By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Acquisitions in the liquor business aren’t generally noticed by the general public, but the buyout of Davos Brands by industry giant Diageo rated a feature story in People Magazine, and pretty much every other entertainment magazine in the world. The reason is that Davos is partly owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds, who purchased a major … [Read more...] about Special Report: How Celebrities Are Driving the Booze Business
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Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show
Toy giant Mattel is working with America's Got Talent producer Fremantle to develop a frantic new game show based on the Whac-A-Mole game it acquired in 2009. Mattel and Fremantle say the Whac-A-Mole game show will be a wild, physically challenging elimination competition in which opposing teams will use their skill, strength and endurance to become the Whac-A-Mole champion. … [Read more...] about Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show
Key Former Disney Exec Nancy Kanter Joins Rival Netflix
The streaming wars are heating up, as Netflix snapped up former Disney Executive Vice President Nancy Kantor just one day after she left her position with Disney Channels Worldwide. Kantor played a critical role at Disney, having launched and operated Disney Junior, a channel for preschool children, and acting as the EVP of Content and Creative Strategy for Disney Channels … [Read more...] about Key Former Disney Exec Nancy Kanter Joins Rival Netflix
US Toy Industry Enjoys Boom Times in 2020
One industry that proved itself immune to the COVID-19 virus is the toy sector, which saw a staggering 16 per cent increase in revenue in 2020. According to a report by The NPD Group, US toy sales generated $25.1 billion in 2020, an increase of $3.5 billion. One interesting data point is that the number of unit sales for the year were flat while the average selling price … [Read more...] about US Toy Industry Enjoys Boom Times in 2020
UFC Names Panini America Exclusive Collectible Global Trading Card Partner
UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, has entered into a new, multi-year licensing agreement with Panini America, the world’s largest licensed sports and entertainment collectibles company. The partnership, negotiated by IMG, grants Panini America the rights to become UFC’s official and exclusive collectible trading card partner. “We are thrilled to welcome … [Read more...] about UFC Names Panini America Exclusive Collectible Global Trading Card Partner
Funko Opens Virtual, COVID-Safe Showroom
It's been a difficult year for B2B marketing teams when virtually every trade show and conference in the world has been canceled due to COVID-19, but Funko has found a way by launching its own "digital showroom." Funko Europe, the pop culture product company, this week opened the doors to its first-ever virtual showroom, featuring more than 400 products for 2021. Normally the … [Read more...] about Funko Opens Virtual, COVID-Safe Showroom
Antstream Licenses Star Wars For Retro Gaming Platform
One of the world's leading retro games platforms, Antstream Arcade, is adding beloved retro classic Star Wars titles to its extensive library of fully licensed games. These iconic games will be made available on a single platform for the first time, including the entire Super Star Wars series for the SNES and Star Wars for the NES. Adventure game classics like Grim Fandango, … [Read more...] about Antstream Licenses Star Wars For Retro Gaming Platform
Toy Revenue in UK Sees 5% Boost in 2020
The toy industry in the UK followed global trends, which generally have seen a significant boost in sales and revenue despite—or perhaps because of—the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales were particularly hot during the first lockdown during the spring in Britain, which saw an astounding 22 per cent boost in spending for the sector, according to figures from The NPD Group. Sales in the … [Read more...] about Toy Revenue in UK Sees 5% Boost in 2020
Universal Licenses Entire Music Catalog For Fitness App
In yet another sign of the momentous changes in the music licensing industry, Universal Music Group has licensed its entire music catalog to the Variis digital fitness app. The deal means app users will be able to work out at home to the music of major recording artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and many more. It also marks one of … [Read more...] about Universal Licenses Entire Music Catalog For Fitness App
Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Music Deal, Licensing Campaign
Katy Perry Headlines 'P25 Music', a Year of Surprise Music Events and Superstar Collaborations The Pokémon Company International officially launched its 25th anniversary celebration on Jan. 13, marking a quarter century of fun and games with a massive music collaboration, including a partnership with pop star Katy Perry. The Japanese video game and entertainment franchise … [Read more...] about Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Music Deal, Licensing Campaign