Netflix has confirmed the hire of Dan Silver, VP of Non-fiction Originals at Disney+, to become its Director of Documentary Feature Films, reporting to Lisa Nishimura, VP of Independent Film and Documentary Features. The move comes as Netflix coincidentally faces another lawsuit—this time from Activision—over its allegedly aggressive hiring practices. Silver was a highly … [Read more...] about Netflix Snags Senior Producer From Disney+, While Facing Lawsuit for ‘Poaching’ Employees
Netflix
NRG Survey Reveals Top 20 Entertainment Franchises
By Gary Symons Editor in Chief, The Licensing Letter If you're in licensing, your job depends on picking the winning brands and franchises that people will want to see in their toys, clothing and various retail products. National Research Group just made that job easier, releasing their list of the most successful and popular franchises in the entertainment industry, … [Read more...] about NRG Survey Reveals Top 20 Entertainment Franchises
Canadian Bill Could Change the Game for Streaming Services
By Gary Symons Nov. 4, 2020 The federal government in Canada has tabled a bill proposing amendments to its Broadcasting Act that will force major changes for streaming services like Netflix, Crave, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Spotify, as well as for non-Canadian licensees. The changes affect a market of 39 million people - about the size of California - and will result in … [Read more...] about Canadian Bill Could Change the Game for Streaming Services
Who’s News: July 2020
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Direct contact information is made available through TLL's Licensing Sourcebook Online (subscription required). Spin Master hires Heather Oster as … [Read more...] about Who’s News: July 2020
Who’s News: August 2019
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Direct contact information is made available through TLL's Licensing Sourcebook Online (subscription required). Netflix appoints Jackie Lee-Joe as … [Read more...] about Who’s News: August 2019
IT’SUGAR NoHo: Pink, Sweet & Raunchy
Every once in a while, we like to get out of the office and do some window shopping. Have requests for a future store check? Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com with the stores you'd like to see in the New York City area. This month, we checked out a confectionery retailer that seeks to indulge pop culture trends as well as a sweeth tooth. Founded in 2006 by … [Read more...] about IT’SUGAR NoHo: Pink, Sweet & Raunchy
Who’s News—March 2019
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. 3/18/2019 Toysmith appoints Michael Keaton to the role of CEO. Keaton currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Toy Association in the U.S. … [Read more...] about Who’s News—March 2019
Streaming & New Media Updates
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com NBCUniversal is launching a new in-house streaming service in early 2020. Similar to Hulu's service, there will be a mix of ad-supported and free tiers—and the ad-supported tier will be available free to all 52 million subscribers of Comcast and European broadcaster Sky. However, unlike Disney's new service launching this year … [Read more...] about Streaming & New Media Updates
Legal Updates: Netflix/Chooseco, Rihanna, Sears & More
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Indie publisher Chooseco files suit against Netflix in federal court alleging infringement of its "Choose Your Own Adventure" trademark, which is used on the classic interactive children’s book series. Chooseco alleges that Netflix failed to license its use in the streamer's latest interactive feature, Black Mirror: … [Read more...] about Legal Updates: Netflix/Chooseco, Rihanna, Sears & More
Media Magnates
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group vaults itself into the entertainment business after having acquired VStar Entertainment Group this July. The combined entity currently has 29 shows in production, including branded offerings for Nickelodeon's Bubble Guppies and Paw Patrol. In 2019, Cirque will launch the first of six … [Read more...] about Media Magnates