Deal Will See New Content Produced From Michael Crichton Novels
The late author Michael Crichton wasn’t just a science fiction visionary; he became a one-man licensing powerhouse after novels like Jurassic Park and Westworld became hits in film and on television. More than 20 film and TV adaptations have been produced from Michael Crichton novels, including five Jurassic Park films and one more on the way; the Westworld film and series; Futureworld; The Andromeda Strain movie and series; Congo; Sphere; and many more.
Now CrichtonSun, the late author’s publishing and production company, is partnering with Range Media Partners to create a slate of new content, inspired by Crichton’s body of work, including a number of previously unpublished works that have been released since the author’s death, such as Pirate Latitudes, Dragon Teeth and Micro.
“We’re thrilled to have found true creative partners at Range,” Sherri Crichton, president, CrichtonSun, told Deadline. “They share our passion of preserving the Crichton legacy and we look forward to tapping into their imaginative minds and exciting pool of talent to continue bringing Michael’s visions to life for audiences and readers around the world.”
Range is a recently launched management and brand development company led by former CAA, UTA and WME agents who have represented a diverse roster of talent.
TreImage Lands a Fast and Furious Partnership With Ja Rule
Licensing agency TreImage has added hip hop and film star Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins to its roster of licensing clients.
Ja Rule is a hip hop artist, author, entrepreneur and actor known for his roles in films such as “The Fast and the Furious.” As a musician, he has also sold more than 30 million albums and had multiple hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ja Rule has collaborated with artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti through his long-running career.
“TreImage is looking forward to expanding the reach of Ja Rule through collaborations, licensed merchandise and other marketing opportunities,” says Charles Singleton, founder, TreImage.
As part of the representation deal, Trelmage will look to uncover licensing agreements in categories such as apparel, fashion accessories, collectible figures, musical instruments, electronics and consumables including cereal and snacks.
Pepco Retail Chain Buzzing Over Maya the Bee Deal
Planeta Junior has closed a new deal with Pepco that will launch children’s clothing collection featuring ‘Maya the Bee’ characters in more than 1,900 stores in Central and Eastern Europe.
License holder Studio 100 Media closed the deal with a contract that includes all categories, including clothing, footwear, accessories, luggage, stationery, homeware and home textiles.
The new collection will hit the market in the last quarter of 2020, Pepco says, with the first collection being released for children ages 0 to 3.
Pepco is one of the leading chain stores in Central and Eastern European countries, selling affordable clothing and home décor. It is one of Poland’s most popular purveyors of children’s clothing and a leading design wear supplier.
Wow! Stuff Wins Contract for Line of CoComelon Toys
UK-based toy company Wow! Stuff has signed a key, multi territory agreement with Moonbug Entertainment for its popular 3D animated series, CoComelon.
CoComelon is the world’s most-viewed YouTube channel with over 3.5 billion average monthly views and more than 100 million subscribers. The show centers around the everyday experiences of Baby JJ and his siblings and helps preschoolers learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors and more.
Wow! Stuff CEO Richard North says the agreement will help the company extend its reach in the preschool market through a well-known and respected brand.
“Our mission is ‘to partner with tier one licensed brands and work until our brains hurt to deliver innovation that is on brand and in universe,” said North. “This new agreement with Moonbug allows us to expand the playful world of CoComelon with new experiences that kids and families will absolutely love.”
Moonbug’s senior in-house advisor, Simon Philips, says it is Wow!’s dedication to innovation that made them the right partner for the CoComelon brand.
“As we look to bring new ways for fans to engage with their favourite characters, we need partners who can create toys and products that truly bring them to life,” Philips said. “Wow! Stuff’s reputation in developing innovative toys is unparalleled and we look forward to bringing them to kids worldwide.”
Anyone interested in national or international sales agreements can contact Dawn Lavalette by email at dawn.lavalette@wowstuff.com.