Universal CP Supplement 2018, from Licensing Source Book Europe by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

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WELCOME

WELCOME The Universal Brand Development business is strong and evolving and we’ve seen some phenomenal growth of our brands, as we make the on-going transition from an event business to building entertainment franchises for the long term with an ‘always on’ strategy at the heart of the business.

ur aim is to double our revenues by 2020, an ambitious target, but one we will achieve by focusing on four priority movie franchises – Jurassic World, Trolls, How to Train Your Dragon and Despicable Me – and connecting with consumers through outstanding content (be that movies, TV, digital, gaming, publishing or live events) so that we smooth out the peaks that come with movie years and HANNAH MUNGO, can give fans a reason to engage with our key franchises Country Director, year-in, year-out. And of course, this will drive our consumer UK and Ireland, products business, allowing us to diversify into new product Universal Brand categories. Development We’re also expanding our reach beyond the big screen, with investment into Dreamworks TV and the development of several key properties – Spirit Riding Free, Voltron Legendary Defender and Trollhunters – with more in the pipeline. And not forgetting U-Vault, our formidable archive, containing many of the biggest movies and most popular TV shows ever made, including JAWS, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and Back to the Future. These fan favourites from across the decades provide a wealth of opportunities across all categories. But we can’t grow our business alone, so we’re proud to work with some of the most innovative and pro-active partners across the globe. And we want to do more! We want to work together with these partners on new plans and strategies, to innovate and push development creatively – ensuring that retailer needs are met and, most importantly, that our customers continue to be delighted. (clockwise from top left) Trolls, Despicable Me and How To Train Your Dragon are all priority franchises for Universal Brand Development.

This Universal special publication was produced by Max Publishing, publishers of The Licensing Source Book Europe and LicensingSource.net. Publication Editors: Michelle Board and Jacqui Parr. Editor in chief: Jakki Brown. Publishing Director: Rob Willis. Joint MD: Ian Hyder. The designers were Carita Keranen and Gary Freeman. Copyright 2018: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers can not accept legal liability for any errors, omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers, nor any organisations mentioned in the text.

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DISCOVER a whole universe of puzzles

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 28 DREAMWORKS DRAGONS FRANCHISE

21 07 UNIVERSAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT 13 MEET THE TEAM 14 UK PRIORITY FRANCHISES 16 UNIVERSAL SLATE 18 JURASSIC WORLD 21 FAST & FURIOUS

33 DREAMWORKS ANIMATION TELEVISION 37 THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 39 THE GRINCH 41 DESPICABLE ME

23 UNIVERSAL U-VAULT 25 DREAMWORK TROLLS

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39 28

24/09/2018 13:14

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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2018) film merchandise are trademarks and copyright of Universal Studios. The Grinch and related characters created by Theodor S. Geisel are copyrighted and registered by Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios. All right reserved.

For license enquires contact: Faye Rashad Email: faye@misirli.co.uk T: +44(0) 116 2645 860

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UNIVERSAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT Below: DreamWorks Dragons is one of the priority franchises for UBD.

UNIQUELY UNIVERSAL The past three years have seen phenomenal growth of Universal’s properties, as the company invests heavily in brand development, taking it from an event-based business to building entertainment franchises with ‘always on content’ at the heart of the business.

Above: The Jurassic World franchise has spawned live experiences, augmented reality mobile games and computer games.

Above: Hannah Mungo, Country Director, Consumer Products UK and Ireland.

hree years ago consumer products sat within the Universal Partnerships and Licensing division, which relied on the more traditional business of promoting the latest blockbuster movies as they came out. But with Universal’s ambitions to transition from an event-based business to building evergreen entertainment franchises, something had to change. That change was the establishment of the Universal Brand Development (UBD) group, and the clue to Universal’s plans is in the name. “At Universal Brand Development, we identify the IP and help build brands from the wider company and translate it into franchises,” says Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland. “The change has been pretty dramatic and unprecedented in terms of where we were and where we are today. We are now the number two global entertainment company licensor, after Disney.” 07

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PRODUCTS COMING SOON

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UNIVERSAL BRAND DEVELOPMENT

Right: Trolls took the world by storm when the movie came out in 2016 and Trolls 2 is slated for 2020.

Consumer products are key to the new group and remain one of the biggest opportunities for the division. Consumer products span toys and hardlines, fashion, homewares, food, health and beauty, stationery and publishing. But being as Universal properties have global, and therefore widespread appeal, the international component is critical. “From having offices in just a few major markets – US, UK and Australia – three years ago, we now have 14 offices covering 22 countries, including an office in China, which is a significant driver of revenue with huge growth potential ahead of it,” says Hannah. With these new global teams in place, UBD is now working on building entertainment franchises based upon an ‘always on’ content strategy. Fuelled by creative content partners including Universal Pictures, Ilumination, and DreamWorks, UBD has an incredibly diverse and powerful portfolio reaching audiences of all ages around the world. “Our focus is on creating great content – be that movies, TV, digital, gaming, publishing, live events – so that we smooth out the peaks that come with movie years and can give consumers something day-in, day-out. And of course, this drives our consumer products business, allowing us to diversify into new product categories with offerings year round,” said Hannah. Below: The Minions will star in the new Minions 2 film out in 2020.

New areas for UBD, beyond consumer products, include live entertainment and gaming. Through immersive experiences, the live entertainment component of UBD focuses on creating experiential extensions around Universal properties. Fast & Furious was one such event that launched the UK earlier this year, along with the Jurassic World: The Exhibition that debuted in Paris. Movies accompanied by live orchestral performances – such as Jurassic Park in Concert and Love Actually in Concert – are another example of experiential franchise extensions. Last year, UBD announced a business unit, Universal Games & Digital Platforms, allowing the company to self-publish its own gaming and digital experiences as well as seek best-in-class partners for licensing opportunities. Timed to the blockbuster release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the team released of robust slate of experiences, including two widely popular titles available in Europe: Jurassic World Alive – a location-based, augmented reality mobile game, and Jurassic World Evolution – a dinosaur theme-park building and management PC/console game.

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JURASSIC WORLD™ & © UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3 © 2018 DREAMWORKS ANIMATIONSLLC. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED. | TM & © UNIVERSAL STUDIOS | DR SEUSS’ THE GRINCH © UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. THE GRINCH AND RELATED CHARACTERS © & T M DR. SEUSS ENTERPRISES, L.P. LICENSED BY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. | DREAMWORKS TROLLS © 2018 DREAMWORKS ANIMATIONS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE UK TEAM Meet the members of the UK Universal Brand Development team. This team of talented people are your first port of call to make your licensing ideas come to life. HANNAH MUNGO

ANTHEA BULL

Country Director

Product Development Manager

hannah.mungo@nbcuni.com

anthea.bull@nbcuni.com

LIESA DORNAN

EIRIAN JONES

liesa.dornan@nbcuni.com

eirian.jones@nbcuni.com

Retail Development Director

JON SPALDING

Retail Development Manager

BECKY LANGSTON

Senior Category Manager Hardlines & Consumables

Marketing Manager

jon.spalding@nbcuni.com

becky.langston@nbcuni.com

REBECCA FRENCH

NATASHA BRANCH-DAVIS

Senior Category Manager Softlines & Heath and Beauty

Category Manager Softlines & Heath and Beauty

rebecca.french@nbcuni.com

Natasha.Branch-Davis @nbcuni.com

MARK BAJADE

ABBIE BURROWS

mark.bajade@nbcuni.com

abbie.burrows@nbcuni.com

Fashion Designer

Team Assistant

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UK PRIORITY FRANCHISES

UK PRIORITY FRANCHISES ALL-YEAR ROUND, EVERGREEN FRANCHISES

JURASSIC WORLD

MINIONS

EVENT MOMENTS

THE GRINCH

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2

SING 2

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UK PRIORITY FRANCHISES

TROLLS

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

NEW AND INSPIRING

FAST & FURIOUS

SPIRIT

HERITAGE 15

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UNIVERSAL SLATE

FILM

The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle

Jun 18

Nov 18

Feb 19

Apr 19

Jun

TV Currently Broadcasting

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UNIVERSAL SLATE

Abominable 9 Spin-Off

Jun

Aug 19

Q3 19

Apr 20

Jun 20

Upcoming Shows

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JURASSIC WORLD

“LIFE FINDS A WAY...” On the heels of the blockbuster fifth instalment in the Jurassic World franchise – Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – Universal has announced a slate of wide-ranging initiatives, which include a pipeline of new content, global immersive experiences and a deepening of the product range, to maintain Jurassic World as a 365-day franchise.

urassic World: Fallen Kingdom is the secondhighest grossing film in the franchise, topping the UK box office this summer and grossing nearly $1.3billion worldwide – 25 years since the original Jurassic Park first thrilled audiences with its big-scale dinosaur adventure. This year’s global licensing campaign – “Jurassic Your World” – was the one of the largest ever staged by Universal Brand Development (UBD); according to NPD, Jurassic World became the no 4 licensed property in the UK in June.

Above and right: Jurrasic World Alive is an augmented reality mobile game.

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JURASSIC WORLD

TOY REACTION: KATHERINE DANIEL, MARKETING MANAGER, MATTEL TOY BOX From the moment the toys launched in April, consumer feedback has been overwhelming. In particular, consumers like the articulation and authenticity of the toys which we designed specially to differentiate the Mattel Jurassic World toys from other dinosaurs in the market. We are now adding even more depth to the product line to maintain excitement and momentum leading up to the home entertainment release in Q4 and through 2019.” Above: The Chomp ‘N Roar mask from Mattel is an electronic mask that makes a great dinosaur roar.

Above: Mattel’s toy range included Roarivores with push button sound activation and signature attack moves.

Master toy and construction partners, Mattel and LEGO, have been supported in the UK by retailers such as Smyths, The Entertainer, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tesco, John Lewis, Harrods, Selfridges and Toymaster, Hamleys, Primark and Asda; both Mattel and LEGO have new product lines planned through 2019. Hannah Mungo, Country Director for the UK and Ireland, Universal Brand Development, Above right: The PC/ said: “This has console game Jurassic been the most World Evolution allows players to build and comprehensive manage their own park. Jurassic World Right: Mattel won the licensing the award for the best Licensed Toys or Games campaign we have put together Range for its Jurassic World toys at the recent and the stunning Licensing Awards. results are a testament to the commitment from our licensees and retail partners and the brilliant multi-category activity that they have helped to create. We are very proud of the work being done in the UK market from local partners such as Hype, Someday Soon, Drop Dead,

TDP Textiles and Fashion UK with Egmont in publishing.” Additionally, in 2018, the Universal Games & Digital Platforms team released of robust slate of experiences, including two widely popular titles available in Europe: Jurassic World Alive – a locationbased, augmented reality mobile game and Jurassic World Evolution – a dinosaur theme-park building and management PC/console game. For the remainder of 2018 and looking ahead to 2019, UBD is preparing the home entertainment release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in Q4, along with the broadcast debut of two 22-minute animated LEGO Jurassic World specials, with licensing support in place to ensure that the franchise continues to be strong right up to Christmas and well beyond. Live entertainment is also moving centre stage: Jurassic World: The Exhibition will be moving from Paris to Madrid while continuing to delight fans of all ages, and Jurassic World in LEGO GOES INTO LIFESTYLE PRODUCT Concert screenings, to the accompaniment of a live orchestra, are continuing to tour around As well as the Jurassic World toy line launched earlier this year, LEGO has created the world. This momentum, plus much an inspired-by lifestyle more, is key to the lead up of the third collection of apparel and Jurassic World film slated for 2021. accessories to reach fans “The immersive and digital experiences, beyond the toy aisle. “This plus upcoming new content is very is the first time LEGO has exciting for all of us involved in Jurassic brought a Jurassic World World,” said Hannah Mungo. “It adds lifestyle collection to breadth and depth to the franchise, market,” Hannah Mungo said. “Most will be launching and helps to maintain momentum and Q1 2019.” interest with fans, which continues to propel us as a 365-day franchise.” Above: LEGO’s toy line featured playsets in the popular Juniors range as well as core LEGO.

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FAST AND FURIOUS

Left: Thumbs Up’s gifting range includes drink bottles, magnets and speakers.

After eight blockbuster films, grossing more than $5 billion worldwide at the box office, Universal and DreamWorks Animation Television are bringing the Fast and Furious franchise to Netflix to release an animated series created specifically for a younger audience.

TURBO-CHARGED FOR THE FUTURE

niversal Pictures’ record-smashing homegrown franchise has become the studio’s most-profitable and longest-running one. On the heels of Furious 7, one of the fastest movies to reach $1 billion worldwide in box office history and the sixth-biggest global title of all time, arrived The Fate of the Furious. The latest chapter in one of the most popular Above: Anki’s racing track starter kit. and enduring motion-picture serials of all time, it debuted includes Mattel (die-cast vehicles); Anki (car sets); in theaters as the biggest Jada Toys (die-cast vehicles); Funko (collectables); global opening of all time. Thumbs Up (adult gift); Pyramid (posters); and The next film in the Fast Somerbond (apparel). & Furious franchise hits Bringing the Fast & Furious content to a younger theaters in July 2019, audience is the new animated series, which is set to while Chapters 9 and 10 launch on Netflix in Q4 2019. Above: Apparel arrive in April 2020 and April 2021. from Somerbond. Teenager Tony Toretto follows in the “With Fast and footsteps of his cousin Dom when he and the Furious we have a long-running his friends are recruited by a government franchise that continues to perform agency to infiltrate an elite racing league year after year with films, video serving as a front for a nefarious crime games and theme CBFF41 park attractions,” organization bent on world domination. says Hannah Mungo, Country Tim Hedrick (DreamWorks Voltron Director, UK and Ireland. “The UK Legendary Defender) and Bret Haaland consumer products programme is at (All Hail King Julien) will serve as the start of its journey. The untapped executive producers and showrunners. potential of this brand is vast, and The series is also executive produced by we move forward with an unwavering Vin Diesel, Neal Moritz and Chris Morgan commitment to developing a broad who also serve as producers on the liveconsumer products offering.” Above: Die-cast cars from Mattel. action Fast & Furious franchise. The UK consumer products line

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UNIVERSAL U-VAULT Below: JAWS may be over 40 years old, but it still packs a punch with retailers. Right: JBB Designs taps into the consumer’s love of nostalgia with gifting lines inspired by Back to the Future and JAWS.

STEEPED IN

HERITAGE

Universal Studios has a rich 105-year history and its library includes many of the biggest movies and most popular television shows ever made. These fan favourites from across the decades make up the U-Vault, and provide a wealth of opportunities across all categories. And with films from the 80s having somewhat of a renaissance, Universal Brand Development is in prime position to make the most of this trend.

niversal’s U-Vault, a formidable archive, contains many of the biggest movies and most popular TV shows ever made – offering fresh opportunities in every category. High street retailers such as Next and Primark are using the U-Vault to inspire regularly refreshed fashion lines that tap into the 80s nostalgia trend by using imagery and graphics from classics such as JAWS, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and Back to the Future. It is part of a wider strategy from Universal Brand Development to collaborate with licensees and partners in all retail sectors Above: Popular in to bring these the late 80s/early astonishing assets 90s, Saved by the to life. Bell and She-Ra are remembered fondly More retailers are by millennials coming on board as and continue to the fashion licensing pack a punch with retailers. programme for U-Vault expands, including Uniqlo, Pull & Bear and Stradivarious. But there’s also growth in new product categories – namely greetings and gifting with BB Designs and Danilo – the latest partners

to enjoy a trip down memory lane and create products that engage original and new fans alike. Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland, Universal Brand Development says, “There are so many great memories in the Universal portfolio. By creating fresh assets for our U-Vault brands whilst respecting their history and the cool relevance of nostalgia to all our fans, including of course millennials, we are successfully building partnerships from halo to mass so that everyone can enjoy them.”

SOME OF THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES AT THE MOMENT ARE… • Jaws • ET • Back to The Future • Jurassic Park • Saved By The Bell • The Breakfast Club • Scarface • Knight Rider Right: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is instantly recognisable by fans young and old on Danilo’s gift bags. Above right: A number of apparel lines are available from Trademark Products.

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LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Â©2018 The LEGO Group. Jurassic World is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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DREAMWORKS TROLLS

THE PARTY GOES ON! DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls took the world by storm when the movie came out in 2016, garnering $347m at the global box office. In 2017, the DreamWorks Trolls franchise continues to be a top three girls’ entertainment toy brand, and its popularity continues to grow with new content, including the much-anticipated DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour theatrical release coming in 2020.

lmost two years since the blockbuster movie was released, the colourful, musical adventures of the DreamWorks Trolls continue with a new TV series, social media activations and new licensees. “DreamWorks Trolls trajectory of growth has been extraordinary,” says Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland. “As well as being a powerful entry to the market in terms of sales figures, the feel-good spirit of the brand has captured the national mood and is revitalising the tween market here in the UK. Retail distribution for DreamWorks Trolls remains strong two years post the release of the first movie - with permanent shelf space both online and in store. We have acceleration plans in place and are expecting the retail footprint for the brand will steadily increase as we inch closer to the theatrical release of Above: Hasbro’s toy line DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour in 2020.” for DreamWorks Trolls Universal Brand Development hasn’t missed a includes dolls, pla ysets and collectibles with single beat in keeping the DreamWorks Trolls franchise new lines hitting shelves for Christmas. an evergreen property and maintaining its popularity among girls. The launch of DreamWorks Animations TV’s Netflix 25

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DREAMWORKS TROLLS

original series, DreamWorks Trolls: The immerse and engage fans in the Beat Goes On! in January 2018 is a brand after the theatrical release. key component in Universal’s ‘always Last year we had the Trolls Truck on’ content strategy for the franchise. tour. In January, we celebrated World The series will also be launching Hug Day with the DreamWorks Trolls soon on POP TV, with a significant and, most recently, we had a lot of multi-channel marketing investment. fun – and amazing media coverage The TV launch followed the success – with Poppy’s Coronation Party in of the home entertainment release of partnership with YouTube sensation DreamWorks Trolls Holiday at the end Tiana from Toys AndMe,” says Hannah. of November 2017. The half-hour Tickets to Poppy’s Coronation animated musical special topped Party were highly sought after the DVD charts as the number with Tiana directing her 7.8 1 Christmas title for million subscribers to the official With a significant DreamWorks Trolls UK Facebook 2017 and now ranks as multi-channel page for the chance to win Universal’s biggest investment, Trolls: The Beat Goes On is coming one of 10 family non-theatrical soon to POP TV. tickets to the release ever pink carpet on digital. extravaganza. The winners The DreamWorks Trolls UK licensing programme goes witnessed Poppy being across a range of products crowned Queen of the catering to a broad fan base DreamWorks Trolls, with a from toys and games, celebration that included apparel and accessories, makeover stations, live music publishing, toiletries, performances, DJ’s and dancing, homewares, cakes and meet and greets with the costume even outdoor furniture. characters, activities and games. Hasbro is the master toy “The next phase of our integrated partner and is gearing up to marketing plan will ensure that fans launch a range of new toys engage with all the fantastic new for Christmas 2018. New content that is coming through, licensees include White and this will drive demand and sales Optics on glasses and of licensed product,” says Hannah. London Europe for watches. “Moving into 2019 and beyond, New themes and style guides for 2019 the celebration continues with allow licensees and retailers to the DreamWorks Trolls spreading hugs and happiness to kids of all ensure they’re giving fans something ages, and those attributes are Below left: Winners new every season and that the helping us build an evergreen of tickets to Poppy’s brand remains fresh leading into movie year. Coronation Party got to franchise.” “DreamWorks Trolls is an experience-driven meet the characters, as franchise, and it’s important that we continue to

well as YouTube sensation, Tiana from Toys AndMe (below, right)

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DREAMWORKS DRAGONS FRANCHISE

DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon has clocked up a massive $1B in global box office sales over the first two movies, with the third instalment due in February 2019. And with the successful DreamWorks Animation TV series showing on CBBC and Netflix, DreamWorks Dragons is a key franchise for Universal Brand Development.

ased on a series of children’s books by Cressida Cowell, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon premiered in 2010, making £17million at the UK box office. The second movie in 2014 was an even greater success making £25.5million. The dragons return to the big screen on 1 February with How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. “This latest film gives us some amazing new characters, storyline and locations and will build on the fanbase of the franchise,” says Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland. “It is the most action-packed and heartfelt How to Train Your Dragons film yet. There’s so much depth for licensees, with a strong line-up of characters – new and old – as well as a strong emotional element to the film that will appeal to all ages.” But this isn’t just a movie franchise. DreamWorks released an animated TV series in 2012, which is now into its sixth season, showing on CBBC and Netflix in the UK. “DreamWorks Animation TV’s awardwinning series, Dragons: Race to the Edge is really

resonating with fans,” explains Hannah. “The series and the availability of an array of consumer products prove the longevity of the franchise. We’ve seen this with the 75% increase in toy sales year-on-year (NPD, June 2018).” Promotion for the newest chapter will be in full swing by the time the first toys launch in December 2018, with bespoke campaigns and retailer activity planned. Spin Master is the master toy partner and has enjoyed great success with the franchise since the inaugural film with action figurines, playsets, interactive toys, collectibles, plush, vehicles and role-play. The new range in support of the film includes plush, collectibles and figurines, with some lines introducing bioluminescence-like glow in the dark and colour changing technology. Playmobil will be expanding its range of toys, with new lines having launched in August and more coming in February to coincide with the movie. “The depth and quality of the content is what sets DreamWorks Dragons apart from other licensed franchises,” says Hannah. “And both Spin

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DREAMWORKS DRAGONS FRANCHISE

Right: T he out in Fe third movie b the most ruary will be and hea action-packed rtfelt ye t.

Master and Playmobil have developed a range of consumer products that reach far beyond the central characters, allowing children to let their imaginations run free.” Other toy partners include: Pyramid International, Ravensburger, Winning Moves, Whitehouse Leisure and Mondo. Publishing is a big category for the franchise with Hachette Book Group releasing four books this year based on the TV series and additional new titles coming in support of the third film. Targeting an older audience, Dark Horse Comics released a series of graphic novels in February this year. “There’s so much scope with the DreamWorks Dragons franchise,” says Hannah, “and toys continue to perform well, but other categories outside of toy are resonating with audiences too, especially apparel, greetings, stationery and food.” DreamWorks Dragons has already proven itself to be a beloved film franchise and there is much anticipation around the new film. The DreamWorks Dragons franchise has grown into a family entertainment brand with 365-day year appeal.

PARTNER’S VIEW: SPIN MASTER We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with DreamWorks on Dragons since the beginning and have seen the brand grow into a hugely successful franchise through the movies and TV series,” says Anna Hewitt, Licensing Director (Europe) at Spin Master. “This latest movie has given us some amazing new characters, storylines, images and assets that have created an exciting new toy range to appeal to existing and new fans, which we are looking forward to bringing to market later this year”.

Right: Spin Master will celebrate the new movie with an innovative new range of toys coming in December.

PARTNER’S VIEW: PLAYMOBIL Playmobil has had generic dragons in the range for many years, as they are a strong theme for imaginative play,” comments Jamie Dickinson, Marketing Manager at Playmobil. “The DreamWorks Dragons licence was particularly attractive to the company; the first two films have been very successful, the third film is highly anticipated, and the animated series is proving popular on paid services and now free to air. Adding a licence like Dragons to the Playmobil theme has provided us with a good formula for success.” Left: Playmobil will launch new toy lines in February to coincide with the movie.

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Universal Supplement DS AD 2018mm.pdf

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CMY

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THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES!

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DREAMWORKS ANIMATION TELEVISION

BRINGING BRANDS TO LIFE ON THE SMALL SCREEN Supported through consumer products programmes that include toys, fashion, home goods and more, three original series from the DreamWorks Animation Television portfolio, DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free, DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender and DreamWorks Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia are resonating with kids of all ages.

anaging TV franchises differs greatly to film franchises. Building awareness of the show and driving viewership is essential before launching consumer products. The majority of DreamWorks Animated TV series launch on Netflix first with a free-to-air platform following thereafter. “Netflix is a key partner for our TV programming,” says Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland. “It’s a growing platform, with over 40% of kids having access to Netflix and households with Netflix increasing +23% YOY. Additionally, new episodes drop quarterly on Netflix, providing audiences with new content year-round.” * Source: BARB, Q4 2017 Establishment survey

In the UK, DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free launched on Netflix in May 2017 and on the UK’s number one commercial kids’ channel, POP TV in June 2018. It quickly became POP TV’s number one show with girls aged 4-9 years. “DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free has really resonated with parents and kids,” says Hannah. “The inspirational storylines highlight the power of friendship, courage and a sense of adventure, and families are really embracing the series.” There are 39 episodes currently available on Netflix with new episodes coming before the end of the year. The series is also scheduled for DVD release in the UK for Easter 2019. Just Play has already launched a collection of dolls, play sets and plush in the United States and Flair is now distributing the range in the UK, with the roll out

backed by a high profile series of TV adverts. Playmobil will also launch their play set range in market this autumn. “The UK launch kicked off with an exciting competition on POP TV Above: Playmobil’s toy to win a stable sleepover,” line launches in the UK says Hannah. “We’ve been this autumn. in talks with retailers as well, and there will be a heavyweight TV and consumer product marketing campaign to drive awareness of the show on POP TV. The breadth of the campaign includes mummy bloggers, competitions, influencer videos, unboxing, consumer PR, print media and YouTube pre-rolls – all with a link to POP TV and key retailers.” New categories in the pipeline include fashion, publishing, consumables NOW SHOWING ON and more.New categories in the pipeline include fashion, publishing, consumables and more.

Left: New toys launched; Flair’s toy line includes play sets, dolls and plush.

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DREAMWORKS ANIMATION JURASSIC TELEVISION WORLD

From visionary filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro, comes the award-winning DreamWorks Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. This all-new Netflix original series is full of tremendous action, humour and heart, offering fun, yet wholesome familyfriendly entertainment. The show launched on Netflix in December 2016 and debuted on POP TV this September 2018 as one of their new September launches. For the consumer products programme, the demographic is boys aged 6 to 11 years old. Funko is in the market now for their range of POP! figures and Simba Dickie is launching role play, action figures and play sets from May 2019 to tie into season two on POP TV. * Source: BARB, Kids 4-15, Premieres: 23 Sep - 15 Oct 17, Live +7, Series launch: Sep 2017, Data updated to Aug 12, 2018.

Right: The 80s kids’ classic, Voltron has been re-imagined for kids of today. Below: Flair’s Voltron action figures launched in March.

DreamWorks Voltron Legendary Defender reimagines one of the most popular fanfavourite series from the 80s. “Since its launch on Netflix in June 2016, and its linear premiere on POP TV in September 2017, the series has resonated with fans of all ages,” says Hannah. Playmates is the global master toy partner and Flair, the official UK distributor launched products into the market in March. The range includes action figures, transforming action figures and roleplay. “Smyths and The Entertainer both got right behind the launch with special FSDUs, window and social media takeovers. We also invested in several unboxing videos on YouTube which were hugely popular amongst the fan base.” NOW SHOWING ON

Left: Smyths’ retail activation for Voltron in March.

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UNIVERSAL AUGUST 2018 CHARACTER WORLD.pdf 1 31/08/2018 12:35:57

AVAILABLE AT CHARACTER WORLD @CHARACTERWORLDUK

@CHARCTERWORLD_

CMY

WWW.CHARACTERWORLD.COM E: INFO@CHARCTERWORLD.COM

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THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2

IT’S A TOY THING

Following the tremendous box-office success of Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets in 2016, Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish lead the superstar cast in Summer 2019 with a new movie that will introduce all-new characters for licensees to support.

The master toy collection from Just Play/Flair will arrive in spring 2019. “There’s been a huge amount of development behind the range, which includes figures, play-sets, collectables, plush and even slow-rise squishies,” says Mundip Hunjan, Product Manager. “We know how incredibly popular the characters are, and we believe all their personalities and playfulness will be bought to life in our toy range, which we will launch with an extensive marketing drive in mid-April 2019.”

he Secret Life of Pets was one of the top-10 partner, focussing on plush, collectibles, play sets movies at the UK Box Office in 2016, taking and blind bags. Pomeranian Gidget, top-dog Max, in £45million and $875 million globally. adorable and deranged Snowball, lush It also broke the record for the best U.S. and fat-cat Chloe remain some Flair’s p y/ la P e ovi : Just opening weekend for an original film of the favourite characters, and d below r for the first m nd. n a ve o Ab seco pula for the very po ever, with earnings of $104.3million. there will be soon-to-be new fan proved e expanded on b Starring Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish favorites joining the cast. and will and Patton Oswald, The Secret Life of With key licensing partners now on Pets 2 arrives in summer 2019. Harrison Ford board for The Secret Life of Pets 2, joins the all-star cast in his first ever role in an there are further exciting categories animated family film. still to fill. New style “The Secret Life of Pets was a runaway guides are available— success for Illumination and Universal in featuring returning and new 2016, tapping into our inherent love for our characters—with a particular pets and giving the answer to that age-old focus on Gidget for girls and question: what do our pets get up to when Max for boys. we’re not home?” says Hannah Mungo, “The Secret Life of Country Director, UK and Ireland. “The Pets 2 will receive massive characters and story struck a note with marketing and promotional audiences of all ages.” support through Universal and Universal is launching a global programme Illumination,” says Hannah. to support The Secret Life of Pets 2, with a high“The first movie underscored profile marketing and promotional campaign kicking just how popular stories around off at the end of this year. It will include promotional our pets are. The second movie events, outdoor takeovers, cinema takeovers, bespoke further develops the characters’ retailer promotions and digital activity on social media stories and gives us greater insight into and YouTube. their personalities. We’re so excited Looking ahead to the consumer product about the new film, and we look forward programme, Just Play/Flair is on board as master toy to the reaction from fans.”

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THE GRINCH

For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

SEEING GREEN THIS CHRISTMAS

this winter, in an exclusive launch with The Entertainer. Also on board is Park Agencies cademy award nominee for daywear, RETAIL VOICE: Benedict Cumberbatch Misirli for socks, THE ENTERTAINER will lend his voice to Somerbond with the infamous Grinch, adult nightwear, Stuart Grant, who lives a solitary life inside a Buying Director for Cooneen for cave and only sees his neighbours The Entertainer kids’ nightwear, Above: An apparel line from says of The Grinch: “We when he runs out of food. Global Licensing will be Corsair for health have had fantastic success launching at retail this October. Each Christmas they disrupt his and beauty, and support over the tranquil solitude with their festive Dreamtex for years on Illumination’s celebrations. When the Whos bedding, RMS for novelty, Stor for theatrical launches and declare they are going to make lunchware and Danilo with greeting cards, are incredibly excited to be Christmas three times bigger this gift-wrapping and Christmas crackers. partnering together on an year, the Grinch realizes there is exclusive range of toys for A big category for the brand will be festive only one way for him to gain some The Grinch this Christmas.” confectionary, including Advent calendars, and peace and quiet: he must steal Bon Bon Buddies, World Confections and Give & Christmas. To do so, he poses Go are all on board to ensure that this category is sweet. as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Will the Grinch There is also a strong publishing side to the licensing silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all? programme with HarperCollins UK releasing novelisations Find out, Christmas season 2018. based on the film, activity and sticker books. The holiday film will be supported by a “The Grinch will give licensees and retailers the seasonal promotional and marketing opportunity to reach a whole Below: The Grinch movie remains campaign and a consumer products new audience. And we get true to the beloved elements of programme with 40-plus partnerships. Dr. Seuss’ story. Below right: A the chance to do it all again “In a way that only Illumination can, the movie collection of houseware products for the home entertainment such as drinking bottles, melamine stays true to the beloved elements of Dr. Seuss’ release in November sets and mugs from Spanish story but takes the story to a brilliant new level 2019,” says Hannah. licensee Stor will be available in of comedy and heart,” says time for Christmas 2018. Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland. “The Grinch offers licensees and retailers the opportunity to bring something fresh to the overcrowded festive space with a cross-category offering that appeals to both kids and adults.” Just Play (UK distributor Flair) is the master toy partner and will be launching a range of toys, plush and playsets

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Despicable Me Advert SEPT 2018 PRINT.pdf

18/09/2018

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DESPICABLE ME

The highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time, Illumination’s iconic Despicable Me series has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with its funny and fallible characters—led by former supervillain Gru, Lucy, their adorable three girls (Margo, Edith and Agnes) and their army of mischievous Minions.

IT’S BETTER BEING

YELLOW

ver the course of four massively successful event-animated movies – Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 3 and Minions (the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time) – the series has earned more than $3.72 billion at the worldwide box office, as well as two Academy Award® nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. Additionally, Illumination has three of the eight-highest grossing animated films of all time with Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 3 and Minions movie. The films, as well as their beloved property extensions, continue to captivate with sweet Below (l to r): Despicable Me is the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time.

and subversive characters, international appeal, unmatched talent and cultural relevance. In support of the franchise, there have been a series of mini-movies made, with more in the pipeline leading into the theatrical release of Minions 2 in 2020. These mini-movies have also Above: FMCG is a growing been featured category for the franchise. on the films’ home-entertainment releases, as well as on social media. “These mini-movies ensure that the franchise stays front-of-mind year-round,” says Hannah Mungo, Country Director, UK and Ireland. “They are perfect for social-

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DESPICABLE ME

Above: The Minions will star in the next Minions 2 movie in 2020.

media platforms, where we find fans will share this kind of content readily.” In addition to this short-form content, Illumination has worked with several partners to release games for Playstation, Nintendo and a mobile app. One of the most successful mobile games – “Minion Rush” – has more than 870 million players globally. The depth and diversity of the 2017 Despicable Me 3 campaign was a real highlight for the licensing programme—with all the major retail players on board— while the franchise also attracted new partners such as high-street fashion chain River Island joining for 2017, with apparel launched under its River Island Kids brand. “Aldi and Lidl provided tremendous support for the Despicable Me franchise, with Aldi promoting its Despicable Me and Minions ‘Specialbuys’ with a series of newspapers ads and Lidl taking out TV spots. Tesco had significant ATL support in-store and online, which included TV walls and a full page in the Tesco magazine. Toy specialists Smyths and The Entertainer also championed the brand by stocking their deepest ranges yet, supported by premium shelf space and outstanding marketing initiatives,” says Hannah. “We’re continuing to build on the momentum into 2019 by maximising opportunities within our strongest

BRINGING YELLOW INTO FASHION

Above: River Island joined the Despicable Me family in 2017. Above right: Minions at Selfridges in 2017. Right: Minion Fluffy PJ’s from Cooneen at Matalan.

performing categories including fashion, novelty lines, plush, FMCG and health and beauty,” says Hannah. “We’re introducing new themes including a new focus on Fluffy, a standout character from 2017, Monster Minions, Go Bananas, Camping, Sport and Eye-conic with assets to support each. We’ll also start trailing the muchanticipated Minions 2.” Despicable Me is a key franchise for NBCUniversal on a global scale, still with huge opportunities to tap into new demographics. Below: Uniqlo’s Bello Summer collection

Co-branding collaborations have been such a success for Despicable Me in the past that Universal is seeking more opportunities to partner with best-in-class brands that bring the franchise to life in fun new ways. Before the release of last year’s Despicable Me 3 Universal collaborated with PUMA on a footwear and apparel Below: Puma collection, featuring Minions Stuart, Carl created a and Kevin on PUMA’s sports-inspired styles. footwear Moleskine’s limited-edition range of notebooks and apparel was also a great success. Additionally, Craig collection in & Karl launched a Despicable Me 3 collection the lead up featuring high-quality apparel and accessories, as well as an exclusive print at the to last year’s Colette Waterbar. Despicable Most recently, Universal collaborated with Uniqlo on a new Minions Me 3. ‘Bello Summer’-themed collection for in stores and online. The themed range of graphic tees features the mischievous characters in summer-style poses with phrases including ‘peace, love and summer’ and ‘welcome to Minions paradise,’ among others.

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Contact : Sion Aykroyd E : Sion.Aykroyd@aykroyds.co.uk T : +44 (0) 616 929 1122

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Contact : Dean Greasley E : dean@tdptex.com T : +44 (0) 1283 550400

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