The Licensing Letter

Gary Symons

Bob Mackie Made Barbie a Fashion Icon, Says Hollywood Reporter

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The upcoming Barbie movie is testimony to the star power of toy brand Barbie, but it was designer Bob Mackie who made Barbie a star in the first place. That's the argument of Hollywood Reporter, the venerable film industry publication, which said in a recent article that the legendary American designer was a primary reason for the brand's … [Read more...] about Bob Mackie Made Barbie a Fashion Icon, Says Hollywood Reporter

Piñata Smashlings Move to the Metaverse With Supersocial

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toikido has created a metaverse game for its hit toy line Piñata Smashlings with the help of developer Supersocial. Called the Piñataverse, the new multiplayer game offers players a unique social experience as they explore, capture, and train the magical pet-like Smashlings. Toikido says the idea was to create a first of its kind … [Read more...] about Piñata Smashlings Move to the Metaverse With Supersocial

Hasbro Celebrates Centennial At San Diego Comic-Con

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro is returning to San Diego Comic-Con International with a lineup of branded activities for the company's 100th anniversary celebration. The branded activations will take place over multiple days and include convention exclusive product offers, brand-focused panel discussions, giveaways, signing opportunities, demonstrations, photo … [Read more...] about Hasbro Celebrates Centennial At San Diego Comic-Con

Public Broadcaster GBH Signs Key Content Licensing Deal

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Boston-based content creator GBH has signed a deal that will see its "treasure trove of IP" brought to scripted TV and feature films. Under the agreement, GBH will work with Anonymous Content, a global media company that produces multi-platform premium content and boasts an exceptional client roster which includes many of the … [Read more...] about Public Broadcaster GBH Signs Key Content Licensing Deal

Wildbrain Deal With MINISO Brings Peanuts Lines to China Market

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter MINISO has signed a two-year licensing partnership with Peanuts Worldwide for multiple product collections based on the Peanuts brand. The Peanuts brand is jointly owned by Peanuts Worldwide, WildBrain Ltd, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and the family of the original Peanuts creator, Charles M. Schulz. The partnership with MINISO … [Read more...] about Wildbrain Deal With MINISO Brings Peanuts Lines to China Market

Jewel Appointed Exclusive Licensing Agent for SCOUT

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Jewel has been named the exclusive licensing agent for SCOUT. SCOUT was co-founded by Deb Waterman Johns and her husband Ben Johns in 2004, and is known for designing stylish tote bags for women. “We are excited to partner with Jewel to bring the SCOUT brand into new product categories and expand our audience,” said Deb Waterman … [Read more...] about Jewel Appointed Exclusive Licensing Agent for SCOUT

Ms. Marvel Actor to Write New Ms. Marvel Comic

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's a case of life imitating art, imitating life, imitating art. Or something like that. In any case, comics fans have been thrilled to learn Canadian actor Iman Vellani, who plays the character Ms. Marvel, will also be co-writing a new comic book about Ms. Marvel. Adding to the life imitates art theme, Ms. Marvel (aka Kamala Khan) stars … [Read more...] about Ms. Marvel Actor to Write New Ms. Marvel Comic

Mad Cave Studios Named as Publishing Partner for Flash Gordon

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter King Features Syndicate has appointed Mad Cave Studios as master publishing partner for its Flash Gordon character IP. Flash Gordon was originally created for King Features in 1934 as a sci-fi, action-adventure comic strip by Alex Raymond. Since the character's initial debut, Flash Gordon has starred in a live-action TV show, a radio … [Read more...] about Mad Cave Studios Named as Publishing Partner for Flash Gordon

Opinion: Box Office is Back, But Blockbusters Are Not

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief This has been the year of the Big Flop, as multiple Hollywood 'tentpole' blockbusters have failed to break even at the box office. That's led some—including yours truly—to fear the end of the cinema experience is near, but there's another explanation that actually makes more sense. When you actually look at the data for overall box office … [Read more...] about Opinion: Box Office is Back, But Blockbusters Are Not