Category Archives: Entertainment

Rising Up: MGM Studios on how 45 years later the Rocky franchise is still packing a punch

Posted on by

The trumpets, the grey tracksuit, the run up the stairs and the timeless story of David vs Goliath, the underdog with the eye of the tiger; there’s very little about the Rocky franchise that isn’t iconic. It’s difficult to believe that it’s been… [checks notes]… 45 years since Sylvester Stallone first stepped into the ring as Rocky, and not so difficult to believe that over the course of four and a half decades, he has emerged as a staple image of popular culture.

The sentimental affinity that the world shares with the message and storyline of Rocky aside for a moment, the statistics alone for the franchise are as impressive as Rocky’s boxing career. This is a franchise that has accrued $1.3Billion at the box office; three academy awards and 10 nominations, two golden globes across six films, and has given rise to two spin offs in the form of the more recent Creed films. 

If ever there was a case of life imitating art, suggests Robert Marick, executive vice president of global consumer products and experiences at MGM, the rights holders and studio behind the franchise, Rocky is surely it.

News of MGM’s partnership with TCG Entertainment to bring live Rocky concerts to the global stage as part of the 45th anniversary celebrations of the Rocky franchise has already fired up the engines of its core audience base across the world; so word that this is just a part of the wider plans to celebrate the global cinematic, pop culture, and even sporting culture icon that is Rocky Balboa is certain to send it into fever pitch.

Here, Licensing.biz talks with MGM’s Robert Marick to discuss a cultural icon, learn more about those 45th anniversary plans, and discover what kind of potential a brand that spans not only cinema, but pop culture, sport culture, lifestyle and more, has within the ever evolving licensing space.

People talk about iconic brands a lot in licensing, but Rocky without doubt is a true icon – of cinema, pop culture, and beyond – from the soundtrack, style, iconic film scenes, the script its story, and even the acting. Handling the licensing programme for something embedded in culture must be an exciting prospect?

To be honest, it’s a privilege. While everything you’ve mentioned is accurate, Rocky is so much more. From underdog to champion, there is so much depth to the franchise that appeals to its core audience. Because of the multi-dimensional nature of the franchise, it allows us to re-interpret the licensing program in so many ways.   

How do you begin to look at the licensing strategy for something so well revered the world over?

The Rocky franchise provides a multi-dimensional view and therefore a complimentary licensing strategy. In 2021, we’ve rallied around the theme “Champion”. As we developed the Rocky 45th licensing plan, we provided three opportunities. Train like a champion; Look like a champion; and Feel like a champion.

Each opportunity allows for unique product segmentation of licensed product. If you want to “look like a champion”, apparel and accessories is a natural fit. For those that want to “train like a champion”, gym equipment and interactive games such as VR games, workout systems allow fans to train like Rocky; If fans want to “feel like a champion” and show their fandom, publishing, collectibles and replicas will deliver on that aspiration.

In support of this strategy, we developed a bespoke style guide celebrating the 45th anniversary. Our licensing program is focused to rally the “everyday Rocky” to tap into their inner champion, celebrate champions in his or her community, and give fans new ways to show their love for the Rocky franchise all year long.

 You recently detailed the TCG Entertainment partnership, which seems to have fans really excited for the 45th celebrations. What other plans have you got for the anniversary? What aspects of licensing will the plans span? 

While the full roll out plans are still being finalized, I can tell you that we are planning a year-long celebration which will include new and exciting merchandise, interactive games, licensed advertising and location-based entertainment activations.  One example is the Rocky Run. In its seventh year, the Rocky Run unites fans from all over the world to Philadelphia, with like-minded fans, and for a day, step into Rocky’s footsteps where they are able to train, look and feel like a champion leading all the way up those famous stairs.

How much will the current global situation influence the plans and licensing roll out? How do you think it has shaped innovation within licensing, and will you guys be tapping into any of the trends here?

We don’t want to capitalize on this global situation and proactively push the point. Instead we want to focus on the future and getting through it by having Rocky fans express their own Rocky moment and using Rocky to motivate and inspire them to persevere and go the distance. It needs to be and should be organic. 

Can you talk us through the new partners you’ve got lined up for the brand, what categories will you be spanning? What of the current partnerships will you be expanding upon?

Boxing/Athleisure has been identified as a new Fashion Trend. Boxing remains mainstream, trendy and relevant for men and women and Rocky’s signature grey hoodie has made a major comeback. We are looking for key collaborations that can bring together two powerful brands. As for new categories to explore, we are looking at pet, jewelry accessories and location based and live entertainment.

Rocky and Creed are in a unique position that they cover both pop culture and sporting markets, you’ve mentioned the Rocky themed running events in the works – how far will you be taking the sports and entertainment crossover? What potential does this offer?

A great example of this cross over is the Rocky / Creed Rise to Glory VR game by Survios. It’s become an evergreen title, that – similar to the Rocky Run – gives fans a chance to step in the ring and train and feel like a champion. I am excited to share that the hit, Creed: Rise to Glory VR game will be available on console platforms in time for the 45th anniversary. Other opportunities in this area are vast and we are currently exploring our gym and fitness equipment.

Why do you think Rocky continues to resonate with fans across the globe? 

The Rocky franchise is a global phenomenon! The story has so many themes such as ambition, determination, courage, being the underdog and rising to the top etc., and that all translates across generations, demographics and cultures around the world. Everyday people can relate to Rocky in some shape, way or form. Today, more than ever, Rocky is beacon of hope and inspiration around the world. 

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 45 years since fans saw Rocky hit enter the ring for the first time. Looking back over the years, it’s amazing what Sylvester Stallone accomplished. Just like the Rocky character, the franchise and Sylvester Stallone, beat all the odds at the time as an up-and-coming writer, director and actor. 

The statistics are staggering. $1.3Billion at the box office; three academy awards and 10 nominations; two golden globes across six films and two spin offs with the Creed films. In this case, life–imitates–art. What a champion!

GB eye expands its partnership with The Pokemon Company for new product ranges across Europe

Posted on by

Prints, posters, and giftware specialist, GB Eye has inked a new deal with the Pokemon Company International to expand its licensed gifting offering in the build up to Christmas with new products across mugs, framed prints, posters, gifts, and a soon-to-launch eco-range.

The move capitalises on key consumer trends and interest as the newly tailored product range serves the company’s growing European retail network for Q4 and into 2021.

Leading the charge is the hotly anticipated Pikachu Gift Box which according to the firm has already seen ‘huge pre-orders placed by numerous retailers’ in order to meet the current consumer demand for the Electric-type Pokemon.

Also attracting large retailer orders, says GB Eye, is the Eevee Gift Box. Both Gift Boxes come with their own exclusive pint glasses, exclusive full colour mug designs, two coasters and a unique collectable box, ‘which is sure to be snapped up swiftly by fans across the region.’

Ben Woodman, commercial manager at GB eye Ltd. said: “The demand we are seeing from retailers for our Q4 ranges is unprecedented considering the difficulties the industry has experienced this year and is a true testament to the quality of the product range that our design team have been able to produce to meet the insatiable consumer demand for Pokémon products. The outlook for 2021 is even more exciting with further activity planned for this hugely popular brand.”

Thomas & Friends goes 2D animated as new seasons given the green light by Mattel

Posted on by

Mattel has given the green light to a series of 104 new 11 minute episodes and two hour-long specials for the Thomas & Friends television series over two new seasons. The latest update for the popular children’s series follows news released last week that a Thomas & Friends feature length film was now in development.

To produce the two new seasons of the hit pre-school series, Mattel has partnered with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studios, an international producer and distributor of children’s animated and live-action content. The new seasons, starting with Season 25, will premiere next autumn.

The firm has hinted at ‘a creative new approach to the show,’ which promises to ‘contemporise the series for today’s families.’

The series will be animated in 2D, for a start, and will build upon creative elements that have resonated with Thomas & Friends fans over the year by featuring comedic, playful stories and lessons told from Thomas’ point of view. Nelvana will help to bring the new 2D look to life, expanding on Mattel’s existing relationship with Corus Entertainment.

“Thomas & Friends’ enduring legacy and focus on the importance on friendship continue to resonate with global audiences, and we look forward to unveiling our new content to consumers next year,” said Fred Soulie, senior vice president and general manager, Mattel Television.

“Nelvana is the ideal production partner for the series, understanding the importance of staying true to Thomas’ ethos and heritage while bringing the franchise to life creatively in new ways for today’s kids.”

Pam Westman, president, Nelvana, added: “As the exclusive broadcast partner and licensing agent of the treasured Thomas brand in Canada, we are delighted to deepen our relationship with Mattel by becoming their production partner on the re-imagined 2D series, which will introduce Thomas to a new generation of young audiences.

“With stunning animation and fresh new stories, the 2D series allows us to play up the humor in the show while honoring the legacy of the world’s most-adored blue tank engine.”

Executive producers for Season 25 of Thomas & Friends include Fred Soulie, Adam Bonnett and Christopher Keenan at Mattel, as well as Colin Bohm and Pam Westman at Nelvana.

Thomas was first created in 1945 by Rev. W. Awdry in stories for his son, Christopher. Today, the character is just as beloved by children as he was when he first chugged down the tracks. Thomas’ stories are currently told through the television series, toys, books, apps, live events and more.

Masha and the Bear secures host of UK licensees as Season Four lands on Tiny Pop

Posted on by

The international animation studio and name behind the popular kids’ show Masha and the Bear, has secured a host of new UK licensees to coincide with the arrival of season four of the animated series on Tiny Pop this month.

In a swathe of deals brokered by the UK licensing agency, Lisle Licensing Masha and the Bear is now moving into licensed backpacks, school bags and fashion bags with William Lamb Group, as well as branded costumes and accessories, tableware, paper decorations, party bags and balloons courtesy of Smiffys.

On top of this, a partnership with The Entertainer will see the UK toy retailer stock Masha and the Bear – Masha’s Songs branded caps in over 170 of its stores nationwide.

The local licensing activity all gets under way as the popular animated series lands on Tiny Pop with its season four debut this month. Called Masha’s Songs, the 13 episode season is dedicated to exploring different countries and their music, values, and culture. The season will see Masha travel the world with her friends.

Tiny Pop is supporting the Season Four launch with a series of marketing activities including a nationwide on-air and digital musical competition, asking viewers to go to the Tiny Pop Artpad and design a picture of the Masha Musical Band.

The competition will run for three weeks from November 9 to November 30 2020 and will raffle prizes from Animaccord’s retail and toy partners, Smyths and Simba Dickie Group. There will also be a separate schedule of Tiny Pop online and social competitions in conjunction with Masha and the Bear toy manufacturers Simba Dickie Group and Tactic. 

Warner Bros. Animation begins production on Batman pre-school series Batwheels

Posted on by

Warner Bros. Animation is vaulting into the pre-school sector as production begins on a new Batman series called Batwheels, featuring scaled down versions of the caped crusader’s Batmobile and the Batgirl Cycle as they fight crime alongside Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and other DC Universe characters.

The new animated pre-school series is slated to stream on HBO Max and air on Cartoon Network and its global platforms, as it follows the Batwheels – a group of super-powered crime-fighting vehicles that defend Gotham City from villains alongside their super hero counterparts.

“Having just been created by the Batcomputer, our heroes are essentially kids with little to no life experience. Led by Bam (The Batmobile), the Batwheels – Bibi (The Batgirl Cycle), Red (The Redbird), Jett (The Batwing) and Buff (The Bat Truck) – must navigate the growing pains of being a newly formed super team as well as the growing pains that come with just being a kid,” read the description from Warner Bros. Animation.

“Batwheels is the perfect show to headline our new foray into pre-school,” said Tom Ascheim, president of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics. “I can’t wait for all the aspiring superheroes out there to meet this whole new batch of crime-fighters.”

Sam Register, president of Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, added: “From Batman: The Animated Series to Teen Titans Go!, superhero storytelling has definitely been one of our superpowers here at Warner Bros. Animation.

“We are so excited to bring that expertise over to the preschool space and take something that all kids love, cool vehicles, and give it a turbo boost with Batman.”

Batwheels is produced by Warner Bros. Animation, with Sam Register (“Looney Tunes Cartoons”) serving as executive producer. Michael G. Stern (“Doc McStuffins”) is co-executive producer, while Simon J. Smith (“Baymax Dreams”) is supervising producer and Steven Fink of Bang Zoom Ltd. serves as producer.

Rights & Brands named licensing agency for author and illustrator duo Astrid Lindgren and Ilon Wikland

Posted on by

Rights & Brands has been named the licensing and merchandising agent for the joint works of the Swedish author illustrator duo, Asrid Lindgren and Ilon Wikland, based on the artwork and characters created by the pair and enjoyed by children and adults across Scandinavia, the Nordics and beyond.

Lindgren’s books have been translated into 107 languages and have sold more than 165 million copies worldwide. Wikland is the artist who has illustrated the greatest number of these books, including the popular Brothers Lionheart, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, The Children of Noisy Village, Karlsson on the Roof, Mardie, and more.

Under the guidance of Rights & Brands, and for the first time in many years, Astrid Lindgren Company and Design Ilon Wikland AB have agreed on a mutual merchandising programme, with the first products already launched.

“It’s a great honor for Rights & Brands to represent icons like Astrid and Ilon,” said Patrick Ullman, CEO of Rights & Brands. “We are presenting a program based on the pair’s amazing output of stories and artwork. The initial response has been overwhelming.”

Annika Lindgren, head of publishing at Astrid Lindgren Company and granddaughter of Astrid Lindgren, said: “At Astrid Lindgren Company we are happy that the close and creative collaboration that started between Astrid and Ilon already in 1954, now will deepen and evolve in yet another direction.

“In Ilon, Astrid found ‘her’ illustrator and between them something ‘blessed’ grew, as Astrid’s daughter Karin expressed it. Ilon could dress Astrid’s stories in images like no-one else – images loved by generations of children and families. And just as Astrid wrote for the child within her, Ilon draws for the child within.”

Representing the illustrator and member of the board at Design Ilon Wikland AB, Ilon Wikland’s daughter Fredrika Wikland, adds: “Me and my three sisters, Ilon’s daughters, grew up with a mother who drew and drew. We all got to experience the process of how the images of Astrid’s fantastic stories emerged.

“We got to take part in our mother’s joy, but also her great respect of visualizing the words. Mother always said: when I read Astrid’s text, I always see the images and characters before me. They are already alive. Our mother loved to illustrate for Astrid and their collaboration was filled with mutual respect and admiration.”

Classic toy maker Wham-O strikes partnership with Critical Content for live action TV series

Posted on by

The independent classic toys maker, Wham-O has partnered with the indie production studio, Critical Content, to develop and create TV content built around the firm’s portfolio of toy brands, including the likes of Frisbee Disc, Hula Hoop, and Slip ‘N’ Slide. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The exclusive agreement now grants Critical Content access to globally recognised IP and the option to create live action TV content. Kicking off the partnership, Slip ‘N’ Slide is to be at the front and centre of a new project tentatively titled Slip ‘N’ Slide Island, the working titles of a competition series centered on the childhood pastime.

Participants will go head to head as they attempt to body-glide their way to glory through a series of obstacles all designed in the spirit of Wham-O’s outdoor game. Match ups will take place in supersized chutes, jumps, and tunnels with winners of each installment getting a cash prize and a chance to compete in a grand finale event against the best of the best.

Slip ‘N Slide has a long history with consumers and has become somewhat of a summer staple since its introduction at the New York Toy Fair in February 1961. Sales of the product – now in its 60th year – have jumped over 180 per cent as many public pools, camps and water parks were forced to close because of the global pandemic.

Todd Richards, president of Wham-O, said: “Wham-O products have always brought out the best in kids and adults alike and this collaboration with Critical Content is indicative of our desire to elevate these nostalgic brands to the next level. We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Tom, Jenny and their teams to bring Slip ‘N Slide to viewers around the globe in a meaningful way and look forward to creating epic content that celebrates our broader portfolio in the months ahead.”

Tom Forman, Critical Content’s CEO, and Jenny Daly, president, Critical Content Studios, added: “Wham-O is synonymous with good times and fun for the whole family and Slip ‘N Slide is one of the most enduring products in their portfolio for good reason. We all have fond memories of our first encounter with a Frisbee disc, a Hula Hoop and a Slip ‘N Slide and have passed that legacy onto our children, and our children’s children.

“We can’t think of a more uplifting and entertaining inspiration for TV content – all of these brands are immediately recognizable to consumers around the globe and have brought smiles to millions over the years. As we all try to embrace a more optimistic view of the world, we feel privileged to bring the re-imagining of these brands to market for a whole new generation of fans.”

Waxwork Records brings Universal Monsters portfolio to the toys and collectables market

Posted on by

The US underground and pop culture company Waxwork Records has made its first foray into the toys and collectables market with the launch of Spinatures that kicks off with a partnership with Universal and the studio’s classic horror portfolio.

Aimed at the adult collector market, the new Spinatures launch is a collection of highly detailed turntable-spinner mini busts featuring iconic characters from pop culture, horror movies, and more. Each Spinature is fitted with a hole in their base to easily attach to the spindle of a turntable. They will then spin along with their collector’s favourite vinyl records.

Waxwork Records has grown a cult following of fans from its base on New Orleans, where the record label has made a name for itself specialising in the release of classic cinema, horror, cult, and sci-fi film scores in high quality LP packages. Waxwork revisits the original source master tapes for each release, often times original masters that were thought to have been lost or destroyed for decades.

As such, the firm is a specialist in the cult and underground collectors’ scene, one that it is now tapping into further with the launch of Spinature. The toy and collectables venture will work closely with various studios, rights holders, and family estates to bring officially approved new releases to the line-up.

Spinature is kicking off its venture with its Universal Horror Line developed in partnership with Universal Studios and its Universal Monster portfolio. The first in the line is Frankenstein, designed and produced by Waxwork and featuring the iconic monster from the landmark 1931 horror film. The partnership brings the likeness of actor Boris Karloff to the collectables scene.

More official Universal Monster Spinatures are scheduled to launch this autumn and throughout the Christmas season, including The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Wolfman, and The Invisible Man.

Check out the trailer video below:

One Animation lands Disney Channels US deal for Oddbods Halloween and Christmas specials

Posted on by

One Animation has secured a new deal with Disney Channels US to bring a package of long-form seasonal specials and shorts of the popular animated comedy series Oddbods to air across Disney XD, Disney Junior, and in DisneyNOW for the coming Halloween and Christmas period.

The Halloween-themed special Party Monsters and the Christmas-themed special The Festive Menace will air on Disney XD, Disney Junior, and in DisneyNOW. Also part of the package is pirate adventure Oddbeard’s Curse, and additional Halloween and Christmas shorts, which will air on Disney XD and in DisneyNOW.

Michele Schofield, SVP, content distribution at One Animation, said: “We are very excited this package of Oddbods seasonal content has found a home on Disney XD and Disney Junior in the US. Each of these episodes and shorts is brimming with the humour and charming adventures Oddbods fans know and love, and we look forward to bringing some seasonal magic to viewers over Halloween and Christmas with these dedicated specials and shorts.”

The latest deal builds upon Disney Channel US’ previous acquisition of season one of Oddbods short-form episodes, which first debuted on Disney XD in 2015 and later in DisneyNOW. Oddbods has also recently been nominated for its third International Emmy Kids Award, with season three of the show being shortlisted under the ‘Kids Animation’ category.

Oddbods is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven highly unique pals. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary and always humorous events.

A new anime Godzilla series is landing on Netflix in 2021

Posted on by

Godzilla is stomping its way back onto Netflix next year with the launch of a new original anime series titles Godzilla Singular Point. The series is currently in development by the studio bones, the name behind My Hero Academia, and Orange, the popular Japanese animation studio.

Developed under a licensing agreement with Toho, known worldwide for its Godzilla films and manager of the licensing rights to the Godzilla brand, the new anime series will premiere in 2021 with a new cast and original story. It lands following the success of Godzilla anime films, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle and Godzilla: The Planet Eater and taps into the growing global appeal of the anime entertainment scene.

Anime studio bones, in partnership with studio Orange, (Beastars, Land of the Lustrous) will produce the series combining hand-drawn and CG animation styles.

In addition to director Atsushi Takahashi, the creative team includes Kan Sawada, composer for countless Doraemon films and series such as Yowamushi Pedal, Japanese science-fiction novelistToh Enjoe making his TV debut as editor and writer for the series, Kazue Kato creator of Blue Exorcist and the hit comic currently serialized in Jump Square will serve as the character designer, and animator Eiji Yamamori from Studio Ghibli films including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises will do the Kaiju design.