Caroline Mickler explains why The Beatles classic is more than just a nostalgia brand.
It’s a staggering 50 years since the Yellow Submarine movie was originally released in July 1968 (the Yellow Submarine album followed in 1969).
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t just a nostalgia brand, according to licensing agent Caroline Mickler.
“The appeal of the movie – which saw animated versions of Paul, John, George and Ringo led to Pepperland by Captain Fred in an attempt to rescue it from the menace of the music-hating Blue Meanies – is still strong,” Caroline says.
“It continues to attract new fans to its inventive mix of psychedelia, colourful animation and amazing music (some of it unreleased at the time) – and of course that live guest appearance by the Fab Four themselves at the end.
“In its time Yellow Submarine went on to become both critically acclaimed – it received a New York Film Critics Circle Special Award in 1968 – and warmly embraced by fans. It remains a groundbreaking and exciting film and brand to this day.”
So how will the half century play out in terms of consumer products? Recent launches include a calendar from Danilo and a collectable figurine series from Titan.
“There are, of course, a number of licensing launches taking place next year, including a Yellow Submarine board game, as well as a graphic novel and fashion apparel. And that’s only the ones we can mention,” smiles Caroline.
“There will be more partnerships announced in the coming months, which we are very excited about, backed by marketing events in cooperation with Apple Corps. Other activities for fans are still to be announced – so watch this space.”
This feature originally appeared in the spring 2018 edition of Licensing Source Book. Click here to read the full publication.
