By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter VIZ Media has shifted Ken Sasaki to the role of chairman and executive advisor and Brad Woods to the role of president and CEO. Previously serving as the company's CEO, Sasaki led VIZ Media's expansion from a specialty publisher into one of the largest distributors of Japanese pop culture content in the West. Under his leadership, VIZ … [Read more...] about Who’s News: VIZ Media Announces Major Leadership Transition
Viz Media
Anime: Concept One Expands Licensing Partnership With Viz Media
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Concept One and VIZ Media are expanding their licensing partnership to include accessory collections for two additional anime properties. The expansion adds the product licensing rights to Viz Media's Death Note and Komi Can't Communicate franchises to the company's pre-existing partnership. Concept One is a fashion and accessories … [Read more...] about Anime: Concept One Expands Licensing Partnership With Viz Media
Viz Media Tags WP Brands As Its Agent in Oceania Markets
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter VIZ Media has appointed WP Brands as its Oceania licensing agency for the Australia and New Zealand regions. WP Brands is a licensing, marketing, and content syndication specialist for the Oceania markets. The agency offers its services for all categories of entertainment and lifestyle properties. “This is an amazing opportunity, and … [Read more...] about Viz Media Tags WP Brands As Its Agent in Oceania Markets
Licensing Deals: BLA! Appointed to Rep VIZ Media in Europe
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Anime publisher VIZ Media has appointed Boutique Licensing Agency (BLA!) as its brand licensing and management representative in Europe. VIZ Media is a US-based entertainment company that focuses on manga publishing and anime distribution. The company currently serves multiple industries including publishing, animation, film, gaming and … [Read more...] about Licensing Deals: BLA! Appointed to Rep VIZ Media in Europe
VIZ Media Hires Former Netflix Licensing Chief Laurie Takaragawa
VIZ Media announced it's made a major addition to its licensing team, hiring Laura Takaragawa, the Head of Consumer Licensing at Netflix, as its new VP of Consumer Products Licensing & Promotions. Viz says the newly created position will allow for the integration of all of VIZ Media's licensed merchandise, collaborations, interactive and digital games, LBE, and promotions … [Read more...] about VIZ Media Hires Former Netflix Licensing Chief Laurie Takaragawa
M&A & Partnerships
We break down this month's must-know news in mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Direct contact information is made available through TLL's Licensing Sourcebook Online (subscription required). September 23, 2019 Update To celebrate of World Cleanup Day, Bacardi and environmental non-profit Lonely Whale are upcycling … [Read more...] about M&A & Partnerships
Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships and Something New
Banijay and Zodiak Media unite their complementary catalogues and production units. Stéphane Courbit is named Chairman and Marco Bassetti is appointed CEO of the new Banijay Group. Leading formats and shows include Versailles, The Secret Life of Four Year Olds, Temptation Island, Popstars, Beat Your Host, 71 Degrees North, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Fort Boyard, Making of … [Read more...] about Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships and Something New
Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit
BY MARCY MAGIERA Yo-Kai Watch, the hottest kids’ property in Japan over the past 18 months, will land in North America on Oct. 5, when cable’s Disney XD will begin showing the animated half-hour five days a week. The TV premiere marks the beginning of a licensing campaign that will see a legion of mischievous Yo-kai spirits unleashed across video games, comic books, toys, … [Read more...] about Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit