LicensingSource.net finds out more about this year’s UK Rising Star nominees. Today, Fanattik’s creative director, Melissa Tudor.
Melissa Tudor, creative director, Fanattik
My route into licensing went something like this…
I was working in the financial industry and I applied for a product development role back when Fanattik was mainly creating licensed art prints and had just begun developing small collectables like limited edition coins and pin badges. I was so happy to finally be able to put my graphic design degree to use and as a result the company subsequently went from outsourcing design to having a growing in-house team of talented designers which I have the pleasure of leading.
How long in the industry?
It’s been five years now and I’m really appreciative to have grown with the company as it simultaneously grew from a small start up to working with massive film and video game studios like Universal, Paramount, Bethesda, Konami and Capcom.
When I was growing up, I had no idea that ‘licensing’ was an industry, so I wanted to be…
In film set design or special effects makeup and prosthetics.
Biggest inspiration in the licensing industry?
I love the Noble Collection and the effort that they put in to their replicas particularly for Harry Potter. I’ve got my eye on many of them for my own collection at home.
Best thing about your current role?
I love to travel and meet new people so it is great to have the opportunity to travel abroad to events like New York Comic Con, Nuremberg Toy Fair and Las Vegas Licensing Show to meet with current and potential partners. Most of all, it is a dream to work with brands that myself and my team are super fans of ourselves, I feel that passion really shines through in our collectables.
What are you most proud of within your licensing career to date?
Each time we have ventured into a new area – whether it be a Batman clock, a large scale resin replica of the Tablet of Lost Memories for Yu-Gi-Oh!, an intricate 24 karat gold plated replica of the Hogwarts Express Train Ticket or a funky Back to the Future hoverboard shaped desk pad – we have always put a great amount of fan-perspective thought into each product and that has been reflected in the positive feedback we get from customers and the opening of new doors to sell in different parts of the world.
Licensed character you can most identify with (and why)?
I would say Newt Scamander from Fantastic Beasts because he loves all animals, likes to travel and I love the thought of being able to climb into a briefcase and have my own little world in there.
What were your first thoughts when you were revealed as a nominee for the UK Rising Star Award?
It is my first individual award nomination and it is really special to have that recognition at the 5 year point in my licensing career. It’s an honour to stand alongside the other candidates from companies that we have a lot of respect for – best wishes to all on the night!
The Licensing Awards 2023 takes place on Tuesday 12 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or +44 (0)1183 340085.
