By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Princess Sam Consumer Products has appointed a licensing agent for the children’s animated adventure-comedy-fantasy hit Tara Duncan in two key markets: Canada and Mexico.
Visano Management, led by respected industry figure Tanya Visano, will handle licensing for the fast-growing property in these important North American markets.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen by PSCP as a licensing agent in Canada and Mexico for Tara Duncan, to bring this exciting, entertaining and magical property to consumers through fresh and on-trend consumer products,” Visano said.
Tanya Visano brings a wealth of experience to the task. Her credits include building a consumer products team for Viacom (Paramount) Consumer Products in Canada and heading Paramount Consumer Products in Mexico, where she steered the business towards strong growth.
The partners say the Tara Duncan strategy for Mexico will be managed in partnership with regional specialist Jose Troncoso from Licensing Hub, who boasts over 10 years of experience in entertainment, sports and licensing. Jose will lead the Mexican strategy and local licensee program for key categories and retailers, while also identifying partnership opportunities.
Visano and Troncoso say they will strategically work with the Tara Duncan brand through partnerships with best-in-class licensees and retailers in Canada and Mexico.
“Tanya and her team have valuable experience with some of the biggest names in the licensing industry and know these markets better than just about anyone,” said PCSP head of licensing Laurent Taieb. “We’re delighted to welcome Visano Management on board to support Tara Duncan, a brand that keeps on attracting some of the best names in the business!”
This appointment is another major boost for the fast-growing animated series, which already has 52 episodes of 13 minutes each. The highly original story of an ordinary girl from Earth with extraordinary powers making friends and fighting evil on the magical planet OtherWorld is now being viewed in more than 80 countries with the second season now in production. It is also enjoying a surge in licensing opportunities.
Agents have already been appointed for the UK, Spain and Portugal, Benelux, multiple territories across Latin America and the Caribbean, Italy and now Canada and Mexico. The company says more appointments are imminent. Globally, the international distribution company Superights represents worldwide rights distribution for the show, except in Mainland China.
As brand awareness grows, PSCP is launching its own range of Tara Duncan figurines, playsets and dolls at retail in France from autumn this year, thanks to its French distributor WTT. More territories are to follow soon. The Tara Duncan licensing campaign has also awarded a licence in the French market to toy company tonies. Along with toys and games, other categories being targeted by the growing network of agents include back to school, stationery, home textiles, apparel, fashion accessories, beauty & personal care, food & beverage, and gifts.