A Swedish video game company has bought film/TV and merchandising rights to the “Lord of the Rings” franchise for a large though undisclosed sum, as movie-related intellectual property has exploded in value since “Star Wars” in 1977. The rights package covers all the works of the late R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy-world literary works including the “The Hobbit.” The purchase price … [Read more...] about ‘Lord of Rings’ Merchandise Bonanza
merchandise
‘Wonder Woman’ Gets Thrill Ride
The Wonder Woman comic book/movie property is set for its own roller coaster thrill ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain outdoor amusement park in suburban Los Angeles. The licensed merchandise ride is scheduled to open summer of 2022, after being delayed by the pandemic. The theme park’s investment in a new ride indicates confidence in the outdoor, out-of-home entertainment … [Read more...] about ‘Wonder Woman’ Gets Thrill Ride
Film Merchandise Becomes NFTs
Warner Bros. offers digital comic book covers to those sign up for its DC FanDome event in what is a free giveaway of NFTs — the acronym for non-fungible digital tokens. These new type of digital content collectibles are quickly becoming a staple of movie marketing. The Warner digital goodies aim to spur attendance to its in-house fan events, which is in the mold of a … [Read more...] about Film Merchandise Becomes NFTs
Video Game Builds ‘Avatar 2’ Ecosystem
The groundwork for a multimedia “Avatar” universe is coming into focus from Walt Disney Studios. Merchandise licensee Ubisoft Entertainment just unveiled “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora," a first-person video game that fleshes-out the sci-fi epic’s far-away world. The source sci-fi movie “Avatar” is the all-time box-office champ grossing $760.5 domestically (and $2.85 billion … [Read more...] about Video Game Builds ‘Avatar 2’ Ecosystem
‘Harry Potter’ Mobile Game Casting ‘Spells’
Warner Bros. Interactive licensed a Harry Potter casual game to Zynga, giving the literary and movie property digital merchandise to keep consumers engaged in the wizards and magic world. The basic game is titled “Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells.” Says a press release, “Featuring the soundtrack and voice-over recordings from the original ‘Harry Potter’ films, fans follow … [Read more...] about ‘Harry Potter’ Mobile Game Casting ‘Spells’
New ‘Star Wars’ Prepares 20 Book Tie-ins
Walt Disney Studios arranged for a whopping 20 book tie-ins to the last installment of the “Star Wars” saga. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is scheduled to premiere Dec. 20 and is not yet rated, but expect a PG-13/Parental Guidance for ages under 13 as the audience classification. “While these titles will include some hints and Easter eggs for the new film, the majority … [Read more...] about New ‘Star Wars’ Prepares 20 Book Tie-ins
Warners Wins Dispute Over Old Marketing Materials
Major movie studios are belatedly asserting copyright control over images in marketing materials from old films. A legal summary from a Warner Bros. Entertainment studio lawsuit in U.S. federal district court against a nostalgia-products marketer indicates Warners won a $2.57 million copyright infringement award. "In dispute over merchandise with images taken from old … [Read more...] about Warners Wins Dispute Over Old Marketing Materials
‘Suicide Squad’ Soundtrack Makes Beautiful Music
The fanboy-oriented movie “Suicide Squad” spawns a soundtrack music album with edgy music that is emerging as a hit. Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records reports its movie soundtrack is the top-ranked album seller in its first week with 167,000 album units sold in the U.S. and is number one in 63 iTunes countries. “It has already set the record for the most streams ever … [Read more...] about ‘Suicide Squad’ Soundtrack Makes Beautiful Music
Pricey ‘Cinderella’ Merchandise Courts Adults
Disney Consumer Products unveiled some pricey shoes, jewelry and drinking glasses tied to live-action movie “Cinderella.” There are $4,595 glass slippers from designer Jimmy Choo. A crystal “I Have Arrived” necklace is priced at $599.95. “Cinderella and Prince Charming” glass champagne drinking flutes are $75 a pair. Obviously, this expensive film merchandise is not kids’ … [Read more...] about Pricey ‘Cinderella’ Merchandise Courts Adults
Merchandise Follows ‘Star Wars’ Game Play Data
Merchandise licensees for the Disney “Star Wars” property can look at game play usage data by country to help forecast demand for products ranging from key chains to toys. The data comes from “Star Wars Commander,” which is a free-to-play mobile game that has been downloaded 5 million times, according licensing data authority EPM Communications. Merchandise … [Read more...] about Merchandise Follows ‘Star Wars’ Game Play Data