Page 12 - Toy & Hobby Retailer Magazine Mar-Apr 2019

LICENSING NEWS
FROM INSIDE THE LICENCE
IN BRIEF
◗ BTS BANDS WITH MATTEL FOR TOYS
During the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Mattel announced that it had partnered with Korean boy band, Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) on a worldwide, comprehensive
licensing deal.
The multi-category licence will
see Mattel initially produce dolls, collectibles and games for the boy band.
The first product line to launch from the partnership will be a doll range which will mirror what each member of the band wore in their famous ‘Idol’ music video.
Senior vice president and global brand general manager for Mattel, Sejal Shah Miller, said that partnering with BTS will help fans engage with the band through a different medium.
“BTS is a pop-culture music phenomenon that transcends age, culture and language, and through this partnership, Mattel will offer
a new way for millions across the world to engage with the band,” she said.
The partnership was announced on 07 January.
Screenshot from BTS’ ‘Idol’ film clip.
Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures team up on new film
MATTEL and Warner Bros. Pictures have partnered to bring a live action Barbie film to the big screen, featuring Aussie actor, Margot Robbie, as the iconic doll.
Under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner, Robbie will also co-produce the film alongside Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara.
The film is the first to come from Mattel’s recently formed film division and also marks the first collaboration between Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Mattel CEO, Ynon Kreiz, said that the film will help demonstrate the scope of the Barbie brand.
“Barbie is one of the most iconic franchises in the world and we are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures and Margot Robbie to bring her to life on the big screen.
“We look forward to building on this collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures as we tell the stories of our beloved brands.
“Mattel Films is on a path to demonstrate the enormous potential of our brand portfolio, as we continue to execute on our strategy of transforming Mattel into an IP-driven, high performing toy company,” he said.
The announcement was made on 08 January. ❉
Spin Master lands three-year DC licence
CANADIAN toy business, Spin Master, signed a three-year toy licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, which gives it access to the rights around iconic DC characters in the boy’s action category and
film releases from 2020.
Beginning in spring 2020, Spin Master will
be the toy licensee in the boy's action, remote control and robotic vehicles, water toys, games and puzzles categories.
Spin Master's global president and COO, Ben Gadbois, said that the agreement will help to diversify and broaden the Spin
Master business.
“Partnering with an iconic brand like DC
is a major milestone for Spin Master and is part of our strategy to invest in successful licenses to further grow and diversify our business.
“Children everywhere have been entertained and inspired by DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains for more than 80 years and we're honoured to be a part of that storytelling.
“We are looking forward to bringing Spin Master's renowned innovation to the toy line
12 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER MARCH / APRIL 2019
SOURCE: ABC NEWS - REUTERS: PHIL NOBLE/MATTEL