The Licensing Letter

Entertainment

Beyond Barbie: Mattel Launches Mattel Studios to Expand Film and TV Ambitions

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a move with major implications for licensing, Mattel, Inc. has announced the formation of Mattel Studios, a new division that consolidates the company’s film and television operations under one banner. Mattel says the move is part of a broader strategy to expand the entertainment footprint of the toy and media giant. The formation of … [Read more...] about Beyond Barbie: Mattel Launches Mattel Studios to Expand Film and TV Ambitions

Opinion: Timbaland’s New AI Pop Star ‘TaTa’ Ushers in the Age of the Uncanny Valley

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and music producer Timbaland has launched an AI entertainment company, Stage Zero, which will manage its first 'signee', an AI pop artist named TaTa (pictured above). In doing so, Timbaland has also plunged the rest of the world into a Black Mirror episode that — unlike TaTa — is unfortunately very real. Stage Zero, co-founded by … [Read more...] about Opinion: Timbaland’s New AI Pop Star ‘TaTa’ Ushers in the Age of the Uncanny Valley

Heineken 0.0 Hits the Screen with F1 The Movie

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Heineken 0.0 non-alcoholic beer brand has been named an official licensing partner for Apple Original Films’ F1 The Movie. “At Heineken, we believe culture has the power to shape behaviour,” said Heineken Brand head, Nabil Nasser. “By becoming part of F1 The Movie, we’re taking the conversation around moderation into a space that’s … [Read more...] about Heineken 0.0 Hits the Screen with F1 The Movie

Ultra Pro Launches Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy Gaming Accessories

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix have partnered with Ultra Pro for a licensed Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy merchandise collection. Inspired by the Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy card deck that is launching on June 13, the Ultra Pro collection brings imagery from the well-known video game franchise to a variety of tabletop … [Read more...] about Ultra Pro Launches Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy Gaming Accessories

Marvel Studios and Kellanova Team Up for Fantastic Four Pop-Tarts

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Marvel Studios and Kellanova have teamed up for a licensed Pop-Tarts collection to promote the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Fantastic Four pastry line-up features four Pop-Tarts Frosted varieties including Strawberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon and S’mores, as well as the return of the brand's limited-edition Frosted Blue … [Read more...] about Marvel Studios and Kellanova Team Up for Fantastic Four Pop-Tarts

Indie Musicians Suffer as Streaming Fraud Surges, The Guardian Reports

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Guardian investigation has uncovered how streaming fraud is wreaking havoc on the music industry, and it’s the independent artists who are paying the highest price. The Guardian newspaper found that fraudsters are using AI to create massive volumes of low-quality tracks, and then utilize bots or click farms to rack up fake plays. One … [Read more...] about Indie Musicians Suffer as Streaming Fraud Surges, The Guardian Reports

LA Dodgers and Toei Animation Bring One Piece to Dodger Stadium

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Toei Animation and the Los Angeles Dodgers are launching a game-day promotion that will bring the One Piece anime to Dodgers stadium. Taking place on July 3, the licensed One Piece Night activation will coincide with the Major League Baseball teams' upcoming game against the Chicago White Sox. The single-day event will feature a variety of … [Read more...] about LA Dodgers and Toei Animation Bring One Piece to Dodger Stadium

Hello Einstein and Gamisodes Launch Baby Einstein Content

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hello Einstein Studios has partnered with the Gamisodes entertainment platform to launch interactive episodes for Baby Einstein. Operating for close to three decades, Baby Einstein is an educational entertainment franchise for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The franchise is designed to encourage curiosity, discovery and imagination in … [Read more...] about Hello Einstein and Gamisodes Launch Baby Einstein Content

Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Taylor Swift has officially regained ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums, marking the end of a lengthy dispute over the rights to her early music. Swift announced the acquisition on her official website, calling it a long-awaited resolution. “All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me,” she wrote, describing … [Read more...] about Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums