Warner Bros. Consumer Products Showcase Portfolio Of Powerhouse Entertainment Brands At Russia Licensing Forum Warner Bros. Consumer Products - March 2013

 

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), in partnership with its Russian licensing agent the European Licensing Company (ELC), is showcasing new opportunities for tentpole releases Man of Steel and The Hobbit Trilogy at Russia Licensing Forum as well as classic brands Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes, all of which are making waves in this key emerging market. Young Russian audiences are going crazy for Warner Bros.’ perennial properties thanks to consistent free-to-air TV support, their universal comedy values and, in the case of Tom and Jerry, the second most popular show on Russia’s leading entertainment channel CTC, the classic property’s absence of dialogue which eliminates the need for translation and dubbing.

“Russia and Eastern Europe present enormous growth opportunities for our brands,” said Bruno Schwobthaler, Senior Vice President Sales & Business Development, Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA. “Russia alone has a population of 142 million people and 21 million are under the age of 15 – a massive customer base to which our brand portfolio appeals.”

Tom and Jerry’s high profile broadcast platform is resulting in strong demand for officially licensed products. In the toy category, Grand Toys has been signed to distribute Giochi Preziosi’s master toy collection, CP Distribution is on board to produce plush, while Egmont Russia will develop books and a Tom and Jerry Magazine. The Jerry Joy store, the retail chain 100% dedicated to Tom and Jerry products, will continue its extension.

Looney Tunes, a cornerstone of the Warner Bros. Consumer Products portfolio, is achieving notable success in the apparel category in Russia. Clothing retailer Incity will launch a Looney Tunes apparel collection in more than 330 stores across Russia while Looney Tunes-branded clothing will be sold in 130 Befree stores nationwide.

Scooby-Doo is a top rated show on the CTC channel in Russia which contributed to the success of the DeAgostini Partworks magazine. Scooby-Doo will continue to excite fans with new products across multiple categories in the coming months.

In addition to classic brands, Warner Bros.’ 2013 tentpole releases also form part of ELC’s presentation slate at Russia Licensing Forum. The new Superman action adventure feature Man of Steel opens in Russia in June 2013, supported by Mattel’s master toy line which will be distributed by Simbat. Additional partners include Rubie’s Costume Co. for dress-up, Proburo for a back-to-school line, Chupa-Chups with chocolate confectionary, and Russkaya Kosmetica for a male personal care range. Additionally the Lasunka Company will roll out a range of ice creams this summer in the Ukraine.

Following record box office success for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey last year, WBCP is excited to be working with new and existing licensees to continue supporting The Hobbit Trilogy, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM). Co-master toy partners The Bridge Direct and Vivid Group will bring an assortment of highly detailed products to the Russian retail market distributed by Toysunion. Additional licensees include LEGO for construction sets, CP Digital for gift products, and Rubie's Costume Co. for dress-up. At retail, Auchan is planning a large promotion in stores around the country for the second film in the Trilogy, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, opening in Russia in December 2013.

ELC is exhibiting from Stand J62 (Pavilion 2, Hall 10) at Moscow’s Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre from 13th March 2013 until 15th March 2013.