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FILMART to open in Hong Kong from March 19, will feature 850 exhibitors

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The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) will open on March 19 and continues through March 22, 2018. The FIMLART is one of nine events under the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which opens on the same day.

The guests who will grace the occasion include Paul Chan, Financial Secretary, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Raymond Yip, Acting Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC); Zhou Jiandong, Deputy Director-General, Film Bureau, State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of The People’s Republic of China; Terry Lai, Chairman of the HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee; and Leon Lai, Ambassador of the Entertainment Expo.

The 22rd edition of the event will witness an active participation of about 850 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions. Alongside major Hong Kong film companies; this year’s event will feature greater exhibitor participation from various Chinese mainland provinces and cities, including Guangdong, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Hunan. In addition, exhibitors from Sichuan and Chongqing will also form new regional pavilions for the first time.

In addition, more than 360 exhibitors from Belt and Road countries, including Russia, Thailand, India, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland, Cambodia, Turkey and Vietnam, will take part in FILMART to explore Chinese mainland and global opportunities via the Hong Kong platform.

Documentaries are in focus at this year’s FILMART, where visitors will find the documentary works of over 200 exhibitors. A seminar entitled “Documentaries: From Local to Global” will be held on Day 2 (20 March), featuring Daniel Braun, Co-President of Submarine Entertainment, maker of the Academy Award-winning documentaries of the past three years; Patrick Connolly, Vice President, Programming, AMC Networks Sundance TV Global and Summer Song, Director of Copyright Operation Center, China Visible Influence Pictures Ltd.

Other conferences and seminars will also feature an extraordinary line-up of speakers, such as Kang Hye Jung, producer of Korean blockbuster “The Battleship Island”; David Kosse, executive producer of Oscar-winning films “The Theory of Everything” and “Room”; “Shuzo John Shiota”, and executive animation producer of the “Transformers” series and “Ajin”.

At the seminar on “Navigating the Chinese TV Market”, speakers will include Chen Xiao, Vice President of IQIYI; Hou Hong Liang, CEO of Daylight Entertainment Co., Ltd (producer of popular Chinese TV series “Nirvana in Fire”); Ma Zhong-jun, Chairman of Beijing Ci Wen Media (producer of mainland TV series “The Return of the Condor Heroes” and “The Journey of Flower”); Wu Hong-liang, Chairman of the Board, Talent Television and Film Co., Ltd (producer of “The Empress of China” and “Win the World”, both mainland TV series).

To further help participants foster new business partnerships, the event will also feature over 40 networking events, thematic seminars and press conferences. More than 300 screenings will be held during the event, including some 100 world, international and Asia premieres.

Jewel Branding signs artist Jessi Raulet’s EttaVee for art licensing

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(Image Courtesy: Official Website)

Artist and social media influencer Jessi Raulet has tapped Jewel Branding & Licensing to extend her brand ‘EttaVee’ through licensing.

According to a report in the License mag, the brand will now work to expand EttaVee’s hand-painted designs into categories such as apparel, fashion accessories, cosmetics, stationery, calendars, greeting cards, gift, tabletop, publishing, home textiles, wall decor and luggage.

(Image Courtesy: Official Website)

“Jessi’s artwork is so stunning, it’s no surprise how quickly the world has taken notice. She’s built an audience that adores her vibrant art and we’re thrilled to be working with her to bring the EttaVee brand and aesthetic to a wide range of consumer products,” said Ilana Wilensky, vice president and partner, Jewel Branding & Licensing.

EttaVee is artist Jessi Raulet’s personal brand. Her work has been featured on a verity of television programs and branded goods including “Good Morning America,” “Dancing with the Stars,” FabFitFun and Pantone.

Perched in a Paris apartment studio, Jessi pulls inspiration from travel adventures, vibrant colors, French language and pop culture to create lovely personal items for the home and soul.

(Image Courtesy: Official Website)

Jessi Raulet is an American artist and designer based in Paris, France. Her past clients include Monterey Bay Aquarium, LinkedIn, Yahoo!, San Francisco 49ers, Domino’s Pizza France, NBC.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with Jewel Branding to build the EttaVee brand and licensing program. I’m looking forward to offering my fans new ways to experience my art through a wide range of products,” Raulet said after the association.

Charlie’s Angel’s star Jaclyn Smith introduces new clothing line at Sears

Television star Jaclyn Smith has introduced a new ready-to-wear collection at Sears.

Named as ‘Jaclyn Smith Ready to Wear’ clothing collection, the new fashion line will reflect Smith’s personal style. With this association, the line joins the Spencer by Jaclyn Smith layette collection, which was introduced at Sears stores last fall.

The collection includes dresses, knit separates, blouses, jeans and tees in a variety of colors and patterns.

“It’s a privilege to work with a hands-on business partner like Jaclyn Smith, whose savviness and ability to anticipate women’s fashion trends for so long in the constantly evolving fashion world is remarkable,” said Greg Ladley, president, apparel and footwear, Sears.

“More than 5 million Shop Your Way members have purchased Jaclyn Smith collection products in Kmart over the last 12 months alone, so we look forward to building Jaclyn’s current brands and extending her powerful reach and brand loyalty across to the Sears community,” he further added.

The Charlie’s Angel’s star collection is now available at Sears stores nationwide. A complimentary range of accessories and handbags are also available on official website – Sears.com.

Walt Disney reorganizes consumer product division, initiates executive moves

The Walt Disney Company has announced a strategic reorganization to its business model, with immediate effect.

The Walt Disney will now operate across four segments:

  • Direct-to-Consumer and International
  • Combined Parks
  • Experiences and Consumer Products
  • Media Networks and Studio Entertainment

Furthermore, the corporate restructuring process has initiated a number of executive rearrangement.

According to a report in the Licensemag, Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, will now take on the role of chairman of the new Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products business segment. In his new role, he will take on additional responsibility for all of Disney’s consumer products operations globally, including licensing and Disney stores.

Additionally, the new segment will house Disney stories, characters and franchises, and the company’s existing consumer products operations will be merged with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts under Chapek. By uniting the two sectors, the company seeks to share resources to provide consumers with branded products and retail experiences inspired by their portfolio of licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods and digital games and apps.

Kevin Mayer, who has served as Disney’s chief strategy officer since 2015, will now serve as chairman of the new Direct-to-Consumer and International business segment, which will operate as a global platform for media, technology and distribution of Disney content produced by Disney’s Studio Entertainment and Media Network Groups, the report further stated.

The Media Networks group will be co-chaired by Ben Sherwood, president, Disney/ABC Television Group and James Pitaro, who was recently named president of ESPN. International Disney Channel operations will move to the Direct-to-Consumer and International business. Finally, the Studio Entertainment business segment will be led by Alan Horn, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, and will remain virtually the same.

“We are merging our Consumer Products and Parks operations under one segment, combining strategy and resources to produce even more compelling products and experiences that bring our stories and characters to life for consumers,” Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company was quoted as saying.

Smiles are back in fashion! Parisienne streetwear enters new partnership

It’s time to rejoice! Popular Ami x Smiley collection are back in fashion. Parisienne streetwear brand and Smiley announced a new partnership until 2020.

Launched in 2015, the partnership is the brainchild of globally renowned designer Alexandre Mattiussi. The ace-designer boasts simple, well-fitting clothing with an urban edge.

Inspired by Ami’s carefree fun and good vibes, the new collection will feature a creative mash up of both brands logos, with the iconic Smiley sporting Mattiussi’s trademark Ami Paris red beanie.

Speaking on the new collaboration, Smiley CEO Nicolas Loufrani said, “Alexandre has perfectly understood this opportunity. The menswear business requires consistency in the story telling and collection structure, rather than always running after the latest promotional fad. Because of our common values and belief in positive thinking and seeing the light side of life, we have co-created this unique new brand that is co-owned by Smiley and Ami Paris to be built thinking about the long term.”

The new clothing collection will comprise a range of products including tees, polos, sweatshirts, shirts, jumpers, cardigans, caps, beanies, iPhone covers and keyrings.

Ami continues to gain recognition as one of the coolest streetwear brands, known for combining urban styled silhouettes with a mix of preppy designs that draw influence from global skater culture and Paris’ burgeoning art scene.

The exclusive range is available now in Ami Paris’ landmark designer store in Paris, across some of the world’s leading specialty independent boutiques, and in the official online store.

Japan Licensing Expo 2018 to take place from April 25-27: Check out the event list here

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Following its successful debut last year in Tokyo, Japan Licensing Expo 2018 will return to the third-largest global licensing market from April 25-27, 2018 at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Center. The event will feature over 350 international and Japanese brands and will be collocated with IFF MAGIC Japan, the leading exhibition for the branded fashion industry in Japan.

Licensing Expo Japan provides exhibitors with access to both the Japanese and international markets and is the only show in Japan supported by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). The show is also promoted by Licensing Expo’s international network, including the world’s premier industry magazine, License Global.

This year’s seminar topics comprise risk management, global licensing trends, co-branded café licensing. The speakers who will grace the event include executives from the likes of CAA-GBG, Legs Company LTD, Nissan Motor Corp and Sony Creative Products.

“We are thrilled to see continued commitment from leading global licensors and agents to participate in the Japan show for the second year in a row and also welcome many new exhibitors. These include industry leaders like CAA-GBG, IMG, Sony Creative Products, Tsuburaya Productions, Toho, Ingram, Green Camel, Capcom, Perfetti Van Melle, V&A Enterprises Limited, National Museum of History (Taiwan), Art Vivant, Haibara, King Records, Hokkaido Railway Company, Lagardere Active Enterprises Japan, Sanrio Far East, The Lucy Company, Mikasa Corporation, East Japan Marketing & Communications, Kenshin and a new Taiwan pavilion launched by the New Taipei City Computer Association,” said Jessica Blue, senior vice president, Global Licensing Group, UBM.

LIMA Japan will also lend its support by organizing educational seminars and activities on the show floor at Licensing Expo Japan. In addition, LIMA Japan will also host a retail seminar and market research event on April 24.

You can also register for the event by visiting their official web portal.

A sophisticated matchmaking service will be introduced where exhibitors can make appointments and schedule meetings with the licensees and exhibitors. The system is similar to the highly successful online matchmaking system implemented at Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe. At Licensing Expo 2017 in Las Vegas, more than 3,800 meetings were scheduled using this service.

Global Icons signs three new licensees for Magic Chef

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Global Icons has signed three new licensees to create an assortment of kitchen appliances for the ‘Magic Chef’ brand.

The three licenses include:

  • Best Brands Consumer Products will produce a range of kitchen tools including textiles, cutlery, storage and more.
  • IKO Imports will release a number of cookware collections.
  • New Air will present a collection of water dispensers and air fryers.

“Magic Chef has been an exceptional brand to represent in the market, and we are pleased to bring three strong partners on board” said Jeff Lotman, chief executive officer, Global Icons.

The initial product lines are slated to release this spring.

Netflix to bring ‘Winx Club’ into a live action young adult series

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Netflix is bringing the popular Italian animated franchise ‘Winx Club’ to its members around the world in a new, live action young adult series.

In a first-of-its-kind, the popular six fairies will turn into real teenagers learning to hone their powers while living together in a magic boarding school.

Winx Club was created and produced in Italy in 2004 by Iginio Straffi, founder and CEO of Rainbow Group. After its launch, it has become one of the most successful animated series on a global level and one of the first Italian series to be sold in the US.

We are very pleased that our successful collaboration with Netflix continues with ever more ambitious projects. Netflix’s young adult series have touched a chord with audiences around the world and we are looking forward to seeing the Winx fairies in this new exciting live action adaptation,” said Iginio Straffi – Winx Club’s author, Founder and CEO of Rainbow Group.

In 2016, Netflix globally and exclusively released two seasons of World of Winx, a spinoff from the successful Winx Club, which has been popular with audiences around the world.

Erik Barmack, VP of International Originals at Netflix, said “Winx is a global phenomenon and through this exciting series we are thrilled to reinforce our relationship with Rainbow and to develop the next chapter of Winx. The famous fairies will grow up with their audience and will explore complex themes as real-life teenage super heroines in a live action show”.

Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 117 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 140 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films.

Founded in 1995, the Rainbow Group operates in the children and teenager entertainment industry, ranking among the main international companies for the development of content.

Aptech named Rahul Dravid as global brand ambassador

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Aptech Ltd announced cricketer and current Under-19 India Team Coach, Rahul Dravid, as the global brand ambassador for Aptech Learning and Arena Animation.

Dravid was selected due to his undying zeal to empower the youth of India.

Commenting on the association, one of the country’s cricket legends Dravid said, “I am honored that Aptech, an Indian company that has become a global leader in skill and non-formal education, to choose me to represent their brand. We both strive towards empowering youth with the right skills, aptitude and attitude that holistically makes them a successful professional in the future.”

Dravid further stated that India has been at the cusp of transformation in the last few years. He believed at the centre of this transformation and future growth will be the youth of India. “We need to channelize their energy in the right direction,” he further added.

“Rahul Dravid or ‘The Wall’ has always produced a blueprint to guide the country’s future talent. He has been an exemplary leader and great team player. His recent decision to coach the Under-19 India team was testimony to his commitment towards building a nation where the dreams and energy of youth is channelized towards building a strong nation. Aptech too has been tirelessly working towards making the youth in over 40 countries chisel their skills to be more successful in the career of their choice. Therefore, this partnership is based on mutual trust and vision for the country’s progress,” said Pravir Arora, executive vice president, Aptech Ltd.

Havas Media bags Bajaj Allianz’s integrated media duties

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Havas Media India has bagged the integrated media duties of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of the leading private players in the insurance sector in India. The agency also handles media duties of Bajaj Finserv, the financing arm of Bajaj Group.

The account size is estimated to be upwards of Rs 50 crore and will be handled out of the Mumbai office led by Kunal Jamuar, Managing Partner – West and South, Havas Media India.

Bajaj Allianz CMO Chandramohan Mehra said, “To offer a differentiated yet relevant proposition to our customers, we have embarked on a brand re-orientation journey. We will rely on deeper customer insights and data-driven actions for a holistic brand transformation. Agility and consumer-centric mindset from our teams and partners will be key to our deliveries. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Havas.”

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance also launched digital branches through Mosambee, a handheld device that offers the services of a mobile branch and assists customers with an entire range of customer services.

Anita Nayyar, CEO, Havas Media Group, India and South Asia, added, “We are proud to take on the mandate of yet another pioneer brand. Bajaj Allianz combines with it comprehensive life insurance solutions, technical expertise and in-depth market knowledge and goodwill of ‘Bajaj’ brand in India. It has developed insurance solutions that cater to every segment and age-income profiles. We look forward to carving a meaningful brand strategy and taking the brand to greater heights.”

Began operations in 2001, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance is a joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Limited (formerly part of Bajaj Auto Limited) owned by the Bajaj Group of India and Allianz SE, a European financial services company.

Led by Tarun Chugh (MD and CEO), Bajaj has a pan-India presence of 759 branches. It is headquartered in Pune.