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Dedicated monthly licensing coverage for the UK


News • Media • Opinion


Warner Bros readies key brands for bumper 2012


Major film releases, coupled with evergreen brands and live experiences will drive firm... by Samantha Loveday


WARNER BROS Consumer Products is gearing up for a busy 2012, with the firm’s UK general manager, Paul Bufton, telling ToyNews he is confident about the year ahead but still mindful of the “challenging and unpredictable” economic environment.


The company has a strong slate including a mix of movie releases – such as Batman and The Hobbit – plus non-theatrical events like the UEFA Euro Championships and the Harry Potter Experience at Leavesden Studios. In addition, Bufton believes that WBCP has its strongest line-up of toy partners ever, while ThunderCats, Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo all continue to perform well. With Batman: The Dark Knight


Rises due to hit cinemas in the summer, a huge focus will


understandably be placed on the brand. “Batman is a massive consumer products franchise, a brand that works for all ages,” Bufton explained. “In 2012, we will be shouting about the potential of the Batman franchise as a multi- demographic, multi-category proposition and, importantly, why Batman can work and is working for a younger age group. “A great example is Mattel’s


We will be shouting how


Batman can work, and is working, for a younger age group in 2012.


Fisher-Price Imaginext toy business, which turns DC characters into toys for toddlers and grosses $100m a year, Lego DC Comics construction toys, the best selling Lego Batman video games and the studio’s commitment to investing in original Batman animation that targets boys.” Bufton also described the opening of the Harry Potter Experience at Leavesden as “an historic moment in the history of the studio”. WBCP: 020 7984 6100


TCG arrives to bolster Redakai by Samantha Loveday


A NEW trading card game will boost the Redakai brand even further in the UK this year, with Spin Master rolling out the product just after the series has launched on Cartoon Network. The TCG has already been a hit in the US and Canada. It features Blast3D technology, with the trading cards featuring 3D and animation effects. A new ‘stack to battle’ feature also automatically tracks


progress and allows gamers to see the effects of their attacks. Redakai: Conquer the Kairu is a co- production between Marathon Media Studios and Spin Master. Zodiak Rights/Marathon Media has the consumer products rights, excluding North America where Spin Master has CP and toy rights. Cartoon Network is the licensing agent for the property in the UK. “The deal with Zodiak Kids to become the UK licensing agent for


Redakai is significant as we continue to invest in innovative content for boys, while building on our third party partnerships with creative industry leaders such as Zodiak Kids and Spin Master,” said Graham Saltmarsh, UK licensing director at Turner CN Enterprises. “Redakai is an exciting property with huge potential, which we look forward to developing in the UK following its launch on Cartoon Network in early 2012.” Spin Master: 01628 535000


News Pages 223-224


Hasbro’s plans for Transformers, Innovation First signs Moshi Monsters and Turner CN Enterprises growth...


Cloud surfing Page 226


Hoho Entertainment talks us through the development of Cloudbabies, from idea through to broadcast...


Toy stories Page 228


2011 was an incredible year for Underground Toys, but MD Andy Oddie isn’t stopping there. We find out more...


Stay Tuned Page 231


Looney Tunes is certainly a brand with longevity - we ask WBCP about the secrets to its success through the years...


Direct hit Page 232


Jay Foreman explains his vision for US firm The Bridge Direct as it gears up for a busy year...


2012 timeline Pages 235-238


All the big property launches, broadcast plans, trade shows, sporting events and film releases from each quarter...


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