Press Releases
March 21, 2011 – 4Kids Entertainment International and 4sight licensing solutions Unveil Strong Kazachok Forum Line-up
LONDON - 4Kids Entertainment International and its subsidiary 4sight licensing solutions will be presenting a strong and diverse collection of brands at the 2011 Kazachok International Licensing Forum.
Amongst the properties being showcased by 4Kids Entertainment will be Penelope – the cute three-year-old blue koala with a funny red nose and an insatiable curiosity who stars in a series of books that first launched in France in 2003 and have since sold over two million copies worldwide. A Penelope TV show is proving hugely popular on France 5 and there is a substantial licensing programme in France which includes two DVDs from Universal, high end wooden puzzles from Michèle Wilson and postcards from Editions du Désastre. A range of other exciting licensed products are set to hit the French market during 2011, including plush from Jemini, socks and baby sleepers from Benjamin, and stationery and BTS from JRC, whilst Sahinler is set to launch an apparel collection featuring lines for babies and girls. An apparel range from Paul Dennicci is set to launch later this year in the UK, where the series is broadcast on CBeebies.
2011 is set to be a massive year for 4Kids property Yu-Gi-Oh!, the global phenomenon that continues to captivate millions of boys across the world, as it marks the property’s 10th anniversary. Special events this year will include a new 3D movie that will have a theatrical release in the UK and will be shown on Canal J in France and released on DVD in both territories; the movie’s launch will be accompanied by a high profile marketing campaign. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s is the latest instalment in this incredibly popular franchise and Season 2 of the 5D’s TV series is set to launch across Europe this year. A wide ranging European licensing programme includes toys, apparel, collectible figurines, publishing, BTS, stationery, puzzles, and fun tattoos, whilst an official Yu-Gi-Oh! magazine has just been released in France and Italy. A global web portal in five languages has also just been launched at HYPERLINK “http://www.yugioh.com” www.yugioh.com, where fans can read about their favourite characters, download exclusive wallpaper and screensavers and find out about all the latest Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise and games.
Popular international property Dinosaur King is also part of the 4Kids line-up. This animated series chronicles the adventures of Max, Rex and Zoe, known as the ‘D Team’, who search the world for dinosaur cards that have the power to bring dinosaurs back to life. The show is currently watched by millions of viewers across EMEA and in France the series airs on France 4 as part of the Ludo block. An extensive publishing programme is underway in France featuring books and a magazine with a circulation of 60,000. Other licensed categories include stationery, apparel, toys, collectables, confectionary, BTS, homeware, gifts, novelties and sporting goods. A Dinosaur King QSR promotion is also set to take place in France over Easter and will be supported with TV, in-restaurant and outdoor campaigns.
The popular animal photography franchise, Artlist Collection: The Dog and Friends, which features adorable and expressive pictures of animals taken using a fish-eye lens is also represented by 4sight licensing solutions. The first three brands in the franchise – The Dog, The Cat and The Pig – have been a huge hit and a sizable licensing programme includes plush, iPhone and other mobile phone games and accessories, greeting cards, video games, daywear, nightwear, collectables, bedding, games, umbrellas, housewares and publishing. The phenomenal success of the franchise has led to the addition of three new animals – The Duck, The Rabbit and The Hamster – and 4sight has already signed a pan-European deal with Sega for amusement plush across all six of the brands. Artlist Collection: The Dog and Friends has also been very successful in the promotional sphere and during 2011 a new QSR promotion will launch in France.
Also in the 4sight line-up is Chicaloca – the aspirational fashion brand that is proving to be a hit with teenage girls. This property from licensor Project 109 launched in South Korea in 2005 and in other territories across the world the following year and represents an independent and trendy attitude that embodies the mindset and lifestyle of the modern girl. Licensees have been quick to realise Chicaloca’s potential – 2011 and 2012 will see a cosmetic range, gifts, beach towels and flip flops hit the shelves and an exciting and engaging Facebook game from Saicon will also be available this Spring along with an iPhone game. Other categories currently in development are apparel, accessories, homewares, stationery and jewellery.
The art-based property Pachanga is being presented by 4sight for the first time in France. Pachanga is a series of beautiful drawings and illustrations by Ecuadorian artist Belen Ména, which feature the natural designs and colour patterns found on the wings and bodies of more than 300 different species of South American moth. 4sight is looking to target home textiles, home décor and tableware as well as stationery and publishing, with a secondary focus on apparel & accessories, eyewear, jewellery and footwear.
”We are delighted to be bringing such a variety of properties to the Kazachok International Licensing Forum and we expect considerable interest from prospective partners across a wide range of categories,” said Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, Managing Director, 4Kids Entertainment International and 4sight licensing solutions.
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