Edition 1
2011 Australian Toy Hobby & Nursery Fair Edition
Market Wrap
Feature Articles
• BBC
• Disney Cars 2
• Fremantle Media
• Haven Interview
• Fusion
• Wide Eyes
• Hasbro
• Retail Spy
• Haven
• Mark Scott
• Mattel
• Andros Georgiades
• Merchantwise • Stella • Warner Bros. • Wild Pumpkin
Toy Fair Licensing Map Turn to inside back cover!
From The Editor The Bugg Report Magazine - Edition 1
There are also a number of new brands which will provide new focus and activity for retailers and promotional partners. New Bananas, Generator Rex, the rebirth of Power Rangers and Squinkies are just a few emerging properties which will help provide some spark in the market. We have recently added a number of new products to our portfolio including this Toy Fair Magazine Edition and another printed magazine that will be launched post Vegas Licensing Show. Speak to us early to make sure you can be part of this edition! The Bugg Report will also introduce a new ‘Bugg Report’ promotional vehicle into the mix during Toy Fair 2011. This vehicle will be used to help promote various Licensing events through out the year. As this magazine goes to press we are continuing to develop our website and to introduce new initiatives which can assist our readers to learn more about the brands and products which are most important to our industry. Editor Tony Bugg 2010 proved to be a very challenging year for all of us in the licensing business and related industries. In spite of this The Bugg Report has continued to improve it’s service and from all reports 2011 should see some improvement on the back of a number of significant movie properties including Cars 2, Transformers 3, Happy Feet 2 and Tin Tin.
We are soon to launch another new service which will focus on the ownership and representation of brands in our market. We will be posting a register on The Bugg Report website which will record the agent or principle and the brands which they represent. This register will be available to our full subscribers and available to purchase as required. We trust that you enjoy our first magazine style offering and most importantly that it offers you an important and easy to understand insight into Licensing in Australia and NZ.
Contributor Details
Editors Details
Wide Eyes News From the Tube
Editor – Tony Bugg E: tony@buggsolutions.com.au
Retail Spy On Design with Andros Georgiades Publishing with Mark Scott
Advertising and Content – Matt Bugg E: matt@buggsolutions.com.au Design – Merchantwise Pty Ltd T: +61 3 9520 1000 Print – Yarra Media T: +61 3 9730 2393
Published by Bugg Marketing Solutions P.O. Box 491 Berwick, Vic 3806 T: +61 3 9769 7922 F: +61 3 9769 7922 E: info@buggsolutions.com.au W: www.buggsolutions.com.au
For The Bugg Report P.O. Box 491 Berwick, Vic 3806 T: +61 3 9769 7922 F: +61 3 9769 7922 E: info@buggreport.com.au W: www.buggreport.com.au
Please note that The Bugg Report Magazine has been compiled as a guide to the Licensing Industry in Australia and New Zealand. The views and opinions provided within the report are based upon the views and opinions of its writers. In no way is The Bugg Report Magazine a factual guide to Licensing and does not take responsibility for how the information contained within the report is used by its consumers.
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The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
Contents 6
Bits and Pieces
6
Bugg Marketing Solutions appointed as regional representative for LIMA
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Introduction to Licensors
8-9
BBC Worldwide
12
Fremantle Media
16-17
Hasbro
20-23
Haven Licensing
24
Hot WheelsTM
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The Wiggles Celebrate 20 Years
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Merchantwise
34
Waybuloo
36
Sonic’s 20th Anniversary
37
Crusty Demons
39
Stella Projects
41
Stella Projects: Domo
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Stella Projects: Where’s Wally?
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Stella Projects: Tatty Teddy
46-47
Warner Bros. Consumer Products
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Dinosaur Train
51-52
Cartoon Network
53
Introduction to Feature Articles
54-55
Retail Spy
56-58
Disney Gears up for Cars 2: Interview with Kylie Watson – Wheeler
59-61
Haven Interview with Tom Punch and Yvonne King
62-63
Wide Eyes News from the Tube
64
Andros on Design: What a style guide tells us about its owner
66-67
Publishing with Mark Scott
68-69
ATA Interview with Beverly Jenkin and Gabby Anderson
70
Introduction to Licensees
72
The Five Mile Press
76
Rubies Continues to Increase Its Presence in Australia
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Exhibitor Map!
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
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Bits and Pieces • G len Towers moves on from Wild Pumpkin to The Melbourne Storm • P at Cooper takes on the role of GM at Wild Pumpkin • T im Everett moves from Wild Pumpkin to Business Manager for soft lines at Warner Bros. • M ichelle Ahern moves from Warner Bros. to the AFL as manager of AUS Kick
• R achael Hammond moves onto the interchange bench to have her second baby – Rachael will be back on deck in 12 months – we wish her all best
• T he first five people to email info@buggreport.com.au the correct stand location for The Bugg Report will receive a free 12 month subscription to The Bugg Report
• B rands to watch are Squinkies, Moshi Monsters, Power Rangers and the new Fireman Sam CGI Series
• O vation Media have decided to move away form Licensing to focus on their Media business
• T his year will be huge for movies with Cars 2, Transformers 3, On Stranger Tides, Tin Tin, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Green Lantern, Happy Feet 2, Rio, Rango, Thor, Winnie the Pooh, The Harry Potter Finale, Smurfs and The Muppets
• J ennie Hughes has now started her own company (Hughes Media) which does film and television production, and finance and consulting
Bugg Marketing Solutions appointed as regional representative for LIMA As part of a global initiative, LIMA (The International Licensing Merchandisers Association) has been active in appointing regional partners to represent their organization outside of North America. Recent discussions with LIMA have concluded with Bugg Marketing Solutions assuming this important role here in Australia. Charles Riotto who is the President of LIMA confirmed the appointment recently and is looking
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The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
forward to working with BMS and The Bugg Report to develop the industry here in Australia. Our initial focus will be to develop a support base for the LIMA organization and to highlight the many benefits of becoming a member. As the year rolls on we will be looking closely at developing some LIMA events to encourage networking and greater participation in the licensing business in general.
Introduction to Licensors The Bugg Report Magazine provides you with updates from the Licensors who hold the rights to all the latest and greatest Licensed brands and properties in our industry. Our Licensor updates let you know what is happening at all of the major agencies and Licensing companies who represent the brands that we all love, here in Australia and New Zealand. Here is where you will learn about the different activities that these companies are taking part in, their upcoming events, product launches, new brands and plans for 2011. We hope that you enjoy our new format, and learn more about the news that is relevant to you and our Licensing industry. In this first edition of The Bugg Report Magazine we have the latest market wraps from the major Licensing companies listed to the left.
LICENSING INTERNATIONAL PTY. LTD.
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
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BBC Worldwide Australia Market Wrap
Top Gear in top gear • Top Gear fever is about to hit Australia once again, with the Top Gear Live experience wowing local audiences at the same time as Toy Fair and the February 2011 launch of the latest UK series on Channel 9. • U K presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May are in Australia to headline the interactive live event at the Melbourne Royal Showgrounds. The live event will also travel to Brisbane as part of the Australian tour. • B BC Worldwide is working with new licensee Designworks on launching a range of kids’ apparel at Target. Kids’ apparel has performed extremely well in the UK, and is set to do the same in Australia – it’s an exciting addition to the existing range which primarily caters for adult fans. • B BC Worldwide Australia is also working with a new partner to launch a range of Top Gear outdoor toys including skateboards and scooters through Target in time for the July toy catalogue period. • T he next series of Top Gear Australia, featuring Shane Jacobsen, Ewen Page and Steve Pizatti, will go to air on Channel 9 in the first half of 2011. • T he Top Gear Facebook page has more than 500,000 Australian fans. The BBC Worldwide Australia team will be reaching out to these fans with some bespoke marketing and offers throughout the year. • S ales for Top Gear DVDs and magazines continue to grow from strength to strength.
Doctor Who: The Year 2011 • 2011 will see the Doctor Who brand get even bigger with some exciting product development out of the UK, new product categories like
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construction toys, and an expanded apparel presence at retail. • T he Doctor Who brand enjoyed a huge presence at ABC Retail over the Christmas period, with a wide range of merchandise and launch apparel featured in store and enjoying solid sell through. • T he new series of Doctor Who will hit screens in April 2011, directly following the UK transmission. The series will be split with the first seven episodes screening on ABC TV in the first half of the year before, after an incredible cliff-hanger, returning to screens with six further episodes later in the year. Just in time for Christmas retail! • B BC Worldwide is in talks to bring the Doctor Who Live multimedia show to Australia at the end of 2011. • T he National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) undertook an innovative drama program based on Doctor Who for young fans during the 2010 school holidays, selling out all available spots. NIDA plan to tour the program nationally during 2011, capitalising on the ever-growing young fan base for the hit TV program. • T he Doctor Who audience spans multiple generations, a claim not able to be made for many brands in this territory. This is one brand that affords retailers a great opportunity to cater for a wide variety of customers. • B BC Worldwide is also gearing up for the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who in 2012, with a new style guide and all new products just one part of the celebratory mix. • T here are still several categories available in the Doctor Who range which BBC Worldwide is looking to fill during Toy Fair.
For further details please contact Elie Mansour at elie.mansour@bbc.com or on (02) 9744 4544
BBC Earth – Life is… • BBC’s blue chip natural history content has been united under one brand banner, BBC Earth. • T he BBC Earth catalogue offers over 2,200 hours of awe-inspiring programming that showcases the beauty, the wonders and the stories of the wild world.
• B BC Worldwide launched the new bbcearth.com website in November 2010. The site houses great clips, information and news relating to our world-leading natural history programs along with newly created content such as the ‘Life is’ digital series. • b bcearth.com is a new way of bringing our consumers closer to our natural history content and brand, encouraging engagement and consumer comment on the site and through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. bbcearth. com is available to all global territories excluding the UK. • B BC Earth’s landmark titles such as Planet Earth reach a combined audience of over 500 million people around the world. • B BC Earth is a cross media brand with the potential to engage audiences across Broadcast, Digital, Home Entertainment, Gaming, Live Events and Magazines. • I n a recent announcement, the New South Wales State Government has secured the production of BBC
Earth’s Walking with Dinosaurs 3D for Australia, using Sydney based production house Animal Logic as the visual effects producer.
• B BC Worldwide is talking to potential toy and retail partners for a launch of the Vivid toy range in the second half of 2011.
Travel the World with Lonely Planet
• T he UK licensing program boasts more than 20 partners and the local team will be looking to appoint Australian partners during Toy Fair.
• BBC Worldwide has signed leading footwear, apparel and accessories brand developer Established Brands to create the first ever range of Lonely Planet branded luggage, travel accessories and apparel.
• L onely Planet is one of the most trusted and recognised travel brands globally and this new range will build on the strength of this. • T he range will roll out in Australia throughout 2011.
ZingZillas are here • ZingZillas launched on CBeebies in November 2010, establishing a solid and dedicated audience following an extensive integrated marketing campaign that featured live events, radio promotion, digital advertising and much more. • T he launch episode beat all channels in its competitive set with a 26% share. • Z ingZillas has managed to successfully engage audiences both on and off air with live events featuring the costume characters forming an integral part of the launch strategy. • T ouring partner The Entertainment Store is planning more live events in 2011 to further consolidate the audience and the brand locally.
Charlie and Lola Best Bestest for kids
• S eries 11 of Dancing with the Stars will hit Australian screens in 2011 on Channel 7.
In the Night Garden • Big W has come on board as the exclusive toy and apparel partner. • B BC Worldwide supported Big W and the range with an online campaign in the lead up to Christmas.
• Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play wrapped up a hugely successful seven week run at the Sydney Opera House over the Christmas holidays. • T he show sold more than 16,000 tickets at the box office and entertained thousands of children, including Aussie Nicole and Keith’s little Sunday Rose Kidman. • T he Sydney Opera House extended the original four week season due to popular demand. The show generated some amazing PR for the brand including a front page mention in the Sydney Morning Herald. • B BC Worldwide is seeking a touring partner to take the show nationally in 2011.
Dancing with the Stars dazzles • F ollowing the ongoing success of the Dancing with the Stars series locally and globally, and capitalising on the success of an innovative merchandise program with Boots in the UK, BBC Worldwide is working on an exciting cosmetics deal with an Australian retail partner.
• I n a major deal, yet to be formally announced, the very successful In the Night Garden live show will tour Australia in August 2011.
Wibbly Pig • The beautifully presented publishing - based program launched on ABC and ABC 2 in August 2010, along with product from Jasnor (sourced from UK master toy partner Rainbow) launched in ABC Retail. The range includes plush and baby toys and sales to-date have been strong. • B BC Worldwide Australia is looking to appoint an apparel partner for a range of gorgeous baby/toddler wear as well as partners for further categories. • T he Wibbly Pig book series is with Penguin and the first DVD title was released at the end of 2010 through Roadshow Entertainment.
• T he BBC Worldwide team are also in discussions on a clothing range inspired by the series and using the talents of the local costume designer, as well as an immersive Dancing experience.
For further details please contact Elie Mansour at elie.mansour@bbc.com or on (02) 9744 4544
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FOR ALL LICENSING ENQUIRIES: ELIE MANSOUR Licensed Consumer Products Manager T: +61 2 9744 4544 M: +61 (0)403 457534 elie.mansour@bbc.com
BRIgId ROBERtS Licensed Consumer Products Executive T: +61 2 9744 4569 brigid.roberts@bbc.com
BBC Worldwide Ltd, Level 5, 6 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
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FremantleMedia Enterprises launches into 2011 After a big year in 2010, which saw the introduction of a raft of product and other brand extensions of some of Australia’s best-loved TV shows, FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the licensing arm of FremantleMedia, launches into 2011 with a full schedule of exciting developments and prospects. With such a full program envisaged for 2011, one of the highlights for FME in Australia in November last year was a restructuring and several key appointments, including the creation of three distinct departments within the licensing division: Digital & Brand Partnerships; Consumer Products; and Live Events and Experiences. The executives heading each department are: Amber Brown, Senior Vice President Digital & Brand Partnerships; Hannah Laird, Vice President Consumer Products; and Dustin Lockett, Vice President Live Experiences. The team has since expanded further with the appointment of Kimiko Roberts as Vice President Brand Partnerships and Liz Burnett as Manager of Consumer Products. FME Asia Pacific CEO Jon Penn said: “Our new structure sees the digital and sponsorship divisions merged, recognising that advertisers are going to be a strong source of revenue for digital enterprises such as websites, long form content online and original digital productions. For this reason, having our sponsorship licensing business and our digital business under one roof makes sense.” “We’ve created a live events and experiences division because of growing opportunities for strong TV brands to be broadened into live events and ticketed experiences,” Penn said. The first such event, MasterChef Live Australia’s Festival of Cooking, was held in Sydney in December last year and
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was an outstanding success, with more than 23,000 people drawn to the event by the enormous popularity in Australia of the MasterChef TV show. A number of other live experience events are slated for 2011, including the debut of Grand Designs Australia Live Expo in Sydney, which will capitalise on the popularity of the Australian production of the Grand Designs TV phenomenon.
Thanks to the Australian viewing public’s love-affair with The Biggest Loser, FME has made a significant investment in The Biggest Loser brand extensions. In early 2011, the new The Biggest Loser: Families show arrives on Australian screens, coinciding with a new range of frozen meals, meal replacements, recipe book and Wii games.
Product ranges developed from popular FremantleMedia TV programs promise to be a major contributor to FME’s Australian operations in 2011. The MasterChef product range continues to grow with dinnerware, food products and large kitchen appliances, to name a few, soon to be available. This expansion follows the sensational popularity of MasterChef Magazine, which FME launched last year in conjunction with News Magazines. The MasterChef Magazine was awarded Magazine Launch of the Year at the Australian Magazine Awards. Meantime, the success of the Junior MasterChef brand in Australia has been nothing short of spectacular. The Junior MasterChef kids cookware range, which was launched in Q4 2009, fast became the number one girl’s toy with over 300,000 units sold to date. In November 2010, FME and News Magazines launched the Junior MasterChef Official Recipe Collection which has sold more than 80,000 copies, while in March 2011, FME, in collaboration with Harper Collins, will launch the Junior Master Chef Cookbook. FME is also looking to grow the brand further into cookware, knives, food preparation, melamine, party, apparel and more.
FremantleMedia Enterprises Asia Pacific Hannah Laird VP, Consumer Products Australia & New Zealand T: +61 (0)2 9434 0723 | E: hannah.laird@fremantlemedia.com
Another significant investment by FME is the hugely successful CBS show, Australia’s Next Top Model which will go to air with series seven on Fox8 later this year. The success of the show promises to lead to big sales for the Australia’s Next Top Model brand extension into hair accessories, while a clothing range, cosmetics and more are planned for this year. (FME continues to represent the full CBS portfolio of programs, including NCIS, CSI, Dexter and Californication.) Australia Zoo will be one to watch out for in 2011 after FME last year spearheaded a new global partnership with Australia Zoo and all associated properties relating to the much-loved and world famous Irwin family to develop a range of licensing opportunities. Also in 2011 will be the much-anticipated arrival of the Rebecca Bonbon brand in Australia, first launched in Japan in 2005-06, and created by the hugely successful designer behind Hello Kitty, Yuko Shimizu. FME acquired rights to the brand from Crown Creative and represents the brand globally (excluding Japan, Korea and China).
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Hasbro Inc.
Creating mega brands through movies, television, theme parks and online gaming.
as LITTLEST PET SHOP and HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT have been top performers on console and handheld platforms. Additionally, the company collaborates with Activision on the highly successful TRANSFORMERS video game series. Another key element in Hasbro’s expansion has been to step up its licensing efforts on a global scale to create products that speak to the lifestyle of the kids, adults and families who play with Hasbro toys and games.
Hasbro, Inc. is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro has continued to expand its brands through innovation from groundbreaking product advancements to entertainment and lifestyle licensing, allowing consumers to engage with the brand in ways that are meaningful to them. The company has grown its core group of properties such as TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, and MONOPOLY to become mega brands through movies, television, theme parks, digital and online gaming. The Hub, the company’s joint television network with Discovery Communications, has attracted 61 million viewers in the U.S. since its launch in October 2010 by delivering quality content geared to children and families. The network’s content, some of which is based on familiar
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Hasbro brands, is developed by Hasbro Studios and drawn from Discovery’s award winning library of children’s educational programming and leading third-party producers. The company is also gearing up for the release of its third TRANSFORMERS film, TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON, June 30th 2011. In 2007, Hasbro began inking longterm deals with Hollywood mainstays including DreamWorks, Paramount and Universal Pictures as part of its mission to re-imagine its iconic toy and game brands into big screen adaptations. Building on the box office success of TRANSFORMERS and other in-theworks movies such as MONOPOLY, BATTLESHIP and OUIJA are expected to dazzle and thrill consumers around the globe as well. Digital gaming is also a core piece of Hasbro’s re-invention strategy. In August 2007, Hasbro signed a strategic licensing alliance with Electronic Arts that has resulted in 19 Hasbro toy and game brands arriving on 20 major gaming platforms. Digital games based on brands such as TRIVIAL PURSUIT and MONOPOLY have been top ranked, paid mobile apps while properties such
Hasbro Australia Limited Melinda Stranieri, Licensing Manager, T: +61 3 9626 5310 | E: melinda.stranieri@ap.hasbro.com Sophie Nassetta, Licensing Manager, T: +613 9626 5314 | E: nassets@hasbro.com
Hasbro has developed an unmatched portfolio of world-class licensees that continue to deliver an amazing array of innovative products across every major licensing category, appealing to fans of all ages. From fashion-forward apparel and accessories to immersive digital publishing, hip consumer electronics and high-end cache items, the company’s brands continue to reach deeper into the hearts and minds of consumers around the globe. The Pacific Rim has been a significant driver in Hasbro’s licensing growth under the direction of Dorothy Chan, the company’s head of licensing for Asia Pacific. On the heels of Hasbro Australia being named the No. 1 toy distributor in December 2010, Ms. Chan has set lofty goals for her team and the region’s licensees to build on that momentum throughout 2011. Leveraging the company’s wide portfolio of beloved brands with a rich heritage that spans generations of families, Ms. Chan cites TRANSFORMERS as a major priority this year for the Australia & New Zealand markets. With the highly anticipated theatrical release from Paramount, video games from Activision, mobile games from Electronic Arts plus a strong DVD program and consistent publishing program – this franchise continues to
touch consumers with entertainment to position the brand as an evergreen brand franchise. In addition, broadcast rights for the popular animated series “TRANSFORMERS PRIME”, currently screening on The Hub in the USA are being negotiated with leading networks across Australia & New Zealand for screening early 2011. Combined, this high profile entertainment-based brand franchise has been positioned as a “must have” amongst retailers and across all major licensing categories. For tween girls, LITTLEST PET SHOP is also poised to become a powerhouse lifestyle property in 2011 as licensees have eagerly stepped up to create stylish and fun products for this fickle, yet fruitful demographic. The LITTLEST PET SHOP licensing program will further expand with the introduction of BLYTHE LOVES LITTLEST PET SHOP following the successful toy launch from 2010. This will allow licensees to become even more creative in bringing the trendy and fashionable LITTLEST PET SHOP products to market. The magical MY LITTLE PONY franchise continues to be a favourite for younger girls and their mums. May 2011 will see PINKIE PIE and friends unveil a new look as part of their reinvention based on a new
animated TV series called “My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic”. This series will feature 26 half-hour episodes and will see MY LITTLE PONY characters embark on wonderful adventures while learning what it means to be a true friend. Key categories continue to be toys, apparel, publishing, home décor, party goods & FMCG snacks. The licensing program supporting NERF is expected to flourish following the brand’s stellar performance in 2010. NERF dominated the retailer toy sales charts, finishing with a #1 property rank in the outdoor & sports category. Ms. Chan cited that the performancebased property will gain significant momentum this year - led by the blaster business from Hasbro, and complimented with wheeled toys & sporting goods from Hunter Products in the hard goods category, as well as a strong apparel program being developed for Summer 2011 launch. Retail support is being established for further rollout including an exciting interpretation of the brand for a back to school range of merchandise. NERF has well and truly resonated with tweens and teens 8-16 as a leading sports action brand providing fans with the ultimate in exciting high action gear for competitive play!
On the games front, Hasbro continues to invest in the worldwide HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT marketing campaign. This campaign encourages families to set aside time to play games on a regular basis. With more than 60 well known game brands in the Hasbro portfolio, Ms Chan aims to build on the increased interest and appeal of popular properties such as MONOPOLY, TWISTER, CONNECT 4, OPERATION and PICTUREKA to create fun, quality and relevant licensed products that define fan’s love for playing games. In addition, 2011 will see further roll out of promotional tie-ins such as the successful Herald Sun Trivial Pursuit newspaper promotion. Also, the recent introduction of the MONOPOLY Millionaires game on Facebook will enable Hasbro and EA to introduce a dynamic new way to play to some 500 million consumers worldwide. Looking forward into 2012 - Hasbro is collaborating with Universal Pictures on a live-action BATTLESHIP movie slated for June 2012. Presentations to key retail and licensing partners will be commencing in the next few months. Other brands on deck to see a resurgence this year include PLAYSKOOL, TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS, and PLAY-DOH. Hasbro’s youngest consumers and mothers can expect to see a strong licensing program begin to build behind these properties in the coming months.
Hasbro Australia Limited Melinda Stranieri, Licensing Manager, T: +61 3 9626 5310 | E: melinda.stranieri@ap.hasbro.com Sophie Nassetta, Licensing Manager, T: +613 9626 5314 | E: nassets@hasbro.com
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Haven Market Wrap
Bananas in Pyjamas Bananas in Pyjamas are back in all new CGI with 104 brand new episodes. This new series will premier on ABC Children’s TV from Q2, 2011. Boasting 100 million viewers in 70 countries since it’s debut in July of 1992. Product roll out will commence from September 2011. Moose have jumped on board as the master toy partner with many other categories confirmed or under negotiation. TV ads, PR/Press, dedicated website, in store marketing and catalogues will feature with leading retailers.
new bath & care range and Hunter Leisure will develop exclusive dress up ranges during 2011. On the outdoor front Madd Gear has developed a new swim safety range. New retail partners including Harvey Norman and Priceline are also supporting Dora. Madd Gear has developed a range of all new swim safety items.
Diego Diego will continue a highly successful sponsorship campaign in 2011, Go Diego Go! has aligned for the second year running with the RSPCA. Notably, Parragon reported sales of 100,000 Diego books in 2010.
SpongeBob
Dora Dora is still going strong after 7 strong years. She is the number one pre school program across Australian Subscription channels and the number one merchandise program for pre school girls. 2011 will see all new episodes and many new products. The Dora Live show will tour later this year and series 5 of the show will air on Channel 9 each Saturday and Sunday morning. Tent pole Trilogy episodes will be launching on Nick Jr from April 16. Key catalyst partners include Mattel, 2K Games and Paramount is on board. Parragon Publishing, Colorific, Wotabout, Hunter Leisure and Funtastic are all on-going partners. MJM/Crown also have continuing product development. Universal Brands has launched a brand
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Nickelodeon Australia’s most watched and most recognised show. Seen on air up to 60 times per week! The readers of Total Girl and K Zone magazines awarded Toy of the Year in the plush category to SpongeBob. All new ranges from Hunter Leisure and Funtastic for 2011. MJM/Crown is also continuing to develop SpongeBob in games and puzzles. Scholastic will continue in publishing whilst AG Beauty&Care have recently launched a new range of bath and care products.
Lego Haven’s LEGO program is experiencing tremendous success both locally and, for some products, internationally! Locally Penguin have been breaking records across the board on their successful range of “Brick Books”, Global Discovery are going great guns with their new range of innovative Zip Bins and Funtastic’s new range of plush is looking good. Kidz @ Play have scored some tremendous goals with their LEGO Sort & Store selling out within days of delivery in Australia, and hitting Toys R Us bestseller list in the US at #15 within a week of release!
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office call 03 9015 6688
Recent showings at Nuremberg have seen a tremendous reaction from many international markets with launches for 2011 including collector cases, grab ‘n go storage & mini figures with speech bubbles.
Thomas and Friends 2010 saw the 65th anniversary of this iconic brand. Australia’s No 1 boys preschool brand. 2011 will see the debut of the brand new Thomas &Friends CGI TV series 14 is set to hit the screens later this year on the ABC! Thomas & Friends has also been airing daily on ABC2 at 5pm. TV3 in New Zealand is the Thomas TV partner. To support this new TV a new Thomas & Friends CGI style guide will be launched, this will allow for new packaging across all product categories at retail. Thomas boasted #1 position on the Children’s Top 30 DVD list for October! Screening of the next DVD special “Days of the Diesels” is planned to begin in July. Haven Licensing and Hoyts recently collaborated on a fantastic new initiative, the launch of a new kids microsite, “Hoyts Junior”, a new website is housed on the main Hoyts website which is attracting over 1.5 million users per month. We will see all new color activity titles for 2011. Haven Licensing will continue to partner with Rail Corp to be the key spokesperson for National Rail Safety Week. This initiative is planned to extend to NZ with Kiwi Rail. Thomas & Friends will further strengthen his relationship with Autism NZ this year (www.autismnz.nz). Day out with Thomas events around the country continue to attract 110,000 visitors annually. Haven report Thomas now has over 60 licensees across multiple categories.
Bob the Builder We will see a new CGI TV series 17 showing on ABC 2 in 2011. A brand
new CGI Bob style guide will support this. ABC DVD is planning to release 6 new titles this year and Haven Licensing will hold another Gold Carpet Premiere event. This will be supported by extensive PR activities. Haven plans to work with licensees during the launch of the DVD to develop tie in merchandise programs at retail. Haven report that Five Mile Press has signed on as the new publishing partner. New FMCG deals will see FMCG client Heinz launch a range of Bob pasta shapes into supermarkets in May with Fonterra reporting strong sales of the Bob yogurt range which is now in its 8th consecutive year.
program beginning with new product rolling out in Q4. There will be a new CGI Style Guide and a new toy range from Master Toy Partner Character Options. Fireman Sam is also currently the #2 preschool property in the UK market.
Fireman Sam He recently made his CGI-animation debut in Australia and New Zealand in the new feature-length special at Hoyts cinemas nationally. This will be followed by a new CGI – animated television series on the ABC. His website receives an average of 2 million hits per month and he also has his own Facebook page and You Tube channel. Haven will be working with licensees and retailers to implement a merchandise
Jasnor will also be expanding their current range of Gund plush toys. MJM are currently in development of a new range of educational games and puzzles to also launch second half 2011. Hunter Overseas has recently been appointed to develop and produce bikes, ride-on’s, foot to floor items and bags. Sesame Street publishing remains as strong as ever and highlighting this is Five Mile Press, who have launched all new book formats for this year.
The Simpsons
Angelina Ballerina She has sold over 6 million books worldwide, is broadcast in 175 countries and her website receives over 2 million page views every month! There is a new CGI animated series currently airing on the ABC and 3 new Angelina DVD’s are set to release in 2011 including a direct to DVD special. The World-Wide Master Toy Partner, Mattel will launch an exciting new range of toys into the Australian and New Zealand market supported by a new CGI style guide featuring new character artwork across both soft goods and hard goods which will be ready to hit stores in Q4! Stay tuned for the announcement of another Live Ballet Stage Tour.
partner Hasbro will launch a brand new range of Sesame Street toys mid 2011.
Power Rangers “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers“ first aired in 1993. The new series commenced production late last year in New Zealand. Saban has announced a new long-term master toy and video game license agreement with Bandai America, which will be distributed in Australia by Funtastic. Bandai’s master toy line will be distributed by Planet Fun in New Zealand. Targeting an audience of boys 3-11, the brand has an all-new 40 episodes currently being filmed due for delivery in Q1, 2011. Funtastic will release toys in the 2nd half 2011, this will be followed by a full merchandise program covering all key boys categories in Q3/Q4, 2011. The interest has been phenomenal to date, with key categories already in negotiation across DVDs, apparel, novelties, collectibles, stationery, bags, accessories, and footwear. Stay tuned.
Sesame Street 2011 will see the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. This will be supported with the launch of season 41 on the ABC. Newly appointed master toy
The Simpsons TV series moved to the newly launched free to air digital Channel Eleven on 11th January 2011. The 500th episode will air in February 2012! The Promotions Factory were the first to launch a hilarious range of the Homer “Don’t Do It Yourself” camping chairs, tape measures, USB, mugs and it was tied in with an exclusive apparel range at Target for Father’s Day. Ontrack also released new gift packs for “The Perfect Christmas gift” like Duff Beer Can Nuts, Gummy Hotdogs in bowling Pin-tins, BBQ tool set and salsa sets. Haven will launch new and exciting style guides in 2011.
Glee Averages a viewership of over 1.4 million viewers per episode. Season 2: Volume 2 is currently airing on Channel 10 and Season 3 has been green lit for the later half of 2011. There are Upcoming DVD releases and Playcorp launched the first range of Glee fashion apparel and accessories in December 2010. Since then over 90,000 units of apparel have hit store shelves leading up to a key retail promotion supported by in-store point of sale elements, website and PR/ Press in March 2011. Caprice has also signed on for Manchester.
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office call 03 9015 6688
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Haven
Market Wrap cont.
and Madman Entertainment for DVD. Disney Playhouse launched Noddy in Toyland in December 2010 airing twice daily, 7 days a week. The second half of this year will see a major re-launch of Paddington Bear into Australian retail.
Bratz Bratz celebrated their 10th Anniversary in October 2010. Over 44,000 units were sold in one day in the US on 10/10/10, leading up to an incredible average of 90,000 dolls selling per week! MGA’s local distributor of dolls, Headstart International, is geared up to support the doll ranges with a dedicated PR/Press/TV advertising campaign throughout 2011.
Hello Kitty Hello Kitty continues to demonstrate huge growth in the gift and novelty channel with plush, stationery, trinkets and accessories leading the way. Goldie Marketing is a leader in the toy category and Hot Topic continues to develop successful Hello Kitty stationery and plush. MJM are the distributor for the popular Canal craft sets and Sakar for electronic accessories such as walkie-talkies, CD players and iPod docking stations. Hunter Leisure have a fun range of outdoor sporting goods and accessories including bikes, scooters, skateboards & skates, helmets, body boards, hula hoops and music boxes
Chorion Favourite classics such as Mr. Men and Little Miss, Peter Rabbit, OLIVIA, World of Eric Carle, Noddy and of course Paddington Bear. Recent Mr Men initiatives saw Mr. Mo as the Ambassador for the annual Movember campaign. 40th anniversary celebrations have seen Hunter Leisure building on its current Mr. Men and Little Miss stationery offering, together
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with a new range of plush. Penguin recently launched their latest addition to the Little Miss collection with Little Miss Princess. The Beatrix Potter program sees melamine and feeding items from MacDonald Imports and a new confectionery line from Park Avenue Foods. New retailer support from Toys R Us launched in November 2010 with CNP’s nursery hard goods and plastics range as well as items from Hunter Leisure for scrapbooking and plush from Jasnor. The brand has seen consistent growth at Myer, who has long supported Peter Rabbit in apparel by Design works and the toys, plush and gift items by Jasnor. OLIVIA launched at retail late last year, with the Spin Master/Funtastic range of toys at Myer. Playcorp will appeal to every little princess at heart with a high-end fashion range this year, also at Myer… The Very Hungry Caterpillar appeals to a wide audience and is making the move into mass retail, with a nursery fashion range slated for launch in the second half of this year. Hitting shelves this year will be Funtastic’s new range of Noddy toys
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office call 03 9015 6688
MGA are actively ramping up new doll themes to keep up with consumer demand. Retailers and partners alike have embraced brand new style guides with new character art. Haven has secured deals with Caprice (footwear, bags & bedding), Casco Blu (sleepwear), TMI (underwear), LZ Enterprises (beverages) and more licensees to be announced shortly.
Moxie Girls Moxie Girlz are now firmly cemented at retail. Targeted at girls 4-7 years now includes a wider offer of products such as the dolls, apparel, fashion accessories, Manchester and publishing. MGA launched another new doll brand Lalaloopsy in Q3, 2010. The hottest doll for Christmas 2010. Haven will introduce a merchandise program in the 2nd half of 2011.
Little Tikes Haven also has The Little Tikes brand, known for its famous cozy coupe ride in. The brand is experiencing a fantastic resurgence with new distributor Headstart introducing new ranges which are flying out door & expanding the brands footprint overall.
Timmy Time Timmy Time continues to be a top-rating programme for pre-schoolers on the ABC. This is thanks to superb scheduling on ABC1 and 2. Catalyst partners ABC DVD and Hardie Grant Egmont indicate that both DVD and publishing sales continue to be steady and consistent. Timmy will be launched into the mass market for the first time in 2011.
million DVD’s globally, 400 million figurines and published in more than 30 countries. The brand targets kids 3-9yrs old and young adults. The new Smurf movie via Sony Pictures will hit the big screen in September 2011. The film is a combination of live action and CGI
Little Charley Bear The latest instalment from Chapman Entertainment, Little Charley Bear is set to launch on ABC 2 on March 18 as part of Giggle & Hoot, which airs a 6.15pm. A full merchandise campaign will rollout to follow in Q3! With advanced modern animation and the latest highend 3D animation the show encourages children to use their imagination to go on adventures through active role-play. Comedy is key to Charley’s appeal and each episode is seven minutes long. A Narrator, voiced by James Corden, from the hit UK TV show Gavin and Stacey is featured in each episode.
Roary the Racing Car Roary has now been associated with V8 Supercars and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix for some time. Roary Pit Zone VIP parties have been a regular and well-attended event. The highly anticipated Meet Conrod DVD and Talking Conrod toy voiced by racing legend Craig Lowndes were launched with much fan fare and sales have been strong. The brand invested heavily in TV advertising in the lead up to Christmas to promote the new toy and DVD ranges. The show has strong support on ABC 2. 2011 will see the release of six new titles from Magna plus new toys from toy partner Funtastic.
Smurfs With a rich heritage of over 50 years, The Smurfs have sold more than 8
animation. A major QSR partner is on board and the master toy partner will be Hunter Toyline with plush and play sets. Modern Brands will be on board with collectible figurines whilst Megabrands will do construction. DVD’s are with Magna and Goldie Marketing will release a fabulous range of collectibles. Merison will do home and bedding and discussions are underway for many other categories. Haven has already established phase 1 of the program launching with a cross category merchandise program across the Classic TV characters.
Felix the Cat The first ever cartoon to be developed for the screen and the first to become a licensed, mass merchandised character, Felix the Cat is a worldwide icon. Most notable in Australia is the Royal Australian Air Force mascot. Felix the Cat remains the official mascot of the RAAF’s 11th Squadron this year, and still emblazons the squadron’s
uniform and aircraft. Playcorp, Design works Clothing, Mac Group and Mitch Dowd are all on board creating playful Felix ranges. Playcorp has launched outerwear ranges into Jay Jays and Just Jeans and Design Works has outerwear ranges in Jay Jays and Kmart, while Custom International has Felix gift and novelty items in store at David Jones and Myer. Mac Group has launched Felix soft lines in Myer and Target, including a highly successful range of ‘retrospective’ style Felix tees at Target for the teen fashion brand Free Fusion.
Star Wars Star Wars was #1 boy’s brand by Value (excluding preschool) according to GFK July 2010 at AUS $10.7M at Australian retail thus far. Star Wars is released in 3D cinemas from Feb 2012, all six films to be released one per year! Clone Wars is set to return to Australian Television in Q2 2011 on the ABC network. The relaunch of apparel targeting 8-14yrs boys & men’s retro apparel has seen stellar results across all retail tiers. New developments include a brand new collectible game with TV advertising from Sassi, MJM with games & puzzles, TPF with collectible figurines, Sports Cards Australia with adorable plush and talking plush, Hunter Leisure with stationery, MacDonald Imports, Scholastic Publishing, Mighty Beans from Moose and Dress ups from Rubies. The Star Wars merchandise programs continues to be bold and fresh. All new creative materials are now available in the lead up to the 3D Film releases & TV series on Clone Wars. A further extension of the Star Wars franchise is the Star Wars Lego cross license, based on the best selling video game.
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office call 03 9015 6688
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Hot Wheels™ Small cars with a big history
From humble beginnings, to becoming the world’s biggest car manufacturer, Hot Wheels continues to epitomise fun for car lovers of all ages.
as the original Twin Mill and the iconic Aussie XB Falcon continue to be among the most sought after items, along with the ‘Treasure Hunt’ collector’s series of mystery cars, which pop-up randomly on store shelves across the country.
With more than four billion model cars sold since 1968, Hot Wheels is one of the world’s most enduring motor vehicle manufacturers. Starting with a range of just 16 cars, the Mattel Hot Wheels brand now boasts a pedigree of over 1000 models, with an estimated 41 million adults loving and ‘driving’ Hot Wheels all over the world.
“No matter who you are, you’ve probably owned at least one Hot Wheels™ car in your lifetime,” said Mattel senior marketing manager, Amanda Allegos. “Hot Wheels™ is one of the world’s most successful automotive brands and we’ve been ever-present since 1968.
At just 1:64 scale, the iconic diecast vehicles continue to shift off the shelves, with millions of boys having their first driving experience with a Hot Wheels car. In Australia, vehicles such
We are proud to be continuing this legacy with some exciting new releases and events in 2011 which will celebrate the spirit of Hot Wheels and continue the fun for vehicle lovers of all ages.”
Some Hot Wheels fast facts: • T he highest price ever paid for a single Hot Wheels car is approximately $72,000, for a pink 1969 1:64-scale Volkswagen Beach Bomb, in 2000 • P laced front-to-rear, all Hot Wheels vehicles produced in the last 40 years would circle the Earth more than four times • S ome of the largest Hot Wheels collections are valued at more than $1,000,000 • T o commemorate Hot Wheels 40th anniversary and the production of the four billionth Hot Wheels car, celebrity jeweller Jason of Beverly Hills created a one-of-a-kind, 1:64-scale jewelencrusted Hot Wheels valued at $140,000 In 2011 Hot Wheels will continue to evolve, with new and innovative designs set to hit shelves all over the world. These new cars will include submissions from a select number of automotive partners and ambassadors, invited to commission designs for the iconic brand.
HOT WHEELS™ and associated trademarks are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. ©2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Mattel Licensing Camilla Tylka T: 03 9425 5222 | E: camilla.tylka@mattel.com.au
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This year, the powerhouse of preschool entertainment, The Wiggles, will be celebrating their 20th birthday. They continue to sustain brand exposure and growth through their tireless live show schedule, CD and DVD releases, constant television exposure of both The Wiggles and Dorothy the Dinosaur Show and a comprehensive licensed merchandise program. It’s no wonder celebrity fans such as Jerry Seinfeld and Robert De Niro have taken their children to experience a Wiggles show. While music stars such as Kylie Minogue, Keith Urban and John Fogerty have enjoyed performing with The Wiggles on their CD’s and DVD’s. With no plans to retire any time soon (and showing no signs of slowing down!), The Wiggles are experiencing a second generation of fans. Children who saw The Wiggles when they first started, are now adults, bringing their own children to the shows to see The Wiggles perform classic songs such as Hot Potato, Fruit Salad, as well as new favourites, The Shimmie Shake and Getting Strong.
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Fast Facts on the Fab Four:
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• I conic Australian brand, loved and trusted by parents and children alike. (For years they have held a constant place on the Reader’s Digest ‘Most Trusted List’)
• T rue dual gender equal appeal for preschoolers 1 – 5 years. • C omprehensive consumer products program – 60+ dedicated licensing partners onboard developing a broad range of quality products. • Unparalleled TV broadcast commitment in Australia on ABC1, ABC2 and the Disney Channel and wide international broadcast in over 120 countries.
The Wiggles kicked off their 20th birthday celebrations in January with a special performance at Parliament House, Canberra, on Australia Day, followed by the launch of a new TV show Wiggly Songtime, which has one hundred three minute segments. Further birthday initiatives include innovative new toy lines from partners Funtastic, Hunter Products and Deerfield, a multi-million dollar interactive Wiggles Exhibition at The Powerhouse Museum opening September and more touring commitments throughout regional and metro Australia and international.
• Perform to over 1 million people worldwide.
From Alice Springs to Atlanta, from Dublin to Dubai, in The Wiggles twentieth year, it will really be a wiggly, wiggly world!
• C D and DVD titles to be released throughout 2011.
• Increased Australian touring commitment - regional and metro - the most they have done in 10 years! • O ver 23 million DVDs and 7 million CDs sold worldwide, The Wiggles continue to maintain the # 1 position as the Best Performing License in the Children’s Entertainment category.
For promotional, licensing or retail opportunities, please contact: Andria Michael, Senior Brand Manager – The Wiggles, Merchantwise E: Andria@merchantwise.com | P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
www.wiggletime.com © 2011 The Wiggles Pty. Ltd.
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For any further brand enquiries, please contact Merchantwise P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
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Merchantwise
2011 is full of fun, thrrills and fashion for Children’s Entertainment at Merchantwise
Merchantwise is looking forward to a strong year with its brand portfolio across the infant, preschool and children’s business. With expanding programs and increased brand activity, it guarantees an exciting 2011.
a consumer products range rolling out in the second half of 2011. TV broadcast is across both Network Ten & Cartoon Network with toys from Hasbro, DVD from Roadshow and interactive games from Mindscape.
Chuggington exploded into retail in 2010, leading with a strong toy range from Learning Curve, accompanied with an innovative consumer products range. The brand will introduce several new categories in 2011, including new partners Crayola, Ride On! Entertainment and Mega Bloks. Chuggington has been a ratings success on ABC1 & ABC2.
Waybuloo, a top selling preschool brand from the UK, is currently broadcast on ABC with the Fisher-Price toy range currently rolling out into retail.
Mister Maker is the ultimate art & crafts show for children that teaches and entertains in fun and imaginative ways. Mister Maker gets inspiration to make art from everything around him! The show has been enjoying great ratings on the ABC with successful DVD sales results. Another ratings hit on the ABC is Yo Gabba Gabba! The preschool sensation that is also broadcast on Nick Jr, has announced a new live tour for 2011!
Strawberry Shortcake goes from strength to strength in 2011 with new toys from Hasbro and a girl’s fashion apparel launch, to accompany the berrysuccessful sleepwear and underwear program. Watch out for the fruitastic fashion range in stores soon!
The hottest selling boys’ sensation in Australia currently is BEYBLADE; Metal Fusion – the worldwide hit toy range with
After receiving an AFI Award for Best Children’s Television Animation, dirtgirlworld is continuing its way to becoming Australia’s home grown children’s lifestyle brand. With success across the UK, US and Canada, dirtgirlworld celebrates the simple pleasures of childhood and promotes environmental sustainability, with phenomenal ratings on the ABC in 2010. Multi-award winning series, Peppa Pig, with accolades including the prestigious BAFTA, is a UK consumer products sensation and the leading preschool girls’ brand. In 2011, Peppa Pig is positioned as a flagship brand on the premier children’s TV destination, ABC2 as well as broadcast on Nick Jnr. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is another winner of a BAFTA best preschool animation award, broadcast on Nick Jr in Australia. This program is anticipated to be one of the leading preschool licenses in the UK in 2011. ABC3’s cult sensation Total Drama
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For any further brand enquiries, please contact Merchantwise P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
series continues to rate with success. This series thrills the tween audiences with the first ever targeted animated comedy series that parodies reality TV formats. The Gruffalo is a publishing sensation that has sold over 10.5 million books worldwide. Roadshow is a proud partner of the The Gruffalo DVD with Jasnor distributing a range of gift and plush products. After a sellout season, The Gruffalo stage show will be returning to Australia in 2011. Another literary classic, The Little Prince, has become the second most translated book in history after the Bible! A new TV series, will launching on the ABC in late 2011. New Black & White Pokémon games are being launched by Nintendo in March and gaming accessories, trading cards & toys in the second quarter. Further broadcast with Network Ten and Cartoon Network confirmed throughout the year. Pokémon apparel is also due to launch mid 2011.
May Gibbs is one of Australia’s best loved classic children’s book writers and artists. Two of her many famous books, Gumnut Babies and Snugglepot & Cuddlepie have become national sensations. With partners such as HarperCollins, Scholastic, Coles, Yates and Royal Doulton, this brand is in a strong growth phase in 2011, of which all net profits go directly to the Northcott Disability Services and The Spastic Centre of NSW to support thousands of Australian children with disabilities.
bottles. With strong toy and product support in 2011, Merchantwise is planning to launch preschool apparel & accessories, as well as the Waybuloo secondary toy program from September 2011. Waybuloo is not just a series, it’s a philosophy for a happy life, and is like nothing children will have ever seen before. The programme transports children into a magical land called Nara – a real world, which is inhabited by adorable animated characters called Piplings. Taking a completely original approach, the series focuses on children’s feelings, and the Piplings embody a range of emotions including love, wisdom, Waybuloo is the top selling preschool brand originating from the United Kingdom, which is currently broadcast on ABC1 & ABC2 in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand. The highly anticipated Fisher-Price master toy & plush range is currently rolling out into the market, joining partners such as the ABC for DVD/Home Entertainment, Hardie Grant Egmont for Publishing and Jasnor with a range of gift items including melamine, cutlery and drink bottles. With strong toy and product support in 2011, Merchantwise is planning to launch preschool apparel & accessories, as well as the secondary toy program from September 2011. Waybuloo is not just a series, it’s a philosophy for a happy life, and is like nothing children will have ever seen before.
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The programme transports children into a magical land called Nara – a real world, which is inhabited by adorable animated characters called Piplings. Taking a completely original approach, the series focuses on children’s feelings, and the Piplings embody a range of emotions including love, wisdom, happiness and harmony – all in search of “Waybuloo”.
bit shy but is nurturing and loves nature, be it gardening, flowers or gathering food for the group. Nok Tok is bear-like and represents wisdom. He solves problems and comes up with creative, inventive solutions for fixing and mending things. He has a very colourful toolbox and a special Anything Machine which can solve a multitude of problems.
There are four Piplings. Lau Lau is rabbitlike and her key characteristic is her imagination. She loves to paint and sculpt, especially if she can make presents for her friends. Yojojo is monkey-like and represents happiness. He is clumsy, funny and cheeky. Just as Lau Lau loves to paint, Yo Jojo loves music and dancing. He even has a little stage carved from a tree stump on which to perform. De Li is kitten-like and represents love. She’s a
In each episode six children visit Nara to play with the Piplings and explore their land, as real life interacts with the animated world, showing that every child can visit Nara and find their own Waybuloo. Live action blends with CGI animation showing that every child can visit Nara and interact with the Piplings and their world. Waybuloo shows preschool children natural and spontaneous routes to happiness.
If you would like to obtain more information about the Waybuloo licensing program in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Merchantwise P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
TM & Š 2011 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
If you would like to obtain more information about the Tin Tin licensing program in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Merchantwise P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
Sonic’s 20 th Anniversary The world’s most famous hedgehog speeds through two successful decades of gaming!
SEGA® Corporation is proud to announce their company mascot will celebrate his 20th anniversary in 2011. From the first day of the release of Sonic The Hedgehog™ back in 1991 on the SEGA Mega Drive console, Sonic the Hedgehog quickly became a popular gaming icon due to his super fast speed and his cool, edgy character. In the twenty years that the video games have been available, Sonic the Hedgehog has notched up over 70 million units sold worldwide! As well as videogames, SEGA’s iconic blue hedgehog has enjoyed huge success in areas such as comics, apparel and toys and even starred in his own animated series.
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SEGA Corporation will be celebrating this special year in style with events around the world, details of which will be released throughout the 20th anniversary year of 2011. In Australia and New Zealand, the Sonic the Hedgehog consumer products program continues to grow from strength to strength, led by the TOMY master toy range (distributed locally by Croftminster), and also including adult fashion apparel and accessories, ancillary toys, childrenswear, carnival, giftware, social expressions, sporting accessories, adult collectables, seasonal confectionery and beverages. In addition to the core gaming and consumer products categories, Sonic the Hedgehog also maintains a strong
If you would like to obtain more information about the Sonic the Hedgehog licensing program in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Merchantwise P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
presence on Foxtel, with blanket coverage of his animated TV series on the KidsCo channel.
About SEGA® Corporation: SEGA® Corporation is a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home, encompassing consumer business, amusement machine sales and amusement centre operations. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA Corporation’s Web site is located at http://sega.jp.
Crusty Demons
Merchantwise to represent Crusty Demons licensing program in Australia and New Zealand
Merchantwise, one of the leading independent licensing agencies in Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed by Crusty Demons Entertainment, LLC to manage the Crusty Demons consumer products program in Australia and New Zealand. Merchantwise will work on both maximizing the organic growth of the existing program in Australia and New Zealand, as well as seek to extend the program into untapped areas of incremental growth, ensuring that the licensing efforts support the live touring schedule and mirrors the key messaging of the brand. Merchantwise will work closely with existing licensees on product development, creative design and SKU assortments, and will work with retailers to maintain and secure retail support and distribution that will help ensure the long-term viability of the Crusty Demons consumer products program in the region.
Crusty Demons, which was an important consideration in appointing our new licensing management partner for the region.”
About Merchantwise Pty Ltd: Merchantwise is a brand agency providing brand insight, creative services and brand extension. Merchantwise develops and manages licensing and co-branding programs for some of the world’s best loved brands. The company has become one of the leading independent licensing agencies in Australia and New Zealand, with numerous strong and growing programs in place across the consumer
age spectrum from infants to adults. The Merchantwise licensing team ensures that all brands are managed to build consumer affinity and maximise revenue potential whilst safeguarding brand equity. Clients are also supported by the consumer insights and creative marketing services that the rest of the business has to offer. Other iconic brands and properties represented by Merchantwise include The Wiggles, Chuggington, Peppa Pig, Sonic the Hedgehog, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pokémon, Paramount Pictures, HBO, Manchester United, M&M’s, Muhammad Ali, Jack Daniels, The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
“The Crusty Demons are the pioneers of freestyle motocross, and it is an honor to be managing such an iconic property. We believe the Crusty Demons have unparalleled authenticity and will add considerable weight to our corporate and sport portfolio,” said Alex Ishchenko, Licensing and Retail Director of Merchantwise. “We are delighted to be working with Merchantwise”, said Tim McGregor, Co-Director of Crusty Demons Entertainment, LLC. “Their wealth of experience, both from a licensing and a creative development perspective, make them an ideal fit to continue the momentum of the licensing program that has already been established in our market, and take the consumer products program into new areas of opportunity. Their long-term strategic marketing philosophy also mirrors that of the
For further information on brands and properties represented by Merchantwise, please contact: Con Goutzoulas, Senior Brand Manager E: cong@merchantwise.com | P: +61 3 9520 1000 | www.merchantwise.com
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Stella Projects
The children’s and family entertainment and company with a difference
Stella Projects have recently strengthened their brand team with the appointment of Anna Westley who has spent the past 5 years working on The Fairies. Stella Projects also signed up 3 brand new properties at the end of last year including Domo, Dinosauritis and Tatty Teddy. DOMO In the US, DOMO plush toys are selling out as fast as they are supplied to the independent toy and gift stores, and last year Domo had 8 out of the 10 best selling gifts in the Facebook store. Impact Posters have been quick to sign up a new deal with Domo and launched their first poster last month through Jay Jays. Benson’s have also joined forces inking a deal for the Domo carnival plush and bags. Look out for the major Jay Jays promotion about to kick off in all stores together with broadcast on Nickelodeon. Dinosauritis From Australian pre-school author and illustrator, Jeannette Rowe, Dinosauritis is a 26 x books series designed specially for dinosaur hungry preschoolers. Dinosauritis combines imaginative dinosaur stories, real dinosaur facts, interactive activities, with games and jokes into age appropriate formats. Mr Moon Based on a charming series of books by British author and illustrator Kate Veale, Mr Moon is a brand new pre-school TV show due for broadcast later this year on ABC 1. It comprises 52 x 11’ episodes following the intergalactic adventures of Mr Moon, who’s job is to light up the night sky every evening so his friend Sunny can rest.
Stella Projects have just announced the appointment of Roadshow Home Entertainment to represent the DVD rights in Australia and New Zealand for this series.
Python’s licensing and merchandise roll outs later this year with a range of extremely eye catching greeting cards from John Simson, plus men’s tee-shirts through Target from Australian Horizons.
Tatty Teddy
Rubik’s Cube Last year celebrated it’s 30th anniversary and is still the fastest selling new toy of all time. Stella Projects’ first deal is with the apparel company, Designworks, who will be creating apparel featuring the iconic cube for release in time for Fathers Day.
Originally launched in 1995 by Carte Blanche the Me to You brand – synonymous with Tatty Teddy’s distinctive grey fur and blue nose quickly rose to being their internal #1 brand and has remained there ever since. In an ever changing and demanding world, the Me to You core sentiments of friendship, love and trust are key to the success and longevity of this enduring brand. With retail sales in excess of $1 billion a year, the successful brand can already be seen in over 70 countries around the world. New Deals Grandpa in My Pocket targets 3 – 6 year olds and is regularly the #1 rating ABC1 TV series that follows the lively adventures of Jason Mason and his grandfather, who live together with their family in a seaside town. The publishing deal has been signed with The Five Mile Press who will release a range of storybooks later this year. Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band have just completed a series of high profile sell out shows at The Opera House and the world famous Spiegel tent during Sydney’s January Festival and show no signs of slowing down. Their TV shorts broadcast twice daily on Nick Jr and feature a variety of musical styles from pop, jazz and world music in a truly fresh and entertaining way. They have also just appointed Stella Projects their international licensing agent. Monty
SmartyCat Stella Projects and Jeannette Rowe have announced a new deal with ABC Books/Harper Collins to produce 6 brand new books for the range. This series is designed to help answer some of those tricky questions young children love to ask. In each book SmartyCat cleverly asks a question and his friends give him a simple answer he can easily understand. ZhuZhu Pets® and Kung Zhu® 2011 sees ZhuZhu Pets® star in their very own film – Quest For Zhu produced by Moonscoop, one of the leading international animation studios. Filmed in 3D and expected for theatrical release Easter 2011 and DVD in time for Toy Cat. “We knew we had a hit on our hands from the very beginning. Everything we learnt from the US and UK pointed to this property being a brand that would endure and evolve with a massive range of future SKU’s for our licensees to release.” explained Louise Elkington, Stella Projects License Manager. “This year alone will see the release of many new categories including footwear, bedding, backpacks and bags, melamine, puzzles, arts and crafts and wheeled toys which is just the tip of the ice-berg.”
Stella Projects Louise Elkington, Licensing Manager E: louise@stellaprojects.com
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Stella Projects: Domo
One of the Internet’s biggest sensations and the mascot for Japanese public broadcaster NHK
Domo’s unique look and personality as the mascot for Japanese public broadcaster NHK has quickly catapulted the character into one of the Internet’s biggest sensations, sparking worldwide recognition. As the poster child for personalized, user-generated content, Domo has found a home within the online viral community with hundreds of thousands of fan-made images, websites and videos created and posted to websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Flickr, among others. Playcorp and Designworks lead the charge with a range of mens and ladies tee-shirts that have been selling through Jay Jays for the past 18 months. On the back of this Jay Jays ran a national Domo promotion instore at the beginning of March which brought all the existing licensees together. • N ickelodeon – Australia’s leading childrens satellite TV Channel • Jay Jays – one of Australia’s leading independent specialty retailers targeting the 14 – 24 year old youth market • Playcorp – appointed licensee for mens and ladies outerwear and t-shirts, youth t-shirts, bags and accessories • D esignworks - appointed licensee for mens and ladies outerwear and t-shirts, youth t-shirts, bags and accessories • I mpact Posters – the leading distributor of licenced posters • M Net – Australia’s leading full service mobile solutions company - from mobile web to iPhone, iPad and Android applications they are the mobile partner of choice. The campaign benefitted from Nickelodeon airing their DOMO interstitials from 1st March and supporting with banner ads on their home page and running a great
competition online. At the same time Playcorp and Designworks created 4 brand new mens and ladies T-shirts which they distributed instore at the end of February. As soon as the ink had dried on a new licence, Impact Posters created a ‘must have’ DOMO poster exclusive to Jay Jays. To celebrate this launch the partners devised a brand aligned national retail QR competition that operated off 3 touch points Instore, Online and Word and Mouth. A strong array of instore point of sale was created and put up throughout the stores to drive retail awareness. MNet created and hosted the mobile components of this competition and ran the campaign through the official DOMO and Jay Jays facebook sites (combined, now in excess of 500,000 dedicated fans).
in Australia and New Zealand and Bensons to represent the carnival plush licence for all the Royal shows and crane machines. The next phase of licenses Stella Projects are looking to sign are across the electronics and accessories categories, computer cases, ipod skins and covers,collectible plush and vinyl figurines, books and stationery. Through a core underground viral community Domo recognition grows on a daily basis. In the US the plush toys are selling out as fast as they are supplied to the independent toy and gift stores and On-line last year Domo had 8 out of the 10 best selling gifts in the Facebook store and all 5 Nintendo DSi: Domo. Prepare for DOMO-nation. www.Domonation.com
This is the first time Jay Jays have run such an integrated competition and Ross Jones – Merchandise Manager, Guyswear and Licensing for Jay Jays said “I am totally vibed by this additional promotion to support the roll out of the DOMO t-shirts and thrilled that we are able to offer our consumers such an in demand brand. The beauty of DOMO is his mass appeal but his complete street cred which fits totally within the Jay Jays overall ethos.” Mani Castelluzzo – Playcorp Licensed Brand Manager reiterated “our mission as a licensee is to constantly push the boundaries and be first to market with new initiatives and with DOMO we have been able to work much more virally than with any previous campaign. We are very much looking forward to building on such a solid start for a new wave property of this callibre.” Announced at time of going to press is the appointment of Roadshow Home Entertainment to distribute the DVD
Stella Projects Louise Elkington, Licensing Manager E: louise@stellaprojects.com
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Stella Projects: Where’s Wally? A global icon for every generation
WHERE’S WALLY? FACT FILE • Over 3 M Facebook fans • A ustralia #2 Facebook fanbase with over 500,000 • # 1 iphone app when released in 2009 • Over 50 M books sold worldwide • A pop culture phenomenon
Created by Martin Handford in 1987, Where’s Wally? has become a global icon for every generation. His popularity goes from strength to strength and he has now graduated from 7 world famous books to now be found successfully represented in the following categories: Puzzles, Giftware, Apparel, Dress Up and Corporate Advertising campaigns. Designworks are the Menswear apparel partner for Wally with their first t-shirt design launched in Target last month. Hoping to emulate the same success that Sommerbond have experienced in the UK with their Where’s Wally? underwear range which is now the top selling license in Next, Playcorp have been appointed the license for Where’s Wally? ladies and kids sleepwear and kids underwear and accessories. Following on a successful trial in Borders last year Playcorp have extended their range of Kids and Ladies t-shirts to roll across all the large Borders stores. Borders is the perfect home for Wally due to his publishing heritage and they are supporting other merchandise which includes the striking giftware from Artico which continues to grow in demand through the independent book and gift stores and puzzles from Holdson. Other puzzles will be released later this year from Blue Opal.
Digital – the first app for iPhone and iPod touch sold more than 1 million units and the initial feedback on the new game Where’s Wally? in Hollywood is that this one is even better! Expect to see it back in the #1 slot in the not too distant future. Social media is playing a huge part in Wally’s development and he can now be found on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, Bebo and Twitter. 2011 is an exciting time for Stella Projects and Where’s Wally? with plenty of new plans in place to extend the brand. In March, Red Rooster – one of Australia’s leading quick service restaurants – is running a national Where’s Wally? kids meal promotion throughout their 360 stores. For every kids meal sold during this 6-week Easter promotion families can collect up to 5 exclusive Where’s Wally? items which are Memory Cards, ‘Spot It’ Collectors Game, Puzzle Cube, Camera viewfinder and Compass clip bag tag.
One of the most recognisable characters in the world, Where’s Wally? celebrates his 25th Anniversary in 2012 and together, Classic Media and Stella Projects, intend to mark this occasion with a number of high profile stunts/ exhibitions to launch January 2012. First off the blocks is a new global deal signed by The Walker Group, which consists of Walker Books U.K., Candlewick Press and Walker Books Australia through Classic Media who will create a new global publishing program for the “Where’s Wally?” books. It will be the first spin-off program for the series and will feature new material released across a variety of formats. The new line is inspired by the original books and will be designed to complement the original books and will debut in 2012 in honor of Wally’s 25th birthday celebration. Come and JOIN THE SEARCH! who knows where Wally will be spotted next?
Louise Elkington, Stella Projects’ Licensing Manager is thrilled with the promotion explaining “the effort Just Premiums/Red Rooster have put into matching premium items that fit the DNA of Where’s Wally? has way exceeded our expectations and we are really over the moon with how they are looking. My bet is the ‘Spot it’ Collectors game will be the most popular item and will be used time and again throughout the Easter holidays”. The aim of Stella Projects is to continue to seek out new partners with particular emphasis on the ‘search and find’ mechanic and following on the hugely successful BPay campaign last year they have signed an extension for a further 12 months. Check out Wally in their new Press and national outdoor poster ad sites – ‘so easy’!
Stella Projects Louise Elkington, Licensing Manager E: louise@stellaprojects.com
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Stella Projects: Tatty Teddy
TATTY TEDDY FACT FILE • First appeared on cards in 1995 • M e To You Plush and Gifting range debuted 1997 • 2004 Key categories licensed UK/Europe • T op UK retail representation: Marks & Spencer, New Look, Tesco, Clintons
Brand new to Stella Projects’ ever growing portfolio is the internationally recognised Tatty Teddy. Originally launched in 1995 by Carte Blanche the Me to You brand – synonymous with Tatty Teddy’s distinctive grey fur and blue nose quickly rose to being their internal #1 brand and has remained there ever since. In an ever changing and demanding world, the Me to You core sentiments of friendship, love and trust are key to the success and longevity of this enduring brand.
• A n average of 16,000 pieces of plush sold every day • U K apparel alone worth 50 million pounds at retail • C ategories now ranged across clothing, jewellery, publishing, stationery, textiles, toiletries, cakes, chocolates and much, much more. Tatty Teddy has a long association with Australia and New Zealand through the distribution partnership with Russ Berrie who are leaders in the Gift Industry, specializing in Plush, Baby, Gift, Garden, Seasonal, Impulse, Licensed products (Barbie Pets, Coca Cola, Harley Davidson), Pop Up Cards and more. John Sands distribute the extensive range of Me To You greetings card through more than 3,000 retailers and have recently had great success through Big W.
Richard Edmondson, Commercial Director at Carte Blanche, said: “It is important for the future growth of the brand that we continually look at how we manage and promote the brand and work with partners who can help achieve our strategic objective of making Me to You a truly global brand.
With retail sales in excess of $1 billion a year, the successful brand can already be seen in over 70 countries around the world.
“Through our relationship with Stella Projects, we are confident of developing Me to You further in Australia and New Zealand into new product categories.”
In the UK Me to You/Tatty Teddy has iconic status with:
Complementing this strategy Stella Projects are delighted to announce that the Me To You – Tatty Teddy gift and card range will be introduced into David Jones later this year as a concept module similar to the ones created for Clintons.
• O ver 60 million bears sold since launch.
“Me to You is one of the fastest growing non-media based brand in the world” (Source: Global Licensing Directory)
Current distribution for this little grey bear has been through the independent gift, cards and newsagencies with a solid turnover in excess of $2 million per annum.
Tatty Teddy is loved by his fans for his gentle vulnerability and his messages of love and friendship. His timeless illustrations are popular with young and old alike, communicating warmth and happiness, and touching people’s lives all over the globe, in all situations.
• O ver 40 million Me to You cards sold annually.
The core demographic for this lovable brand is girls 5- 15 years old and negotiations are well underway with new licensing partners across apparel, publishing, accessories and foods. Stella Projects believe that with the wealth of existing product from international there is a massive opportunity to deliver a strong Tatty Teddy licensing program over the next few years.
Stella Projects Louise Elkington, Licensing Manager E: louise@stellaprojects.com
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Warner Bros. Consumer Products It is the first time in decades to have new Looney Tunes content. The exciting new format television series is scheduled to be on-air from July with 26 entertaining episodes. In addition to each episode’s main story, The Looney Tunes Show also features cartoons within a cartoon. Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian and other classic characters sing original songs in two-minute Merrie Melodies music videos. The Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote are also featured in twoand-a-half-minute shorts. Mr Lewis said the new show expands on the amazing licensing possibilities with the iconic Looney Tunes band.
Warner Bros Consumer Products (WBCP) in Australia expects 2011 to be a mammoth year with a host of new television shows, live shows and blockbuster movies to drive business The year starts with the long awaited return to television of The Looney Tunes Show, an all-new half-hour animated series, and ends on Boxing Day with the opening day of the much-anticipated Happy Feet 2. Preston Kevin Lewis, the WBCP’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, said: “I think that – as an industry – we’ll have a lot of exciting new products launching throughout the year. 2011 will see more theatrical releases and stronger overall retail and consumer engagement programs.” He said the company was looking forward to the 2011 ATA Toy Fair as it provided a major opportunity to outline its plans for 2011 to licensees. At last year’s toy fair, WBCP was awarded the 2010 Boys Licensed
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Product of the Year Award for the LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hogwarts Castle. “It was an honour to receive such wonderful recognition for a great collaboration between Warner Bros. and LEGO, it is a true acknowledgement of the strength of the Harry Potter franchise and the fan base it has created,” Mr Lewis said. “I wait this year’s awards with anticipation.” New Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo TV shows debut in 2011 This year marks the debut of The Looney Tunes Show, an all-new halfhour animated series on Channel Nine and the Go! Channel, Australia’s highest rating digital channel. No longer confined to seven-minute shorts, iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy, are out of the woods and living in the suburbs, along with colourful neighbours Pepe Le Pew, ,who is now a marriage counsellor, Marvin the Martian, who is an exchange student, Yosemite Sam, Granny, Tweety and Sylvester.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products T: 03 96570333
The Looney Tunes Show will join other long-time favourite Scooby-Doo, who debuted on Channel Nine and the Go! Channel earlier this year in the ScoobyDoo! Mystery Incorporated series. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated is the eleventh incarnation of HannaBarbera’s Scooby-Doo animated series. The characters have a more stylised, retro look; the gang also wears their original outfits from the 1969 series.
Fredrick “Fred” Jones, Jr., Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, Norville “Shaggy” Rogers and Scooby-Doo make up the team of teenage mystery solvers who live in a small town called Crystal Cove, the self-proclaimed “Most Hauntedest Place on Earth”. William & Sparkles’ Magical Tales exclusive retail range at Target WBCP has secured a major partnership with Ambience Entertainment, a Sydney-based independent production company, and their William & Sparkles’ Magical Tales property to release an exciting new consumer product range. Target Australia is the exclusive retail partner and will be supporting the franchise nationally. William & Sparkles’ Magical Tales is a contemporary live action pre-school children’s television series. The show is specifically designed to captivate, entertain and educate the minds of young children. Each episode stars William (the Wizard) and Sparkles (the Fairy) and creates a sensory experience, achieved through a combination of narrative storytelling,
colour, movement, music, delightful costumes and playful characters.
“As the brands’ popularity grows we will look to expand the merchandise program,”
Mr Lewis said William & Sparkles’ Magical Tales is a significant licensed property for WBCP in the pre-school space.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to partner with Magical Tales and we have a great team working on the product ranges.”
“We are excited to be working with Ambience Entertainment, Target Australia and our licensee and broadcast partners to grow this new pre-school property that has already achieved very successful ratings on Channel Nine,” he said.
For more information, please contact Andrew Bromell, WBCP Senior Licensing Manager: Retail & Themed Entertainment on +61 3 9657 0303.
The Magical Tales themed apparel and publishing range will be released in Target in April with more products slated for release throughout the rest of the year. Andrew Bromell, WBCP’s Senior Licensing Manager for Retail and Themed Entertainment, said he was encouraged by the cross-category product range that will support the property. “The initial product launches in April will include colour and activity books, along with boys and girls underwear, sleepwear and outerwear as well as other entertainment products,” he said.
WBCP Australian Team Preston Kevin Lewis, Managing Director (03) 9657 0309 preston.lewis@warnerbros.com Kelly Leon, Senior Licensing Manager Hardlines (03) 9657 0316 kelly.leon@warnerbros.com Tim Everett, Senior Manager Softlines (03) 9657 0308 tim.f.everett@warnerbros.com Andrew Bromell, Senior Licensing Manager: Retail & Themed Entertainment (03) 9657 0303 andrew.bromell@warnerbros.com Ed Wright, Senior Manager Marketing and Promotions (03) 9657 0311 ed.wright@warnerbros.com David Born, Assistant Licensing Manager - FMCG & Promotions (03) 9657 0313 david.born@warnerbros.com Adam De Cata, Licensing Associate (03) 9657 0305 adam.decata@warnerbros.com Wendy Garth, Brand Assurance and Creative Manager (03) 9657 0315 wendy.garth@warnerbros.com ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR (s10) ™ & © DC Comics. (s10) SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Hanna-Barbera. (s10)
Warner Bros. Consumer Products T: 03 96570333
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WHAT IS TOONIX?
IT’S YOU! TOONIX IS A NEW LICENSING OPPORTUNITY FROM CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES. TO CREATE YOUR OWN TOONIX, LOG ON TO CARTOONNETWORK.COM.AU/TOONIX.
CREATE, COLLECT, ENGAGE!
TM & © Cartoon Network. (s11)
From the creators of The Muppets, Fraggle Rock and Sid the Science Kid comes The Jim Henson Company’s smash hit Dinosaur Train.
television series combined with its innovative and interactive toy line, Dinosaur Train has been nominated for a KidScreen Award for Best Animated Series and is nominated for the Toy Industry Association’s 2011 Toy of the Year award in the premier category of Property of the Year.
Soon after its debut on PBS Kids in 2009, this Jim Henson production took out the top spot for the most popular television show for preschoolers between 2 – 5 years, consistently exceeding popular television series such as Thomas & Friends, Chuck & Friends, Chuggington and Handy Manny. By August 2010, Dinosaur Train had become the number one preschool show above Dora, SpongeBob and Curious George. After its triumphant preview at the 2010 American International Toy Fair, the much anticipated interactive toy line from Learning Curve debuted in the second half of 2010. Where almost every other preschool toy offering is vehicle driven, Dinosaur Train offers a unique play pattern and is differentiated from the current competition with its collectable and interactive nature. Learning Curve’s distribution channels across major mass and mid-tier retailers, bookstores, Amazon and many independent specialty stores were so well received with the major toy manufacturer to increase its product offering to ninety SKU’s for 2011. Supplementing the toy line, Dinosaur Train experienced soaring sales when PBS released three DVD titles in 2010, and are expected to release two additional titles in 2011. Having fast become a phenomenon in the US, it wasn’t long before Dinosaur
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It’s no wonder Licensees are lining up to sign deals, with thirty Licensees already signed on in the US, to deliver toys, publishing, DVDs, apparel and accessories, social expression and seasonal, home and personal care.
Train landed in Australia. After its launch on Nick Jr in September 2010, October 2010 saw Dinosaur Train reach a total of 585,300 people with a daily reach average of 136,400 people and maintaining an average audience of 39,900 people. Not surprisingly, Dinosaur Train became the number one ranked STV program for children aged 0 – 4 years during its 8:30am timeslot and number one regular program in its 5:30pm timeslot, all within a month of its launch. Learning Curve launched its toy line in October 2010, in Toys ‘R’ Us and Specialty Toy Retailers, with such great success, the toy manufacturer will be extending its toy range to other retailers in May 2011 including Myer, Target and Big W. With the well achieved success of the animated
Driving Dinosaur Train’s 2011 success is a combination of marketing initiatives which sees an aggressive on air attack with The Jim Henson Company developing new shows and on air stunts scheduled throughout 2011. Along with the allegiance of existing Licensees, new promotional partners have since signed on with exciting opportunities to come. Other key category suppliers are now being signed in Australia so make sure you don’t miss out. Come along and join us on board the Dinosaur Train for a year that’s guaranteed to explode.
Cartoon Network CARTOON NETWORK ENTEPRISES AUSTRALASIA BUILDS A BIG 2011 WITH AUSTRALIAN PARTNERS Offers more opportunities with new franchises, new products and more Ben 10 Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the licensing and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, the number one channel for boys aged five to 12 in Australia, is expanding its business in Australia, following a 56% year-onyear growth across the region in 2010. “2010 was an incredibly busy year for CNE and our licensing agent Wild Pumpkin. We’ve seen major product launches and strategic partnerships from within our portfolio, and the number one boy franchise, Ben 10, continues to go from strength to strength with the premiere of our hugely successful liveaction arena tour, Cartoon Network’s
BEN 10 LIVE!” said Peter Laver, Senior Manager, Cartoon Network Enterprises Australasia. “With significant growth across all areas of our business, it’s true to say kids just can’t get enough of our brands.” It seems this year will be no different as CNE recently announced plans for 2011, revealing an exciting line-up of new initiatives, products, franchises and partners in Australia. A key focus for its existing portfolio, which includes international phenomenon Ben 10, is to introduce more innovative product and event rollouts across the year. Kicking off 2011 is the launch of Cartoon Network’s latest evil-busting hero, Generator Rex, the next big thing from the creators of Ben 10, which offers a wide range of exciting opportunities along with its new fan base. “2011 is all about building on the success of 2010 and continuing Cartoon Network’s
commitment to animate kids’ lives,” said Laver. The Ben 10 Effect Leading Cartoon Network’s stable of hugely popular brands in 2011 is Ben 10, the number one licensed product for boys’ apparel and animated series DVDs and one of the best selling toys and publishing lines for boys in 2010. The success of Cartoon Network’s BEN 10 LIVE: Power of the Omnitrix arena tour in 2010 has inspired a second and equally important partnership with Entertainment Store Group – the development of BEN 10 LIVE: Time Machine. With the 18-month tour around regional Australia kicking off in April 2011, the Ben 10 phenomenon shows no sign of slowing down. Having seen five years of consecutive growth since launch, the Ben 10 franchise has achieved millions of books
Wild Pumpkin Licensing International T: + 613 9427 0370 | E: info@wild-pumpkin.com
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sales and strong retail performance in apparel and other merchandise categories, generating more than US$1 billion in global toy sales alone and over 7.3 million units of console games sold since launch. “The Ben 10 franchise is a great example of a brand that has been able to communicate with and reach kids in all aspects of their lives and on multiple platforms,” said Laver. “The success of our licensed products, partnerships and live events is testament to the ongoing strength and popularity of Cartoon Network. We are confident that we will take the brand further still over the coming years.” Generator Rex The latest and hottest new hero on the block for Australian kids in 2011 is Generator Rex. Launched on Cartoon Network in January 2011, the animated series is an epic tale of good versus evil, set against a futuristic backdrop that’s sure to appeal to tech-savvy kids today. Tipped to echo the success of the series in the United States, with its April 2010 debut topping its timeslot on freeto-air and cable and satellite television among kids aged two to 11. It is evident that Generator Rex encompasses all the key ingredients that make Cartoon Network brands larger than life. The second half of 2011 will see CNE and global partner Mattel roll-out a series of toys to get kids animated and experience a “Rextreme” life. “We’re very excited by the launch of Generator Rex,” said Laver. “The series is truly unique: it has an aesthetic and style that has not been seen before in cartoons. This undoubtedly brings enormous potential for creativity and innovation in both licensing and merchandising opportunities. We look forward to building the brand in 2011.“
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New Franchises in 2011 Toonix, a brand-new online property, is also in the pipeline for CNE. This innovative concept is set to encourage kids to express themselves through their own creations. Laver mentioned that more details would be released shortly. The Powerpuff Girls brand will also reach new levels in 2011 as CNE plans to revamp the classic franchise with new design and aesthetic. Expect to see home entertainment, accessories, clothing, footwear, stationery items and much more as the year progresses. “The Powerpuff Girls is a great example of a brand that transcends time,” said Laver. “Since the premiere in 1999, the show has remained a solid performer on Cartoon Network. It’s our commitment to quality programming such as this that enables CNE to build evergreen brands that are relevant and engaging. We can’t wait to introduce The Powerpuff Girls to a new legion of Cartoon Network fans.” Partnership Opportunities Beyond the growing stable of Cartoon Network brands, CNE is also increasing its third party licensing business. As the global licensing agent for Spinmaster, CNE represents the award winning Bakugan brand, Tech Deck and Zoobles. Bakugan, the established boys’ mega brand, has over 20 licensees in Australia and New Zealand. 2010 saw the first live Bakugan Battle Brawlers Tournament in New South Wales. “The tournament was popular because it allowed kids to step into the world of Bakugan on a larger-than-life scale,” said Laver. “This goes back to our goal of integrating our brands into kids’ lives so they can truly engage with their favourite characters and stories.” Given the success of
Wild Pumpkin Licensing International T: + 613 9427 0370 | E: info@wild-pumpkin.com
the event and brand in 2010, there are plans to roll out the tournament in other states, as well as new product launches locked in for later this year. Zoobles and Tech Deck are two very different brands with one strong promise – to bring consumers unique products and quality brand experiences. CNE will explore multiple opportunities to create products for both brands across all categories including consumer electronics, apparel, accessories, sporting goods, home furnishings, gifts and novelties. “Cartoon Network will always offer the best and most entertaining experiences for kids and the biggest, brightest brands for our partners”, said Laver. “With the amazing franchises, products and events already lined up, 2011 is set to be the most exciting year yet for us, our partners and, most of all, our Cartoon Network fans.” About Cartoon Network Enterprises Cartoon Network Enterprises, a division of Cartoon Network, works towards driving long-term value for the Network and its properties such as Ben 10, Ben 10: Alien Force, Gwen, The Powerpuff Girls, Powerpuff Girls Z, Chowder and The Secret Saturdays in Asia Pacific.. The division is specifically responsible for setting up new businesses leveraging the equity of the characters via consumer products, promotional licensing, home videos, interactive games, publishing, themed entertainment and events. Cartoon Network Australia is a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific Inc., which is a member of Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc., a Time Warner company, in Asia. Time Warner is a major producer of news and entertainment products around the world and is a leading content provider in the basic cable industry.
Introduction to feature articles In our feature article section of The Bugg Report Magazine, we provide you with a number of interesting and timely interviews and articles to give you the inside scoop on what is happening in the Licensing Industry, here in Australia and New Zealand. Whether it is the latest movie release update, interview or market analysis, you will find this here in the feature article section of The Bugg Report Magazine. In our first edition, you will find interviews with Disney, Haven Licensing and the Australian Toy Association, as well as articles that give you market analysis and opinion on the industry from respected figures in Licensing. The interviews and articles in this edtion are listed below for your information. • Disney Cars 2 Interview with Kylie Watson-Wheeler • Haven Licensing Interview with Yvonne King and Tom Punch • ATA Interview with Gabby Anderson and Beverly Jenkin • Wide Eyes News from the Tube • Retail Spy • Publishing with Mark Scott • On Design with Andros Georgiades We hope that you enjoy our feature article section for edition 1 of The Bugg Report Magazine. Please feel free to shoot us an email with your thoughts on any of the interviews or articles that you will read on the coming pages at info@buggreport.com.au.
Wide Eyes News from the Tube
Retail Spy
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Retail Spy
We are really spoiled for choice this year with the selection of product we have in 2011. From a movie perspective we have too many in a concentrated point of time. The two outstanding properties in 2011 will most certainly be Cars 2 and Transformers 3…and I believe in that order. Hold on to your hat for new Transformers development that will be unveiled at T.F..I am under an NDA and have no wish to be prosecuted! Both movies have sufficiently different/updated characters from the last movie releases to keep the consumer interest in the franchise. Toy Story will annualise in the first 4 months of the year and whilst it will be down on 2010 will be in the top 4 licenses for 2011. Warner Bros are pinning their hopes on Green Lantern, and I must admit the toys from Mattel look great. Pirates of The Caribbean is back with “On Stranger Tides”...the question is will these 2 live action movies sell toys? Will Winnie the Pooh reinvigorate the franchise? Don’t underestimate the power of the Mouse...if they want it to happen it will happen (which by the way, House of Mouse, what is happening with Phineas and Ferb...after all the hype of Vegas?) Captain America and Thor may be well-attended movies, but getting none of my cash. The big talk last year was the Hub at Hasbro.
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The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
They have a 50% stake in Discovery Kids channel and are producing shows based on their own franchises....just brilliant! My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop, Chuckand Pound Puppies to name a few, are being made as a series and shown on the Hub. They also have slated for production (2012 and beyond) Battleship, Stretch Armstrong, Candyland and Monopoly...all movies. Hasbro is really going places... so.... will Mattel buy HiT? Chuggington should continue to do well as it still rates. Thomas may grow a little with the distribution issues behind Mattel. Waybaloo is still something to keep an eye on, however there simply does not seem to be enough licensing “chatter” to suggest that the franchise will get off the ground. We welcome back the Wiggle! Funtastic has put some great energy into this franchise and there will be plenty of hype around the 20th anniversary...and speaking of what’s old is new again...Bananas in Pyjamas in CGI...looked great at the Haven presentations Sesame St has changed camps so there will be plenty of pressure on Hasbro to really make this work.... they have had another look at their pricing and lowered it to make it work...well done Hasbro for listening to the trade! Kung Fu Panda will be a quick in and out from a merchandise point of view. Most of the action will be in the soft toys from JP.
Let’s face it... all the movie properties are about boys...maybe girls will collect Po. Puss in Boots...a good movie with little merchandise appeal (maybe a few T shirts). Generator Rex may make it in the back quarter of the year... from the makers of Ben 10...Mattel has the master toys license. Little Charlie Bear is a new property from Chapman...watch this space as it has been picked up by Big Balloon. Smurfs could be interesting as there is space between the blockbuster launches and Smurf (releasing September). The CGI and live action seems to work quite well. Phineas and Ferb was hyped up by Disney in Las Vegas but nothing seems to be flowing back to OZ. The Bratz/Moxie/Liv/Barbie battle rages on! The Barbie new releases were just outstanding and the Liv releases underwhelming. The Bratz vs Barbie courtroom battle has recommenced (aren’t we getting tired of it!) Longer term one of these brands will disappear... and it wont be Barbie! The dilemma is that Moxie sold well in the last quarter and Bratz was a rushed and botched release. The new price points of both doll brands suggest that they both could work, so which one will disappear? I really don’t know. Maybe the courts will sort it out for us.
Keep an eye out for Happy Feet in the back end. Thinkway make great toys and this will be no exception. Squinkies are the talk of the town.... empty shelves in the US and probably one of the most anticipated new girls launches this year. Moose has done a great job with Zoobles (Bakugan for girls). Mighty Beanz and Gomu...Dr Dreadful is back as well...we all know how well that did last time around. The Spynet category has exploded at Jakks...with Cars 2 being about spy’s not only is the product great...it is on trend. Hasbro has some blockbuster brands in 2011... Nerf, Transformers 3, Beyblades and Furreal, with their staples still strong from a development point of view. Mattel is in a similar position with Toy Story in a second strong year, Cars 2, Green lantern and possibly Generator Rex. Battle force 5 is their own IP so they may have a little more emphasis on this rather than Generator Rex. Barbie looked the best she has ever been from a product development point of view. Monster High is on the watch list with many empty shelves in the US and noted as a best selling book on the New York Times best sellers list last year. Penguins of Madagascar or Happy Feet? I think George Miller will create a lot of hype for Happy Feet. Dora...the new news are the new price points...lower than last year so should create some volume.
Thomas development is mainly in the Trackmaster area...as Cars 2 will be strong and this is a similar age group Thomas may still struggle a little Fisher Price had no less than 50 new lines added to their rich portfolio, ensuring again that it will be tough for any new preschool player to take them on. Star Wars new product development from Hasbro and Lego will be well received by the trade.
Who will win the battle of the kid’s learning tablets? Storio from V tech will be out first however later in the year the Leapfrog version will launch... I know where my money is going!! Overall there was too product to choose from!
much
It looks like our Industry again will be in good shape in 2011.
Wow Wee are hanging their hat on 3 categories. To keep Paper Jamz bubbling along they have a voice tuner mike and mini amp, well priced and should do tonnage. Lite Sprites are an amazing development look out for them on the Huner Products stand at Toy Fair and the boy version is Light strike, similar to Laser challenge where you shoot and alter the colour of your opponent’s vest. Baby Born will be reinvigorated by Headstart with lower price points. Little Tikes looked good in California with Headstart planning some key TV lines... the product development here wasenormous ....maybe MGA consider themselves the real alternative to Fisher Price? Zhu Zhu development is simply outstanding. They will launch Babies, Puppies, Safari/Zoo, and a Princess (new) theme just in time for the Royal Wedding! (we have no shame in this industry!). Kung Zhu is Star Wars inspired for 2011, and also looked great!
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
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Disney Gears up for Cars 2 Interview with Kylie Watson-Wheeler from Disney
relationships with consumers and our partners here. Can you share an example of where this may have benefited your business to date, or where you expect it to in the future?
Disney is looking forward to Cars 2 driving merchandise sales in AUS and NZ across many categories, including Toys, Books, Games and Puzzles, Manchester, Greeting Cards and more.
more quality, fun and innovative Disney content to Australian consumers and families, my role is tasked with bringing together all the licensing product functions under one umbrella.
On the back of the huge box office success that was Toy Story 3, The Bugg Report gets the low down on the predicted smash hit Cars 2 from Disney
What are some of your initial goals for the business in the next 12 months?
Congratulations on your new appointment to the role of General Manager of Licensing. Can you tell us a little bit about your background at Disney? Thanks, that’s very kind. I have been with the Walt Disney Company since 2004, where I started as the Director of Walt Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) for Australasia ASEAN, India and Korea, overseeing double-digit growth for 3 consecutive years and overseeing the key licensing relationships with Parragon, ACP and Hinkler Books as well as key retail accounts in the region with Borders, Dymocks, KMart, Target and Big W. Prior to that, my first 2 years at Disney were in Consumer Products managing the hard goods business. Over my last 6 years with Disney, I’ve been really passionate about working across the Disney business and continuing to drive brand equity with our consumers and partners. Part of a continuing effort to enhance the consumer experience and deliver
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Our ongoing strategy is to build sustainable long term franchises across our business supported by ongoing content. Our plans behind Cars, Toy Story, Princess, Fairies and Winnie the Pooh are a testament to this strategy. We also will be working hard to incorporate our new and exciting Marvel franchises into our portfolio. As we continue to focus on investing and growing the Disney brand across Australia, we’re committed to delivering the best mix of innovative & compelling products, both internationally and locally developed to Australian fans and consumers. Does the new Disney business model, which brings all of the Disney business units together, work for you in Australia and NZ? The integrated structure allows Disney to speak to the market with “one voice”. We have had a successful presence in the Australian market for over 22 years and the integrated structure will drive continued growth across all our businesses and will provide opportunities to further deepen our
The Walt Disney Company Kylie Watson - Wheeler, General Manager - Licnesing T: 9832 6000
The success of our Toy Story 3 program from theatrical launch to DVD and beyond demonstrated what we can achieve when The Walt Disney Company combines forces against a single initiative. This program created the model for how we plan to continue to work as one business in the future. Creating sustainable long term value and alignment behind the same priorities to make a difference is core to our success in Australia- and we look forward to continuing this in 2011. The initial Cars movie franchise has been a resounding success, how do you intend to approach the second installment from a merchandise perspective in Australia and NZ.? The first Cars film was a stunning success and at Disney Licensing, we have been tasked with a clear mandate to build on the success of a brand that has surpassed all expectations. We know that merchandise linked to the 2006 film “Cars” has generated US$2billion globally in average annual sales since the movie’s release, and this track record is a clear indicator of the franchises’ resonance with boys all over the world. In addition to this, the franchise has established the key characters of Lightning McQueen and Mater as some of the most popular characters in Disney history. Jessi Dunne, DCP’s executive vice president of global licensing sums it up best when she says that our plan is to build on the simple formula for success. Cars is the perfect intersection of a tried-and-true play pattern of little boys and vehicles and memorable characters
and our aim to build on key licensing relationships established during the first release and build on our merchandising strategy in ways that makes sense for families. One of the most important aspects of new brands is to keep the merchandise range refreshed along the way, will Disney follow the launch with product development into sub brands, etc? Cars 2 presents enormous opportunities for us to capitalize on recent successwhich included seeding the market with content refresh in between the Studio release with Cars Toons which were hilarious short films played on Disney Channel and affiliates. With Cars 2, we plan to build on our existing licensing relationships such as our key partnership with Mattel, who once again will be one of the primary developers of our toy range. We also have a fantastic range from Lego, who will roll out product that allows children to build their own toys based on the Cars 2 cast.
We’ve become adept at recognizing that each of our retailers wants to tell their own story to their customers. The Cars franchise has so many memorable characters and themes that we have found retailers really want to get involved in the narrative and adopt themes that are unique to their stores, - it’s great to be able to offer the depth and breadth of this franchise to all fans of Cars. Can you provide us with a brief overview of some of your PR and marketing activities leading up to and including the launch of Cars 2? We have got some really exciting programs leading up to the theatrical launch of Cars 2 in Australia and New Zealand. Our most visible and biggest involves an agreement with Mack Truck Tours- a nationwide tour dubbed The Cars Mack Truck Tour of Australia. Hitting the roads will be a fully immersive Cars experience inside and out of the Mack truck which will tour around the Westfield Shopping Centers and when
not touring, the truck will ‘rest’ at 1 of 9 Mack dealerships around Australia. This touring fan fest will kick off in spectacular fashion at the home of car racing, the V8 SuperCar series at Eastern Creek. Throughout 2011, fans will be able to experience the Cars Mack Truck tour through any of the 20 events on the V8 SuperCars calendar. This unprecedented experience perfectly ties in the natural play pattern of Cars and a clear synergy with fathers and sons, which goes to show you can love Cars, no matter what age! Is the movie to be released in 3D? It will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D, IMAX 3D and 2-D. Are there some new characters that you may be able to share some details on? Lightning McQueen and Tow Truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in Cars 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever
The Walt Disney Company Kylie Watson - Wheeler, General Manager - Licnesing T: 9832 6000
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Prior to this appointment, Kylie held the position of Director of Walt Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) for Australasia ASEAN, India and Korea and has been with the Walt Disney Company since 2004 and was also the Chairperson of Walt Disney International’s cross-business Marketing Taskforce for the Australia and New Zealand team.
World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. We do have some great new characters in Michael Caine Finn McMissile (voiced by Michael Caine), Holley Shiftwell (voiced by Emily Mortimer) and Siddeley (voiced by Jason Isaacs) and of course, Lightning McQueen and Mater return as the stars of Cars 2. Can you give us some idea of when the DVD will be released after the movie? The theatrical release which is scheduled for June 23rd and the DVD release is planned for early November 2011.
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Kylie Watson-Wheeler General Manager- Licensing The Walt Disney Company, Australia Kylie Watson-Wheeler was appointed to General Manager of Licensing in May 2010 overseeing the Disney Consumer Products, Disney Publishing and Disney Interactive Studios businesses, The Walt Disney Company, Australia. As part of a continuing effort to enhance the consumer experience and deliver more quality, fun and innovative Disney content to Australian consumers and families, Kylie’s role brings together all the licensing product functions under one umbrella.
The Walt Disney Company Kylie Watson - Wheeler, General Manager - Licnesing T: 9832 6000
As the Director of DPW, Kylie oversaw double-digit growth for 3 consecutive years and oversees the key licensing relationships with Paragon, ACP and Hinkler Books as well as key retail accounts in the region with Borders, Dymocks, KMart, Target and Big W. Previous to joining the Walt Disney Company, Kylie was the Director of Advertising and Brand management for Hallmark Cards Inc. based in Kansas City, USA where she oversaw and managed the marketing function for Hallmark’s US$4 billion business. Prior to the US position, Kylie spent 4 years as Hallmark Australia’s Marketing Manager. Kylie has also held various marketing positions at Coca-Cola Amatil, and Penguin Books. Kylie is based in the Melbourne office.
Haven Interview March 2011
– a generic t-shirt is no substitute when you want Dora or Thomas! So we will be working hard to strengthen our brand presence within the other majors and focus on letting the customers know where they can get their favorite stuff! And we have a burgeoning business in the specialty market with the likes of Jay Jays & Jeans West who do an incredible job & we will look to expand our offering through those channels.
As we launch into a brand New Year, The Bugg Report takes some time out to speak with Tom and Yvonne who are the driving force behind Haven Licensing. They are one of the largest independent agents anywhere in the world and have worked hard to build their profile over many years in this business.
Our highlight for 2010 was getting through it! It was a tough year at retail, where we felt retailers focused too much on each other, and not fabulous brands and their own brand equity. However, we feel that the pendulum has swung, and many of our big initiatives pitched in 2010 will come to fruition in 2011, so it’s an exciting time.
The Licensing business is competitive and sometimes brutal. Independent agents regularly pour their heart and soul into representing a brand only to have a global acquisition or change of ownership deny them of on going rights. This is the reality of being an independent. Recent market adjustments have inspired Haven Licensing to reposition their resources toward new and emerging opportunities.
YVONNE: I don’t believe it is a secret that Haven has prided itself on delivering a very successful vertically integrated solution to launching brands in our market over an extended period. Given the obvious departure from licensing by Kmart, where will your focus be centered in 2011?
We speak with Tom and Yvonne to obtain their outlook on the Haven business in 2011 and the industry in general. TOM: 2010 was a tough year for retailers and in turn the licensing business has had to fight hard to maintain its market share. Can you tell us what was Haven’s highlight for 2010 as a backdrop to a pretty tough year?
There is certainly life for us beyond Kmart. Firstly, they are not moving away from licensing in all categories. Certainly a sizeable chunk of business will be lost in the apparel area but thankfully we have many ways to pick this up. The other majors are gearing up their activity in this area as they see the massive opportunity created by the Kmart void – kids will always want to wear their favorite character on their t-shirt, pj’s whatever and if they cant find it at Kmart they will be going elsewhere
TOM: I understand that Sapienza recently completed her 15-year milestone with Haven. Along with Rita, Diana, Bec, Gloria and Sam it would appear that you have loads of experience at your disposal. How do you view this resource as part of your business plan? Haven’s staff and experience are the backbone of our business plan! We invest in our key staff in every way. In return Haven benefits from amazingly experienced, knowledgeable executives, to whom we give lots of responsibilities and autonomy, and they run their own businesses and teams. Licensing should be easy, but it’s not. To coordinate the myriad of partners we have to drive to execute a program, from licensors, manufacturers, retailers, promo partners, TV partners, etc etc etc, is complicated. There are a million rules and do’s and do not’s that we have to navigate, and the experience of our team, with so many years of knowledge under their belts, ensures that we can execute plans that many companies could probably not. And they are a fun bunch to be around too – so we love having them (most of the time….) YVONNE: How has the whole Tom in the Sydney office and Yvonne in the Melbourne office impacted on your business? Well it was a bit of an adjustment to
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office (Tom) call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office (Yvonne) call 03 9015 6688
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start after 17 years in the same office! Certainly Tom & I have to be more organized in the way we work together now – no more lobbing into each other’s office every five minutes for a coffee & a chat! And it is much better for the business. We have a clearer division now in the way we work with retail – it is a huge advantage to have one of us in each state as we have an equal split of business across retailers & promotional partners in both. For me it is so much easier in terms of travel – a last minute meeting in Geelong used to mean building a whole interstate trip, now I can get a call in the morning & happily be out there in the afternoon. YVONNE: We understand that Haven now represents Paul Frank. Can you give us a snap shot into your plans for this brand? Ooooo Paul Frank !! Very exciting… We plan to launch with a key retail partner (which we cant announce yet!) in the upper end of the market across multiple categories & backed with a huge launch campaign to really get the brand established at the cutting edge once more. With a minimal presence in the marketplace over the past couple of years, we have the luxury of a completely clean slate which means we can choose our preferred partners across the board & work with those that share our vision which is for it to return, and to surpass, the incredible heights it achieved when it first reached our shores. YVONNE: Receiving a personally signed Christmas card from Haven each year, signed by most staff members is an interesting concept. Given that your organization has grown so much over the years it is a nice touch. What is your motivation behind this gesture?
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I think its really important to send personal cards at Christmas time, business or personal. Bearing in mind of course you are talking to someone who is scared of technology and still works with a paper diary… but E-Cards are the bain of my existence. In most instances its just banging out an attachment to a database & where’s the Christmas spirit in that? I think they’re a waste of time. Some companies do it well, Chapman being the best at it- they always make a special video featuring their staff which makes it more personal and you appreciate the effort and thought that has gone into it. There is something really nice about knowing someone took the time to write you a message and post a card. I know it always puts a smile on my face when I get a nice note or card, and I think most people feel the same way. YVONNE: The brand Lego has taken all before it over recent years. The core construction range occupies significant space in all major and independent retailers. We understand the ‘Lego Sorter’ has been a revelation around the world. I understand there has been some international success for locally created product. What lies ahead in 2011 in terms of Licensing for this global brand? I love the brick !!! It is simply amazing the strength of the LEGO brand not just here but globally where it enjoys the same category domination we see in the Australia/NZ market. The marketing, research and product development sources they offer as a licensor are amazing, and we’ve been working very closely over the past couple of years to develop some seriously innovative items, including the wonderful Sort & Store and mini-figure display cases from Kidz @ Play. I’ve just returned from Nuremberg where we showed the
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office (Tom) call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office (Yvonne) call 03 9015 6688
product to the European market for the first time. The reaction was staggering and we are now working hard on the roll out plans for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Nordic… I practically have to walk around with a world globe in my pocket to remember where everyone is…. Eugene Gigliotti & Bruce Wilson from Kidz @ Play have been flying all over the world ever since to keep up with the interest! We had a fantastic launch in the US pre Christmas which saw the Head Sorter hit #15 on TRU US’s bestseller list within a few days of launch! Mind blowing, when picture standing in one of their massive stores in the US and looking around at the thousands of sku’s… and to think we were the 15th best seller… Eugene (who created it) is like a proud Dad! Here we come WORLD !! TOM: We cannot forget promotions and Rita. This part of your business has been a powerhouse for many years. Can you give us a small snapshot of where your plans will take you in promotions during 2011? The promotions landscape is forever changing, so Rita and her team are fast adapting. Meeting with clients, seeing their promotional needs and tying that up with brands that hit that demo is a fun challenge, but they are hitting it. It’s challenging, as many huge licensors globally give away rights for free to promote their brands, but that’s the world we live in, so we have to live with it. There are so many partners though, that there are always opportunities. It’s a matter of being creative, meeting partners face to face and finding out their needs.The opportunities are endless. We are pitching everything from preschool, to TV shows such as Glee – so we hit every demo. Our plans are confidential of course, but expect some big promos for 2011.
YVONNE: Would it be fair to say that it will be back to basics this year at Haven? We understand that your key business managers will be spending as much time as possible with both Retailers and Licensees with the clear objective of developing good product and good retail displays? Yep that’s a fair call. At the end of the day its always been about putting great product on shelf and letting customers know where to find it. A big chunk of the consolidation that’s happened, not just with us, but with everyone, has been a necessary process to some extent. Licensing should be a simple business and I think over the past few years it has probably become more difficult than it needs to be and we’ve all been sidetracked into projects or tasks that take us away from our core business - cultivating and developing our brands and selling stuff! We’ve got great brands, great partners and we just have to get a little more innovative to stay ahead of the game.
TOM: Can you give us your outlook on the market for 2011? The outlook is good for 2011. Licensing and brands are one of the strongest part of the retail environment, and so the big powerful players, such as Target, Big W, Myer and others are really back to their awesome best in this regard. I ithnk that 2011 will see some really exciting retail executions that have not been seen for many years.
out in a sweat at minus 15 degrees… I finally found the hotel I was looking for & walked in to find the Wotabout boys standing there, all smiles at the bar… its like coming home no matter where in the world you are, the people make it all worthwhile! TOM: One of your original boss’s, Al Khan, stepped down as the head of 4 Kids recently, what was the best piece of advice he ever gave you?
YVONNE: What anniversary is it for you in 2011 in the business of Licensing?
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease Tommy!” he used to constantly tell me – meaning be persistent and never give up.
Well it feels like my 150th but in reality its my 22nd year in licensing. I never tire of it. No two days are the same and you never know it all. And then there’s the people in the business who make it fun. I’ve just been to Nuremberg for the first time & the first night I headed out to meet a Licensor for dinner. Naturally I got completely lost, was running late & feeling completely frazzled and breaking
So many things change in the market, that opportunities are always arising, and you have to be in the game to take advantage of that as soon as they do. With our fabulous team constantly in the marketplace – all day every day everywhere - we don’t miss many opportunities – or try to at least!
Haven Licensing Sydney Head Office (Tom) call 02 9357 9800 Melbourne Office (Yvonne) call 03 9015 6688
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Wide Eyes News From the Tube children’s TV schedule is that for the first time in 50 years of broadcasting the main ABC channel ABC1 will not broadcast pre-school programs in the morning. All pre-school shows in the morning are shifting to ABC2, which will be a dedicated pre-school channel for 12 hours a day from 7am to 7pm for 7 days a week. This pre-school programming shift from ABC1 to ABC2 will see pre-school favourites like Sesame St, Thomas, Play School, The Wiggles, Chuggington, Bob, Roary and all the rest move from the highest rating children’s TV morning slots to less watched slots on ABC2.
Back in 1993 the two hottest licensed TV properties in Australia were Bananas in Pyjamas and Power Rangers - both TV shows were the most unlikely smash hits in their day but smash hits they were and both shows went on to make many multiple millions of dollars for the owners, agents, licensees and retailers for most of the 90s. Enter year 2011 and both shows are making their comebacks - this time around Bananas in Pyjamas will be a 2D animated series launching on the ABC in the middle of the year and Power Rangers is launching a brand new 40 half hours called Power Rangers Samurai. Power Rangers Samurai is yet to have a confirmed Australian free to air broadcaster at the time of writing this article but rest assured this will happen and the rest will unfold - lightning will strike twice. Haven Licensing represents both properties this time around and for those of us in the industry those many years ago we wish the ABC and Saban
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The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
the very best of luck to make the magic happen again. Aside from the big two 90’s shows making their comebacks, 2011 sees lots of new TV properties trying to break through in the Australian market. The massive toy property ZhuZhu Pets has been made into a video special and will appear for the first time with a limited cinema release, on TV and as a DVD with the movie Quest for Zhu. The Quest for Zhu is not a big budget Hollywood release rather it is a direct to video special but it will help keep those crazy hamsters alive through 2011 and into 2012. A second video special - Kung Zhu - will launch in early 2012. The dominant TV broadcast platform for licensed children’s TV properties in Australia is the ABC and they are making some scheduling changes this year now that they have three free to air digital channels for kids programming. The biggest change in the ABC’s
If ever there was a clever driver to get Australian families to completely embrace the free to air multi-channels this is it. In place of the morning pre-school programming the ABC will be showing on ABC! programs for the 7 - 12 year olds and this will become a hot programming block for older kids properties - it will be interesting to see how edgy the ABC can get for this age group. On ABC2, there will be a lot of new preschool shows launching this year that have associated toy and merchandise lines - as with every year a couple will work for licensed products but many will not make it through to 2012 and with Australian retail becoming tighter and tighter for space for unproven new character properties the casualties are sure to be high. One property that will continue to succeed in 2011 is not a show but rather the presenters of the shows Giggle and Hoot are the ABC2 sunset presenters with Giggle being a twenty something male, with his sidekick owl, a puppet named Hoot.
Giggle and Hoot merchandise sold exceptionally well for Xmas 2010 with the DVD, sleepwear and plush toys being sell out items.
Australian toy company, Big Balloon, owned by ex-Funtastic executives Tony Oates and Chris Laverso the master toy rights.
The pick of new pre-school shows on ABC2 are Bookaboo, Driver Dan’s Story Train, Little Charlie Bear, Mr Moon and Rastamouse.
Mr Moon is new animated TV series based around the night sky starring the moon and his best friend the sun and appropriately represented by Stella Projects with Roadshow releasing the DVDs.
Bookaboo is a live action show from the UK featuring a puppet dog who is the drummer in a rock band but he can’t get up to play in a concert unless someone reads him a story - the series encourages parents to read to their children and features a range of UK celebrities reading the stories including Meatloaf and Julian Cleary - Fremantle has the DVD and Walker the books. Driver Dan’s Story Train is being managed by Wild Pumpkin, with Universal releasing the DVDs and Golden Bear making the plush toys this is a very British show and will need time to find a local audience. Little Charlie Bear is from Chapman Entertainment, the producer of Fifi and Roary and is represented by Haven Licensing who has appointed the new
Rastamouse is a stop frame animation series starring reggae band the Easy Crew who when not playing the music are a crime fighting gang of mice ABC Commercial has licensing and video rights. New pre-school shows on the Pay TV channels of note are from Nickelodeon, Team Umizoomi - this one is going to be big once it gets onto the Channel Nine weekend morning block, Everything’s Rosie on CBeebies, which is really big with the girls in the UK, and the two dinosaur shows, Dinosaur Train and Dino Dan on Nick Jr. The highlights for Disney and Warners in 2011 are much more movie focused - Cars 2, Green Lantern, Happy Feet 2,
Harry Potter 7 part 2 and so on. Rango for Paramount looks good. One last pre-school property being launched in 2011 is Moshi Monsters, which is based on the phenomenally successful Moshi Monsters virtual world with over 30 million members worldwide. Moshi Monsters is a great example of the ever-growing power of the internet with the gap between TV shows and children’s web properties becoming more and more one and the same. Domo will be another web property to break out in 2011. 2011 will continue to see the proliferation of wireless communication devices so if you don’t have a smart phone, a tablet, an e-reader or haven’t heard of Android its over for you. Have a great Toy Fair and by the way the best two prime time shows this year is one from the Little Britain team called Come Fly with Me (Channel Nine) and the other is from Ricky Gervais called An Idiot Abroad (Channel 10) and check out the Inbetweeners on Go!
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
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Andros On Design What a style guide tells us about its owner
When investing in a brand, what clues can be gleaned from a style guide? As a style guide creator, brand guardian, licensing agent, and designer, I am fortunate to have a 360 degree perspective. When looking to align your interests with a third party brand, the state of the style guide can offer a great insight into the mindset of the brand owner. Let’s start with some of the most fundamental questions - Do they have a style guide? Is it a well thought out manual offering a clear path to an appealing product range? Have the brand owners articulated a clear vision for what they expect the brand to look like at retail? Does their vision for product reflect the local demand? Have they provided the right ‘tool kit’ to replicate this vision? What are their plans for seasonal updates? In the process of building a style guide for a brand owner, many difficult decisions need to be made. This is a great thing, and best addressed by the design team and the brand owner. The guide itself represents an investment in decision making on behalf of the brand. What they want to see, and what they don’t. The worst thing for a licensee is to be the trail-blazer, where the brand owner has not quite sorted out the vision of how the property translates into product. I have seen it many times... “can we see it like this? Err no, that’s not what we want, can we see it like that...?” This is a deadend process. Before you know it, your design costs have skyrocketed, the brand owner says that you “just don’t get it”, and the retailers are penalising you for late deliveries. How can you tell whether a style guide is any good? To the non-designers, a poor style guide and a good one may look the same. To the designer the good ones are creative strategic documents,
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and the others are simply a collection of random elements. Think of it like this; you have 2 bags of jigsaw puzzle pieces. One has 100 pieces that make up an impactful design, and the other has 1 piece from each of 100 jigsaws. The bags look the same but the result when assembling is miles apart. You might ask why does this happen. The problem often stems from the order of how these activities are developed. ‘OK, we have a hit show, and we should license out the consumer products rights. We need a style guide, but we are busy, under resourced, and besides we have so many design elements already. Let’s get someone to pull it together and we’ll have that one sorted.’ In this scenario, and off the back of good ratings, it is easy to see that a nice style guide cover could lead you down a dark path. Style guide development is so much more scientific than that. In fact the strategic decision making, the understanding of retailers, consumer buying behaviours, latest trends and manufacturing techniques are more important than any collection of artwork. Any good designer can generate the assets, the real value comes from developing the right assets, ones that when assembled, result in retail sales.
Product inspirational examples: This is the proof in the pudding. I’m not talking nice hypothetical concepts that bear no resemblance to anything that a real buyer would order, but commercially viable product that you can lift from the guide. You can use these as a selling tool to retailers and to guide your designers through the first range.
Packaging: have they presented sufficient examples with clear instructions?.
Style guides date. Seasonal updates are the life blood that keeps brands alive and thriving at retail.
Here are a few things to look out for. Badges: ready-made designs ready to lift directly from the guide.
So when you are next considering a brand to back, take a look at the style guide just that little bit closer, and you will be able to see into your future. A future of great partnership with success at retail, or a time consuming white elephant that drains your resources.
For further information please contact Andros Georgiades at andros@merchantwise.com or on (03) 9520 1000 © 2011 The Wiggles Pty Ltd., © The Northcott Society and the Spastic Centre of New South Wales 2011, © The Foundation TV Productions Limited/Decode/Blue Entertainment 2011
Australia’s BIGGEST selling Children’s Publisher! Home of the world’s best brands & licenses.
The Como Centre Level 13, 644 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141 Ph: +61 3 8825 3333 Fax: +61 3 9826 8249 Email: info@parragon.com Web: www.parragon.com
Publishing with Mark Scott What happened in Publishing 2010?
In case you missed it, Mark Scott, Licensing Director - Parragon Publishing, gives you the headlines you need to know as to what happened in the Australian Book Market in 2010.
The Market News... Australians bought 65 million books and spent more than $1.2 billion – 4% less than 2009
Children’s book market worth $300 million – down 7% on year before
Parragon sells more kids books than anyone else in the market – volume up 20% in 2010
One quarter of all spending on books is spent on KIDS!
Licensing News... Girls get all Tangled up with Disney’s latest movie hit Disney Princess stories still #1 for young girls
Diary of a Wimpy Kid top the kids bestseller charts
Tinker Bell’s magic turns pixie dust into sales! Disney Fairies book sales rise 40%
Zhu Zhu Pets are everywhere! Toy Story 3 : To infinity and beyond our sales projections! The hottest kids publishing license in 2010
Kids can’t get enough of these furry friends – colouring books scampering off the shelves
The End for IgglePiggle! BBC axes In the Night Garden as book sales decline
Dora the dominator – this pocket rocket has staying power Definitely here to stay, Dora book sales go from strength to strength
Barbie has great legs! Book sales well up on last year
Chuggington on the move as Thomas runs out of steam Top Gear books can’t get out of first gear
Where’s Spot the Dog? Kids certainly knew where to look as book sales continue to grow
These little Chuggers are definitely a hit with kids – just wait for the toys!
Harry Potter faces the deathly hallows End of an era as book sales decline
Source: Nielsen Bookscan
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Mark Scott, Business Development Director - Asia and Licensing T: +61 3 8825 3333 mark.scott@parragon.com
It’s not over yet for Ben10! Ultimate Alien gives Ben some more Hero Time
The Wiggles are still Hot Potatoes in 2010 Happy 20th Anniversary 2011
The sun has set on Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series Down 80% in book sales (but maybe because just about every woman in Australia between 14 and 40 owns a copy)
Bob stops building, Roary stops racing and Lazy Town loses all energy!
It’s a race to the top – Disney Pixar Cars books are full throttle ahead. Just wait for the sequel in 2011
Licensed Publishing In Australia. By Mark Scott, Licensing Director - Parragon Publishing
What’s Hot! Diary of a Wimpy Kid Toy Story Dora the Explorer Spot the Dog Disney Fairies Barbie Disney Cars Disney Princess The Wiggles Ben 10 Zhu Zhu Pets Chuggington Go Diego Go Littlest Pet Shop Transformers Sesame Street My Little Pony Wot Wots iCarly
What’s Not! Zac Power Clone Wars Mr. Men In the Night Garden Thomas the Tank Hannah Montana Harry Potter Go Girl Bob the Builder Roary the Racing Car Lazy Town Top Gear Hi 5 Bratz Twilight
Source: Nielsen Bookscan Top 5000 Children’s titles 2010
Mark Scott, Business Development Director - Asia and Licensing T: +61 3 8825 3333 mark.scott@parragon.com
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Australian Toy Association 2011 Australian Toy Hobby & Nursery Fair 2011
view, this gives them a greater visual understanding of the product which obviously influences their buying decision making. 3. We understand the ATA and its toy fair committees devote a significant amount of time to forward planning and looking at new initiatives to improve the fair. Will we see any new additions for the 2012 fair? Now as if we are going to give away secrets!!! Stay tuned……it is going to be exciting!
The Bugg Report catches up with Beverly Jenkin and Gabby Anderson of the Australian Toy Assoication, the organiser of the fair. The Australian Toy Fair, which is operated by the Australian Toy Association (ATA), is credited as being one of the most professional fairs in the world. The Bugg Report takes a look at the fair with Beverly Jenkin and Gabby Anderson of the ATA, who have been the primary organizers of our fair for many years. We speak with Beverly and Gabby to gain an insight into the fabric of the show and look particularly at the licensing aspects involved here and some of the plans for future years. 1. It is no secret that fairs around the world are experiencing difficult times in terms of attendance and exhibitor support. The Australian Toy Fair appears to be still a well supported event, how have you found the level of support for this year’s event? We have been extremely fortunate that our Fair has always appealed to our stakeholders. The Fair is one of the 10 largest exhibitions in Australia with an excellent profile within and beyond the Toy, Hobby and Nursery Industries.
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Approximately 75% of exhibitors return each year delivering a stable and consistent flow. The other 25% that are new exhibitors provide the Fair with the excitement of what’s new on the floor. It is the reputation and the excitement (not to mention the social component) that attracts the buyers to the Fair and ensures business is being transacted on the floor. As a business model, The ATA has to be strategically prepared for environmental, political and economic issues that could potentially affect the Fair – whether it is detrimental or fortuitous to the Fair. We take pride in saying the Fair continues to thrive despite wars, floods, bush fires and the Global Financial crisis. 2. The exhibitors at the Australian fair appear to devote significant recourses each year to making sure they put forward a professional display. Do you receive positive feedback from attendees, which would support their efforts? Visitor feedback indicates an appreciation of exhibitors taking pride in the presentation of their products, their stands and their staff to maximise their sales. From the visitor’s point of
Australian Toy Association T: +61 3 9320 2600 E: ata@austoy.com.au
However, we have already introduced a couple of new initiatives for 2011. Those being the ATA Industry awards night and the Speakers / Demonstration area. 4. Licensed merchandise plays a very important role in projecting a global focus on our fair. The toy industry is a primary focus for brands and brand licensing. Do you have any plans to establish a licensing annex for future fairs, which will encourage increased attendance? It is very clear that licensed product is a very important part of the industry – you just need to walk around the Fair to see this. The Fair is very strongly supported by licensors and licensing agents In fact we are probably one of the few Toy Fairs in the world that has licensors and licensing agents actively involved in the Fair. Our experience has shown the preference is to have licensed product throughout the Fair as opposed to having a dedicated licensing area. We are sure licensing will play a major role in the expansion of the Fair. 5. The cost of exhibiting at a toy fair is very significant; can you give us some idea of what the ATA provides its exhibitors in terms of incentives and assistance?
Exhibiting involves financial investment as do all components of the Marketing mix. Exhibiting is proven to be a successful, powerful, cost effective marketing medium. The ATA provide exhibitors with a powerful forum whereby they are provided with the opportunities to show their products to their customers. 6. Can you give us some idea of the number of overseas visitors who come to our fair?
The ATHNF tends to have a more domestic attendance, however approximately 10% do come from overseas. 7. What do you believe the future holds for the Australian Toy fair? Fairs around the world are continually challenged to maintain their relevance to their stakeholders, exhibitors and visitors alike. The ATA recognizes the need to actively research the Fair’s relevance and develops strategies for the future.
8. How many exhibitors will be showing this year at the fair Over 200 Exhibitors will be participating 9. What part will the media play in this year’s event? We are expecting the media coverage to be greater than previous years (over $1million in value in 2010). The media are always interested in terms of what is hot and what is fun.
Australian Toy Association T: +61 3 9320 2600 E: ata@austoy.com.au
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Introduction to Licensees In our Licensee section of The Bugg Report Magazine we take a look at some of the best upcoming products and brands from the top Toy companies in the business. In our first edition of The Bugg Report Magazine, we take a look at some of the new brands and updates from The Five Mile Press, Goldie Marketing and Rubies Masquerade Australia.
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The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
The Five Mile Press The Five Mile Press had a huge year in 2010 despite the relative instability of the economy across promotional periods. We enjoyed a record 45% increase in licensing sales in 2010 with Barbie as the frontrunner in our stable of licenses. We were also honoured to be named Mattel Licensee of the Year. We hope to keep the title in 2011 with our exciting new range of Barbie books including two new Barbie-tastic additions to the popular Paper Doll Kit series – Perfect Princess and Active Angel. This year we have snapped up hot new brands across every age group. One of these brands is the fundamental
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favourite with parents the world over, Fisher Price. For our preschool range, we have produced fabulous jigsaw books, floor puzzles and posters – with many more titles to follow. Also new to The Five Mile Press are Monster High and the ever popular Hello Kitty, which will feature a range of new titles that will appeal to funky girls aged 6 and up. From the Hasbro stable, My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop, the cutest of licenses, have been given an adorable new look in our 2011 colouring and activity range. Our extensive Sesame Street range gets a boost with an exciting series of
The Five Mile Press T: 03 8756 5500 E: sales@fivemile.com.au W: www.fivemile.com.au
board book and novelty items including Ready, Set, Brush, a pop-up book that shows kids how to brush their teeth. It even includes a Sesame Street toothbrush so children can start practising straight away. After the success of our Wiggles board book items in 2010, this year we are also releasing special edition titles to coincide with The Wiggles 20th Anniversary including board books and novelty items. Movie licenses will also play a big part in 2011 at The Five Mile Press with Easter movie Hop leading the way in April 2011, followed by the blockbuster Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom in June and Puss in Boots in December.
Includ
24-P es 5 JIGSAIECE WS!
A Day With the Animals!
Includ
es 5
24-P JIGSAIECE WS!
The Five Mile Press Pty Ltd 1 Centre Road, Scoresby Victoria 3179 Australia www.fivemile.com.au First published 2010 Printed in China 5 4 3 2 1
A Day With the Animals!
Our favourite animal friends are having a day of fun outside! Piece together these 5 fun jigsaws as you read all about their little adventures.
A Day With the Animals!
FISHER-PRICE and associated trademarks are owned by and used under license from Mattel, Inc. Š2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Five Mile Press T: 03 8756 5500 E: sales@fivemile.com.au W: www.fivemile.com.au
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Bugg Express Book k your express news release l today! d
Over
4000 Recipients Perfect for: Job Ads News Releases Product Releases Press Releases • Only $150 for your own custom release • Distributed via email to our database of over 4000 recipients
Contact info@buggreport.com.au or call us on +61 3 9769 7922
COME AND VISIT US AT TOY FAIR STAND .i20
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT RUBIES MASQUERADE AUSTRALIA ON +61 3 8339 0477 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@RUBIESMASQUERADE.COM.AU
Rubies Continues to Increase Its Presence in Australia Recent developments have seen Rubies Masquerade acquire distribution rights for Warner Bros Super Heroes dress up in Australia and NZ. This will include, both Children’s and Adult costumes and accessories. As part of this new development Rubies will also be focusing on the new movie release from the WB studios The Green Lantern. When added to our already significant portfolio of WB brands this new arrangement will further strengthen the Rubies presence both in the Independent market and also with the major retailers. We encourage those with a vested interest in the dress up business to
visit the Rubies stand at the March Toy Fair at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre running from the 10th – 14th of March. You will find us at stand i20. 2011 will see the introduction of a number of new brands including, Wacky Racers, Adult Transformers, The Muppets, Lady Ga Ga and Kiss.
Rubies will also continue to work on developing the Halloween opportunity here in Australia and also to encourage the independent retailers to embrace the concept of buying and selling costumes as apposed to hiring.
As part of our on going plans for this region A.D.N. (Rubies current Distributor) will be opening a new facility in Auckland in NZ during 2011. This operation will allow Rubies to distribute into the NZ market with product on the ground in their Auckland warehouse. We will have a customer service person available to take orders.
Look out for The Five Mile Press' exciting range of Wiggles titles, released to celebrate the Wiggles 20th Anniversary!
$9.95 $
$24.95
$9.95
1 Centre Road, Scoresby, VIC 3179 Phone: 03 8756 5500 | Email: sales@fivemile.com.au www.fivemile.com.au
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The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
© 2011 The Wiggles Pty Ltd.
Shhh... Barbie and her friends are all winged up and ready to go in the new Barbie Fairy Secret Colouring and Activity range!
Based on the Movie
Deluxe Colouring Book RRP $5.95
Ph: 03 8756 5500 www.fivemile.com.au
Parnorama Sticker Storybook RRP $9.95
Storybook with Stickers RRP $5.95
Colouring Book RRP $2.95
Storybook with Bracelet Bands RRP $5.95
Activity Pack RRP $5.95
Barbie Fairy Secret half pg ad.indd 1
4/02/2011 4:51:32 PM
Pinkie Pie and all her friends are back in this gorgeous new range of books from The Five Mile Press RRP $12.95
RRP $5.95 RRP $9.95
RRP $2.95
RRP $5.95
1 Centre Road, Scoresby, VIC 3179 Phone: 03 8756 5500 | Email: sales@fivemile.com.au www.fivemile.com.au MLP MK2 half pg ad.indd 1
4/02/2011 4:45:45 PM
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
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Exhibitor Map KIOSK 1
KIOSK 2
LOADING 1
LOADING 2
LOADING 3
13
B39
10
A38
C40
10
10
9
E40
10
25
15
24
A39
B38
C34
6
C32
8
D35
6
D29
3
9
4
D27
C30
3
B20
E33
3
17
E31
6
E29
3
7
8
D24
E23
3
3
E21
3
3
6
E24
2
E22
B12 C13
8
B10
3
6
C11 3
3
3
D19
9
C16
D17
3
3
B01
10
6
H20
D13
C14
3
7
C10
F19
6
F15
6
F13
4
8
9
E15
D16
A
7
7
B
11
12
4
E16
4
E14
6
E10
F18
7
F10
15
G16
5
E13
3
E11
5
78
6
H10
16
F11 6
D10
6
3
3
3
3
3
3
11
10
C02
10
D02
10
6
C
6
D
6
10 E02
E
2
4
3
F08
4
F04
3
F02
5
G09
5
5
G08
H01
6 10
G01
5
F
12
11 6
11
5
G
G02 11
H
Modern Brands
A20
RC2 (Learning Curve)
C40
Lego
G16
Moose
A21
Merchantwise
D19
Big Balloon
G29
Headstart
A39
Hunter Leisure
E40
Childsmart
H20
Korimco Toys
B02
The Five Mile Press
F15
Crown & Andrews Pty Ltd
H39
BBC Worldwide Australia
B10
The Jedko Games Co
F18
Zimbler Pty Ltd
I10
Haven Licensing
B18
Active Imports
F19
Global Discovery
I18
Mega Brands
B39
U Games Australia
F20
Rubies Masquerade
I20
Bilbo Trading T/A Parties Aust.
C02
Tree Toys
G02
Wotabout
J01
i09
5
i01
5
H02
4
Stand No.
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
H18
22
LEGEND Company
12
3
3
B02
15
12
11
3
F01
7
F20
10
12
E19
7
13
21
G20
F09 10
10
i29
21
A02
H29
13
E20
D11
17
G28 G29
8
3
C18
11
7
A01
F29 F25
F21
E18
22
6
4
H28
E26
2
7
D20
6
6
B18
5
4
D22
6
6
A18
E25
5
9
E28
5
C20 3
6
4
D26
3
C22 D21
3 6
17
5
F28
C28 D25
6
A21
3
25
A20
31
D32
E35
10
20
6 3
H39
10
6
6
I
KIOSK 3
LOADING 4
LOADING 5
LOADING 6
LOADING 7 30.5
Meeting Place
K40
10
10
10
25.5
L39
M40
6
6
N40
10
10
12
K28
10
10
6
10
7
13.5
4
N30
8
N28
6
N26
3
N22
4
N20
M30
10
13
i28
Q40
10
6
L28 J28
O40
10
O29
13
O27
2
O23
8
O28
15
O20
10
Q28
10
Q20
15
18
18
L20 J20
K20
15
M26
N27
3
M24
N23
3
M22
4
M20
15
12
i20
6
N21
O21 11
10
12
5
6
5
6
K18 i18
10
J18
K17
3
3
K10 J10
L18
2
16
L16
M15
4
M13
6
5
L14
12
M18
12
N15
N18
4
i02
10
J01
12
5
5
J08
K09
3
8
P19
15
J
3
L09
10
L08
M10
N10
O11
3
O16
6
O14
3
3
3
M08
K
EXIT
L
6
M
4
S02
Q18 R19 6 R18 17
Q16 R17 5
6
Q11 14
6 P10
O12 3
3
O10
7
O02
6
Q10 R11 4
P11 2 2
2
2
2
P09 7
N
4
O
10
2
P
2
2
R10
5
6
Q02 R05 3
Q01 6
Q
R02
10
R01 4
P01 3 3
2
R09 3
Q09 4 10 P02
6
Q14 R15 4
P15 6
10
N02 10
Q15
Q21 R21 3
5 P16
7 3
3
5
2
4
6 P12 12
3
10
14
M14
N08 K08
10
M09
3
Q19
M16
5
10
J02
L10
P18
O18
L12
11
13
5
6
N11 6
19
2
3
10 3
3
12
3
10
M17
S40
6
N19
6
M19
4
i10
3 6
6
47
7
2
2
R
6
S
17
ENTRY
Company
Stand No.
RJWood
J02
Scholastic Australia
M14
Goldie Marketing
R02
Gadget King
J08
Ice Water Press
M17
MJM
R18
Jasnor (Australia) Pty Ltd
J28
Croftminster
N10
The Bugg Report
Q21
Ikon Collectables
K18
K B Sales Pty Ltd
N40
Hasbro
S02
K20
Just Toys
O02
Associated Retailers Limited
S40
Yaffa / Toy & Hobby Retailer
O12
MacDonald Imports
O14
Deerfield
Q40
Hunter Products Ryans Toys Australia Pty Ltd (Halsall) ABC Licensing
L08/N02 M10
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 1
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