TLL doesn’t typically publish editorials around its issues, but this November we’re sending you the biggest issue yet—clocking in at a monster 32 pages! The theme? The top performing entertainment and character-based properties (or at least, those whose programs behave like they are).
Online readers will have already seen the release of our annual list of brands that clear over $100 million in the U.S./Canada, an updated analysis on future film releases through 2023, an overview of preschool properties worldwide, and the top holiday picks for toys and costumes. Together, they present a picture of who’s who in licensed entertainment.
And don’t forget the deals announced at BLE and elsewhere for the month, which occupy roughly 40% of real estate, contacts included. Note that we left things out—the preschool properties and feature films lists are only available online, where we’re updating them throughout the year.
Let’s let the numbers speak for themselves—but, considering there are so many, here’s the big picture takeaway: franchises remain king, but we’re seeing cracks in the throne. There is a limit on consumer fatigue, and we might be hitting it. Certainly, we can see more original properties in entertainment on the radar for 2017 and beyond. (So to speak, a lot are adaptations from other media like publishing rather than truly new properties.) While preschool remains the most dynamic sector, the increasing globalization of everything—from the ways in which we access media, to the expansion of ecommerce, to the evolution of B&M and manufacturing—hints that there will be greater opportunity for smaller players to seize the game.
But let’s not forget—while entertainment and character-based brands make for flashy headlines, the category’s licensed retail sales fall behind those of corporate trademarks, fashion, and sports in the U.S./Canada (entertainment overtakes sports globally). We already rank the top American sports brands in the Sports Licensing Report—but what do you say we consider other brand categories?
Don’t see your pick here—or want only a specific corporate trademark/brand property type (e.g., food and beverage, automotive)? Email Karina and sound off. Note that you can pick up to two choices.
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