Licensing experts assemble for special London Book Fair online insights seminar next week

The former marketing manager of Licensing International UK and CEO of Imaginators.tv, Ryan Beaird will be chairing a panel of licensing experts during the London Book Fair’s online insights seminar later this month.

The basics of licensing seminar will be aimed at the show’s audience of publishers looking to get into licensing, or authors wanting to better understand how the licensing industry operates and how they can build a brand from their works.

Scheduled to take place on June, 22nd from 13.25, the hour long session will hear from Beaird as he shares insights from his seven years experience running the UK office of the licensing industry association, Licensing International UK. He will be joined by Thomas Merrington, creative director of Penguin Ventures who will talk about Peter Rabbit and the brand’s live exhibitions.

Following the presentations, there will be a live Q&A session with panellists including Merrington, Rob Wijeratna, joint MD of Rocket Licensing, Rebecca French, head of licensing at the Roald Dahl company, and Lauren Sizeland, director of licensing of the V&A, who will talk audiences through the V&A’s Alice in Wonderland exhibitions as well as its award winning shop.

“We are delighted that we can host this panel as part of The Online Book Fair’s seminar programme,” said Andy Ventris, event director, London Book Fair.

“We are sure that this topic will be of great interest to our audience, with more than 2,000 global publishing professionals registered for the event and licensing being such a crucial part to the business of publishing, this looks set to be one of the highlights of the Online Book Fair programme.”

Registration for the online event next week is free.

Seminar Details and Registration Link: 

https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb/whats-on/seminar-programme/sessions-details.2124.64555.licensing-how-to-build-a-brand-from-a-book.html

Licensing experts assemble for special London Book Fair online insights seminar next week

The former marketing manager of Licensing International UK and CEO of Imaginators.tv, Ryan Beaird will be chairing a panel of licensing experts during the London Book Fair’s online insights seminar later this month.

The basics of licensing seminar will be aimed at the show’s audience of publishers looking to get into licensing, or authors wanting to better understand how the licensing industry operates and how they can build a brand from their works.

Scheduled to take place on June, 22nd from 13.25, the hour long session will hear from Beaird as he shares insights from his seven years experience running the UK office of the licensing industry association, Licensing International UK. He will be joined by Thomas Merrington, creative director of Penguin Ventures who will talk about Peter Rabbit and the brand’s live exhibitions.

Following the presentations, there will be a live Q&A session with panellists including Merrington, Rob Wijeratna, joint MD of Rocket Licensing, Rebecca French, head of licensing at the Roald Dahl company, and Lauren Sizeland, director of licensing of the V&A, who will talk audiences through the V&A’s Alice in Wonderland exhibitions as well as its award winning shop.

“We are delighted that we can host this panel as part of The Online Book Fair’s seminar programme,” said Andy Ventris, event director, London Book Fair.

“We are sure that this topic will be of great interest to our audience, with more than 2,000 global publishing professionals registered for the event and licensing being such a crucial part to the business of publishing, this looks set to be one of the highlights of the Online Book Fair programme.”

Registration for the online event next week is free.

Seminar Details and Registration Link: 

https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb/whats-on/seminar-programme/sessions-details.2124.64555.licensing-how-to-build-a-brand-from-a-book.html

Eric Carle’s “timeless tales and unique artwork will delight and inspire for years to come”

Rocket Licensing has joined the many to express condolences over the death of Eric Carle, the author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, who died on May 23rd aged 91.

A statement issued by the family of the US author read: “In the light of the moon, holding on to a good star, a painter is now travelling across the night sky.”

Carle’s most famous book tells the story of a caterpillar with a giant appetite that, having been first published in 1969, has gone on to sell more than 50 million copies around the world and been translated in 62 languages. 

Not only that, but the title has built an enduring reputation among global audiences that spans generations, upheld by a robust licensing programme that spans categories and continents. The brand’s European activity is overseen by the UK’s own Rocket Licensing.

Carle’s son Rolfe told the New York Times that his father had died in Northampton, Massachusetts, from kidney failure. 

Rocket Licensing issued its own statement via social media this morning, saying:

“It is with great sadness that we hear that Eric Carle, author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, passed away on 23rd May at the age of 91. Eric’s timeless tales and unique artwork will continue to delight and inspire for years to come. #RememberingEricCarle”

Speaking with the BBC in 2019, Carle believed that the enduring popularity of his The Very Hungry Caterpillar came down to its ‘fundamental message of hope.’

“For many years, my publisher and editor and I did not know the reason for The Very Hungry Caterpillar being so popular,” he said. “But over time, I’ve come to feel that it is a book of hope. And it is a hopeful feeling that has made it a book readers of all ages enjoy and remember.”

It is estimated that one copy of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is sold every 15 seconds.

Fanattik steps into the ring with Rocky as the iconic film franchise celebrates 45 years

The pop culture specialist, Fanattik, has signed a pan-European gift and homewares partnership with MGM for the iconic Rocky franchise in a deal brokered by the studio’s local UK agent, Rocket Licensing.

The new collection, spanning home decor, glassware, barware, gifts, and collectables, will debut later this year in time to mark the 45th anniversary of the original Rocky film starring Sylvester Stallone.

The new deal with the UK gifting company includes image rights, which means products featuring Mr T – who plays Clubber Lang – Dolph Lundgren as Drago, and Sylvester Stallone as Rocky will be heabily featured on product and packaging.

The Rocky and Creed franchise has remained a global phenomenon because it presents moviegoers with universally relatable themes that they can identify with – ambition, passion, determination and giving it your all to be a champion, even when the odds are against you. MGM’s Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and 10 nominations.

“Fanattik is licensed by many of the major film and video game studios and Rocky is a big hitter I have had my eye on for some time. Our initial discussions with European gift retailers have leaned towards Rocky product for Father’s Day and Christmas promotions but of course it’s suitable for fans all year round,” said Anthony Marks, M.D. Fanattik.

“Fanattik has seen phenomenal growth over the past three years with even more retailers coming on-board since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. With no new film releases, our focus on iconic, evergreen titles has been proven to be the right strategy. Retailers are looking for licensed product with multi-generational appeal and an existing fan base who are looking for gifts that remind them of happier pre-Covid times.”

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, added: “We are delighted to have Fanattik on board for the 45th anniversary of this ultimate champion’s franchise. The range of celebratory giftware and collectibles will be a fantastic addition to the broad licensed offering planned for 2021 and will encourage fans to tap into their inner champion.”

The Fanattik range will form part of a year-long celebratory marketing and product campaign to mark this milestone anniversary.

Beano Studios celebrates 70 years since Dennis’ debut with extensive licensing roster

Beano Studios has detailed a raft of new licensing partnerships signed to celebrate 70 years since the first appearance of Dennis in the iconic Beano comic and what the firm has billed as a ‘momentous year for the brand.’

Leading the charge, Beano has partnered with its first global game developer and distributor, GameBake, which will develop a suite of Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed gaming titles for worldwide social, web, and mobile platforms.

Meanwhile, fans will be able to get their own piece of Dennis history as Tower Mint releases a commemorative 50 pence coin before Royal Mail puts its own stamp on the celebration this July with the roll-out of a collaborative collection.

The latest announcements follow recent partnerships secured with the likes of the Scottish mill Prickly Thistle, which has developed  bespoke Dennis tartan for a birthday collection of scareves, braces, and jumpers, and Rubies, who has renewed its deal with Beano for the next three years.

In food and drink, Harrogate Water will be launching a special, branded pack created for kids and featuring Dennis and Gnasher as well as educational information for kids on recycling. Meanwhile, Gulliver’s Theme Parks Limited will be running Beano and Dennis themed activities across all four of Gulliver’s attractions. Visitors will be able to enjoy storytelling, trails, character costume appearances in branded areas and experience specific Beano activities and rides.

Fans will also be able to visit Kew Gardens this Easter to enjoy a bespoke Beano trail across the Royal Botanical gardens full of Dennis fun and mischief.

In publishing,Bonnier Books is continuing its non-fiction and gifting publishing programme with two new titles launching this year: Beano Colouring Book in July 2021 and Beano Five-a-Day Joke Book in September 2021, these follow on the heels of the recently published Beanopedia: Ultimate guide to Beanotown and its inhabitants and The Dennis Collection a celebration of comic strips to mark the 70th anniversary. 

Egmont Books recently announced its new publishing deal, joining Beano Studios’ licensee programme with an illustrated fiction series from the writers and illustrators of Beano with The Battle for Bash Street School published in July 2021 followed by a Christmas themed, There’s Snow Place Like Beanotown in September 2021.

The Ultimate Dennis and Gnasher Collection of the best recent comic strips, will also publish in autumn 2021.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “Over the last 12 months we have added 21 new partners to our licensee programme and 2021 is going to our greatest year yet, as everyone joins to celebrate 70 years of Dennis. Fans will be able to find Dennis everywhere this year from retail to gaming, lunchboxes to theme parks and we are excited to continue growing and expanding the franchise with its unique mix of loveable mischief.”

Licensed home décor specialist Arthouse Ltd is developing a range of kids’ décor products, playfully designed for Dennis’ 70th anniversary year. Beano has also joined forces with award winning board game designer, Rachel Lowe, to produce a collection of Beano licensed puzzles, board games, and card games for Dennis and his Beanotown friends.

Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director, Rocket Licensing – Beano Studios’ licensing agent, said: “2021 and the birthday of the nation’s favourite mischief-maker is set to be a major celebration, with new partner offerings ranging from homewares to commemorative coins and theme-park activities to bespoke tartan.

“We are seeing this classic British brand go from strength to strength and are excited to see it grow further in this next decade of Dennis.”

Existing perennial Beano licensees Aykroyds for nightwear, Park Agencies for daywear and H&A for health and beauty will have products in retail to add to the birthday celebrations.

There will be a full year of brand activity with a national marketing campaign and a special-edition comic which will celebrate the role Dennis has played in generations of kids’ lives. The campaign will launch on Dennis’s birthday, Wednesday 17th March and run across the rest of 2021.

Scotland’s Prickly Thistle celebrates 70th anniversary of Beano’s Dennis with official tartan design

Beano Studios has unveiled a special partnership with the traditional Scottish company, Prickly Thistle to create a birthday tartan in celebration of the fan-favourite rebel, Dennis, in the colours of his iconic black and red jumper.

The Highland born and based company has brought the design to life with intricacy, saluting the character’s 70th birthday within the thread count of the design, with its block pattern of 70 threads. To make it even more official, the design has also been accepted and recorded into The Scottish Register of Tartans, which form part of Scotland’s national archives.

More than this, not only does the tartan celebrate 70 years of the Scottish born character himself, it also puts a message of sustainability at the heart of the product, through the use of its own green energy supplied by the company’s mill, and the use of local labour and supply chain.

In fact, Prickly Thistle prides itself on its transparency in the production process which it believes gives it output the authenticity of a product of Scotland. The products themselves use natural fibres, while the packaging is recyclable.

Dennis’s Birthday Tartan will launch on March 17th this year. 

Clare Campbell, founder and director of Prickly Thistle, said: “We have always prided ourselves with a mission statement we formed a few years ago, changing the future, by disrupting the past. This became so important to us to challenge the long associated negative and or limiting stereotypes attached to what is Scotland’s national fabric, tartan. 

“Now, to have our very first tartan project that can be directly shared with children really is a massively proud moment for us.  Children can see it for what it is, a symbolic colourful fabric that championed and can champion again sustainable living. 

“We have been so lucky to work with many people over our early years, but there is something special about this one. I am sure you can sense the rebel in us now to challenge for what we care about, so to partner with a character like Dennis and a brand liked Beano on this message is nothing short of perfect.”

Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director, Rocket Licensing, the UK licensing agency for Beano Studios and brokers of the deal, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Prickly Thistle and Beano Studios on these wonderful tartan designs for Dennis’ birthday and to support the mission of authentic and locally produced product.

“The very special Beano tartan is being used for jumpers, scarves and braces which we know Beano fans will love.”

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “As the tartan rebels we couldn’t imagine a better partner than Prickly Thistle to create a birthday tartan for Dennis. For 70 years kids have read and laughed along with Dennis and now fans big and small can celebrate their inner rebel for the next 70 years in style.”

A small artisan collection of products in Dennis’s Birthday tartan will be available on the 17th March via Prickly Thistle’s online shop. The tartan will be woven by them, in the only mill based in the mainland Highland region of Scotland and all products will be made in-house, living up to a truly made in Scotland (by rebels) label. 

The collection will comprise of three sustainable staple products for everyday living and all the family.  

The Very Hungry Caterpillar asks for Mori to grow baby essentials portfolio

The baby essentials brand, Mori has secured a new partnership with Rocket Licensing to launch a collection inspired by the World of Eric Carle and the cherished story book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The limited edition collection has been designed for newborns through to children aged six years old and unites Mori’s signature soft and sustainable materials with the popular literary character in a collection that launched this week. 

“Mori is overjoyed to help bring the enchanting and timeless appeal of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life for today’s generation of little fans, as well as continue the tradition for their parents and siblings,” said brand founder Akin Onal.

“Joining the world of Eric Carle with the Mori and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Collection is one of our proudest milestones.”

The new collection follows the success of Mori’s licensing debut when it lauched a Gruffalo collection in 2019.

Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director at Rocket Licensing, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Mori on this beautiful new The Very Hungry Caterpillar range, creating high quality classic pieces for a treasured brand that continues to go from strength to strength. MORI’s commitment to creating special family moments and using sustainable fabrics also seems highly fitting for this nature-loving brand that remains a favourite across the generations.”

The Mori and The Very Hungry Caterpillar collection includes eight very special designs featuring Mori’s silhouettes and organic cotton and bamboo-blend fabrics with sweet prints and excerpts culled from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Among the collection, standouts include Mori’s award winning zip-up sleepsuit, long-sleeved t-shirts, a pyjama set with “Tiny” and “Very Hungry” lettering, a spirited romper and a 2-pack short-sleeved bodysuit featuring a juicy red apple. 

Sophie Gibson, Head of Brand at Mori added: “Following the success of our first licensed collaboration with The Gruffalo, we are thrilled to be launching our second licensed collaboration ahead of World Book Day 2021; The Very Hungry Caterpillar. As a brand dedicated to helping to improve a family’s sleep, we believe that story time is an essential part of a child’s development and bedtime routine, which is why we have partnered with the much-loved story by Eric Carle.” 

The Mori and The Very Hungry Caterpillar collection will be available online exclusively online at www.babymori.com fromthis month.

Rachel Lowe launches Beano board game to celebrate 70 years of Dennis the Menace

The iconic British comic brand, Beano is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Dennis the Menace’s first appearance with the launch of a new board game developed by the award-winning designer, Rachel Lowe.

In a partnership secured by Rocket Licensing on behalf of Beano Studios, the new Beano game will bring Dennis and Beanotown friends together for a plethora of playable pranks and school playground humour.

Players will take turns to journey around Beanotown and try to complete pranks while avoiding being caught by the teacher. Perhaps a whoopie cushion will be dropped at Mount Beano or a custard pie will splat the walls of Bunkerton Castle? The player to prank six different locations first will win the game.

The game takes inspiration from the case and heritage of The Beano, the longest-running British children’s comic magazine which in August 2019 celebrated its 4,000th issue. 70 years ago, Dennis first appeared in the comic and has been loved by children and adults from around the world ever since.

As well as the game, a 200-piece and 1000-piece puzzle featuring more of the comic’s characters, including The Bash Street Kids will be released later in the year.

Rachel Lowe said: “Beano is an absolute classic with a dedicated fan base around the world. Dennis has one of the most iconic and recognizable faces – the messy black hair and that mischievous grin are what people love the most. I am thrilled to be working with the Beano team to create these new products to celebrate such a wonderful anniversary for a wonderful character.”

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “For 70 years, kids have read and laughed along with Dennis and now thanks to this incredible Rachel Lowe partnership, fans big and small can come together to test their own prank skills.

“We look forward to creating a range of games that generations of family and friends can come together to enjoy.”

The Beano board game is £29.99 and available from www.amazon.co.uk and  www.rachellowe.co.uk now.

The new game is available alongside Rachel’s current range including Elf on the Shelf, Call the Midwife and WWE: Road to WrestleMania.

Released before Christmas 2020 and designed for all the family, The Elf on the Shelf game plays out the story of Scout Elves, who fly back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa who has been Naughty and who has been Nice.

The WWE: Road to WrestleMania game, released at Christmas 2019, is available with a 500-piece puzzle and playing cardsallowing WWE fans across the UK to become part of the electrifying global pop-cultural event. The products featured WWE Superstars including John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch and have been popular with WWE’s passionate fanbase.

Finally, the Call the Midwife products (board game, puzzle and playing cards) have continued to be popular in their third year of release.

Lowe said: “Call the Midwife is a show with a dedicated following and the new series later this year will be very popular. I will be looking to update the game and puzzle to keep it in line with the new characters and story lines coming in future series.”

Kodak snaps up Rocket Licensing for UK, Eire, and European licensing programme

The iconic Kodak brand has snapped up Rocket Licensing as its licensing agency for the UK and Eire as well as Europe, as the firm begins to build a consumer products programme across the regions.

In its role – marking a new step for Rocket, an expert in character, entertainment, and publishing licensing – who will focus the campaign on a range of categories including apparel, accessories, stationery (including arts and crafts), publishing, games and puzzles, and collaborations.

The team will target a primarily adult and millennial audience and is looking to place product principally in fashion and mid-tier retail.

Kodak is a 130 year-old company, which is known worldwide by its instantly recognisable red and yellow logo, which has evolved over the years. The company offers an extensive library of classic and modern logos, branding and advertising, which is ideal for developing into exciting, impactful and desirable licensed collections.

To date, Kodak has created far reaching collaborations with A list celebrities, Lulu Guinness and Cara Delavigne, leading designer, Lama Jouni, and key retailer, Forever 21, among others. Rocket will be building on these solid foundations with best in class partners to create on-trend, appealing consumer products and campaigns.

Rob Wijeratna, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, said: “We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to build the Kodak brand in the UK and extend it throughout Europe. Kodak is an iconic brand, known worldwide and offers a wealth of fantastic creative assets to build exciting new collections.”

Clara Fort, Kodak VP global brand licensing, added: “Collaborating with an award-winning partner like Rocket Licensing is an important opportunity for Kodak. The combined strengths of the iconic Kodak brand and Rocket’s creativity and experience will help us bring exciting products and collections to consumers across the UK and Europe.”

Rachel Lowe launches The Elf on the Shelf Board Game through Rocket Licensing deal

Award-winning board game designer Rachel Lowe has partnered with The Lumistella Company to bring its flagship property, The Elf on the Shelf to the traditional board gaming space in time for Christmas. The move acts to cement Elf on the Shelf as part of the festive tradition for families across the UK.

In a deal brokered by the UK licensing agency, Rocket Licensing, Rachel Lowe’s official The Elf on the Shelf Board Game plays out the story of Scout Elves who fly back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa who has been naughty and who has been nice. Nice players are rewarded with Candy Canes, while naughty ones lose their candy cane collection.

Designed as a family-friendly title, the games sees player take turns on the spinner to determine their naughty of nice fate, as well as face challenges along the way, including Snowball Fights to collect an extra candy cane. The player with the most candy canes wins the game.

The game is released alongside The Elf on the Shelf Snap Card Game depicting Scout Elves.

Rachel Lowe said: “I love Christmas and I am absolutely delighted to be working with The Elf on the Shelf to create a range of products that any child will love to have this Christmas.

“Every year parents come up with elaborate and funny activities for their elves which they share on social media. I’m really excited to be able to contribute to this Christmas tradition which is such a big part of families’ festive holidays.”

The Elf on the Shelf launched in the UK in 2015 and quickly became a family favourite. Rocket Licensing, which manages the licensing rights for The Elf on the Shelf brand in the UK and Eire, has already predicted that 2020 will be the biggest Christmas ever for the property, which started life as a book and Scout Elf in 2005.

In a recent survey, over half of mums had top of mind awareness of the loveable elf, which also ranked as the third most popular Christmas tradition for children (2019 MMR survey).

The Elf on the Shelf Board Game is available alongside Rachel’s current range, including Call the Midwife and WWE: Road to WrestleMania.

The WWE: Road to WrestleMania board game, released in 2019, is available with a 500-piece puzzle and playing cardsallowing WWE fans across the UK to become part of the electrifying global pop-cultural event. The products featured WWE Superstars including John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch and have been popular with WWE’s passionate fanbase.

The Call the Midwife products (board game, puzzle and playing cards) have continued to be popular in their third year of release.

Rachel said: “Call the Midwife is a show with a dedicated following and the new series next year, along with the Christmas special, will be very popular. I will be looking to update the game and puzzle to keep it in line with the new characters and story lines coming in future series.”