DIC Ent. has been appointed the global entertainment licensing agent for Zizzle Toys new, innovative musical icon iZ. As part of the licensing initiative, DIC will translate the toy into animated direct-to-DVD movies.
iZ was named this year as one of the Toy Wishes Hot Dozen, which forecasts the best-selling and most popular toys of the year. Zizzle recently launched iZ, a colorful nine-inch-tri-legged fusion of toy and music that allows users to create their own music with limitless possibilities by pressing his belly to start a beat and then adding and changing rhythm and leads (melody) by turning his ears. A flicker switch perched his head allows players to add great sound effects. In addition to creating their own unique music, players may also enjoy their existing music collection by attaching iZ to an Ipod or any music source with a standard headphone jack, then players can watch iZs eyes and horn interact to their music.
DIC will develop a mass retail-driven, global merchandising program with product lines launching in spring 2006 and additional categories rolling out at back-to-school and holiday 2006. The company plans to start with an extensive, product-based merchandising program targeting tweens/teens and young adults (825) and will include videogames, mobile phone applications and accessories, apparel and collectibles.
DIC will also create a cutting-edge entertainment program with direct-to-DVD movies reaching a broader audience to coincide with additional categories, including items such as games, puzzles, activities, full apparel, home products and publishing.
Roger Shiffman, ceo/president, Zizzle Toys, commented, DIC brings a depth of understanding and passion for iZ that we are looking for in a partner, and their track record in managing brands is exceptional. We are already receiving exceptional reception for iZ in the marketplace, and are excited to have DIC onboard to expand the program into many different categories.
Roger and his team are visionaries who have once again created a toy that has the potential to become the next phenomenon to hit retail, said Andy Heyward, chairman/ceo, DIC. iZ fuses the major hot spots for kids today music and technology and DICs merchandising program will reflect Zizzles groundbreaking vision for the brand.
Zizzle has signed exclusive distribution agreements for iZ with Sega Toys in Japan and Korea, Grand Toys in Canada and Vivid Imaginations in Europe. Additionally, the company has already secured a broad lineup of promotional partners ready to move in groundbreaking directions.
DIC manages the worldwide licensing programs for the Strawberry Shortcake, McDonalds McKids brand and Trolls/Trollz businesses, which combined result in over 500 licensees. Since re-launching Strawberry Shortcake in 2003, DIC anticipates the brand reaching more than $1 billion in worldwide revenues at years end. The company anticipates major success with its recent launch of the tween brand Trollz.
Zizzle (www.zizzle.com) was launched in January 2005, by Shiffman, and has offices in Bannockburn, Illinois, and Hong Kong. Zizzle has a seasoned management team consisting of Marc Rosenberg, Patty Jackson and David Scher, among others. Zizzle is developing a comprehensive line of electronic and traditional toys for 2006 and beyond.
DIC Ent. (www.dicentertainment.com), a leading children's entertainment company, is a full-service studio dedicated to creating, developing, producing, distributing, marketing and merchandising family-based intellectual properties. DIC has distinguished itself by building one of the largest libraries of U.S. animation with more than 3,200 half-hours of programming. As a pre-eminent supplier of kid's programming worldwide, DIC has developed strategic partnerships with key domestic and international broadcast partners throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and Australia. DIC is headquartered in Burbank, California, with international offices in Paris, London and Cologne.
