The amusement/theme park business is ramping up, and for licensed brands, it's only getting better. Global theme park spending totaled $40.4 billion in 2015, up 7.4% from 2014, according to the Intl. Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA). The IAAPA points to a 5.2% increase in attendance, the largest gain during the past five years, as the biggest reason for … [Read more...] about Licensing in the $40.4 Billion Theme Park Business
Experiential Licensing
Content & Experiential Roundup
Mattel and Otoy join force to bring original episodic "Batman: The Animated Series" content to the View-Master VR Viewer this fall. The new content is developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros.’ digital studio Blue Ribbon Content. Cartoon Network will release a new Adventure Time virtual reality mobile game and a Jake the … [Read more...] about Content & Experiential Roundup
With VR, Top Entertainment Properties Weave a Web Around Fans
Virtual reality technology is giving entertainment licensors a way to immerse fans more fully in their favorite franchises, with perennial properties including Shrek and Star Wars positioned to reach fans in three dimensions. DreamWorks Animation has entered into a deal with visual effects house Digital Domain to produce VR experiences with popular DWA characters, including … [Read more...] about With VR, Top Entertainment Properties Weave a Web Around Fans
Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
Over the last week, 16,000 attendees braved triple-digit temperatures at Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas. Over 150 new exhibitors entered the fray—totaling 460+ licensors and agents representing over 35 countries. See this coming Wednesday's Deal Sheet for a complete breakdown of new properties showcased and deals announced. The top trends that we'll see in licensing over … [Read more...] about Franchises and the 360 Experience Dominate Vegas
360 Degrees to Every Brand
More than ever before, consumers are demanding access to brands on multiple platforms. This is nothing new: companies around the floor have been aware of the need to develop what are now being called "360 programs," where linear and digital entertainment, live experiences like shows and theme parks, social media, advertising and consumer merchandise are all essential parts … [Read more...] about 360 Degrees to Every Brand
VR, Cafes, Inflatables and More Branding Efforts
Experiential licensing, including theme parks, touring exhibitions and other location-based attractions can provide both revenue and ongoing exposure to build or maintain relationships with fans. Here are some of the latest deals: Pulse Evolution will leverage its partnerships with Authentic Brands Group and three late celebrity estates—Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and … [Read more...] about VR, Cafes, Inflatables and More Branding Efforts
Interactive Branding
Experiential licensing, including theme parks, touring exhibitions and other location-based attractions can provide both revenue and ongoing exposure to build or maintain relationships with fans. Here are some of the latest deals: Marvel partnered with Victory Hill Exhibitions to open the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.—an experience that promises to give fans a look at intelligence … [Read more...] about Interactive Branding
New Frontiers in VR
By Karina Masolova As traditional linear entertainment falls by the wayside, new technologies emerge that make it possible for us to interact with brands. Thus, for example, Internet TV is making on-demand the norm for TV viewing. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality are also among the technologies changing the rules of engagement. Know Your Headsets Google Cardboard … [Read more...] about New Frontiers in VR
Place-based Strategy Getting DreamWorks Where it Wants to Go
By Marcy Magiera DreamWorks Animation (DWA) must be as happy as, well, an ogre in a swamp with its strategy to exploit Shrek, Hiccup, Oh, Alex and other characters in location-based licensing. As its DreamWorks DreamPlace holiday attractions roll out in malls across the U.S. and London, the movie studio reported that its consumer product revenues more than doubled in the third … [Read more...] about Place-based Strategy Getting DreamWorks Where it Wants to Go
The State of Estates
By Karina Masolova They may be dead, but they're not gone. Estate licensing, for deceased celebrities who would fall under the celebrities category in life, made up 2.3% of all licensing revenue in 2014. After gaining 1.3% in 2013, estate-based sales fell 1.0% in 2014 to $2.25 billion. Retail success in was largely limited to a couple of dominant properties, notably Marilyn … [Read more...] about The State of Estates