Licensing International 2005 kicks off on June 21st at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Be sure to stop by United Media's booth (# 3239) to check out what's happening with our entire portfolio of brands. Each of United Media's properties has a great story to tell and opportunities for growth.
PEANUTS PARTNERS LINE UP TO CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
It's been forty years since "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on network television, instantly becoming one of the most popular holiday specials of all time. Helping to celebrate the milestone anniversary are numerous partners including Blockbuster, Wal-Mart, and Hallmark. Hip retailer Urban Outfitters will feature the iconic Charlie Brown tree (which will also be available for purchase) on the cover of its two holiday catalogues that reach nearly two million households. Also on the bandwagon is Peak Records, who will release a holiday CD featuring newly recorded versions from the original soundtrack, as well as new songs, performed by several noteworthy artists. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" airs yearly on ABC to exceptional ratings. Next up is the 40th Anniversary of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," in 2006.
U.S. LICENSEES DISCOVER EL CHAVO
Since announcing its partnership with Televisa to create licensing programs around content created by Hispanics for Hispanics, United Media has begun to ally strategically with partners for the popular television series, El Chavo, which has aired to stellar ratings success for over thirty-five years. Look for the announcement of new partners in the baked goods, back-to-school, bedding and publishing categories in the near future. Currently the #1 sitcom for kids 6-11 years old, El Chavo is broadcast on Galavision and is "all family" entertainment enjoyed by multiple generations (children, parents and grandparents).
A GLOBAL AFFINITY FOR THE LOVING, CARING AND SHARING BRAND Precious Moments continues to demonstrate its worldwide strength here in the U.S. and abroad. Domestically, new licensee Beyond Basics Kids has created packaged layette for Shopko, Wal-Mart Puerto Rico and Fred's merchandised in 8-foot by 4-foot planograms. On the international front, some of the brand's recent new deals include PT Biginusindo for infant wear in Indonesia and Gurnamal Sons for glassware in the Philippines. Based on its 2004 sales success, Sterling has expanded its notebook line to include giftware and other stationery items in the Philippines. King Jui Bedding did the same by adding skus to its existing bedding range in Taiwan.
NEW FROM ARTHUR AND HIS PAL BUSTER
With the recent launch of the new Arthur spin-off series Postcards from Buster, comes news from both the famous 8-year-old and his best friend Buster. Look for a CG-animated direct-to-video film from Lion's Gate based on the Arthur television series in fall 06, as well as plush from Commonwealth. Postcards from Buster books are also on the horizon, and Paradise Press will launch coloring activity books from the popular new series on PBS.
EMMY AWARD-WINNING FAMILY SERIES JAKERS! GEARS UP FOR DAILY BROADCASTS
Beginning September 5, the millions of fans nationwide who love PBS KIDS' Jakers! The Adventures Of Piggley Winks will be able to watch their favorite series Mondays through Fridays when the Emmy-winning, CGI-animated program from Entara Ltd. goes to a daily strip, with all new live action interstitials focusing on intergenerational communication and oral storytelling. As part of the enhanced programming plan, PBS KIDS has ordered twelve new episodes of the half-hour series, which currently features forty episodes to air from fall 2006.
PEANUTS: AN INTERNATIONAL FASHION SUCCESS
Snoopy is synonymous with fashion this spring as Iceberg returns this season with a new apparel collection featuring Woodstock available at retailers worldwide. In Spain, fans are sparkling with Cortefiel's on-trend crystal T’s, boutiques in Greece are offering a chic collection by Danoff, and LMJ in France has launched a pręt a porter line with trendy T’s, handbags and accessories for teens and ladies. It's a "bling" spring for Snoopy!
RAGGEDY ANN, A MEMORABLE GAL AT 90
In celebration of Raggedy Ann's 90th Birthday, a nation-wide essay contest for fans of the lovable red-headed doll kicked-off in February to immediate success. Fans from all over the country have submitted heartfelt stories about their personal experiences with the iconic rag-doll that has touched so many over the years. This September, the most heartfelt story will be awarded the grand prize of an all expense-paid trip for two to Arcola, IL, home of the Raggedy Ann & Andy museum, during the Raggedy Ann & Andy Festival in 2006 and $100 worth of Raggedy products. Ten finalists also will be announced in July.
BATTER' UP, CHARLIE BROWN!
This July, Major League Baseball International (MLBI) will launch a focused and exclusive co-branded licensing program in Japan featuring the Peanuts characters. The program, entitled "Snoopy & Major League Baseball" begins in July and runs through December 2007. With close to 10 percent and eighteen thousand comic strips in the PEANUTS library dedicated to baseball, a MLBI/Peanuts collaboration is a natural.
STAY CONNECTED WITH TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION
Since its phenomenal release in August 2004, Tamagotchi Connection™, the original virtual pet, has experienced incredible success, selling more than five million units worldwide to date. This June, Tamagotchi Connection™ Version (V.2) will launch exclusively at Toys R Us with a rollout to most retailers nationwide in early July. The latest version, which includes all new features, collectible designs and colors, fresh games, additional characters and more, now also allows users to earn new "Gotchi" points to shop for special gifts and food. United Media is currently pursuing lifestyle licensing opportunities for the brand.
NEWS FOR OFFICE DWELLERS
This fall, Dilbert fans will find new decorations to adorn their holiday trees. Featuring images from the popular cubicle dweller, the new ornaments from American Greetings will be available at major retail chains nationwide. Also from American Greetings are new Dilbert greeting cards - perfect sentiments for everyone or anyone who has ever worked in an office. Applejack Art Partners has signed on for posters, framed art, and magnets, among other items. And as always, expect to see the ever-popular Dilbert planners from Franklin Covey as well as reprint books and calendars from Andrews McMeel.
It's been forty years since "
