BRANDORA Overview of latest developments on the German licensing market

Kiddinx celebrate world’s most famous talking elephant
He came into the world 35 years ago – and for many his stories have been an integral part of their childhood days. Who are we talking about? Benjamin Blümchen, of course, world’s most famous talking elephant. And Benjamin wants to celebrate his birthday with numerous new products and activities. A theatre tour, a guest appearance at the Robinson Club in Fuerteventura or a show on TV – the giant pachyderm with the large ears is (almost) everywhere. On occasion of his anniversary KIDDINX plans to release brand new audio plays. What is more, Schmidt Spiele launch a plush elephant in pyjamas, a game of pairs with “Toorooo” sound and several children’s puzzle games. Ellermann will publish a lovingly designed and illustrated story book. Ehapa continue to release their monthly “Benjamin-Blümchen-Magazin”. Just in time for the anniversary Coppenrath & Wiese provide their Törööö! children’s cake in new design – including funny new Benjamin Blümchen collectibles. B-Interaktiv provides a Benjamin App for iOS and Astroid and, last but not least, the famous elephant presents himself on Facebook and his own updated, dedicated website tailor-made for young users. Happy birthday, Benjamin – to the next 35 years! Toorooo!

m4e present Mia and me
The cutting-edge new series Mia and me artfully combines live action elements and CGI animation. From spring 2012 the new show will be airing on Ki.Ka. First licensing projects are already in the pipeline: Publishing licensee is Ehapa; Panini launches stickers, albums and magazine; Schmidt Spiele is currently developing branded board games and puzzles while John Toys provides outdoor toys and AA Brands textile products.
Another highlight: m4e announced that Connie plans to enter the TV screen. The animated show is based upon one of the popular and successful German book series, mostly published as inexpensive paperback books, the so-called Pixi books.

The Wild Soccer Bunch is back!
Is there anyone in Germany who doesn’t know them: Die wilden Kerle? They are one of Germany’s most successful children’s properties. However, in recent years we heard little about the wild soccer bunch. Now they are back into the game. This spring, the wild guys enter German TV screens with their first ever animated show. New books to the TV series will follow in March. What is more, all those who love the existing book series have every reason to be happy, too: Joachim Masannek and Baumhaus Verlag will launch volume 14 in spring and volume 15 in autumn. Two Robinson Clubs will organize Wilde Kerle summer camps and Edel:Kids will cover the home entertainment segment with new DVDs and audio plays to the TV series. Master toy licensee Simba-Dickie Group will showcase their new toy range at the International Toy Fair 2012 in Nuremberg. Additional licensees are: Brehme Lederwarenfabrik for school supplies, Gorius Druck und Service GmbH for food and beverages, IVKO launches glasses, J. Gschwandtner sweets, Tramondi is licensee for apparel and football accessories and Lübbe publishes books.

Nickelodeon takes off!
Since end of 2009 Nickelodeon owns the worldwide rights to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with a turnover of more than 5 billion US $ one of the most successful and most famous licensed properties of the last 25 years. During the 1990s Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael soon became one of the most successful children’s shows worldwide. Although the launch of the new TV show is not scheduled before early 2013 licensing activities have already begun. Master toy partner Playmates appointed the Austrian Stadlbauer Marketing- und Vertriebs GmbH as official distribution and marketing partner for German speaking territories. DVD and Blu-ray partner is Paramount Home Entertainment.
Equally successful is the Victorious brand. The US American teen sitcom follows seven aspiring students at their performing arts school and features Victoria Justice acting as Tori Vega. The teenage star is already famous for the Zoey 101 series. An addictive combination of music, fun, and teenage problems and a significant identification factor appeal to the German audience and will seamlessly translate into trend-driven merchandise. Paramount Home Entertainment is licensee for DVDs. Herding Heimtextil will present specialized retailers with matching bed-linen.

Oetinger has caught medieval fever
End of 2011 Oetinger published the second adventure of the loveable little knight Trenk: “Trenk the Little Knight and the Great Big Dangerous Dragon”. Trenk is in a pickle! He has brought back genuine dragon’s teeth from his last adventure to prove the beast was dead – but, of course, he didn’t want anyone to know that the dragon in question was actually a friendly dragon mom and Trenk’s dragon-slaying evidence was just the younglings’ milk teeth. But now Trenk has been found out and knights from all over the country suddenly strive to hunt the dangerous dragon down. Trenk and his friend Thekla soon set off to warn the mother dragon. But then Trenk is lured into a cunning trap set up by evil Sir Werthold …Now Oetinger present fantastic merchandise to accompany the story: Small chopping boards, mugs and cups, pencils and sharpeners, rubbers and lunch boxes – wherever you go, take the Little Knight Trenk along!

ZDF Enterprises receives guest from outer space
ZDF presents another promising new property. After Elephant Princess and H2O they once more provide a perfect mixture of fun, fantasy and teenage problems – Lightning Point. The series follows two pretty teen aliens crash-landing their spaceship in the quiet Australian coast town Lightning Point. Coming from the dry, water-less planet Lumina they are fascinated by the Earth’s vast oceans. They soon make friends with local surfer girl Amber and discover their natural surfing skills. Allow yourself to be swept along by a really alien adventure.

Turner and Ben10 go on nationwide tour
In cooperation with Kinopolis Turner Broadcasting Systems plans (for the second quarter) a theatre tour to support the new Ben10 CGI movie. Detailed information will soon be announced on www.brand-licensing.com. First branded products to the new properties „Zoobles“ and „Puppy in my Pocket“ enter the German market – mainly publishing products (magazines and books) as well as stationery. Apparel and home & living will follow later this year.

The Hunger Games new to CTM
CTM start the new year with three fascinating new licenses. First of all, this year will see the sequel of Sammy. With Sammy 2 – The Great Escape the popular turtle will re-enter German silver screens in 3D. What is more, CTM will help KlexXi, the official CinemaxX theatres’ mascot to grow into a licensed character. Older consumers will appreciate CTM´s new license Die Tribute von Panem (The Hunger Games). These books tell stories of a – fictional – near future: After the Apocalypse the totalitarian state Panem arises from the destruction of North America. The Capitol rules the hungry people with cruelty and terror. To demonstrate their own power, the regime each year stages the cruel “Hunger Games”: 24 young participants, one boy and one girl from each of the 12 district in Panem are forced to participate in modern gladiatorial combats and fight, until only one remains. When her younger sister Prim is selected for the games by lottery, 16-year-old Katniss volunteers to take her place. The second participant from her district is Peeta, a boy she has known since early childhood. Shortly before the cruel games begin, Peeta reveals his love for Katniss. But the Capitol turns them into deathly enemies ...

Batman is back
In summer Warner Bros. will release the sequel to the hit movie The Dark Knight to German theatres. “The Dark Knight Rises” is the final chapter of the Batman trilogy. The high-class cast has already been announced: Christian Bale once more acts as Bruce Waye, Anne Hathaway is Selina Kyle “Catwoman”. Also on board are Marion Cotillard, Michael Cane, Morgen Freeman, and Gary Oldman. The Dark Knight Rises is supported by a large-scale marketing and advertising campaign.

Tabaluga und die Zeichen der Zeit
A success story: In 1983 Peter Maffay released the first of four concert albums: "Tabaluga oder die Reise zur Vernunft". Ever since, children and parents from more than 70 countries love Tabaluga. Eleven years later the first musical "Tabaluga und Lilli" took to the stage. In 1997 a lovingly arranged game show for children started airing on ZDF and KI.KA, followed by season one of the animated TV show. In 2003, Peter Maffay went on "Tabaluga und das verschenkte Glück" tour to support his fourth concert album. All 90 shows were completely sold out. On occasion of his 10th TV anniversary in 2007 Tabaluga set off on his great “Glückstour” of Germany and Austria. A year later he celebrated his 25 birthday. Up to date, Tabaluga sold more than four million DVD and Peter Maffay over five million Tabaluga albums. In 2011 the first Tabaluga Ride in Holiday Park Hassloch brought the world of the lovely dragon to life. The same year saw the German market launch of the album "Tabaluga und die Zeichen der Zeit". Now, in 2012 the new Tabaluga musical to the album makes their tour of Germany and Tabaluga celebrates his 15th TV anniversary.

On 17 April 2012 LIMA Deutschland once more invites licensing experts to their Day of Licenses in Cologne. THE industry event in spring brings together licensees and licensors, industry and retail. Renowned licensors, rights owners and agencies present current highlight properties. In tight time slots of 15-25 minutes the industry reveals their best brands, outstanding characters, and promising properties from entertainment, TV, movie and sports. After a long day of information and business making, LIMA members continue networking at the exclusive LIMA Spring Festival, discuss their impressions of the day and celebrate against the romantic-historic background of Wolkenburg castle.