By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The upcoming Barbie movie is testimony to the star power of toy brand Barbie, but it was designer Bob Mackie who made Barbie a star in the first place. That's the argument of Hollywood Reporter, the venerable film industry publication, which said in a recent article that the legendary American designer was a primary reason for the brand's … [Read more...] about Bob Mackie Made Barbie a Fashion Icon, Says Hollywood Reporter
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Public Broadcaster GBH Signs Key Content Licensing Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Boston-based content creator GBH has signed a deal that will see its "treasure trove of IP" brought to scripted TV and feature films. Under the agreement, GBH will work with Anonymous Content, a global media company that produces multi-platform premium content and boasts an exceptional client roster which includes many of the … [Read more...] about Public Broadcaster GBH Signs Key Content Licensing Deal
Opinion: Box Office is Back, But Blockbusters Are Not
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief This has been the year of the Big Flop, as multiple Hollywood 'tentpole' blockbusters have failed to break even at the box office. That's led some—including yours truly—to fear the end of the cinema experience is near, but there's another explanation that actually makes more sense. When you actually look at the data for overall box office … [Read more...] about Opinion: Box Office is Back, But Blockbusters Are Not
Feature: Iger Promises Major Change as Disney Contract Extended
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has extended CEO Bob Iger’s contract by two years, to the end of 2026. The 72-year-old Iger originally said he would only come back to the role for a maximum of two years. However, Iger has said there are issues to deal with at Disney that will take longer to address. “I think what I’m saying is it’s time,” … [Read more...] about Feature: Iger Promises Major Change as Disney Contract Extended
Court Denies Injunction on Microsoft Acquisition of Activision
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A court in California has denied the Federal Trade Commission's request for an injunction on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision. The software giant announced on Jan. 18 this year that the parties had agreed to the terms of a deal. It would see Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard for $95 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at … [Read more...] about Court Denies Injunction on Microsoft Acquisition of Activision
Sarah Silverman Suing ChatGPT Creator for Copyright Infringement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Sarah Silverman photo by Gage Skidmore) Comedian Sarah Silverman says copyright infringement by artificial intelligence bots is no laughing matter, as she sues Open AI and Meta. Silverman is one of three people filing the lawsuits charging that AI bots were trained on their work without their permission, resulting in AI … [Read more...] about Sarah Silverman Suing ChatGPT Creator for Copyright Infringement
Canadian Hoards His Precious After Finding Ultra-Rare ‘One Ring’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro has officially released the Lord of the Rings set for Magic: The Gathering, even as the ultra-rare One Ring that Rules Them all was found by a buyer in Canada. The One Ring is certainly one of the biggest collectibles stories of the year, as Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast division had the brilliant idea of creating Sauron's ring … [Read more...] about Canadian Hoards His Precious After Finding Ultra-Rare ‘One Ring’
“That’s Hot:” Paris Hilton Partners With Taco Bell on Volcano Menu
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Taco Bell and Paris Hilton have teamed up on a limited-edition marketing campaign to promote the return of the brand's Volcano Menu. Taco Bell initially introduced the Volcano Menu in 1995 as a limited-edition promotional item for the theatrical release of Paramount Pictures sci-fi movie, Congo. The menu includes the Volcano Taco, the … [Read more...] about “That’s Hot:” Paris Hilton Partners With Taco Bell on Volcano Menu
Firefly to Act As Agent For London Studio’s Art of Drag
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The London Studio has appointed Firefly Brand Management as its licensing agent for the Art of Drag brand in the US and Canada. Firefly is a global, full-service brand management and licensing agency that specializes in representing entertainment, interactive, technology, art, and lifestyle properties. “Firefly loved Art of Drag, were … [Read more...] about Firefly to Act As Agent For London Studio’s Art of Drag
Stellantis Launches Fiat 500 Boat With Italian Start-Up Company Car Off-Shore
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterIMG and Stellantis have secured a partnership for the Fiat car brand for a limited-edition Fiat 500-inspired boat by Car Off-Shore.The Car 500 Off-Shore is the latest addition to Fiat’s licensing program developed by the company and its exclusive licensing representative IMG. Created by Car Off-Shore CEO Antonio Galasso, the Car 500 Off-Shore … [Read more...] about Stellantis Launches Fiat 500 Boat With Italian Start-Up Company Car Off-Shore