The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Netflix Acquires Video Game Developer

The streaming giant Netflix is fueling its push into the video game sector with the acquisition of critically acclaimed developer Night School Studio. The move is part of a much wider strategy by Netflix to diversify its revenues, particularly as the company faces increased competition from several well-funded companies in the streaming space, including Disney, Amazon, Apple, … [Read more...] about Netflix Acquires Video Game Developer

Actor Zach Avery Pleads Guilty To $650 Million Licensing Fraud

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Hollywood actor Zachary Horwitz—better known by his stage name Zach Avery—faces decades behind bars after admitting his role in a $650 million Ponzi scheme. Horwitz was charged in May this year on allegations he defrauded multiple high worth investors in what has been described by authorities as a phony licensing scheme. This week, as … [Read more...] about Actor Zach Avery Pleads Guilty To $650 Million Licensing Fraud

Canadian Experiment Furthers McDonald’s Sustainability Goals

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief McDonald's is continuing its drive toward environmental sustainability with a new program in Canada that will see two Green Concept Restaurants unveiled in London, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The move follows a major initiative reported on by The Licensing Letter on Sept. 22 (see link below) that saw McDonald's announce a … [Read more...] about Canadian Experiment Furthers McDonald’s Sustainability Goals

Sesame Workshop Elevates Samantha Maltin to Executive Vice President

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, has promoted Samantha Maltin to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, expanding her responsibilities to include Strategic Communications, Events, and Archives, while she retains her CMO portfolio. Reporting to Workshop President Sherrie Westin, Maltin will continue to … [Read more...] about Sesame Workshop Elevates Samantha Maltin to Executive Vice President

Happier Happy Meals, As McDonald’s Reduces Use of Plastics

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's leading fast food chain McDonald's is making sustainable changes to its Happy Meal toys, which will impact licensors. McDonald's pledged Tuesday to "significantly" reduce the use of plastics in its Happy Meal toys worldwide. The move follows a similar program launched only in the United Kingdom after McDonald's faced a wave of … [Read more...] about Happier Happy Meals, As McDonald’s Reduces Use of Plastics

Three New Faces In Wildbrain’s C-Suite

WILDBRAIN ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO FUEL NEW BUSINESS, CREATIVITY AND INTEGRATION WildBrain Ltd. a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, has announced three new appointments for C-level positions in the company. One of those brings a new face to the Wildbrain management team, as Damon Berger has joined the company in the newly created position of Chief … [Read more...] about Three New Faces In Wildbrain’s C-Suite

Blue Kangaroo Expands With Five New Staffers in the UK

The UK creative agency Blue Kangaroo says it has taken on five new graduates to help manage the acquisition of major new contract wins from existing clients in the toy, entertainment, and licensing sectors. Blue Kangaroo is a Gateshead-based agency that works with some of the world’s largest character licensing brands. The company says it's expanded this month due to an … [Read more...] about Blue Kangaroo Expands With Five New Staffers in the UK

Licensing Writer Robert Hutchins Tagged As Editor For Products Of Change

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The veteran licensing industry reporter and editor Robert Hutchins has joined Products of Change (PoC) in the newly created role of Editor and Community Manager. Hutchins (above left) was the editor for both ToyNews and Licensing.biz, both of which are widely read publications in the licensing industry. Now, Hutchins is joining the team at … [Read more...] about Licensing Writer Robert Hutchins Tagged As Editor For Products Of Change

Kristen Gray Promoted to Lead Konami Cross Media

Konami Digital Entertainment has appointed Kristen Gray to run its New York-based Konami Cross Media division. Gray, who previously worked for Konami as General Manager and Senior VP of Operations, will succeed Yuta Kose, who has been named President of Los Angeles-based Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. Konami says Gray has a proven track record of success working with its … [Read more...] about Kristen Gray Promoted to Lead Konami Cross Media