June 2010

Warner Bros. Named Exclusive Distributor for Upcoming LEGO Universe

Later this year, the LEGO Group will launch LEGO Universe, the first MMOG (massively multiplayer online game) based on the LEGO play experience. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) has signed on as the exclusive retail distributor of LEGO Universe outside of LEGO channels.

Developed by the LEGO Group and NetDevil, LEGO Universe enables players ages 8 and up to build, create, interact with friends, battle, and explore LEGO worlds. The MMOG is currently in a closed beta, and will release in the second half of the year.

To learn more about LEGO Universe, visit www.LEGOuniverse.com.

Walmart CEO Outlines Strategies for “Next Generation Walmart”

At Walmart’s annual shareholders meeting, president and CEO Mike Duke outlined four strategies for building the “Next Generation Walmart.” He said Walmart is poised to deliver on Sam Walton’s vision of giving “the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”

The strategies are: (1) become a truly global company, (2) understand the business challenges that retailers will face and solve them, (3) play an even bigger leadership role on social issues that matter to its customers, and (4) keep its culture strong everywhere.

In order to be a more global company, Duke discussed the need to serve customers as a local store, share best practices, and leverage Walmart’s global supply chain. He stated that over the next five years Walmart will create 500,000 jobs around the world. Duke also discussed the importance on price transparency and low pricing, and being a company that stays strong globally.

The company also announced that its board of directors approved a new repurchase program that authorizes the company to repurchase $15 billion of its shares. This program replaces the previous $15 billion program, which was announced June 5, 2009, and had approximately $4.7 billion of remaining authorization. Under the program, repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to unissued status.

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

McDonald’s Announces Recall on Shrek Themed Drinking Glasses

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and McDonald’s have announced a voluntary recall of the Shrek Forever After 3D Collectible Drinking Glasses, due to a potential cadmium risk.

The recall affects about 12 million units. The designs on the glasses contain cadmium, which produces a risk of adverse health effects after long term exposure. No injuries have been reported. The glasses were sold exclusively at McDonald’s from May 2010 to June 2010 for approximately $2. McDonald’s asks consumers to immediately stop using the glasses, and information on how to obtain a full refund can be found at www.McDonalds.com.

The Hub Network Announces New Original Programming

The Hub, a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc., has announced the addition of two new Hub Original Series programs to the network.

Live-action program Pictureka! and animated series The Adventures of Chuck and Friends will appear on the network when it launches October 10. The programs join The Hub’s previously announced series, which will offer programming choices across the network’s planned programming blocks of preschool (ages 2-5, 9 AM-1 PM), kids afternoon/kids prime (ages 6-12, 1-6 PM), family prime access (6-7 PM), and family prime (7-11 PM).

Pictureka! is adapted from the family board game and will feature contestants and their families as they take on the challenge of finding specific objects disguised in elaborate drawings. The show is produced by Hasbro Studios in conjunction with Ellman Entertainment.

The Adventures of Chuck and Friends features Tonka’s Chuck the Truck and a cast of friends in a song-filled series geared towards preschoolers. The show is produced by Hasbro studios.

Smurfs to be 2010 Macy’s Holiday Ambassadors

More than 50 years after the iconic blue images of the Smurfs were introduced into American pop culture, the classic characters are being reintroduced with a feature film set to be released by Sony Pictures on July 29, 2011. The film combines a childhood classic remembered fondly by many with a plethora of current favorites, ranging from Neil Patrick Harris and Glee’s Jayma Mays to pop star Katy Perry. As the odd-yet-intriguing combination brings the Smurfs back into the spotlight, the characters will also become Macy’s 2010 Holiday Ambassadors.

The Smurfs will adorn Macy’s throughout the holiday season, from windows and countertops to a giant balloon and an exclusive plush collection. The talking plush collection will be dressed in holiday gear. It will be available in mid-October and retail for $14.95. Marketing support will also include half a million custom designed shopping bags to be distributed at the flagship location at Herald Square in New York City. In addition to a 47-foot helium balloon Smurf and Smurf float that will return to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a cold-air inflatable Smurf will adorn the marquee at the entrance to Macy’s Herald Square.

Past characters to be featured in the Macy’s Holiday Ambassador tradition include Babar the elephant, Kermit the Frog, Scooby Doo, Snoopy, Shrek, and Mickey Mouse.

The Last Airbender Products to be Released This Summer

Nickelodeon Consumer Products (NCP) has announced a full slate of consumer products for Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ live-action, July 2 theatrical release, The Last Airbender, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The line-up of products inspired by the film will be available this summer through the holiday season.

Consumers can expect to see almost 30 new products in a number of categories including publishing, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and accessories.

Some of the licensees on board for the franchise include action figures, play sets, role play items, vehicles, and more from Spin Master; video games from THQ; construction-themed sets and products from Mega; DVDs from Paramount Home Entertainment; party goods from American Greetings; customizable goods from HP; prequel manga, movie manga, and cinemanga from Del Rey Manga; junior novelization, movie storybook, ready to reads, and lost scrolls collection from Simon and Schuster; an activity digest, a full-color scrapbook, and an activity book from Random House; and Mad Libs from Penguin/Grosset Dunlap.

Classic Media to Represent Voltron

World Events Productions (WEP) and Classic Media have announced the re-launch of the Voltron brand in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the original Voltron series, which first aired on television during the 1984-1985 television year. Effective immediately, Classic Media is to helm international distribution and worldwide merchandising and licensing for Voltron.

As the first step in reintroducing the Voltron brand to fans, an all-new animated television series is being created. The series, Voltron Force, is the first original franchise-related television content in 10 years and is scheduled to debut on Nicktoons in 2011, with WEP and Classic Media producing along with Hollywood production company Kickstart Productions (Wanted, Wolverine and the X-Men).

Twentieth Century Fox Restructures Licensing Division

Twentieth Century Fox Television has implemented a strategic restructuring of its licensing division intended to focus on long-term brand building and immediate growth of its international businesses. Under the newly created banner Fox Consumer Products, Executive Vice President Robert Marick has appointed a team of senior executives charged with strategically exploiting the company’s television and feature film properties through consumer products, retail partnerships, and licensing initiatives.

To head the Global Brand Management team, Marick has tapped Pam Kunick-Cohen as its new senior vice president. Her team is tasked to determine long-term franchise opportunities both domestically and globally.

In order to translate the lineup of television and film properties into new products, a new Senior Vice President of Global Creative has been named—riCardo crespo.

The newly designated Global Category Management team will include Gary Rosenfeld, senior vice president of new media, who will continue his role overseeing Fox’s portfolio of video game projects and managing the division’s games development staff. Lora Cohn will serve as vice president, toys & social expressions, while Virginia King is vice president, fashion & home.

As Fox Consumer Products sets its sights on expanding sales across the globe, Marick has developed teams to cover four distinct regions: North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. This new approach is designed to strengthen operations in these regions and foster a deeper understanding of these individual marketplaces.

Each of the new members of the Fox Consumer Products team will be in attendance at Licensing Show.

Bennett Branding to Oversee Licensing Program for Pawparazzi

Noodle Head, Inc., has picked Sharon Bennett of Bennett Branding to represent its Pawparazzi brand and oversee its licensing program.

Pawparazzi pets began as a line of collectible plush pets with funny celebrity personas, carried in unique couture purses. The company has expanded the brand to include play accessories, clothing, and a Fan Club that sends members gifts, newsletters, and special offers. Planet Pawparazzi, an interactive website, will debut in August.

The new, integrated licensing and merchandising program for Pawparazzi will include a line of merchandise and brand extensions, including publishing, interactive, apparel, accessories, social expression, home décor, entertainment, and more.

An Array of Olivia Products to Hit Stores This Fall

Chorion has announced that the first wave of Olivia consumer products will hit store shelves in the U.S. starting with back-to-school 2010.

Global master toy licensee Spin Master will support its range of Olivia preschool girls’ toys with a major TV advertising campaign and promotional in-store marketing programs. Other categories for the upcoming Olivia launch will include games, publishing, puzzles, novelty, DVDs, apparel, and accessories. Plans are in place for dedicated Olivia sections at retailers such as Toys “R” Us, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Borders. International consumer products are scheduled for a 2011 release with TV tie-in books paving the way in key markets.