possible.

Lana said: “I love the balance between traditional fine art and decorative stylisation in my creative approach. I try to create harmony between beautiful lines and watercolour splashes, reflecting this creative joy in the happy and positive emotions of my images.

“If you asked me what my favourite art style is, I’d answer that I very much admire Art Nouveau for its absolute beauty of lines, colours and images.”

As a new kid on the licensing market block, Lana began exhibiting at trade shows just a year ago as Happy Clowns Art, but as the studio’s portfolio soon expanded to include several different themes she has now officially changed the name to Happy Art. You could see whole portfolio of Happy Art studio on their new website. www.happy-art.us info@happy-art.us T: +1 646 286 4153

agencies’ spotlight Ansada Licensing Group

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Pomelo & Pomelo

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OLLOWING their success at the new Blue Print show in New York May, the folks at Pomelo & Pomelo have been super busy creating fabulous new artwork for the upcoming second edition in December.

Abby Zweifel’s signature bright colours and intricate line work will be complemented by two talented new artists, a creative team with a wealth of experience forging fresh designs, for textiles,

homewares, stationery, gifts, apparel and seasonal products.

Expect to see vibrant florals, trendy geometrics, new takes on seasonal themes and eye-catching illustrations.

All of the Pomelo & Pomelo prints are always in repeat and Photoshop files are expertly layered for easy use. www.pomeloandpomelo.com abby@pomeloandpomelo.com

N AMERICAN treasure, Jim Daly’s work is arguably the best in realism today and his latest painting is High Above The Rooftop.

From historical events to everyday incidents, Jim’s paintings are high gloss renderings evocative of rural life, of simpler times. The authenticity of his art, achieved with a timeconsuming creative process and painstaking attention to detail, never obscures his primary purpose – empathy between viewer and subject.

He said: “There are a number of voices out there telling us what is art and what isn’t art, how it should be done or shouldn’t be done. For me, art must come straight from the heart.

“I want my art to be exciting, to have drama, intimacy, emotion, feeling and delight, and to always be visually beautiful.

“By using inspired composition and design concepts and by utilising the basic principles of contrast, harmony and balance of colour, shapes and values, an artist can create a fine work of art no matter what school of art one embraces. These basic principles apply in abstraction, realism or impressionism.”

Licensed by his agents at Ansada Licensing Group, Jim’s work is in demand and he has had great success in puzzles, stationery, crafts, books, sculpts, wall art and much more. www.ansadagroup.com angela@ansadagroup.com +1 941 758 0924

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blue print preview

Steady as From a small start with just 12 studios, the new collectivelyorganised art licensing exhibition Blue Print is growing steadily, returning with a second show just six months after the first event.

New York in December is the place to be and there are already plans afoot for next May’s Blue Print III to buck the trend of cutting dates by running for five days.

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ROM small beginnings Blue Print is steadily growing – after the success of the first show in May 2015, the organisers and exhibitors are all looking forward to the next show in December in New York.

This time the show runs from December 2-4 at 404NYC, which is a much bigger venue situated on 10th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets.

It’s perfect for Blue Print II with plenty of open space and bright overhead lighting, and very easy to access with the entrance at street level plus the venue also has extra rooms where visitors can sit and relax and collect their thoughts.

Main show coordinator Paul Turk, of Cinnamon Joe Studio, said: “We’re hoping to use one room to project

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current trends on to a wall, that people can see while taking a break on a sofa and enjoying a coffee.

There’s a café situated right next to 404NYC which can be entered directly through a doorway on the mid-floor level.”

By collectively planning and organising the event, everyone taking part has a shared interest in its success and for the December

show Blue Print II has grown from the original 12 studios – who enjoyed the first outing in May so much they have all returned – to 30, bringing creativity, design excellence, flair, and years of experience to the event.

Paul added: “We wanted to keep the relaxed, boutique atmosphere of the show, not wanting to grow too big. So the studios we have now

may only be 30, but they offer a huge amount of exciting, innovative art that will more than satisfy buyers visiting the show.

“The actual mix and variety of the studios means there is something here for every market that needs artwork for their products.

“The size and layout of the December show means that buyers will be able to spend time with lots of different studios in their search for next year’s designs!

“The second Blue Print event originated because several of the studios are normally in New York and the USA, meeting clients at that time of year – it also means we will not be competing with all the shows that are on worldwide in January 2016.”

Visitors to the show will get to see the first exciting artwork for spring/ summer 2017, as well as plenty of

autumn and seasonal artwork too.

It’s a great time of year to be in New York too as the Big Apple has a lot going on at that time, with the shop windows full of seasonal displays, the Christmas tree lit up in Rockefeller Plaza, and the annual ice-skating rink in town.

Looking even further forward to May 2016, Blue Print III is going to be five days, completely bucking the current trend of reducing the number of show days.

“The first May show was busy all the way through the three days,” Paul added, “and we actually over ran by an hour and a half on the

blue print preview

she goes last day with clients still purchasing artwork!

“When it’s busy the time actually flies by and adding two days means we can see other buyers we missed that will be in New York on the Sunday and Monday as well.

“We have studios that just sell, some that only licence, and some that do both! “ The spaces for each studio are drawn out of a hat two weeks before the show, so the allocation is completely fair, and it means that the show floors are totally mixed.

To visit the Blue Print II show, go to www.blueprintshows.com/register

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last word

Learning to adapt Vicki Thomas Associates have been around for 30 years which is pretty good going after the gift design consultancy was founded almost accidentally. Here the eponymous Vicki Thomas looks back over the past three decades and where her consultancy is now.

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ACK IN 1984 Mary Wilson, a ceramic designer in Stoke-on Trent, asked me: “Will you be my agent?” arguing that the research I was doing meant I had valuable contacts across a range of companies.

The interview was part of my master’s degree at the Royal College of Art and Victoria & Albert Museum looking at the gift trade in the Victorian era 1850s-1880s compared to the 1950s-1980s.

I displayed my findings at the Royal Degree Show, resulting in a job offer to work as a buyer of accessories for a furniture store, and a ceramic consultant asked if I could come up with the next Eternal Beau, the bestselling dinnerware pattern of the 1980s.

Maurice Janis, then of the Giftware Association, circulated a copy of my research among the board, claiming I could see the “wood from the trees”. Cutting a long story short, I started a consultancy, rather than an agency and, ever since, I have continued to research, generate projects and work alongside an interdisciplinary team of artists and designers.

What changes have we seen in patterns and imagery over the last 30 years? Fashions are certainly coming full circle. The country images of A Diary Of An Edwardian Lady and delicate china patterns like Eternal Beau are being seen again, with a different twist linked to the hit costume drama Downton Abbey and the revival of the tea shop.

In our first decade we saw the growth of gift shops of all kinds in places like London’s Covent Garden and historic properties up and down the UK. This was the decade in which Andrew Brownsword established his greetings card company, now part of Hallmark. Crabtree & Evelyn and The Body Shop were presenting foods and toiletries in new ways, stressing their distinct qualities through their design and presentation.

We designed novelty teapots, worked on pewter ranges and developed bespoke gifts and greetings cards for charities’ mail order catalogues, such as Oxfam and Unicef.

There were traditional producers such as Royles, Gordon Fraser and Wedgwood showing their wares at the Spring Fair with the new designer-led companies exhibiting at Top Drawer.

We worked with the Design Council helping firms as part of the Thatcher Government’s Enterprise Initiative, developing environmentally-friendly potpourri ranges, soft toys and pop-up cards.

Artists used books like Contact to get work in from

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art directors and studios. The 1990s recession coincided with motherhood for me and I slowed up just as the economy did too.

The Star War films of the 1970s had changed the role licensed merchandise in the gift trades significantly and 1995 to 2005 saw my consultancy far more involved in licensing and more likely to licence our own concepts rather than sell our artwork outright.

We worked with Hestair Hope creating characters that could be used for MacLaren Prams and Kiddicraft Toys. For the RSPCA and BBC we were creating images for a wide range of products linked to the popular television show Animal Hospital.

Illustrations were commissioned for school and picture books and publishers were asking us to take twodimensional characters and turn them into toys. Maybe motherhood skewed my view of the decade but there certainly seemed to be a demand for children’s designs.

Colour copying and digital printing started to became cheap and accessible, so we designed imprintables and for scrapbooking. The technology also affected how art was presented and shared.

For adults we licensed images and patterns into the housewares sector for useful gifts as larger retailers increasingly wanted to compete with gift shop and had the ability to launch own-brand coordinated collections.

This was the era of licensed characters and designer brands on bedding, stationery and giftware of all kind, with my team working as ghost designers for celebrities.

This past decade has seen the effect of the internet and the demise of the High Street as shoppers move to buying on the web while simultaneously looking back to arts and crafts.

Fewer artists use agents these days as they can represent and network themselves online. We still work with artists like Clinton Banbury and Kinuko Craft but in a different way, we’re licensing their artwork and developing and adapting their back catalogues for our markets.

While many of the British manufacturing companies that were around when we started have simply became brand names now owned by larger global conglomerates, there’s a new wave of companies out there looking for design, though it’s for online businesses and niche markets.

Artistic talent is a gift and central to these new types of sharing economies, we are learning to adapt to the new ways of creating and trading.

There’s a new wave of companies looking for design

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”

● Children are the future – the 90s were the decade for youngsters

● Full circle fashions – Country Diary from the 80s is back again

● Technology strikes – arts and crafts with the age of the internet

THE PREMIERE EVENT FOR SOURCING ORIGINAL ART & DESIGN

Thousands of manufacturers and retailers come to SURTEX to scout and source designs, patterns, prints and art they can use on their products. Original art from over 1,000 artists will be on display for you to shop and source. This is where it all starts. Spot trends, learn about the latest colors, styles and more.

TO LEARN MORE , VISIT SURTEX.COM

GIFTS BED & BATH TEXTILES STATIONERY APPAREL HOUSEWARES PUBLISHING HOME GOODS TOYS BEAUTY

MAY 15 - 17, 2016 | JACOB JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER | NYC

WWW.SURTEX.COM ARTISTS INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING, CONTACT JOHN.ERICH@SURTEX.COM.