The Licensing Blog

  • View the Latest Issue Online
  • Subscribe to the Licensing Book

Jun 22, 2010 0

Disney Goes Designer for Toy Story 3 Fashions

Last week, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) unveiled limited-edition Toy Story 3 designer T-shirts by designers Henry Holland, Victor Glemaud, Jonathan Saunders, Costello Tagliapietra, and Cassette Playa at a private celeb-studded fashion unveiling at REVOLVEclothing boutique in West Hollywood.

Each designer was inspired by a Disney∙Pixar Toy Story 3 character: Rex, Hamm, Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear. The T-shirts became available on June 18, coinciding with the film’s release, and are being sold exclusively at the REVOLVEclothing boutique and the REVOLVE online store.

Produced by Mighty Fine, Inc., there are five T-shirt designs in total, which are available in both men’s and women’s styles.

Jun 18, 2010 0

Toy Story 3 Has Something for Everyone

At long last, Friday is here. What makes the day even more awesome is that Toy Story 3 is here as well!

I haven’t seen it yet, though I have some friends that went to some midnight showings and will therefore be half asleep at their jobs all day. Apparently the wait, and the all-nighter for those who caught the midnight shows, was totally worth it.

I just read a very thought-provoking review of the movie, that says that the film deals with some very grown-up and serious issues in a great way, yet is still a fun-loving kids movie as well.

I know that so many kids’ movies have grown-up messages in them, and appeal to a diverse audience. Is this a new phenomena? When I was younger, were kids’ movies just fun for kids, or were there deeper meanings that I just didn’t see? I know that Looney Tunes had a lot of jokes for the grown-ups that I missed in the first go-around when I was nine. I know that Happy Feet was about more than dancing penguins.

What do you think of messages about culture, the environment, politics, human relationship, love, and loss being part of fun-loving cartoons? Which properties do you think have pulled it off well? Do our kids know they’re being taught about serious human issues, or do they just like the fun animation?

Whatever your take on it, go see the movie, read the review that got me thinking such deep thoughts at 9 am on a Friday, and tell us what you think!

Also, watch the trailer here.

–Jennifer Sinclair

Jun 4, 2010 1

Toys “R” Us Premieres Dedicated Toy Story Boutiques

In celebration of the anticipated theatrical release of Toy Story 3, Toys “R” Us is debuting dedicated Toy Story 3 boutiques, in all of its nearly 1,300 toy stores in 34 countries around the world.

The boutiques, which are open across the U.S., are filled with an assortment of Toy Story-inspired toys, including action figures, construction sets, role play accessories, musical instruments, and electronic devices. Similar sections will open in Toys “R” Us stores around the world, coinciding with the movie’s release in each respective country.

Apr 30, 2010 0

Toy Story 3 Features “Classic” Bear

The newest Toy Story film, due in theaters June 18, features a “classic” toy, Lots-o’-Huggin’ bear, that never existed at all. To give the bear credibility as a classic, Pixar created a fake commercial, ’80s style, made to look like it was recorded onto a VHS tape, and set it loose on the internet. It’s pretty convincing.

See the Yahoo! Movie article and the Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear commercial here.

Latest Deals

  • February 6, 2012

    The Tetris Company and Licensing Works! Sign Two Sub-Agents

    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 [...]

  • February 3, 2012

    Beanstalk Promotes Allison Ames to President, North America

    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 [...]

  • February 3, 2012

    Activision Hires Licensing Executives

    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 [...]

  • February 3, 2012

    Licensed Toys Dollar Sales Rose 2 Percent in 2011

    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 [...]

  • January 19, 2012

    Paul Southern Named Head of Lucas Licensing

    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.  

  • January 19, 2012

    Lionsgate Acquires Summit Entertainment for $412.5 Million

    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 [...]

  • January 11, 2012

    Schylling Teams Up with Pretty Ugly

    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 [...]

  • January 11, 2012

    WME Signs Cosmetics Deal for Patti Stanger

    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 [...]

  • January 11, 2012

    Jazwares to Manufacture Fruit Ninja Products

    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 [...]

  • January 11, 2012

    So So Happy License Granted to Commonwealth Toys

    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, [...]

Twitter