Licensor heads into industry showcase with new deals and product launches… by Samantha Loveday
BBC WORLDWIDE is looking to build on its already strong programmes for boys’ brands Deadly 60 and Doctor Who as it heads into the final part of 2012 with a wave of new product planned.
The firm has been doing a lot of work on its boys’ portfolio this year, and has seen Deadly 60 really come to life within the toy licensing space. Character Options has enjoyed a strong reception to its Character Building range for the property, and
will also be launching a role-play line in the autumn. BBC Worldwide has 19 UK licensees across all key sectors for Deadly 60. “To see it continue to grow and grow would be really pleasing,” Richard Hollis, head of UK licensing at BBC Worldwide told ToyNews. “It is different from standard movie super heroes or vehicle concepts that are out there; it’s very fresh and has a space of its own.”
The firm is also working towards the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who in 2013. A new TV series will begin in the autumn, containing “very toy friendly themes” and there will be a range of new product coming out next year, including items from Characters Options. “Doctor Who is a perennial for us and will always be an important brand,” Hollis continued. “Even in the 1990s when the show wasn’t out there, it was still in our top six or
Richard Hollis, head of UK licensing at BBC Worldwide, anticipates a busy BLE...
seven programmes for licensing.” Away from the boys’ area, BBC
Worldwide has been steadily building up a licensing campaign for pre- school hit Something Special, with news on a toy line imminent. “We’re conscious that there is a real pent up demand around Something Special and Mr Tumble, but it has taken us a while to really get the approach right,” Hollis stated. “Something Special is a perfect
example of a show which has proven itself already, and with the right creative and right quality we can make a huge impact.”
Other properties being showcased
by BBCW at BLE include Baby Jake and Charlie & Lola. BBC Worldwide: 020 7612 3000
Disney debut for Star Cutouts
STAR CUTOUTS is continuing to expand its licensed portfolio, adding a collection of life-size cutouts and face masks based on Disney brands. The firm has already rolled out some of the most popular characters including Disney Princesses, Toy Story, The Muppets, Winnie the Pooh and classic properties like Mickey Mouse.
Others available include Lightning McQueen and from Cars, Simba from The Lion King and the dwarves from Snow White.
“With the popularity of Disney- themed parties growing, the new range of fun face masks for young and old are a great way to add even more magic,” Kevin Taylor, sales manager at Star Cutouts explained to ToyNews. “Available in single and multi-packs, the range includes The Muppets, Toy Story and that popular pirate captain, Jack Sparrow. “The line-up will expand later this year with a special Halloween- themed pack and other characters.” Star Cutouts: 0161 344 5839