Spotlight: Licensing Show 2006

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, June 20, 2006

The toy industry is far past questioning "Why license?" It's 2006 and the business questions are "Which to choose?" and how long to keep those one already has. This month's Licensing Show will go along way towards answering those questions as it spotlights not only what's hot today, but what's on tap for tomorrow.

What follows are the highlights from many of the children's entertainment companies exhibiting at this year's event.

4Kids Entertainment

Beginning this fall, 4Kids Entertainment, New York , will debut Viva Piñata’s world of living piñata animals in a 3-D animated television series on FOX Saturday mornings as well as in an immersive video game developed exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Additional products launching next spring will include the apparel, accessories, footwear, food and beverage, health and beauty, home furnishings, home video, stationery, paper products, toys, games and publishing categories.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ( TMNT ) will also be in full force on FOX Saturday mornings, as 4Kids TV debuts 26 new episodes of TMNT Fast Forward , set 99 years into the future. As part of the series, 4Kids will debut a new Web site this summer, and will partner with Warner Bros. and the Weinstein company for the March 30, 2007 premiere of the first-ever CGI -animated TMNT movie. 4Kids will be expanding the Fast Forward premise in all core categories including toys, apparel and publishing, and will partner with Playmates and UBI Soft to release figures, vehicles, play sets, role play products and a video game.

To mark the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise’s 10th anniversary and the 5th anniversary of the trading card game, 4Kids will significantly expand the property’s presence by fall 2006, with t-shirts, backpacks, giftware, pajamas, swim and fashion apparel, 2007 calendars, books, piñatas, celebration cakes and sticker books.

4Kids’ other Japanese properties are also getting a licensing push this year, with toys, apparel, games and trend products on the horizon for Kappa Mikey, and several new doll lines and role-play products for Magical DoReMi due out from partner Bandai America. Future expansion will include electronics, video games, publishing, school supplies, craft and activity products, and mobile content.

Winx Club—which will see toys, cosmetics and video games from 4Kids and its core partners Mattel and Konami—will be expanded into publishing, apparel and bags. 4Kids also hopes to add partners in the electronics, confections, party, social expression, craft and activity, mobile content, accessories and stationery categories.

Meanwhile, the Cabbage Patch Kid line will expand yet again to include CPK Newborns, the tiniest CPK offering yet, followed by the Patch Puppy Rescue video game for Game Boy Advance. Further down the line, look for CPK apparel, electronics, giftware, collectibles, seasonal products and social expressions, plus expanded craft, activity and publishing licenses.

AG Properties

Just in time for the company’s 100th anniversary as well as the upcoming 25th anniversary of its classic Care Bears line, Cleveland-based American Greetings will kick off a series of initiatives for the brand under its recently formed AG Properties umbrella. Plans for 2006/2007 include updated looks for all the characters, a continued focus on the junior market (fashion, room decor and a significant expansion of the Grumpy Bear Collection into bedding, lounge wear, jewelry, headgear and hosiery), TV promoted toys and plush, apparel, home textiles, publishing and infant products. Expect new looks for nursery, layette, diapers and baby gifts, and for new food and HBA products to hit shelves later this year. AG will also be extending promotion for its new Care Bear character, the Spanish-speaking sunny orange Amigo Bear.

Meanwhile, Madballs, the classic squishy boys’ toys from the 1980s, are back! AG has partnered with Art Asylum to release new variations in late summer 2006 for the boy and collector markets, and will expand the line into t-shirts, boxers, lounge wear, comic books and the novelty category.

AG's Twisted Whiskers cast of cat and dog greeting card characters will get the 3-D treatment in a new family-friendly series of CGI shorts. From there, the company hopes to develop television and movie deals and sign partners for the gifts, novelty collectibles and apparel categories.

The following all-new AG creations will also be unveiled this year: Maryoku Yummy (a preschool TV series where wishes come true), Sushi Pack (a superhero sushi series for boys 5-8) and Pretty Freekin Scary (a new series for tweens and teens).

AG will be seeking Maryoku Yummy and Sushi Pack partners in the toy, apparel, accessories, publishing and home entertainment categories, while the company’s initial Pretty Freekin Scary licensing will focus on digital platforms, apparel and novelty products.

Al Ovadia & Associates

Al Ovadia & Associates, Calabasis, Calif., has a number of new properties to showcase this year, from Thumb Wrestling Federation live-action shorts to Zixx, the animated children’s alien investigator series.

Al Ovadia’s lineup includes music videos for The Annoying Thing (aka the Crazy Frog character) airing on Cartoon Network and a second album from the amphibian slated for a summer release. The company also offers the Bernard polar bear series of animated three-minute CGI shorts airing on Cartoon Network, the mystical Khudayana boys’ action series, and Huevocartoon, a Latin American property already seen on Telemundo’s teen and young adult entertainment channel. The company hopes the show will make significant inroads in the U.S. Hispanic market.

Amity Entertainment

Amity Entertainment Inc. will support the 22 newest episodes of its preschool Big Comfy Couch children’s television series (which will begin airing in July) by bringing Quattro Consumer Products on board to represent the property for licensing in North America.

BBC Worldwide

For its Little Robots series, BBC Worldwide, New York, has signed on some experienced partners in the toy, home entertainment and publishing categories. Playmates, its master toy licensee for North America, will launch a full line of toys and other products this fall, including figures, talking plush, a robot builder, vehicles and more. At the same time, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will debut the first Little Robots home video titles.

A new line of 6 book titles from Penguin Young Readers Group will debut next spring, starting with two 8x8 books: Little Robots: Tiny’s New Moon and Little Robots: Robot Race Day.

Big Tent Entertainment

Big Tent Entertainment, New York, is expanding its Habbo Hotel virtual community with fashion bags and accessories by Worldwide Dreams. The simulated game is targeted as a teen lifestyle brand and will be found this summer as furnishings and home decor Betish Group division Funhouse.

As the Japanese series Domo debuts this fall on Nickelodeon, Big Tent is eyeing partners in publishing, collectibles, plush toys, interactive games, video, stationery, room decor and mobile entertainment.

The Koala Brothers series, currently on Playhouse Disney, also gets a retail boost this summer with social expressions, gift wrap, party goods and Heirloom Collection ornaments by American Greetings.

Meanwhile, Australia female singing sensations The Star Girls continue their musical messages of self love and empowerment aimed at preteens in a North American tour this summer, followed by a release of their second album. Big Tent is focusing its licensing program on television, home video, apparel, publishing and home decor.

Carrera Toys

Salzburg-based Carrera Toys will debut some new offerings this year for car-loving teens, adults and hobbyists. Expect to see licensed racing sets themed to capitalize on new movies Fast and Furious 3: Tokyo Drift and James Bond 007: Casino Royale, as well as a new NASCAR play set and developments in the company’s higher-end Evolution series.

Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network’s new favorite kids’ characters will jump off the screen and into homes this year with new toys and video games.

Ben 10 , the network’s original series about a boy who can transform into alien beings, boasts action figures and vehicles by Bandai America this summer. The characters from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends star in a one-hour movie this fall, along with a DVD and Nintendo Gameboy Advance game by Crave Entertainment. Logotel will produce t-shirts.

Camp Lazlo , The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, HiHi Puffy Ami Yumi and Aqua Teen Hunger Force will all get their own interactive games this year, while Midway Games will also release a video game based on The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy for Sony Playstation 2, Nintendo Gameboy Advance and GameCube this fall. An Aqua Teen Hunger Force title will debut sometime in 2007.

The Game Factory will offer a Cartoon Network Racing video game for Sony Playstation 2 and Nintendo Dual Screen in October; D3PA is on tap for a unique HiHi Puffy Ami Yumi game for Nintendo’s DS platform in which the game controls appear on the touch pad in the form of a guitar.

Cookie Jar Entertainment

Cookie Jar Entertainment, Los Angeles, enters the boys action arena with the launch of the action adventure series Spider Riders, based on the book The Shards of the Oracle by Tedd and Patsy Cameron-Anasti. The series will have a presence in both the online gaming and wireless worlds, starting with the basic kids’ online game at spiderriders.com and eventually expanding into a multi-user, online global role play community through the site as well as on cell phones.

CopCorp

CopCorp Licensing, New York, has secured three new diverse deals for Jim Benton's It's Happy Bunny brand. Dakota Collectibles, Bismarck, will make and market Happy Bunny embroidery, software CDs and PC cards for home sewers, while FAB/Fashion Accessory Bazaar, New York, will create such electronics products as Cozy Tunes Pillows, Speaker Earmuffs, CD Holder with Speakers, MP3 Holder with Speakers, Pencil Case with Speakers, and Radio Pens. Mile Marker 0, based in Methuen, Mass., will create Happy Bunny beach chairs, mats, umbrellas, totes and coolers. Down the road, expect to see additional products in the gifts and stationary categories featuring the little bunny with the big attitude.

Happy Bunny is also hopping overseas, with United Media licensing its illustrated book series in Japan.

Meanwhile, the three trendy Beverly Hills teens of the Totally Spies! animated action series will debut in a girls’ apparel line at Kmart by Star Rids Kids. The tops and skirt sets will sport the Totally Spies! logo and characters. Marathon Media will offer a promotional merchandising program, with mobile phone gems by Gameloft, video games from Atari an interactive book series by Brighter Minds. Additional licensees include books by Simon & Schuster, costumes by Disguise, backpacks from AD Sutton and a graphic novel series from Papercutz.

Corus Entertainment

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Limited, New York, will be bringing The Fairly Oddparents to Latin America with a host of new deals beginning this August, including scented children’s shampoo and hair gel plus additional branded health and beauty products. Nelvana (and its Latin American agent Exim) have also negotiated a QSR deal with Burger King to launch kids’ meal promotions in Costa Rica and Chile in September followed by Argentina in January 2007.

Separately, new merchandise deals have been signed with Belshein (bathrobes and sleep wear in Mexico), Producciones y Distribuciones Andina (chocolate mousse promo featuring branded premiums in Peru), Luli (apparel in Brazil), Foremost Dairies (branded ice cream and flavored milk featuring promotional stickers/tattoos in Guatemala and El Salvador) and DVinni (notebooks in Colombia).

In the media category, Nelvana will launch its new fantasy/adventure cartoon Pandalia this summer, with planned products to include interactive games, downloads, ecards, personality quizzes, coloring pages and themed clips from the show’s special interactive Web site. The series follows the misadventures of humble panda Toby, anointed The Chosen One by frivolous fairy princess Mi, as he embarks upon a quest to save his donut-shaped planet from the clutches of an evil king. Nelvana is currently building a licensing program for the brand and will meet with prospective licensees at Licensing Show in June.

DC Comics

DC Comics’ caped crusader will get new collectible die-cast editions of the famed Batmobile this year, produced by Corgi USA. Each 1:43 scale replica, which will sport realistic features of some of the rare Batman vehicles, has been duplicated from actual designs that appeared over the last 70 years in DC Comics’ books. Corgi USA Batman Collectible Die-Cast Editions will join the limited edition Batman Bronze Age Collection Set: The 1970s Batmobile and 1980s Batmobile with Batman and Robin metal figures, which are already being merchandized to collectors.

DIC Entertainment

DIC Entertainment, Burbank, will debut two brand-new properties this year, Horseland and Cake, and will significantly expand its offerings of the classic Trolls brand throughout 2006.

Horseland is based on the successful www.horseland.com community, on which kids can interactively buy, sell, breed and train virtual horses and compete with themselves and each other. Merchandising for girls 6-12 as well as equine aficionados will launch in spring 2007 in key categories: toys, apparel, publishing, mobile content and collectibles. In the fall, DIC will also debut a combination CGI and traditional animation series, which will be seen on CBS Saturday mornings.

Cake , a DIY brand for tween girls 8-13, is based on the upcoming live-action, reality-based series also debuting this fall on CBS Saturday mornings. Merchandising for the brand will launch in spring 2007 in the stationary, craft and activity, fashion accessories and room decor categories. An expanded rollout will follow in fall 2007 featuring apparel, footwear, domestics, interactive and gift/novelty items.

The classic Trolls brand will head to the mass retail market for the first time ever this year via products from partner Play Along, a division of Jakks Pacific. Play Along, the only company licensed to manufacture and market the original Dam Trolls, will release a line of collectibles that includes pen toppers, clip-ons, 3-inch Good Luck Trolls, 5-inch Classic Trolls and 5-inch Themed Trolls such as a biker, rock star, nurse and chef. New themed trolls will be added through 2006 as others are retired.

Additional DIC licensed product lines launching in 2006 are: American Greetings (cards, calendars and ornaments), Berkshire (head wear, footwear and cold-weather accessories), Hot Properties (novelty items, buttons, magnets, toppers and key chains), SBH (sleep wear, daywear and intimates), Springs Creative Products Group (fabrics) and Trevco (t-shirts and novelty tops).

Disney

To capitalize on the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Burbank-based Disney will partner with Zizzle to create the first mass market toy line ever offered behind the franchise, encompassing the sequel and the yet-to-be-named final film in the Pirates trilogy. Zizzle’s line will include action figures, play sets, role play products, interactive handheld games, novelty electronics and much more.

Meanwhile, Drexel Heritage Furniture and Disney Home have created a new home furnishings collection inspired by Walt Disney’s studio offices and living spaces during the entertainment icon’s heyday in the 1930s and ‘40s. Initial pieces feature Walt’s signature desk, credenza and bookshelf, cocktail table, end tables and upholstered. Additional home furnishings will debut over the next eighteen months.

Dimensional Branding Group

The Dimensional Branding Group, San Francisco, will be bringing to television its Zodiac Girlz property, an Internet-based, stage-of-life brand for tweens. The new astrologically-inclined animated adventure series is being developed by 3 Muses, who plan to produce a coordinating Zodiac Girlz Cosmic Friendship collectible doll line.

The company will also be representing The Museum of Modern Art’s new Modern Kids line of art supplies, activity books, games, toys, published works and interactive and wireless product.

Dreamworks Animation

Dreamworks Animation SKG, Glendale, Calif., will be offering itsupcoming feature film titles for hot new license deals.

Flushed Away finds a snooty rat named Roddy who is flushed into the London sewer system but becomes a hero when he tries to save his Ratropolis world. A November release date is set.

In 2007, Shrek the Third continues the story of Shrek and Fiona; this time around, the couple find themselves unenthusiastically in charge of Far, Far Away kingdom and yearning to get back to their beloved swamp.

For kids and adults, Bee Movie follows the tale of Barry B. Benson, a bee who sues the human race for stealing the bees’ honey, while in Kung Fu Parade, a laid back panda becomes an unlikely hero when he is transformed into a Kung Fu fighter to save the valley he lives in.

Edemol International

Television game show Deal or No Deal is moving overseas with Netherlands-based Endemol International brokering several deals for home game licensees across Europe: TFI Games for board games in France, Editrice Giochi in Italy, Drummond Park in the U.K. and Crown & Andrews in Australia.

Pressman Games will market the U.S. version of the game, while I-Toys will make hand-held and electronic games for the domestic and international markets. Imagination Games is to distribute an interactive DVD game. The show will also be the focus of lottery scratch cards and apparel by Today’s Trendz.

Entertainment Rights

The U.K.’s beloved mail carrier character Postman Pat will be showcased by media group Entertainment Rights, London, for the first time this year at Licensing 2006. Coinciding with the debut of the preschool-targeted literacy champion, Publications International has released a line of Postman Pat Sound Books. Additional licensees will follow soon.

Fox

After 17 seasons on the air, the Simpson family finally jumps to the big screen in July 2007. Look for merchandise tied to the film from 20th Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising, Century City, Calif., as well as new products and apparel from comedy shows Family Guy (posters, journals and a boxed calendar by Aquarius Entertainment in 2007 and 2008) and My Name is Earl (posters from Trends International). Products and apparel will also be forthcoming on the horizon for the cult flick Napoleon Dynamite as well as for Office Space, which will see posters from Acumen Entertainment Group.

Products from retro properties The Princess Bride, Edward Scissorhands and In Living Color will also be marketed in the near future, plus a concentrated line of collectibles, games and costumes for the upcoming sci-fi/ fantasy feature film Eragon, based on the Christopher Paolini book.

Freddy & Friends LLC

New on the scene is The Original Freddy line, featuring handcrafted sling chairs and rockers inspired by the main dinosaur character in the upcoming children’s book series, The Chronicles of the Blue Moon.

The idea behind the sling seats is to make reading a comfortable and pleasurable experience for young children, thereby prompting them to come back again and again. The first four chairs come in both small and large sizes and are handcrafted of plywood with foam padded seats. Each is numbered and registered.

Hasbro

Building on its recent global licensing efforts, Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro will expand its My Little Pony franchise with another theatrical release plus the fall launch of its first-ever titles for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance and PCs. New games for Nintendo’s Dual Screen are slated for fall 2007. In the spring, expect to see My Little Pony bandages (Curad), fruit snacks, watches (Seiko), furniture, bedding, Valentine’s Day books (HarperCollins), Easter baskets (PTI and Houston Harvest), toddler and juvenile underwear (Fruit of the Loom), party goods (American Greetings) and health and beauty products (Cosrich).

The Tonka line will boast new products this year for younger boys, beginning with block-pattered area rugs from Gertmenian. In addition, a furniture program is planned for launch later in the year, plus chunky board books from Modern Publishing and party goods from American Greetings. In the digital media, publishing and juvenile categories, expect Tonka titles for the Game Boy Advance and PC this fall and games for the Dual Screen in fall 2007. Reader’s Digest will release a line of Tonka All Star Readers books, with additional titles expected from Brendon Publishing. Branded fruit snacks, a 12-volt ride-on bike (Dorel), and apparel and footwear (Wilson Imports) are also expected.

Transformer fans will have a lot to look forward to next year as a new line of Generation One (G1) products hit the market—especially in the digital media space—due to a partnership with Activision. These offerings will debut in 2007 along with a movie produced by Dreamworks Pictures and Paramount Pictures. An extensive line of movie merchandise will be available, including digital media, apparel, accessories, publishing and home decor. Additional licensed products include comics (IDW), apparel and accessories (Accessory Network) and collectibles (Diamond Select Toys), plus an online personalization portal that will provide customizable classic Transformers images on t-shirts, sweatshirts and stamps.

The Littlest Pet Shop line of collectible charms and fashion features will expand to include accessories, stationery and room decor through a back-to-school relationship with a mall-based specialty store for tweens. New stamping, drawing and jersey-knit arts and crafts kits will also be available this fall, along with new products in the apparel, publishing and footwear categories.

Playskool will begin offering a new line of baby-care products sold at CVS/pharmacy, such as feeding accessories, diapers and wipes, rattles, teethers and infant health aids.

Meanwhile, A.T.O.M Alpha Teens, under license from Jetix, is debuting in its own A.T.O.M magazine in the U.K., with other key categories (including apparel) launching across Europe this spring.

In the games category, Hasbro will go even more digital this year with next generation consoles, PC, mobile, online and gaming products for all ages. Together with its partners, the company will provide online versions of its classic Clue, The Game of Life, Monopoly, Scrabble and Yahtzee.

In publishing, Penguin will release two new titles based on Hasbro’s Operation game, while Bendon Publishing will carry new Candy Land titles and accessories this year. Other products on the horizon include a wide variety of game-brand licensed checks.

Jakks Pacific

Jakks Pacific is making a host of plans that will take all of its core licensed brands through 2006.

Plug & Play TV games this year will feature Scooby-Doo, Super Pac-Man, Superman, Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, Shrek and Power Rangers character versions, plus Disney and Nickelodeon titles this year.

Jakk’s Fly Wheels 1:10 scale tires and wheels have found a niche in the vehicle category, with licenses in tire, rim and brake brands. Upcoming plans will extend into skate, motorcycle and bike wheels—including radio control and flight wheels—with major name brands.

Combining television with elementary reading, HIT Entertainment is distributing JAKKS Pacific’s TeleStory interactive books for its Thomas & Friends, Barney, The Wiggles and Bob the Builder characters.

By using mini cartridges fit into the book-shaped TeleStory unit that plugs into any TV, children can learn to read about the characters and interact with the story by pressing TeleStory’s large colored buttons.

JAKKS debuts the TeleStory unit (SRP, $35) this summer with the Thomas the Tank Engine TeleStory title at mass and specialty retail outlets. Each two-pack mini-book cartridge set will sell for $15.

Jeep

New domestic product introductions from Jeep Consumer Products include an off-road Jeep dune buggy (Toy Quest), juvenile bedding (Whisper Soft Mills), sun wear (Pan Oceanic, Inc)., toddler bedding in new patterns and room decor (Baby Boom) and an infant carrier (Kolcraft).

Jelly Belly

Fairfield, Calif. Jelly Belly jelly beans are not just for eating anymore! The Licensing company North America has licensing partners bringing tons ofnew products to retail –from bean bags to books.

Senario will offer novelty pillows, bean bags and pet beds to mid-tier, department and specialty retailers this fall before expanding into mass market and TV shopping programs.

In the spring, Jerry Leigh will introduce “bean-inspired” fashion tops for juniors and young men and women at specialty boutiques, with a full fall retail rollout to follow, while arriving next Valentine’s Day are multi-colored Jelly Bean infant board books by Penguin Young Readers Group.

Joester Loria Group

Along with its 25th anniversary plans for AG’s Care Bears, the Joester Loria Group, New york, will bring to the U.S. products from the animated series Peppa Pig, currently airing on Cartoon Network.

Peppa Pig licensed products will include Shelcore Toys for infant and preschool playthings, Harper Collins for publishing, Lions Gate Entertainment for DVDs and home video and bedding by Dan River.

Baby Genius CDs and DVDs for infants and toddlers will be the focus of a licensing program for learning and developmental toys and infant product.

On the sweet side, JLG’s Mountain Dew specialty line of young men’s and junior’s trend apparel gets an updated look with the House of Dew ultimate dorm collection set for a back-to-school 2007 debut.

King Features Syndicate

This year, New York-based King Features Syndicate will be focusing primarily on the licensing programs for its popular comic strips Mutts and Zits, as well as expanding internationally its classic Betty Boop and Popeye properties with new partnerships and a variety of offerings.

Merchandising partners for Mutts include American Greetings, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Chronicle Books, who will produce calendars, stationary, journals and cards, with new licenses going out to Dark Horse Comics (collectible figurines and toys) and Richard Leeds International (medical uniforms and clothing for Mervyn’s and JC Penny stores).

King hopes to build on the publishing success of the Zits series by securing additional licensing partners across all categories for its angst-ridden property targeted to preteen and teen boys. Zits products will include school supplies, bedroom items, musical instruments, sporting goods and iPod accessories.

Betty Boop’s reach has been building in the U.K. recently thanks to King Features' partner Hasbro/Grosvenor (toiletries and fashion accessories) and its promotional campaigns; Brazil will soon see its own Boop apparel, footwear, bags and accessories, stationery, house wares, home decor and more.

Popeye will be heading to the Far East soon with Japanese partner Dentsu, who will work with Mitsui & company to develop 30 to 40 additional licensing deals encompassing the apparel, food and beverage, stationary and entertainment categories.

Meanwhile, King Features will be looking for partners in the key categories for its children’s television series SeeMore’s Playhouse. The company hopes to license products for toddlers and parents that reinforce SeeMore the Safety Seal’s messages of safety, empowerment, and healthy lifestyle. Initial licensing deals—to be announced in June—will focus on apparel, music and entertainment, publishing, toys and giftware for toddlers. SeeMore will make his television debut in September.

M-Incredible Corp.

M-Incredible Corp., Lake Bluff, Ill., has licensed with Boeing Management company to produce the ultimate metal construction set for adults and kids 8 and up: the AH-64A Apache Helicopter. The unique set, which is the first in the Boeing series of metal model kits, allows hobbyists to make more than 40 different models.

Mattel

In a first-time collaboration with a major Hollywood studio, Mattel Entertainment of El Segundo, Calif., has formed a multi-year, multi-picture alliance with Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The partners will release Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses this fall, followed immediately by the worldwide release of Pollyworld, the first-ever feature based on the miniature Polly Pocket doll line, and related lifestyle products and room decor. Barbie will also partner with Benetton to launch four new spring collections of 50 apparel/accessory items and 4 new dolls, and with Elan for Barbie-themed skis and snowboards.

Hot Wheels will also announce key partnerships this year: Adidas (footwear with matching cars), Elan (skis and snowboards) and Felt (signature Hot Wheel bikes for teens and adults).

Newly integrated brand Fisher-Price, meanwhile, will see new partnerships with Britax (innovative baby care products for the U.S. and European market), Simplicity (new play yards and cribs) and Kuji Sports (a new line of infant and toddler strollers).

Marvel

Marvel Entertainment, New York, will see its superheroes take form in collectible 1/12th scale, six-inch metal figurines from Corgi USA. The first four in the series—Captain America, Wolverine, Spider-Man and The Thing—are limited editions and each carry a $60 price ta. Boasting authentic features and design, the line of figures will feature new Marvel characters to be introduced every other month throughout the year.

Hot 2007 movies Ghost Rider, Spider-Man 3 and the Fantastic Four sequel will get full support from Marvel Entertainment next year. Initial licensees for Ghost Rider are Take 2 (interactive entertainment), Hasbro (toys), Sideshow Toys and Master Replicas (collectibles), K2 (sports equipment) and Mad Engine (apparel). Spider-Man 3 licensees include Hasbro and Mega Bloks (toys), Hallmark (social expressions and party goods), Activision (interactive games), Disguise (costumes) and Techno Source (handheld electronics).

Meanwhile, as Cartoon Network debuts the Fantastic Four animated TV series this fall, Toy Biz will launch a toy line. Marvel plans to add interactive entertainment and apparel to the licensee roster soon after.

For preschoolers, Marvel has expanded its Spider-Man and Friends property by adding the Storm and Cyclops characters from X-Men.

Marvel Juniors will target the teen and tween markets, featuring character favorites like Captain America, Spider-Man, Hulk and X-Men on clothing by Jerry Leigh and accessories by FAB.

McFarlane

McFarlane Toys of Tempe, Ariz., plans a cascade of new licensed offerings for 2006. These include action figures based on characters in the Warner Bros. Hanna-Barbera library, such as Fred Flintstone, Tom and Jerry, and Quickdraw McGraw. More characters will follow.

Also debuting in the fall will be new Simpsons figures, as well as 3-D movie posters of Jaws, Friday the 13^th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Alien, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Also expect a 3-D “deluxe” album cover for Jimi Hendrix: Are you Experienced?

Monogram International

For the first time ever, Monogram International, Pinellas Park, Fla., has developed novelty items for three summer movies: Cars (personalized stationary and key rings), Superman Returns (key rings, mugs and a dynamic bust bank) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (key rings, mugs and paperweights). In addition, Monogram will partner with Marvel to produce long-standing items for superhero characters from such series as Spider-Man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four.

Mr. Bean

The charismatic but quiet Mr. Bean, who will be hitting the theaters next year in Universal Pictures’ Mr. Bean II, will see his own branded plush, toys and books tied to the film. A recognizable face from its live-action and animated TV series and The Ultimate Disaster Movie, the Rowan Atkinson character is also the star of home videos and DVDs. The Sharpe company is handling the film and animated series in the states.

New Line Cinema

New Line Cinema will get techno savvy with Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D, the full-length film shot in high definition 3-D. This update of the classic film—about a teenager and his scientist uncle who discover an age-old message inside an ancient artifact—will premiere in 2007.

Meanwhile, the much awaited big-screen adaptation of Philip Pullman’s young-adult novel The Golden Compass, a joint production of New Line and Scholastic Media, will debut in November 2007. Its world of magical and mysterious parallel universes inhabited by shape-shifting animals, witches and angels should provide a host of licensing opportunities.

Also watch for another forthcoming book adaptation, that of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart, the magical adventure of 12-year-old Meggie whose father can make book characters come to life.

Out of the Box

Popular surf culture artist Drew Brophy has joined the Out of the Box family, based in Calabasis, Calif., which means new licenses for his distinctive art will be available in the apparel, domestics, footwear, swim wear, sporting goods, backpacks, and school supply categories starting this year. Licensees will have their pick of Brophy's colorful depictions of sand, sun and surf for their products.

Out of the Box will also be representing Just Me! Music, a venture in which gift givers can order a child’s name on a music CD, with songs sung by their favorite characters. The company is looking to add additional music licenses from popular children’s entertainment to their portfolio.

Penguin

Penguin Books, London, will be expanding the licensed offerings from its whimsical British children’s book Flower Fairies through a new deal with Creative Concepts. In addition, Birthday Express will supply party goods, while The Burpee company will market seeds and Eglomise hand-painted giftware. Also tied to the series is an interactive Web site plus new chapter books, gift book collections and an interactive Flower Fairies Club.

Pokemon

As Pokemon celebrates its 10-year anniversary, expect new partnerships and products to be unveiled during Licensing 2006. A new Pokemon video game and a sneak peek of the upcoming movie, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, will be part of the celebration.

Pokonobe Associates

Jenga licenser Pokonobe Associates has lots in store for the classic game, with new initiatives about to launch for specialty Jenga versions (USAOpoly) plus a lottery instant ticket game (MDI Entertainment/Scientific Game) set to debut this year.

Look for Carlsbad-based USAOpoly’s Yankees Jenga Collector’s Edition, Casino Jenga Las Vegas Edition, and Boston Red Sox Jenga to hit stores in the next few months. Additional licenses are pending.

Sesame Workshop

New from Sesame Workshop are the Sesame Beginnings DVD series, which focus on parent-child relationships via pint-sized versions of the Muppets. Also due out in 2006 is a new line of Gund stationary and plush for the Pinky Dinky Doo children’s series.

Signatures Network

Signatures Network, San Francisco, will launch a program—along with Yoko Ono’s art publishing company Bag One Arts— that will create two separate brands out of drawings by John Lennon. Both brands will offer licensees the opportunity to incorporate Lennon’s sketches on product categories. The “I Am a Dreamer” infant/toddler and children’s collection will consist of apparel, bedding, toys, textiles, furniture, lighting and accessories featuring never-before-seen artwork based on an animal menagerie drawn by John Lennon for his son Sean. The “This is My Story” lifestyle collection, which will include textiles, furniture, bedding, lighting, tableware and apparel, will utilize rarely viewed, archival sketches by John Lennon that have never been licensed before.

Sharpe company

The Sharpe company, Manhattan Beach, Calif., will be handling worldwide licensing for the new Franny’s Feet children’s show, which premieres July 8, 2006, on PBS Kids Network. Show creator Decode Entertainment, Toronto, is producing additional interactive segments to promote audience participation, and a preview Web site will coincide with the broadcast premiere. Watch Franny’s worldwide adventures begin when she dons a pair of shoes in her grandpa’s shoe repair shop.

Silver Lining

Silver Lining Productions, New York, has lots in store for children's book author Eric Carle. Key partners on the horizon include University Games (The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other board games, puzzles, card games and colorforms), Chronicle Books (flashcards, stationary and publishing products), Dan River (juvenile bed linens and coordinating room decor), Mrs. Grossman’s Paper (stickers, sticker sets and sticker books), Hallmark (greeting cards and paper party goods) and Small World Toys (developmental soft toys, wooden puzzles, and blocks).

Sony

To promote the June 2007 release of its first feature-length animated film Open Season, Tokyo-based Sony will be launching a vast array of toy and game licensees: UBI Soft Entertainment (video game software), Zizzle (self-contained LCD games and handheld electronic pinball), Endless Games (board games and card games) and NANCO (amusement plush). Sony has also signed to produce games and toys for the global market in all the key toy, game, and novelty areas.

Also look for Surf’s Up, an animated feature catching the wave of competitive penguin surfing.

For the toddler set, PBS Kids’ new series It’s a Big, Big World! combines real-time virtual sets and puppetry to depict the jungles of South America through the eyes of a giant but gentle sloth. Sony Pictures Consumer Products is seeking interactive, toy and publishing partners for the show.

Suppertime Entertainment

Suppertime Entertainment, Pacific Palisades, Calif., will be releasing a full line of products licensed from Taffy Entertainment’s new Toddworld series, based on the best-selling books of Todd Parr. The animated show for preschoolers will have its own coordinated line of retail products on tystoybox.com, one of the largest online retailers of licensed brands.

Consumers will be able to purchase books (Little, Brown) DVDs (Hit Entertainment), character plush (Action Products International), puzzles and games (Talicor) and stickers (Smilemakers), with more product categories to be added down the line. Suppertime will be seeking additional partners at Licensing 2006, especially companies well prepared to take advantage of online opportunities.

United Media

United Media, New York, will offer a couple of hot new properties to licensees in 2006, plus one classic will be reintroduced.

United has chosen Ed Kaplan Associates to represent its popular Doodle Bear property, hoping to further grow the brand. An initial focus will be on game and toy formats, publishing, apparel and room decor—an expansion of the 2004 line of plush and related products from Play Along.

In addition, United and partner Collingwood O’Hare Entertainment will bring the award winning preschool series Yoko! Jakamoko! Toto! to the U.S., with an initial focus on toys, publishing and videos. Additional categories such as gifts, packaged goods, stationary, HBA and domestics will also be targeted. The show will air weekdays on the Cartoon Network.

United will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Dirty Dancing with a licensing program next quarter along with partner Lionsgate. Initial items will be in the apparel, publishing, gift and collectibles categories.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios Consumer Products has several TV and film properties tied to new products, including the first-ever releases for the new updated Battlestar Galactica television series.

For the classic teen flick 16 Candles and The Office television comedy, Basic Fun touts talking key chains and pens, while Rubie’s Costume Co. will supply costumes and accessories for classic TV detective shows Knight Rider, Magnum P.I. and Miami Vice.

Meanwhile, images from last year’s acclaimed Brokeback Mountain will be depicted on posters, calendars and postcards by Aquarius Entertainment Merchandising, and on pillows and blankets by JP Imports.

The Al Pacino classic Scarface gets home decor from JP Imports, along with cigars and matchbooks by Today’s Trendz, apparel by Dragon Fly and JH Design Group, and costumes from Rubie’s.

Cult favorite Bride of Chucky will be also release new products this year.

For kids, the Curious George animated television series will make its much-anticipated debut, with electronic learning toys and other educational products soon to follow.

The Land Before Time also makes its transition from movie franchise to television, debuting on Cartoon Network in 2007. Universal will announce a master toy partner at Licensing 2006, but will also be looking to attract additional licensing and promotional partners for the brand.

The Little Engine that Could will be adding new toy and apparel partners, including wooden toy trains by Whittle Toy.

Voodoo Entertainment

Voodoo Entertainment, Los Angeles, will be launching several properties this year. New from the Studio B animation studio is Yvon of the Yukon, a winning series for boys 9-13, D’Myna Leagues, a series for boys and girls ages 6-10 and Yakkity Yak, a series for boys and girls ages 8-12.

From Leboe & Grace Multimedia, Voodoo is introducing Smart-Bear Adventures, a read-along interactive book series for boys and girls ages 3-9 that is being developed into an animated series.

Representing Dimensional Branding Group for the territory of Canada, Voodoo will also launch the following properties: Crazy Pets, cartoon characters for kids 4-8, The Dress-Up Box, a live-action television show for kids 2-7, Whac-a-Mole, the original arcade game characters for kids 4 and up and adults, Big Wheel for kids 1-7 and Jenga for adults and teens.

Voodoo will also be partnering with Al Ovadia & Associates to represent Bernard (the animated adventures of a hairless polar bear) in Canada.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros., Burbank, will release products in several categories tied toits new fall animated comedy adventure Happy Feet, a quirky Antarctic tale about Emperor Penguins. Beginning in October, Penguin Young Readers Group will publish nine titles under the Price Stern Sloan banner, ranging from storybooks to activity books to board books. Additional titles will arrive in the U.S. and U.K. from Penguin division Dorling Kindersley.

Also on the horizon for Warner are new jewelry licenses for some classic properties. Nomination s.r.1 will create fashion jewelry for men and women inspired by DC Comics’ superheroes Batman and Superman, while jewelry designer and manufacturer D’Annunzio Group International will create a fine jewelry line based on popular Looney Tunes characters. Its first collection, based on Tweety, will be launched in June.

Wildflower Group

Just ahead of the December big screen premiere of a Beatrix Potter biopic starring Renee Zellweger, The Wildflower Group, New york, is partnering with Enesco Group to produce frames, figurines and ornaments from The World of Beatrix Potter.

The tales of Flopsy, Mopsy, Peter and Cotton-tail will then take center stage with additional figurines and playhouse by Workshop Toys and a style guide that emphasizes Beatrix Potter’s artwork. Also in the works is a partnership with Penguin Young Readers Group supporting the books and merchandise at Barnes & Noble booksellers throughout the country.

Later this year, The Wildflower Group will spearhead a children’s promotional program based on the Dick and Jane books, featuring classic toys and a back-to-school initiative in 2007. Also look for bags by Worldwide Dreams LLC and new t-shirts from Hyp Hat.

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