By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief DC Studios has served notice it's ready to compete with rival Marvel in building an integrated superhero universe. James Web and Peter Safran, the newly appointed co-CEOs of DC Studios, this week revealed their overall plan for the franchise. That initially includes 10 new films and series, but the real news is that the studio will … [Read more...] about James Gunn Unveils The Future of the DC Universe
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WildBrain CPLG To Rep Petronix Defenders in North America
WildBrain CPLG has been granted representation rights for the new superhero adventure series, Petronix Defenders, in the United States and Canada. The brand licensing agency, under its North American office, will build a cross-category consumer product program aimed at kids aged 4-8, which will include categories such as publishing, apparel, and role-play … [Read more...] about WildBrain CPLG To Rep Petronix Defenders in North America
North American Toy Revenue Flatlined in 2022
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A report from NPD Group shows growth in the North American toy sector has stalled, after two record breaking years. “After three record-breaking years for the toy industry, 2022 was a challenging year. U.S. consumers were forced to endure significant economic headwinds stemming from inflation and adverse macroeconomic factors,” said … [Read more...] about North American Toy Revenue Flatlined in 2022
Emmy-Winning Severance To Release Range of Licensed Consumer Products
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Emmy Award-winning breakout series Severance is marking its second season with a slate of consumer products in 2023. The wide-ranging collection of products for the show's avid fan base were created after the program appointed IMG as its exclusive global licensing representative. “Severance is one of the most exciting and gripping … [Read more...] about Emmy-Winning Severance To Release Range of Licensed Consumer Products
Mattel Issues Chelsea Doll Supporting Kids With Scoliosis
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Barbie brand has released a new doll for the Chelsea character line that is designed to increase representation of scoliosis. The new Chelsea doll features curvature in the spine and a removable back brace. With over 100,000 children diagnosed with scoliosis each year in the US, the new doll is intended to normalize the use of back … [Read more...] about Mattel Issues Chelsea Doll Supporting Kids With Scoliosis
Music Licensing: Is Justin Bieber’s Catalog Worth More Than $200 Million?
Data From Spotify Says Yes By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Photo of Justin Bieber by Budiey) Justin Bieber has agreed to sell his entire music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for more than $200 million. Hipgnosis announced the deal via press release, saying it has acquired “Justin Bieber’s 100% interest in his Publishing Copyrights (including the Writer’s Share … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: Is Justin Bieber’s Catalog Worth More Than $200 Million?
Wasserman Music Partners With Howard University for New Entertainment Program
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wasserman Music has partnered with Howard University for the second iteration of its Entertainment Accelerator Experience program. Wasserman Music is a global talent management company that represents musical artists for live performances, touring, brand partnerships and more. "We are excited to work with Wasserman on this … [Read more...] about Wasserman Music Partners With Howard University for New Entertainment Program
Toy Industry Shocker: Hasbro to Lay Off 1,000 Employees
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US toy and entertainment company Hasbro announced Jan. 26 that it would be restructuring, laying off 15% of its workforce. The news rocked Wall Street analysts, as Hasbro shares dropped sharply in overnight trading after the late day announcement Thursday, and continued its fall on Friday. Hasbro primarily blamed the decline in … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Shocker: Hasbro to Lay Off 1,000 Employees
Sesame Workshop and Amazon Work to Support Military Families
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Sesame Workshop and the US Department of Defense are launching new digital resources for the Sesame Street for Military Families initiative. The new resources have been made possible with the support of Amazon Web Services. The licensed digital content features Sesame Street characters as they highlight self-care strategies for … [Read more...] about Sesame Workshop and Amazon Work to Support Military Families
Who’s News: Former Disney Exec Tapped to Lead UP&E’s Global Strategy
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Universal Products & Experiences has appointed Rafael 'Rafa' Macias to lead the company's global commercial strategies. Macias' newly created position at UP&E is officially titled EVP and global commercial officer of consumer products. In his new position, he will oversee not only strategy, but also consumer products development, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Former Disney Exec Tapped to Lead UP&E’s Global Strategy