Licensing Expo Virtual - Preview

Licensing Expo Virtual, taking place this year August 24-26 is the largest event dedicated to licensing and brand extensions. We caught up with Anna Knight, Vice President of Licensing, Informa Markets to find out more about the event, the platform and what the industry can expect.

“We’re very excited about Licensing Expo this year. We’ve got some fantastic names signed up, from the larger studios, to smaller, independent companies, and these are from all over the world, North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, etc. “It’s also great to be able to announce that already there are 600 IPs at the show– we have a new brand directory so you can also see the listings and by the time we are ready for the show

there will be thousands of individual IPs. The platform is already open for exhibitors and attendees – you can browse, search and set up meetings. It has been specifically set up to help people find brands more easily - it’s a really intuitive platform. We have simplified a lot, so it is really user friendly. From a content perspective –Warner Bros. and Mattel will be doing the keynotes – the third is to be confirmed. The ever-popular and important Licensing university has three tracks this year – the basics, a look at categories and then the much more advanced setting as well. We will have live sessions across all categories, in some of the really exciting parts of the industry. “And of course the Awards! Shining a light on some of the fantastic and creative business that has taken place over the last year. “We are working with Helena at POC who will be delivering sustainability sessions. There’s so much going on! “The names of attendees and exhibitors are displayed from the start of the show and all the way through which will be a very valuable tool – people can search via their needs as well to find companies they might not yet be connected with. People can get leads before the show, not just during the event. “We have added in a lot of extra elements to make the system simple to use and navigate. “A concierge service is on offer to key licensees and retailers to help to set up meetings, in addition to exhibitors being able to use this service. “We are anticipating around 6,000 visitors, which is about right for an event of this size. We are trying to bring business to the right companies. “We are focusing on getting the right people there. There is so much potential business. “We have nearly 200 exhibitors signed now! “We are also looking forwards - to Brand Licensing Europe 2021, taking place as a live event in November. We have a fantastic category representation – across all categories, at the show, we have worked hard to make sure that exists. A great number of Europeans have signed for the show as exhibitors and attendees. “As we know, rules change all the time due to COVID-19 so we are extremely mindful of this in all areas.BLE will be an extremely safe exhibition and we work with all measures in place. “The event will support the industry as it collectively looks to a postpandemic future with a ‘What’s Next’ theme weaving throughout the show in 2021. BLE returns this year with a new multi-platform format taking place in-person from 17-19 November at ExCeL London followed by an online event on 30 November- 1 December. “It’s encouraging to see live events happening around the world – as I said earlier, we notice that people attending the shows are very serious about doing business, so even thought the phrase quality over quantity is a cliché, it’s very true!”

Licensing Expo Virtual recently announced the agenda for the event’s 2021 edition taking place August 24-26 in a virtual format.

This year’s event features the return of Licensing U, produced by Licensing International, the US market debut of License This!, and an opening keynote address from senior executives at Warner Bros. Consumer Products, and Mattel plus the launch of Digital Brand Roadshows, Retail Clinics, Sustainability Clinics produced in partnership with Products of Change, along with GLG educational content. Categories for the 2021 event live sessions include: • Collaborations and Partnerships • New Exhibitors to the Event • Heritage and Nostalgia • The Live Experience • Animation and Anime • Licensing Around the World • Sustainability Clinics • Retail Education & Ask Me Anything

Sessions: • GLG Educational Content: • Changing the Channel: The

Evolution of Kids’ Content

licensingexpo.com

• Ordering Up: How F&B is Feeding

Limited Edition Drops • Untapped Potential: How Mobile Gaming is Gearing Up for Big

Change • Collectibles – Who’s Collecting•

What Now? • WTF is an NFT???!! Licensing U: A Licensing Expo staple produced by Licensing International, Licensing U supports brand licensing newcomers and those interested in honing their expertise. This year’s educational offering will span three tracks: 1. Basics, offering an essential introduction to how the licensing industry works 2. Spotlights, providing insight into the latest topics and trends in key segments 3. Tactics and Strategies, offering insight into the topics and trends impacting the brand licensing industry

Over the next few pages, we bring you a snapshot of some of the companies at Licensing Expo and what properties they will be bringing to market.

9 Story has announced several key launches at the show. Jakks “Back-To-School” Daniel Tiger Plush - Daniel Tiger back-to-school feature plush with 10 school-themed phrases/songs! Press Daniel’s hand to trigger the sounds. Daniel also comes with a removable soft backpack, and small Tigey plush that fits inside the backpack so Daniel can take Tigey with him. Storypod Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Edition - Storypod is an interactive screenless storyteller for kids ages 3+. Educational and entertaining stories and songs come to life when kids tap lovable yarn-characters (called Crafties) or read-along books on top of Storypod. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is joining the Storypod platform which will now feature an exclusive Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood-branded edition which also includes a Daniel Tiger Craftie with exciting audio stories from the original show. Cottage Door Press “Happy Birthday!” Book - Grr-ific! Happy Birthday, Neighbor! Join Daniel Tiger and friends as they help celebrate your child’s special day in this personalized birthday book designed for little Daniel Tiger fans! Enjoy cake, presents, and singing the Happy Birthday song with your favorite neighborhood pals in this lively rhyming Daniel Tiger birthday book for toddlers that captures all the giggles and fun a birthday party brings. This unique keepsake sturdy birthday board book includes a special cover flap designed for a personalized inscription as well as an envelope and seal for gift giving. Little ones will love this special greeting card alternative that can be read over and over again. Daniel Tiger books are the perfect birthday treat for any little Daniel Tiger fan.

Asmodee Entertainment’s mission is to extend the most popular board games in Asmodee’s vast portfolio into truly global brands. Through Aconyte Books, publishing arm of Asmodee Entertainment, the company has created gripping fan fiction novels set in the rich worlds of its games (Arkham Horror, Legend of the Five Rings, KeyForge…) as well as through partnerships with leading content providers (Marvel, Ubisoft…). The interactive team, in cooperation with Asmodee Digitial, is establishing partnerships with leading console, PC, Mobile and digital tabletop companies. Several of Asmodee’s leading brands have already been licensed to category leading partners in the interactive space with many more to be announced in the coming months. AE’s consumer products licensing team is working with leading global manufacturers and retailers to develop curated product offerings for its biggest fans in categories such as apparel & accessories (Hot Topic), collectibles (Loot Crate), gift & novelties (FanSets), publishing (CMON & Welbeck) and social expressions (Artovision) to name a few. In the location-based entertainment space, Asmodee has partnered with leading escape room operators (Escape Games Canada and Hourglass Escapes) and have some exciting immersive experience projects in development. content producer and toy manufacturer is investing in its famous preschool license Super Wings and in promising new brands for the licensing market. The successful Super Wings series has a great future ahead with 5 seasons on air in most countries, a season 6 in delivery, a season 7 in production and more than 200 licensees, thanks to all our partners trust and support. In the upcoming season 6, Jett and his friends will be facing new challenges with new powers, allowing them to become World Guardians! Ready to take-off? Alpha Group also works on new projects with the production of its new series Legends of Spark for 5-8 years old. The series has already been placed with more than thirty broadcasters including Gulli, Canal Panda, Karusel, MTVA, Ökko, Youtube, Canal J and many more to come. Spark is a car who dreams to become the fastest driver and will conquer TV screens in Q3 / Q4 2022. Kids will enjoy its adventures in a second season planned for fall 2022. Last but not least, soon to be released Petronix Defenders TV series is in production. A promising series following a team of heroic children whose backpacks transform into robotic pets. Together they travel the world to rescue endangered animals all around the planet! Super RTL, Gulli, Tiny Pop, Clan, Karousel, Discovery Kids and Radio-Canada are already on board and more to come soon. This upcoming show will be delivered in Q2 2022 and will be targeting 4-8 years old.

ZAG will be at Licensing Expo this year with Miraculous - Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, and the upcoming series, Ghostforce. Miraculous continues to grow exponentially, and this year we hit over US$1 billion in retail sales for the

brand. Created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids & family (Mediawan Group), the series is ranked by IMDB amongst the Top 10 Best Animated Shows in the last 20 years; and was listed among the Top 10 most popular TV shows on Netflix in the U.S. ZAG and ON kids & family are in production on the first Miraculous theatrical to debut in fall 2021. The movie is a great opportunity for us to further engage adult audiences with the brand. We’re delighted about the success of our consumer products program around the world with over 300 partners on board. Our new worldwide licensees include Swatch’s Flik Flak and Epopia, who join long-standing partners Ferrero and PEZ. Ghostforce is an original gender neutral series for kids 6 -10 years old, coming to Disney Channel across EMEA, Discovery Kids Latin America and TF1 in fall 2021. Equal parts comedy and action, the series follows three junior high school students who form a secret team to defend their city from the ghastly ghouls haunting it. As these ordinary kids become heroes, they must keep their own normal lives on track while battling paranormal perils and supernatural supervillains. From a licensing and merchandising perspective, we already closed with several major partners, with toys coming from Playmates Toys and ZAG Labs, plus yet to be announced publishing and apparel partners, amongst others.

2021 marks the 200th Anniversary of The Saturday Evening Post, America’s oldest and one of the most beloved magazines. As the licensing division for the publication, Curtis Licensing has an arsenal of content including over 10,000 illustrations by artists like Norman Rockwell, John Falter, J.C. Leyendecker and George Hughes among many others. The images cover a variety of themes including holiday, travel, retro, farm, glamour and nautical. Since they were first printed in the magazine and through the work of Curtis Licensing, these images have been featured on thousands of licensed products and countless promotional campaigns, both in the United States as well as internationally. Product categories include seasonal and every day home décor, tabletop, stationery and gifts, puzzles, games and hobbies, publishing, educational uses and apparel. “Flexibility has always been a core value at Curtis Licensing, not only when it came to the terms of an agreement, but also with regards to the use of the art. During meetings and discussions, we would often tell licensees to crop or modify the artwork to better fit their needs. However, whether due to a lack of time or resources, or whether it was an inherent fear to “change” original artwork, a lot of companies would shy away from this,” said Cris Piquinela, Director of Licensing at

Curtis. “So, bit by bit, we started taking care of this design work ourselves which has been a crucial shift in how we conduct business.” Using a variety of techniques and tools, Curtis designers have become experts in modifying, tailoring and even creating brand new original artwork to accommodate the specific needs of their licensees. “We have become a full-service design company that can create a whole custom art collection and even generate product mockups upon request, and in time for our Licensee’s presentations,” added Piquinela. Every month, in addition to custom projects and working collectively as a team, the Curtis executive team and designers also research the upcoming color and thematic trends and create thematic collections ahead of schedule so as to always keep their already impressive archive of iconic images relevant and fresh.

WildBrain CPLG’s recently expanded US team will be heading to this year’s Licensing Expo Virtual (LEV) to present new brands, initiatives, and opportunities across its varied and growing roster of lifestyle, entertainment, and classic properties. Experienced licensing executive, Jasen Wright, who recently joined WildBrain CPLG in the newly created role of Vice President for North America, is responsible for driving the agency’s efforts and portfolio in the market. He will attend LEV alongside Alyssa Gourlay, WildBrain CPLG’s local Director of Business Development, to showcase opportunities within the ambitious plans, this year and beyond, for WildBrain’s proprietary brands which include Strawberry Shortcake, Caillou, Teletubbies and Chip & Potato. Building on Wright’s extensive background in assembling consumer products programmes for some of the world’s leading lifestyle brands, the team will also present opportunities across WildBrain CPLG’s expanding lifestyle property line-up. Current brands include: Absolut, Malibu, Harvard and Yale universities, British luxury leather company OSPREY LONDON, one of the most recognisable images in the music industry, the Parental Advisory brand, and one of the most iconic figures in fitness, Richard Simmons. Additionally, the team will share updates on WildBrain CPLG’s wider portfolio of third-party entertainment brands and existing partners, including Square Enix and its iconic arcade gaming IP, Space Invaders. At LEV, WildBrain CPLG will also present insights into the agency’s digital and content capabilities for IP owners and licensors, which are available in collaboration with WildBrain’s AVOD

network and digital studio, WildBrain Spark. This offering has recently seen WildBrain CPLG’s long-standing partnership with the emoji Company evolve to include the creation of emojitown, a new digital-first series and consumer products extension of the iconic emoji brand for teens. In a further combined services partnership, WildBrain CPLG is now building a global cross-category merchandise offering to support Moose Toys’ new boys’ brand, Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors, for which WildBrain Spark is also producing a dynamic new animated series that brings the world of Akedo to life.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises is stepping into the spotlight and bringing the magical Dr. Seuss world and its characters to life with new entertainment and content deals including: • Warner Brothers Animation- The Cat in the Hat feature film will kick off the new Dr. Seuss movie slate in 2024, followed by Thing One and Thing Two in an original feature length animated adventure in 2026. Bad Robot Productions has been tapped to adapt Oh, the Places You’ll Go! for the big screen with J.J. Abrams and head of motion pictures Hannah Minghella as producers on the film, set to debut in 2027. • Netflix’s Green Eggs and Ham- Warner Bros. Animation’s hit Netflix series Green Eggs and Ham was renewed for a second season. • The Jim Henson Company- Dr. Seuss Enterprises recently partnered with The Jim Henson Company to bring Come Over to My House, a new television puppet-led docuseries, to fans. • Dapper Labs- Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Dapper Labs are partnering to create all new digital collectibles to the Flow blockchain. The web-based experience will enable fans of Dr. Seuss’s vast universe the ability to collect digital packs of their favorite characters and wholly own them on blockchain forever. • Seuss Chef - An inspirational “foodie” brand for kids that takes Dr. Seuss’s signature characters and teaches kids about healthy eating and safe cooking with a side of wild Seussian fun. Seuss Chef will have a variety of fun cooking products and content, including cookbooks and cooking videos. Across the full portfolio of literary properties, Dr. Seuss Enterprises plans to grow licensing programs around the following four categories: Entertainment & Content; Toys; Food & Beverage; Health & Beauty; Infant & Baby.

Thirty-eight years after its foundation, Exim comments: “We can assure potential partners that this distinction lies in the fact that we are the only agency that, in addition to the development of Consumer Products, generate a unique synergy due to the emphasis put on the production of Live Shows, Concerts and Events.

“Excellence and quality have been our signature mark, and this effort has been rewarded with the opening of more than thirty shows that have been a box office success in most territories. In 2018 we premiered, at the prestigious Luna Park Stadium in the city of Buenos Aires: Elvis Sinfónico, a concert that as the Argentine newspaper Clarin quoted, “Made the public feel that Elvis was alive”. With 48 musicians on stage and a special presentation by Priscilla Presley herself, Elvis Sinfónico repeated the success in Chile and Mexico. This December we will go back to Chile and during 2022 we plan dates in Brazil as well as in Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay. “In order to continue growing our brands portfolio, we’ll promote ABG’s (Authentic Brands Group) consumer products in Latin America starting with some Legends and Celebrities. “It is an honor to also be able to represent PANINI and NASA, brands with infinite legacy and projection, under a strong brand seal and with a bank of thousands of images. “In partnership with AM-Licensing, we promote Brandalised (the provocative and impressive work of the World’s Most Famous Graffiti Artist: Banksy) and Pets Rock, which approaches the consumer with a unique sense of humor. “With HQs in Miami, Exim has created a new network of agencies and partnerships throughout the region: Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. With offices in Guatemala and Panama, the seven countries of Central America are also covered. “All along these decades we have built a strong bond between efficiency and creativity, where there is no limit to imagination. With a top-notch team, our main goal is to continue growing, offering our usual high standard of quality and trust… just like we’ve been doing for the past 38 years.”

Tim Kilby, Brand and E-commerce director at Character World, made these comments on the business and hopes for the future: “These last 18 months have been a time like no other and licensing has never been more important. Our own core licensed business has grown with both UK retailers and our European partners and we are expecting continued growth in the next 12 months, despite the challenges facing the industry. Our existing brand portfolio continues to go from strength to strength and (thanks to Zoom!) we have worked even closer with our licensor and retail partners to maximise distribution of our amazing products. Alongside the existing brands we have made some new signings such as Rocket League, Playstation, Sonic the Hedgehog, Stranger Things and some excellent new preschool properties such as Cocomelon and Dino Ranch. “Here at Character World we have also

taken this time to launch some really innovative products in the wellness category with our brand, Rest Easy Sleep Better™. Our products are amongst the top performing in their category and we have even been featured in the Evening Standard and Glamour magazine. “This is not it for Character World; we have some really exciting new launches coming over the next 12 months which we can’t wait to share with everyone and are excited to see them come to market.”

Greg Giordano, the Owner and Managing Operator of Greg & Company, has worked alongside Legacy Publishing Group to create original designs for The Heartland Wall Calendar collection. The year 2022 will mark the 4th year that this calendar line has been a successful and integral part of the consumer

market. The Heartland collection celebrates American nostalgia, featuring vintage antique trucks and tractors in a variety of rustic farm settings and small-town scenes. “What a joy it is to work with Greg! Time spent surrounded by his beautiful artwork is good for the soul”, shares Cathleen LLanso, President of Legacy Publishing Group. “His calendars have been a favorite of Legacy customers for years and Greg has been a favorite of ours as well. His talents spill past the canvas. He is that rare artist who becomes an invaluable partner. In sharing his experience and his years of work in the art and licensing world, and his understanding of the production side of the business, Greg makes us better before, during and after we publish his art.” The popularity of Greg’s images for the Heartland collection has expanded beyond wall calendars, and have been featured on greeting cards, puzzles, and various wall decor items.

Endemol Shine North America, a Banijay Company, will present its latest portfolio across unscripted, scripted and digital properties for the 2021 Virtual Licensing expo – MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, Wipeout, Peaky Blinders, and legacy brands including digital animated series Simon’s Cat, British Icon Mr. Bean and Deal or No Deal. Hit culinary series MasterChef is currently on its 11th season on FOX while MasterChef Junior’s 8th season will premiere on FOX later this year. In recent years, its license program has grown to a diverse product offerings including housewares, toys and games, publishing, live events and more. Re-imagined, fan-favorite, extreme obstacle course series Wipeout is TBS’ #1 unscripted and most co-viewed show. The series has been renewed for a second season and will start production Q3 2021. The first consumer product offering in the toys category is set to debut this summer. Scripted series from the Banijay Brands portfolio, Peaky Blinders, is an award-winning crime period drama airing on Netflix and BBC One. The sixth and final season of the series is set to premiere soon. Its robust licensing program includes products across multiple consumer categories including games, beverage, apparel, digital, housewares, gifts/novelties, stationary, publishing and more. Other legacy brands to be featured include highly popular digital animated series Simon’s Cat who reached 18M+ followers across social media and earned 20M+ app downloads, Facebook’s #1 TV brand and British icon Mr. Bean and all-time favorite unscripted series Deal or No Deal. and her staff have designed for more than 50 manufacturers in a variety of product categories including stationery, greeting cards, giftware, tabletop, home décor and more. “Using your design specs or our own product concepts, we will work with you to develop a fresh, on trend and original product collection that will SELL!”

Delta Children is trusted by some of the biggest names in licensing such as Disney, Nickolodeon, DC, Marvel, and more. From beds to chairs to tables, they make hundreds of styles guaranteed to fit any child’s needs. Delta Children is excited to be expanding their license offerings to include CoComelon. For over 50 years, Delta Children has provided everything kids need for their bedrooms, nurseries, playrooms and more. Now, they are thrilled to be entering the outdoor category.

As a market leader in anime, Funimation is everywhere fans want their anime, proudly delivering incredible fan experiences, including licensing and merchandise. Anime is a cultural phenomenon, and Funimation partners with the best global brands for the most coveted, passionate, and diverse fandom around the world. From current juggernaut brands like Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball and My Hero Academia, to nostalgic brands like Cowboy Bebop, Robotech and Afro Samurai, Funimation and its global alliance of partners delivers consistent top performers at key retailers, both in-person and online. Funimation is currently seeking new partners to grow anime together.