The Source takes a look at some of the big licensing stories of the year.
2015 has been another bumper year in the UK licensing industry – from Force Friday to emerging new brands, from The Licensing Awards to The Light Fund challenges and another strong Brand Licensing Europe.
We round up some of the stories from the year, focusing today on March and April.
March
CPLG announces it is to open offices in Stockholm and Warsaw, as part of the agency’s expansion into the Nordic and CEE territories. Maarten Weck takes on the new role of md for CPLG Northern Europe.
Cartoon Network teams up with footwear brand Dr Martens for a special ‘bounce mob’ on London’s Carnaby Street. Celebrating the launch of the new limited edition Adventure Time boots, 100 people took part in the stunt.
Mask-arade becomes the latest firm to sign up as a Minions licensee. The company will be producing face masks, as well as desktop and life-size standees.
Mattel strengthens its publishing division ahead of Bologna Book Fair. As well as renewing its focus on Barbie storytelling, the company will also be developing a new vertical digital publishing team to support its brands.
April
Licensing Expo confirms that YouTube star Bethany Mota will be taking part in its ‘Big Interview’ slot at the June show.
Zodiak Kids reveals its new division – Zodiak Kids Studios, the new home for all of its production across the UK and France. Consisting of French production companies Marathon Media and Tele Images Productions and UK-based The Foundation, it will be headed up by Michael Carrington – the former controller of CBeebies and chief content officer for Cartoon Network EMEA.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products confirms that Bruno Schwobthaler is to leave his role as svp marketing, sales and business development EMEA. Bruno had been at the company for 18 years.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group team up for LEGO Dimensions, a video game that merges physical LEGO brick building with interactive console gameplay. Brands involved include The Lord of the Rings, DC Comics and Back to the Future among others.
DC Super Hero Girls is unveiled – a new superhero universe aimed at the girls’ market. Warner Bros., DC Entertainment and Mattel are working together on the new collection, which will include such characters as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl and Harley Quinn.
