Universal Studios has ridden new Harry Potter attractions, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened in Orlando last sum- mer, to increase its theme park profits 38%. Theme park revenues rose to $735 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to Comcast financial reports. … [Read more...] about Harry Potter Drives Theme Park Profits
Entertainment/Character
Classic Character Capers
Classic entertainment characters just keep chugging along. Some recent deals involving retro TV and other classic entertainment brands: Sony Pictures Consumer Products is conjuring up a licensing campaign tied to the 50th anniversary of classic Barbara Eden-Larry Hagman sitcom, "I Dream of Jeannie.” Products reportedly include a video slot machine from IGT; a commemorative … [Read more...] about Classic Character Capers
“Cinderella” Tie-In Campaigns Targets Women of All Generations
Women apparently never outgrow the desire to feel like a princess. At least that’s the message retailers JCPenney and Kohl’s are promoting as part of a multi-generational approach to tie-ins with Disney’s live-action “Cinderella,” which is due in theaters March 13. JCP created a commercial specifically for the Feb. 22 Academy Awards telecast showing a woman in several JCP … [Read more...] about “Cinderella” Tie-In Campaigns Targets Women of All Generations
Licensing of Entertainment Properties for Virtual Reality Products
Hollywood is getting into virtual reality. VR was all the rage at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where festival goers reportedly waited in line for hours to experience the VR flight simulator “Birdly.” And this was just one of almost a dozen VR displays at Sundance, most of which used the pricey and cutting edge Oculus Rift “head-mounted display” to create their … [Read more...] about Licensing of Entertainment Properties for Virtual Reality Products
Marvel Back in Spidey Web
Sony Pictures will restyle the Spider-Man franchise in partnership with Marvel Studios, returning the web slinger to the Marvel universe. Sony has owned the movie rights to Spider-Man since 1999, when it bought them from Marvel (now owned by Disney). The deal is expected to produce a new Spidey film due in theaters in summer 2017. Before then, Spider-Man will appear in upcoming … [Read more...] about Marvel Back in Spidey Web
The 4 Toy Licensing Blockbuster Movies to Watch in 2015
“Frozen” was a licenser’s dream and a big reason that U.S. retail licensed toys sales grew 7% in 2014 ($5.7 billion), according to the NPD Group. But expectations for 2015 are even greater, thanks to a quartet of Hollywood blockbusters that have enormous potential for licensed toys and other merchandise. Here’s a rundown of each film by release date and the toy licensing … [Read more...] about The 4 Toy Licensing Blockbuster Movies to Watch in 2015
Bugs Back in Jordan’s Court
Nike’s Jordan Brand and Looney Tunes licensor Warner Bros. Consumer Products are poised to relaunch the iconic Hare Jordan campaign for the Air Jordan franchise’s 30th anniversary. Hare Jordan products will start hitting retail in the spring. Nike’s first Hare Jordan commercial teaming Looney Tunes’ Bugs Bunny and the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan, fresh off his first NBA … [Read more...] about Bugs Back in Jordan’s Court
Using Licensed Properties to Make New Licensed Properties
It's a toy! It's a movie! No, wait, it's a toy! … It's common for entertainment properties to spawn toys and for toys to spawn entertainment properties. Less common is for entertainment properties to inspire toys, which then inspire new entertainment properties, which then, in turn, inspire new toys. But it's happening. A leading example of the new paradigm is the … [Read more...] about Using Licensed Properties to Make New Licensed Properties
AG Sells Strawberry Shortcake for $105 Million
American Greetings has finally found a buyer for Strawberry Shortcake. Iconix Brand Group has reportedly agreed to acquire the iconic preschool brand for a cool $105 million. AG launched Strawberry Shortcake back in 1969 and has owned it ever since, developing the property into a global brand with over 350 licensees. According to TLL's Global Market for Licensed Preschool … [Read more...] about AG Sells Strawberry Shortcake for $105 Million
Digital Gains as DVDs Decline; Toys Remain Firm 45% of Market
Digital products, including educational and gaming apps and e-books, held an estimated 8% share of retail sales of licensed preschool products in 2013, up from 5% in 2012, according to TLL's new report, "The Global Market For Licensed Preschool Properties." Indeed, 2013 marked a watershed year for preschool targeted apps and digital content; this category's share remained flat … [Read more...] about Digital Gains as DVDs Decline; Toys Remain Firm 45% of Market