TONS of Batman at Licensing Expo 2015!
By Skip Harvey
This year’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas is going to be Batman-centric if WB and DC have anything to say about it. And they do. This is kinda like Comic-Con for industry pros looking to snag marketing and merchandising deals for the coming year and DC wants to push Batman in every possible medium. Check out their plans for the upcoming deluge.
From Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products:
"WBCP arrives at Licensing Expo with an unmatched portfolio of content and product offerings, led by the most anticipated feature film events of 2016—DC Comics’ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the first time fans will see Batman and Superman together in a theatrical event; DC Comics’ Suicide Squad, the first-ever theatrical team up of some of the most iconic Super-Villains; and from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Content is the cornerstone of our robust programs, and we have an unparalleled lineup of collaborations and partnerships, which is a testament to the trusted relationships we have built with all of our licensing and retail partners."
This their lineup dealing with both films:
"Batman and Superman – First Time Ever Together in a Theatrical Event!For the first time ever, fans will see Batman and Superman together in the theatrical event of the year in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and WBCP stands tall at Licensing Expo with a powerhouse roster of global partners to support as Batman and Superman fly into theaters on March 25, 2016. WBCP promises to deliver on fan anticipation and licensing opportunities as this heroic theatrical event continues to build momentum through its licensing and merchandising programs around the world. At the same time, the tentpole film will help drive the Batman and Superman franchises to new heights, offering licensees and retailers new opportunities to reach fans of all ages.Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be supported by an impressive list of licensees, including global toy partner, Mattel, with a wide range toy line, including action figures, role-play, playsets and collectible figures, highlighted by the fan-favorite Movie Masters line. Also supporting Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be The LEGO Group, global construction partner; Rubie’s Costume Co. with a wide range of costume products based on the entire DC Comics portfolio, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; and Thinkway Toys for role play items. Additionally, apparel and accessories collections from Junkfood and Bioworld, and footwear from Converse, with a graphically unique inspired line for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; among many others will support the film.DC Comics’ Super-Villains Team Up for First Time in Theatrical Film:As the power of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and DC Entertainment’s film portfolio shows its strength, WBCP will also offer a targeted licensing and merchandising program focusing on collectors and adult fans in support of Suicide Squad, the first film to feature many of DC Comics’ iconic Super-Villains as a team, including Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Boomerang, Katana and The Joker, as the second theatrical release from the Studio’s DC Comics film slate rolls out."
And it’s more than just the movies.
"DC Super Hero Girls Empowers Girls to True Potential:In a revolutionary partnership, WBCP, DC Entertainment (DCE), Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) and Mattel have joined forces to launch the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, an exciting new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that will help build character and confidence, and empower girls to discover their true potential. Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls stars the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of DC Comics during their formative years.DC Super Hero Girls will take the girls space by storm when it launches this fall as it plays out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, this unprecedented initiative will include digital content and TV specials, while made-for-videos, publishing, toys, apparel and other products will begin to roll out in 2016, providing opportunities for girls to interact with characters, learn about the storylines, and engage in customizable play.The LEGO Group will also be key to building the DC Super Hero Girlsfranchise, leveraging their experience and success engaging girls in creative construction play to bolster this universe through an array of LEGO building sets designed to inspire girls’ imaginations.The Random House Books for Young Readers imprint of Random House Children’s Books has been appointed the master publishing partner for the franchise and offers a portfolio of books that will bring the DC Super Hero Girlsworld to life. Global partner Rubie’s Costumes will also offer a wide range of costumes based on the various characters. Additionally, consumer products partners around the world will be engaged in creating a merchandise line dedicated to DC Super Hero Girls across all key categories."
"All-New Adventures with Batman Unlimited and DC Super Friends:As the DC Comics universe expands, WBCP, DCE and WBA offer boys and preschoolers all-new content inspired by two of the company’s most successful toy lines developed in partnership with Mattel and Fisher-Price: Batman Unlimited and DC Super Friends, respectively. Bringing dimension to the action figures and playsets available in toy aisles globally, each program will engage millions of young fans around the world like never before.Batman Unlimited debuted content in May as a made-for-video animated movie entitled Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, with the sequel Batman Unlimited: Monstery Mayhem set to release in the second half of 2015. Adding to the new Batman Unlimitedcontent, Warner Bros. has started to roll out the 22 stand-alone, two-minute shorts featuring additional story elements along with companion apps designed for young fans to extend and customize their experience in a new interactive way. Rubie’s Costumes will support the new original content with a line of inspired-by dress-up and costumes, and toymaker Thinkway will introduce newBatman Unlimited-themed role-play accessories. Batman Unlimited will have products in other key categories, such as apparel and publishing, to be announced at a later time."
The Licensing Expo takes place between June 9-11th at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
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