If you’re a DC Comics fan anxiously awaiting the release of the controversial ‘Snyder Cut’ of Justice League, then you’re likely aware the first epic trailer has been pulled from YouTube and other video or streaming services … and it appears a licensing wrangle serves as the super villain in the plot. While there’s been no official explanation, it appears the trailer was … [Read more...] about Super Oops: Why the Snyder Cut of Justice League was Removed from HBO
Interactive/Online
TikTok Inks Critical Licensing Deal with Sony Music
Another day, another TikTok licensing deal to report, but in this case, the agreement is critical to the way TikTok operates. TikTok announced this week it has reached a new agreement with Sony Music Entertainment that allows its millions of users to use songs from SME’s vast roster of global music superstars, as well as its many emerging artists. "We are thrilled to enter … [Read more...] about TikTok Inks Critical Licensing Deal with Sony Music
Nina Hahn Tapped by ViacomCBS to Lead Kids’ Programming Launch
Nickelodeon’s International SVP of production and development Nina Hahn has been tapped by ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) to oversee the launch of a new kids’ programming initiative. VIS Kids is broadening its global kids content pipeline to include short and long-form content that will be produced and sold to third parties, as well as to ViacomCBS brands and … [Read more...] about Nina Hahn Tapped by ViacomCBS to Lead Kids’ Programming Launch
State of the Union: Reviewing Video Games in 2018
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com The U.S. video gaming industry broke records in 2018 to hit an estimated $43.4 billion in sales, according to the NPD Group, marking a rise of 18% year-over-year. Hardware revenue, including peripherals, hit $7.5 billion for a markup of 15% year-over-year. Software revenue was up 18% to reach $35.8 billion. Accessory and … [Read more...] about State of the Union: Reviewing Video Games in 2018
Comic-based, Original Films Lead Films With Licensing Potential
By: Karina Masolova, with additional research by Susan Adams and Michelle Odinyayeva. Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. TLL identified 213 upcoming films through 2025 as potential source material for licensed consumer products. Comic book-based properties lead the count, with 39% of films on the list, followed closely by original works (37%). Rounding off the … [Read more...] about Comic-based, Original Films Lead Films With Licensing Potential
37 Entertainment/Character Brands Earned Over $100 MM in the U.S./Canada
Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com This year, a total of 37 properties made TLL’s annual list of entertainment/character brands that generated over $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S./Canada for 2017. Last year, TLL tracked 46 brands that qualified for the list based on 2016 sales. And the year before that, 44 brands made the list based on estimated … [Read more...] about 37 Entertainment/Character Brands Earned Over $100 MM in the U.S./Canada
M&A: Publishing Has a New Face
Publisher Watch: News Shake-Ups Hearst’s King Syndicate Feature and Emerging Tech divisions launch the conglomerate’s first AI-voice enabled entertainment for Amazon Alexa. Trivia Treat is meant to offer a challenging and fun daily gameplay experience for players around the world with games and puzzles. The NYT is stepping up its content licensing game with the re-branding and … [Read more...] about M&A: Publishing Has a New Face
Property Guys: Disney, Nintendo & Other Empires
By Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. The Walt Disney Co. signs a 99-year lease for $650 million at 4 Hudson Sq., New York. The media conglomerate is expected to build a new headquarters at the downtown Manhattan location taking up over 1.2 million sq. ft. The high-tech, energy-efficient project will consolidate production and studio spaces from the Upper West … [Read more...] about Property Guys: Disney, Nintendo & Other Empires
Esports Watch: New Leagues & Expansions
Goldman Sachs reports that the esports market will see revenues hit $2.17 billion by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.6%, according to a Reuters report. The revenue total includes media rights, ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorship, publisher fees, and direct advertisement. Talent agency UTA makes two acquisitions in the esports area: Press X, an esports talent … [Read more...] about Esports Watch: New Leagues & Expansions
Mobile & More Content Licensing
Universal partners with mobile-game developer Ludia for AR mobile game app, Jurassic World Alive. Players collect, discover, and create a variety of dinosaurs while exploring their own neighborhoods and cities around the world. Starting June 6 through July 31, select Walmart and AMC locations will allow players to collect branded supply drops and resources. Hasbro parters with … [Read more...] about Mobile & More Content Licensing