By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Squishmallows are ready for their closeup, as toymaker Jazwares partners with Amazon MGM are developing a new film based on the plush toy line. Jazwares is clearly looking to replicate the success of toy-based franchises like the smash-hit Barbie or the LEGO films. The move certainly makes sense from Amazon's point of view, as Squishmallows … [Read more...] about Squishmallows Hitting the Big Screen in New Amazon Film
Entertainment
Best-Selling Author Joy Berry’s IP is Up for Sale or License
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Children's author Joy Berry has retained Hilco Global to manage the sale and licensing process for her books, which have sold more than 85 million copies. The sale will include the entire Joy Berry multimedia intellectual property portfolio, Hilco says. Berry is known by many in the juvenile publishing/media industry as “The Inventor of … [Read more...] about Best-Selling Author Joy Berry’s IP is Up for Sale or License
Who’s News: Joss Hastings To Lead Marketing for Disney Consumer Products
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Disney veteran Joss Hastings has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing for Disney Consumer Products. The move is part of the restructuring taking place at The Walt Disney Company as it has shifted its world-leading Disney Consumer Products (DCP) division from Disney Experiences to Disney Entertainment Studios. Disney says … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Joss Hastings To Lead Marketing for Disney Consumer Products
Mattel Unveils Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mattel is paying tribute to singing legend Whitney Houston, creating a new doll for the Barbie Signature Series. The doll was unveiled Saturday evening at the fifth annual Legacy of Love Gala, presented by The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music. The gala's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" theme referenced Houston's … [Read more...] about Mattel Unveils Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll
WildBrain CPLG Hires New Head of Licensing for Japan
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain CPLG is continuing its expansion across Asia-Pacific (APAC) with the opening of its first-ever office in Japan, to be headed by Koichi Yamamoto. The seasoned licensing executive has joined WildBrain CPLG as Commercial Director, Japan, for the new office in Tokyo, marking a major milestone in the agency's growth strategy in the … [Read more...] about WildBrain CPLG Hires New Head of Licensing for Japan
Dr. Seuss Enterprises Promotes Three Leaders to Senior Manager Roles
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a global entertainment company, has promoted three employees to senior manager positions, the company announced. Joie Yale was named senior manager of entertainment, Fernanda Garcia Oliveros was named senior manager of licensing, and Colton Marquardt was named senior manager of creative and product. The company said the promotions reflect its … [Read more...] about Dr. Seuss Enterprises Promotes Three Leaders to Senior Manager Roles
Bob Ross Paintings Now Displayed on LG Art TVs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Here's one of those licensing collaborations we love because it just makes so much sense. Artist Bob Ross became famous as the chilled-out painter giving lessons on TV for several years, and now his works will 'hang' on LG's Art TVs. The artistic mashup will see LG Electronics and Cineverse adding the Bob Ross Gallery Collection to … [Read more...] about Bob Ross Paintings Now Displayed on LG Art TVs
Bulldog Signs Two Sesame Street Deals for UK Retail
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Bulldog Licensing, which represents Sesame Street in the United Kingdom on behalf of Sesame Workshop, has signed two new licensing deals for the brand. ToyTopic, a developer of licensed and own-brand toys, will launch a range of Sesame Street toys, gifts and novelties, including snap bracelets, seasonal plush, plush backpacks, plush … [Read more...] about Bulldog Signs Two Sesame Street Deals for UK Retail
Champion and BTS Singer ‘V’ in Global Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The athletic lifestyle brand Champion has signed a partnership deal with singer V from the Korean Kpop supergroup BTS. V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has signed on to literally become a global champion for the Champion brand around the world. He will be joining a group of other celebrities working with the brand on its "True Champion" … [Read more...] about Champion and BTS Singer ‘V’ in Global Partnership
Aardman to Showcase 50th Anniversary Milestones at Brand Licensing Europe
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's hard to believe it's been 50 years since Aardman Studios first introduced bumbling inventor Wallace and his long-suffering dog Gromit to the world. But Aardman will indeed be celebrating its 50th anniversary at Brand Licensing Europe in October this year, likely with some tea and a slice of Wensleydale cheese, highlighting a year of … [Read more...] about Aardman to Showcase 50th Anniversary Milestones at Brand Licensing Europe