Including Universal Music Group and Bravado’s major new deal with Elton John.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Brand Licensing Europe has announced the six finalists for this year’s License This competition. In the Character & Animation category they are: Gail Grisham (a vintage doll that regularly posts on social media about family life); preschool property Oddcats; and The Real Monster Show, which is aimed at 6-11s with an anti-bullying and diversity message. In the Brand & Design category, the finalists are: Animals, a range of characterful quirky animal designs with a unique patchwork texture, strong colours and a hint of retro; Blubz, blue smudges that came into the world by accident; and Pabuku, vintage inspired imagery with a contemporary twist. The final of License This will take place at BLE on Thursday October 11.
Rocket Entertainment and Universal Music Group have struck a global partnership across recorded music, music publishing, merchandise, brand management and licensing rights for Elton John. The deal means that Bravado will work closely with Rocket to expand and develop global merchandising, branding and retail licensing opportunities around Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour and catalogue.
DK has partnered with Nickelodeon to release two adult humour titles in the UK, US and Canada: Hey Arnold! Guide to Relationships and Rugrats: Guide to Adulting. The two books take quotes and stills from the popular 1990’s shows to offer advice on the themes of adulthood and relationships.
Coolabi Group has revealed a new partnership with Historic Royal Palaces to bring the children’s fantasy brand, Beast Quest, to life in an immersive family experience at Hampton Court Palace for October half term. The interactive event is a first for the brand, which is based on the best selling publishing series, which has released over 120 books to date and sold more than 20 million copies globally. The event will run from October 20 at Henry VIII’s famous former home and will enable families to meet phoenixes, dragons, wizards, griffins and more from the series.
Rocket Licensing has revealed a collaboration between Pomeranian dog JIFFPOM and Vivienne Westwood. Already a star of the designer’s global autumn/winter ad campaign, JIFFPOM is now the face of two Vivienne Westwood t-shirts and one bag specially created for the a/w edition of Paris Fashion Week.
Awesome Media & Entertainment – the IP and production company founded by Jeff Norton – is launching a new publishing imprint called Awesome Reads. Ingrid Selberg, former md of Simon & Schuster Children’s UK, will join the company in the role of director of publishing. Awesome Reads will publish 3-4 books a year with a focus on ‘high concept, commercial stories’ that capture the imagination.
Cloudco Entertainment – formerly known as American Greetings Entertainment – is adding a third hub in London, joining its existing LA and Cleveland offices. Karen Vermeulen, Cloudco’s head of global co-production and content distribution, will be assuming increased responsibilities for the UK office, while Alexandros van Blanken, director of content distribution, will be based in London. Cloudco’s director of international licensing – Roubina Tchoboian – will also be based in the UK.
Surge Licensing has appointed Fiesty Pets sub agents in several territories. CPL (Compania Panamericana) will represent the property in Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela; IMC will handle it in Argentina; and Global Licensing will look after it in Australia and New Zealand.
Merchantwise Licensing has been appointed as the Mayans M.C. agent for Australia and New Zealand by 20th Century Fox Consumer Products. The show is the next chapter in the award winning Sons of Anarchy saga.
TGI Fridays has partnered with Rastelli Foods Group – a premium meat and seafood provider for retail – to launch a range of products in the Middle East. The initial range will include a number of the restaurant chain’s most famous menu items such as chicken wings, burgers and mozzarella cheese sticks. The deal was brokered by Beanstalk.
The sixth annual Loved by Children awards is to be sponsored by The Entertainer. The awards – which are open for submissions until October 26 – include toy categories such as Playtime, Creative Play, Bathtime, Travel Toys and the LBC Special Awards including Best Toy Series 2019.
Viz Media Europe is partnering with TF1 Group to broadcast two major anime shows – Captain Tsubasa and My Hero Academia.
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