By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a move worthy of Captain James T. Kirk, actor William Shatner celebrated his 90th birthday by being the first person to create an 'AI' version of himself, using technology by the LA company StoryFile. In doing so, Shatner is not exactly 'beaming himself up', but for future generations the effect is that Shatner has created a version of … [Read more...] about William Shatner Creates AI Version of Himself
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ZAG Appoints New VP As Part of LatAm Expansion
The award-winning independent animation studio ZAG continues to grow its global consumer products team, appointing its first VP for the Latin America region, former Viacom executive Angela Cortez, to the position of VP, Consumer Products, Latin America, according to Julian Zag, Executive Vice President, Global Operations. Zag says Cortez will be based in Brazil but will also … [Read more...] about ZAG Appoints New VP As Part of LatAm Expansion
Wham-O Appoints Global Licensing Agency
There are few companies that have historically done a better job of branding their inventions than Wham-O, and now Anjar Co. and Becker Associates has been given the weighty responsibility of licensing and commercializing brands like Hula Hoop, Hacky Sack, Boogie Board, and Frisbee, among many others. It's a mark of Wham-O's success in creating successful new products that … [Read more...] about Wham-O Appoints Global Licensing Agency
Maurizio Distefano Licensing Inks Four Key Deals Through Global Merchandising Services
The Italian licensing firm Maurizio Distefano Licensing (MDL) has begun its partnership with Global Merchandising Services with a slate impressive deals, including several iconic musical artists and the brand of British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Thanks to its agreement with Global Merchandising Services, a leader in creating unique and innovative international merchandise … [Read more...] about Maurizio Distefano Licensing Inks Four Key Deals Through Global Merchandising Services
Two Major Apparel Deals, With Peloton and Manchester United
This week saw two major apparel licensing agreements inked, one involving apparel rights for the phenomenally popular Manchester United soccer (football) team, and the other for rising fitness giant Peloton. Sportswear company Adidas has confirmed its plans to launch an apparel collection in partnership with Peloton. The Adidas x Peloton SS21 collection will include performance … [Read more...] about Two Major Apparel Deals, With Peloton and Manchester United
Aardman Secures Two Licensing Deals for Robin Robin
The animation studio Aardman, which got its start with the celebrated Wallace and Gromit series, has secured two new licensing deals for its new animated musical special Robin Robin. Aardman this week announced it has reached an agreement with Macmillan Children’s Books for publishing and Aurora World for plush. Robin Robin is a 30-minute festive holiday special, created by … [Read more...] about Aardman Secures Two Licensing Deals for Robin Robin
‘Ted Lasso’ To Join FIFA Face-Off Celebrity Gaming Show
Global gaming giant Electronic Arts has jumped the divide between esports and TV sports by developing a new show that will see celebrities going head-to-head in an EA SPORTS FIFA football match, airing live on Twitch and YouTube. The new show will feature A-List celebrities including Jason Sudeikas, who plays the title character of football coach Ted Lasso; his Ted Lasso … [Read more...] about ‘Ted Lasso’ To Join FIFA Face-Off Celebrity Gaming Show
Everlast Inks Apparel License With Sportlife
Sporting goods company Everlast Worldwide Inc., manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods and apparel under the Everlast brand name, has signed a new agreement with SportLife Brands, LLC of New York City. SportLife, a major supplier to the U.S. apparel market, will produce, market, and sell Men’s, Ladies, Boys, Girls; Underwear, Sleepwear, Baselayer and Thermals … [Read more...] about Everlast Inks Apparel License With Sportlife
The Point.1888 Inks Toy Partner for Moonbug Entertainment
The licensing agency The Point.1888 has announced the signing of an agreement making Character Options the Master Toy Partner for Moonbug Entertainment's Morphle brand in EMEA and Australia. The deal comes just a few months after The Point.1888 announced multiple major licensee partnerships for two of Moonbug Entertainment Ltd.’s other world-famous brands, Cocomelon and … [Read more...] about The Point.1888 Inks Toy Partner for Moonbug Entertainment
Opinion: A Wild Ride for Licensing Coming in 2021
By Alicia Rosa Brand Central Insights From a trends perspective, 2020 was a rollercoaster in a lot of ways. It created a consumer landscape that moved at the speed of light, rendering “unprecedented” meaningless. Many of the trends that had been steadily on the rise were accelerated by what we are calling the “Quarantine Economy,” which drove record sales in categories like … [Read more...] about Opinion: A Wild Ride for Licensing Coming in 2021