Dreamworks Animation Acquires IP for Trolls with Plans to Take Iconic Dolls’ Brand (and Hair) to New Heights

April 12, 2013 By

DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. has acquired the IP for the Troll franchise from the Dam Family and Dam Things of Denmark, with plans to introduce the brand to a new generation of fans around the world. DreamWorks has named American Girl veteran Shawn Dennis as head of brand development to cultivate this classic franchise.

The Troll doll phenomenon was born in 1959 when Danish fisherman and woodcutter Thomas Dam, too poor to afford a Christmas present for his young daughter Lajla, carved a doll for her based on the legendary Scandinavian troll. The Trolls experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, and in 2003, the Toy Industry of America named Trolls on its list of 100 of the Century’s Most Treasured Toys.

DreamWorks Animation is now the exclusive worldwide licensor of the merchandise rights for the classic Troll Dolls, with the sole exception of Scandanavia, the birthplace of the Trolls, where Dam Things will remain the licensor.

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American Girl’s 2013 Girl of the Year Turns Passion into Persuasion to Promote Arts Education

January 2, 2013 By

Saige Copeland is American Girl‘s 2013 Girl of the Year. Saige is a spirited and imaginative young girl who loves painting and horseback riding at her grandma’s ranch in Albuquerque—the hot-air balloon capital of the world. Saige’s collection is available for one year; the character comes to life with an 18-inch Saige doll featuring long auburn hair and an array of outfits and accessories, including a hot-air balloon and a posable horse. A new movie from Universal Studios Home Entertainment based on Saige’s stories will premiere on DVD this year. [Read more...]

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BREAKING: CEO Bryan Stockton Named New Chairman of Mattel

November 16, 2012 By

Mattel, Inc., has announced that the Board of Directors has named CEO Bryan Stockton as chairman of the board effective January 1. Mr. Stockton succeeds Robert Eckert, who has informed the Board of his decision to retire from his service as director and chairman of the board, effective December 31. Stockton will continue to hold the position of chief executive officer, a position held since January 2012. [Read more...]

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American Girl Launches Charitable “Shine On Now” Campaign

June 28, 2010 By

American Girl is launching  Shine On Now, a new charitable campaign that encourages girls to give support to other girls in need. The company hopes to donate $1 million in clothes, dolls, books, and money to Kids in Distressed Situations, National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions, National Wildlife Federation, and Save the Children.

Starting June 28, girls can become American Girl Ambassadors at shineonnow.com; ambassadors will receive a free, downloadable tool kit with tips and ideas for fund-raising, volunteering, or donating to the four charities. On July 13, visitors to the website can contribute 100 free stars a day to eventually reach 1 million stars. If 1 million stars are collected, American Girl will donate its maximum gift of $1 million.

American Girl will also be launching a new virtual campus, Innerstar University, with a variety of games, quizzes, and other activities. Access to the online world comes with each 18-inch My American Girl doll.

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