The Licensing Letter

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Box Office Sluggish for Raya and the Last Dragon

In yet another sign of the challenges ahead for cinema in 2021, the Disney blockbuster release Raya and the Last Dragon showed sluggish box office results in its first weekend in theaters. The film, produced by the same Walt Disney Animation team that put out Moana, would normally have been expected to be a tentpole event for the company, but Raya opened over the weekend with a … [Read more...] about Box Office Sluggish for Raya and the Last Dragon

Big Bad Boo Hires VP as ‘Head Do-Gooder’

Big Bad Boo Studios, despite its name, is an animation company that wants to do good in the world, and how better to do that than to hire a Vice President in charge of doing good things? With that in mind, BBB has hired a new Vice President, Nikki Whaites, to head its international development team from her base in Toronto, Canada. Whaites was formerly the head of international … [Read more...] about Big Bad Boo Hires VP as ‘Head Do-Gooder’

The NBA Warms Up To Canada Goose

The internationally renowned outer wear company Canada Goose has announced a multi-year partnership to become the outerwear partners with the National Basketball Association. As part of the agreement, Canada Goose will develop exclusive designs for both players and fans every year, in a collaboration with the LA-based brand RHUDE. Canada Goose has announced a multi-year … [Read more...] about The NBA Warms Up To Canada Goose

SpongeBob’s Patrick Star Gets His Own Show

The wildly popular show Spongebob Squarepants, a bonanza for licensees since its debut in 1999, is getting a spinoff after more than 20 years on air. Nickelodeon has revealed the the long-awaited SpongeBob spinoff will be called The Patrick Star Show, and is centered on the popular sidekick Patrick. The show will bow with an initial 13 episodes this summer. Patrick, SpongeBob's … [Read more...] about SpongeBob’s Patrick Star Gets His Own Show

Walmart Names Moose Toys ‘Supplier of the Year’

The Australian-based company Moose Toys has been named the Toy Supplier of the Year by global retail giant Walmart, during its seventh annual Supplier Growth Forum, held virtually on March 3. "It is truly an honor to be recognized with this award by Walmart, who continue to be one of our most valued global partners," said Glenn Abell, president of Moose Toys USA. "Moose first … [Read more...] about Walmart Names Moose Toys ‘Supplier of the Year’

Cardi B Releases Doll, Then Deactivates Her Twitter Account

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The famous and sometimes infamous rapper Cardi B has released her own limited edition fashion doll, and within three minutes the doll had sold out, and Cardi B deactivated her Twitter account after a spat with fans. The release of the Cardi B doll was timed to coincide with Women's History Month, and was put out through the newly formed … [Read more...] about Cardi B Releases Doll, Then Deactivates Her Twitter Account

University of Cambridge Unveils Licensing Plans

Globally renowned university Cambridge is set for a busy year of licensing programs, with plans unveiled this week by UK agent The Point.1888 and Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises (FME), the Cambridge subsidiary responsible for licensing. The Point.1888 says the mission of the University of Cambridge has always been to contribute to society through education, learning and … [Read more...] about University of Cambridge Unveils Licensing Plans

Childrens’ Entertainment Professionals Still Enjoying Life and Work

The leading kids' entertainment industry publication Kidscreen has published a survey that found most people in the industry are satisfied with their jobs, despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19. The pandemic was particularly difficult for the entertainment industry, as many projects were cancelled and others didn't make it to theaters due to lockdowns and quarantine … [Read more...] about Childrens’ Entertainment Professionals Still Enjoying Life and Work