By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mattel shocked exactly no one in announcing the promotion of Barbie producer Robbie Brenner as president of Mattel Films. Brenner has stacked up an impressive resume since joining Mattel Films five years as an executive producer, but with her having produced the blockbuster Barbie, there was little doubt Brenner was heading for the C-Suite … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Barbie Producer Robbie Brenner Appointed President of Mattel Films
News & Trends
JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand
Leader in Brand Protection Showing Off New Licensing Management System at BLE By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In the world of licensing, nothing is more important than protecting your brand. But according to Franco Diaz (at right in above photo, with VP Pete Reyes) of the brand protection technology manufacturer JPatton, many brand owners don’t invest in brand … [Read more...] about JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand
United Talent Agency Bringing Star Power to Toy Fair New York
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global talent agency UTA is bringing a roster of new children's IP to the North American International Toy Fair. United Talent Agency's slate of new children's entertainment properties includes Gracie’s Corner, Bedtime Defenderz, Danny Go! And Norris Nuts. UTA's involvement bodes well for the licensing opportunities surrounding … [Read more...] about United Talent Agency Bringing Star Power to Toy Fair New York
Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's a saying in the media that argues, "content is king." According to the social media giant TikTok, that saying may also apply to retail. On Sept. 12, TikTok released a statement that promises to change the world of retail and advertising forever, while sending chills down the spines of retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. It will … [Read more...] about Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’
Evergreen Licensing Launches Exciting New Snack: Hostess Popcorn!
The new light and crispy snack is currently available in two great flavors: Hostess Twinkies and Hostess Ding Dongs Evergreen Licensing announced today the company has added the iconic Hostess Twinkies and Hostess Ding Dongs brands, from Hostess Brands Inc. to its lineup in the fast-growing licensed popcorn category. “We are very proud to work with the Hostess Brands … [Read more...] about Evergreen Licensing Launches Exciting New Snack: Hostess Popcorn!
Who’s News: Roblox and Banijay Make Key Appointments
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Roblox Corporation has appointed former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar to the company’s board of directors. “I am honored to join Roblox, a company I have long admired and cheered from afar as they leaned into the future,” said Kilar. “Roblox is changing the way people come together and changing how creators can create delightful … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Roblox and Banijay Make Key Appointments
Coca‑Cola Imagines Year 3000 With Futuristic Soda Co-Created by AI
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Welcome to the future, where your next frosty beverage was designed by an advanced, artificial intelligence bot. Soda giant Coca-Cola is making that future today, as it invites fans to try out their new AI-created beverage "to imagine what the future tastes and feels like. Coca-Cola Y3000 Zero Sugar is a new drink created by the Coca-Cola … [Read more...] about Coca‑Cola Imagines Year 3000 With Futuristic Soda Co-Created by AI
Breaking News: J.M. Smucker Co. to Acquire Hostess Brands
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The J. M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Hostess Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWNK) in a $5.6 billion transaction. The planned acquisition marks a major development in the snack category of the food and beverage industry, as Hostess is among the best known brands in the sector. Smucker … [Read more...] about Breaking News: J.M. Smucker Co. to Acquire Hostess Brands
Mergers & Acquisitions: French Billionaire Buys Majority Stake in Hollywood Agency CAA
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's been a seismic shift in the licensing industry, as French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault has completed his acquisition of a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency. Pinault completed the acquisition through his family investment company, Artémis, which now replaces the private equity firm TPG as the majority share … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions: French Billionaire Buys Majority Stake in Hollywood Agency CAA
Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group is making huge moves to change how musicians are paid for streaming fees and for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The company, known as one of the 'Big Three' for music companies globally, is working with the Deezer platform on streaming rights, and with Google on a deal to use musician's … [Read more...] about Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments