In My Pocket Brand Expands Globally
A new animated television series produced in HD is expected to expand the In My Pocket franchise. The series, Puppy in My Pocket: Adventures in Pocketville, made its debut during
MIPTV in Cannes, France. The series (52 x 13-minute episodes) is scheduled to launch in late 2010 in Italy and will roll out to the rest of the world in 2011. Presales have been negotiated
throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Inspired by the highly successful In My Pocket franchise created by MEG and originally launched in the early 1990s, the brand has been licensed worldwide with toy distribution partners in more than 50 countries. Giochi Preziosi distributes the In My Pocket brand in Europe. Development of a new toy line based on the show has already started and its market release will occur simultaneously with the show’s launch.
Additionally, Patrick Enright has been hired to lead the MEG sales organization as it transitions from the distribution arrangement with Jakks that expires at the end of 2010. Enright joins MEG from Dream International, one of the world’s largest plush manufacturers and Disney
licensee, where he served as vice-president of sales and marketing. Previously he was executive vice-president of sales at Stravina Operating Company, and president and COO of Tomy Corporation.
MEG and Giochi Preziosi, co-producers with Mondo TV on the series, will coordinate and manage the licensing program for the new television series. Giochi Preziosi will manage Europe (excluding the UK), while MEG, in conjunction with its merchandising agent Licensing Works will oversee the other territories. New television series licensees will join classic Puppy In My Pocket licensees, including newly signed Scholastic Books, Bakery Craft, NTD, Senario, Cadaco, Wiesner, and Redan.
HIT Signs Topsville for Angelina Apparel
HIT Entertainment recently announced that Topsville, Inc., a manufacturer
of children’s apparel, has been selected as the U.S. master apparel licensee for Angelina Ballerina. The new apparel line is expected to launch at retail in the fall, with a continued roll-out expected into spring 2011. Designs will be based on the new CG-animated look for Angelina first seen in the television program, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps, which airs on PBS Kids.
Topsville, Inc., will create and market a complete line of dance wear, T-shirts, apparel sets, and coordinated separates. The designs for girls will capture and complement the fun and creativity of dance and performance that is seen throughout Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps.
The launch of Angelina Ballerina apparel follows a recent announcement that Fisher-Price will be Angelina’s master toy licensee with toys to launch exclusively at Target in the fall.
Goralnick Joins Richard Leeds Int’l
Rick Goralnick has joined Richard Leeds International as vice-president of licensing and marketing. He will be responsible for character, brand, and personality license acquisitions,
marketing and public relations as well as opening up new sales channels. Previously, he was director of licensing for Marvel Entertainment.