The landscape of experiential licensing and promotions has diversified over the years, with licensors now highlighting their properties through signature hotels, escape room themes, blood drives, and much more, depending on the brand image and/or content associated with the IP. But when it comes to creating experiences for the preschool set, property owners tend to […]
Archive | Character/Entertainment
Characters and Clothing Meet in Poland
Collaborations between classic characters and contemporary fashion labels are a global phenomenon. A recent case in point is Poland, where three high-profile examples involving global entertainment properties and local designers or fashion retailers have attracted attention this summer and fall: Two retail chains, Reserved and Sinsay, created clothing collections featuring the Pink Panther, in a […]
Expanding The Indie Comics Universe
Three independent comic book companies have recently announced new brand-extension ventures for their proprietary properties: Dynamite Entertainment said it was launching a high-end giclée art print program to debut in January. The first collectible prints will be based on Dynamite’s Vampirella, with other characters to follow. Dynamite ranks as the seventh largest vendor to comic […]
Child’s Play in China
By Karen Raugust on October 8, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, International, Licensing, Toys/Games
The escalating trade war with China is creating uncertainty for the global toy industry, with tariffs on toys, if they are implemented, potentially affecting the profitability of manufactured-in-China playthings in the U.S. market. But that isn’t stopping Western entertainment and toy companies from continuing to make inroads into the Chinese market by forging distribution, co-production, […]
Family Fandom
By Karen Raugust on September 17, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Demographic groups, Infant products, Licensing
It wasn’t that long ago that a property associated with violence, swearing, and/or adult themes would be unlikely to find its way into the baby products category. But things have changed, as three recent deals illustrate: • Blizzard Entertainment licensed Líllébaby for baby carriers made of a printed fabric inspired by Battle of Azeroth, the […]
In Tune with the Times
By Karen Raugust on July 26, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Demographic groups, Design and content themes, Licensing
The “girl power” trend in children’s media and entertainment has been ongoing for several years, but it continues to intensify and diversify, perhaps assisted by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Some of the recent permutations include: Female superheroes assuming leading roles in film and TV. Some examples are original, including TV animation such as Nickelodeon’s […]
Rainbow Connection
Rainbow-themed girls’ entertainment is in, if this year’s Licensing Expo is any indication. Among the rainbow-centric properties prominently displayed at the show this year are: True and the Rainbow Kingdom. This Netflix Original is produced by Guru Studio and licensed by Brand Central, with Toy State on board as the licensee for playthings. The show […]
Head First
The head seems to be the new center of social expression when it comes to showing one’s love for an entertainment property, as all manner of headwear features eye-catching, sculptural representations of favorite characters: Plush hoods and hats. Companies such as Elope feature plush headwear with representations of characters including Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ The Grinch […]
The Universal Allure of Unicorns
Unicorns have always been a theme in merchandise and entertainment, especially for kids, but they are certainly experiencing a moment in the spotlight for all ages these days. The magical creatures appear in association with all kinds of products and promotions: Starbucks’ offered Unicorn Frappuccino, while Kellogg’s is releasing Froot Loops-like Unicorn Cereal; cosmetics company […]
The Sound of Music
Symphony performances, accompanied by filmed entertainment, represent one area of experiential licensing that has been hitting a high note for the past few years, especially but not exclusively among entertainment properties: Most recently, National Geographic partnered with Jason Michael Paul Entertainment for “National Geographic: Symphony for Our World,” which features a live performance of a […]