It catapulted a TV sitcom actor into an international movie star, put a veteran character actor in the limelight and made a limited-production sports car from Ireland into an ‘80s relic. Of course, I’m talking about Back to The Future. The iconic film and staple of ‘80s cinema has made several “Top Ten” lists in the past and had a special 25th anniversary re-release in November.
Although it’s been a while since we’ve seen Mr. Fox or Christopher Lloyd, the DeLorean Motor Company is capitalizing on the movie with a new shoe. Yes, a shoe—a shoe that looks like the DeLorean DMC-12.
In a partnership with Nike, the limited-edition DeLorean Nike Dunk actually does have a few elements of the car, including a gullwing eyestay and taillight-inspired sole. The good folks at DeLorean even sent us a pair to see first-hand. The verdict? We like it, even down to the box, which opens like the doors of the famed car. Fun fact: Besides being overall cool, this is the first sneaker made by Nike with no stitching.
Let me be honest for a second, what we really really like is the fact that we are one of a select few that now have the shoe—it debuted on Black Friday with a list price of $90 and has already sold out. Only a thousand were made, with a few hundred pairs made for Nike athletes and some other VIPs. Now, if you want it, check ebay and be willing to part with a cool $800. Don’t be jealous.
Telltale Games, an independent digital publisher and developer of episodic interactive entertainment, has announced a multi-year, two-title video game development deal with Universal Partnerships & Licensing. Telltale Games has secured the rights to create video games based on two of Universal Pictures’ films, Back to the Future and Jurassic Park. The first game released under the agreement will be a Telltale Games “season” based on the Back to the Future
films.
With more than five million episodes delivered to date across all major video game platforms, Telltale digitally delivers episodic content to consumers. The agreement broadens Telltale’s product offerings into new genres and new styles of gameplay.
Look for the first video game based “season” of Back to the Future from Telltale this winter followed shortly by Jurassic Park. Telltale will release more information on both game series at a later date.
It’s not just for retro car enthusiasts either. Everyone can get in on the act, with new licensing deals with Nike, Sun Star, Gateway Global, The Hundreds, and Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand.
The company has actually serviced and manufactured its DMC-12 line for years, but recent consumer research showing extremely high recognition rates for the brand pushed them into licensing.
I wonder why it’s so popular…
I’m stumped. My head’s in flux; I hit it on my steering wheel this morning (Don’t worry, I’m going to see the Doc later). Don’t tell my boss, but I’m going to watch some YouTube clips and see if lightning strikes.
The Tetris Company, LLC, the exclusive licensor of the Tetris brand, and its merchandising agent, Licensing Works!, signed two sub-agents to launch new merchandise licensing programs. The Tetris Company welcomes aboard Caroline Mickler, Ltd and Plus Licens as part of the global Tetris family. The new partnerships will allow manufacturers [...]
Beanstalk has appointed Allison Ames as president, North America. In her new role, Ames will oversee Beanstalk’s operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America. She will continue to report directly to Michael Stone, CEO. Effective immediately, Ames will assume full responsibility for all clients operating in the North [...]
Entertainment licensing veteran Ashley Maidy has joined Activision to head the newly formed licensing division. Maidy has more than 16 years of experience, building licensing and merchandising programs for Sony Pictures and Saban Entertainment. In her new role, Maidy will extend Activision’s properties into complementary product categories, as well as [...]
U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.18 billion in 2011, a decline of 2 percent compared to 2010 numbers, which totaled $21.68 billion, according to market research company The NPD Group. While the average retail price for a licensed toy was 57 percent higher than that for non-licensed toys, licensed [...]
Howard Roffman is passing the baton to Paul Southern as head of Lucas Licensing. Roffman will remain with the company as a senior advisor. Both Roffman and Southern will report to Micheline Chau, Lucasfilm president and COO.
Lionsgate has completed a transaction to acquire Summit Entertainment for a combination of cash and stock valued at $412.5 million. The transaction unites two studios with powerful brands and complementary assets. By acquiring Summit, Lionsgate enhances its feature film and home entertainment offerings, and further broadens its 13,000-title filmed entertainment [...]
Schylling and Pretty Ugly released a new Uglydoll Rocket Ride Wind Up Toy that has a lever mechanism instead of a key, stands eight inches tall, and is suitable for ages 3 and up. They also released new youth umbrellas in three styles, Ice-bat, Ox, and Uglydoll Rainy Day, suitable [...]
WME Licensing’s client Patti Stanger, an American matchmaker and television producer with her own Bravo TV show, The Millionaire Matchmaker, and the founder and CEO of Millionaire’s Club International, Inc., has signed a license with Hyper Interactive to create a full line of PS I Love You Cosmetics. The initial [...]
Jazwares is slicing into the mobile app category after being awarded the master toy license for Halfbrick’s popular app, Fruit Ninja. Inspired by Fruit Ninja’s fruit-slicing, action-packed adventures, Jazwares’ new range will include fruit figures and plush, featuring “splat” sound effects, slicing features, ninja blades, and branded bandanas, as well [...]
Art Impressions has licensed Commonwealth Toys to produce a line of So So Happy plush toys, beanies, plush backpacks, and related products featuring the brand’s quirky cast of friendly monsters, robots, and other oddball characters. The companies’ first collaborative series will roll out nationwide in May at specialty chains, boutiques, [...]
In a partnership with Nike, the limited-edition DeLorean Nike Dunk actually does have a few elements of the car, including a gullwing eyestay and taillight-inspired sole. The good folks at DeLorean even sent us a pair to see first-hand. The verdict? We like it, even down to the box, which opens like the doors of the famed car. Fun fact: Besides being overall cool, this is the first sneaker made by Nike with no stitching.
