Interview: Robert Marick, MGM

Robert Marick, Executive Vice President Global Consumer Products & Experiences, MGM, gave Total Licensing an insight on the exciting plans the studio has for the next year and beyond...

The Lion’s Roar!

Can you outline what you will be focusing on around the time of Licensing Expo Virtual?

Over the past year, MGM has expanded its catalogue program and in particular the horror genre with initiatives around classic titles such as Killer Clowns. As we move into Licensing Expo Virtual, we will double-down into this very popular genre with the introduction of our “Midnite Movies” lineup. It’s a huge versatile collection of monsters, villains, themes and symbols that audiences have grown to love.

We will be reviving the history of vintage MGM horror movies to a new generation of fans.

If that wasn’t enough to scare you, we will be taking a similar genre approach and introducing a Sci-Fi catalogue program. This initiative, will bring together MGM’s most iconic sci-fi franchises under one licensing umbrella. From

RoboCop, to Stargate, Species,

War Games and more, this multidimensional genre will surely ignite fans interest from across the globe. Leading with the sci-fi fan favourite, RoboCop, we will be celebrating its 35th anniversary next year with a year-long celebration.

We will use this opportunity to update the style guides and assets across both RoboCop and Stargate and will be looking for licensees to help create compelling products, programs and initiatives throughout 2022 and beyond.

Last time we spoke, there were big plans for Addams Family 2, Legally Blonde and Rocky – can you tell us any updates or recent news for these properties?

We are so fortunate to have such a broad roster of compelling properties to license. We have something for everyone in the family. Addams Family 2 will release in theatres on October 1st. We will be supporting the release with a licensing program that has significantly expanded from the previous theatrical release. We’ve added five new licensed categories including Console Games, Fashion Collaborations, Home, Beauty and Subscription. These product manufacturers add to an already impressive roster of over 30 Addams Family licensees. Get ready as Legally Blonde turns 21 next year. We are kicking off this yearlong celebration with new products and programs that speak to the brands DNA of empowerment, education, pink and humor. Partners across various categories have already signed on. However, I am most excited about the recent announcement that we will be launching the first-ever Legally Blonde mobile game early next year. The game will combine puzzle and choice-based narrative mechanics with the empowering themes and positive messages of the Legally Blonde franchise Rocky turns 45 later this year, and is still “packing a punch” and with eight films in the franchise there is a lot to celebrate. MGM recently announced that Rocky IV will be limited theatrical release in November with a new directors cut that will include never-before released scenes. In addition, a new documentary about the making of the film will release at the same time.

During the last year, families have often turned to classic franchises and movies for comfort – MGM has a huge catalogue of classics! How much has this propelled the licensing programs for your top properties?

The pandemic had a significant impact on classic brands and movie licensing. During this past year, we heard from many licensees and retailers that during the early days of the pandemic, consumers were looking for a comfort outlet such as a favorite food, song or movie to stay positive. Fortunately, many MGM movies filled that niche including Rocky, Pink Panther, Legally Blonde and more. Classic brands felt new again. We used this renewed demand for our classic properties to stay relevant with new product ideas and ways to interact with our customer. As a result, MGM has been fortunate to come through in good form. But we could not have done it without the support of our licensees and retailers. Thank YOU!

Focusing on the Addams family – can you tell us more about the release, and the Wednesday spinoff?

Past consumer research indicated how popular the Wednesday character was in the film and that popularity translated into merchandising sales for the last film. So, when MGM announced that they signed a deal with Netflix to create a Wednesday Addams series, we were very excited.

Our excitement only grew when it was announced that Tim Burton will be directing this live action adaptation. In addition, MGM announced that they found their Wednesday with the selection of Jenna Ortega to play the lead. All of this translates to an incredible consumer products program opportunity. We are in the process of developing our plans now and hope to start discussing our licensing plans with our current Addams Family licensees shortly.

Anything else you’d like to add?

It’s great time to be working with MGM Consumer Products. We have an incredible slate of new and classic properties that transcend demographics, regions and audiences. From the upcoming Creed 3 theatrical release, to the new Vikings: Valhalla series, the new MGM Trademark program or the evergreen Pink Panther licensing program, there is so much opportunity and excitement with MGM properties.

ZAG SIGNS FLIK FLAK WOWWEE NAMED MASTER TOY FOR ARPO

ZAG has signed an exclusive global license (excluding China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) with Switzerland-based Swatch subsidiary Flik Flak for a range of Zag Heroez Miraculous branded watches to debut at retail in July in over 100 countries across five continents, with the U.S. launch on July 15. The announcement was made by Julian ZAG, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, ZAG. Swatch’s Flik Flak watches are the world’s most popular children’s timekeeper -- the first child’s watch to translate the concept of telling the time into accessible fun and entertainment. From July 2021, fans of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir can have their own “magic jewel” in the form of a Flik Flak watch-durable enough to stand up to any powers of destruction they may run into when the play gets tough. Developed in close collaboration with teachers, each timepiece seamlessly combines education with appealing looks. Available at Swatch stores, select retailers and online, Swatch’s Flik Flak watches have broad appeal for both boys and girls, matching the 60/40 girl/boy audience viewership for the series and specials. “Swatch’s Flik Flak has been helping children all over the world to tell the time for more than 30 years, and we are delighted that Miraculous branded watches will now be available to our millions of fans around the world,” commented Julian Zag. “Miraculous has become a global phenomenon, with the series scoring #1 ratings around the world, and over 200M products have been sold during the past four years. With our $100M+ movie Ladybug & Cat Noir: Awakening premiering later this year supported by a global QSR promotion, and the Miraculous toy line from Zag Labs and Playmates toys available at brick and mortar stores across the U.S. this fall, the future continues to look Miraculous!” “We are thrilled to be part of the Miraculous world!” commented Flik and Flak. “As they always say: “together, we’re stronger!” They are convinced that the 2 Miraculous themed watches will help any superhero wannabe around the world be on time and not miss any adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir. Swatch’s Flik Flak joins Italian candy manufacturer Ferrero, and French company Epopia - whose unique epistolary letter format encourages children to read and write through interactive storytelling - as global Miraculous brand partners. Miraculous currently has more than 300 licensees across the globe across all major categories. During 2020, Miraculous grew its digital reach by 178%. Miraculous attracts over 19.6 million subscribers across its nine official YouTube channels, currently available in eight languages. With a total 25 billion views, fans have collectively viewed more than 1.7B hours of content. Miraculous is available on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr—whose 12 official accounts feature dedicated accounts for the series’ main characters--boasting 6.6 million followers in total.

The digital edition of Total Licensing will be at Licensing Expo Virtual and the print edition will be at MIPCOM, MIP Junior and Milano Licensing Day.

WowWee has announced a master toy agreement with Moonbug Entertainment to produce toys based on the upcoming ARPO Robot Babysitter series. WowWee’s 30+ years as a leading developer of consumer robotics and retail success in the licensed preschool aisle made for a natural fit with Moonbug’s content plans for the hit animated comedy show. Following the series launch on Amazon Kids+ this Fall, the new ARPO Robot Babysitter feature plush toys will be available at Amazon in the US just in time for the 2021 holiday shopping season. Additional North American and international retailers will carry the extended line in 2022, which will include robotics, STEM and early learning toys, as well as other figural items based on characters from the series. WowWee has innovative tech applications planned to bring the ARPO Robot Babysitter line to life for young fans of the show. “The new ARPO series is sure to be a hit with families – and this new toy line will bring those new adventures to life for all the fans,” said Simon Philips, Senior In-House Advisor, Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment. “ARPO is a very special show that makes children all over the world laugh and we couldn’t be more excited to work with WowWee, a leader in the toy industry, to find new ways for kids to connect with the characters they love.” ARPO, which stands for Army Robot Prototype Omega, uses slapstick humor aimed at children aged 3-7 years old. Its non-dialogue format entertains kids who speak all languages. The original production coming to Amazon Kids+ takes kids on a series of adventures as ARPO faces new challenges, between caring for Danny’s adopted Korean baby sister Cookie and adjusting to a team of new robots built by Mom. On YouTube alone, ARPO has more than 5 million subscribers, 110 million views per month, and 1.9 billion lifetime views.