Fleischer Studios taps Global Icons for worldwide representation as the studio seeks new, creative, and strategic opportunities to expand their iconic brands.
Fleischer Studios has brought on brand-licensing company Global Icons as their exclusive worldwide licensing agent for the studios’ slate of classic characters, including famous animated screen star Betty Boop. The move became official on January 1 and comes as the studio seeks new and creative opportunities to expand their properties.
“We’re excited for the future and all the fantastic ideas in the works with Global Icons,” commented Fleischer Studios chairman and CEO, Mark Fleischer. “I’m confident they’ll do a superb job representing Betty Boop and our other classic characters. We also look forward to continuing to build our demographics and wonderful relationships in the Betty Boop marketplace in every way possible.”
First introduced in 1930, Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer for his Talkartoons series, the first animated “talkies” that Fleischer Studios produced for Paramount. Betty starred in more than 100 cartoons, 90 of which are included in the official Betty Boop series, which ended in 1939. Since then, the character has appeared in dozens of movies, television specials and commercials. She was the first cartoon character to be profiled by A&E’s Biography series.
“I have been a longtime fan of Betty Boop and Fleischer Studios,” shared Global Icons CEO, Jeff Lotman. “Betty is truly a cultural icon that has gained the respect and admiration of millions of fans around the word. We can’t wait to let our global team have the opportunity to grow the program in a very strategic and aggressive way.”
Global Icons will combine its expertise in brand building with their strength and resources around the world to connect Betty Boop with new territories and consumers while creating exciting new opportunities for the property’s core fan base.
Last year marked Betty Boop’s 90th anniversary; she is one of the most popular and successfully licensed characters in entertainment history, with licensees in the United States and worldwide that produce quality products bearing her likeness in virtually every category. Her popularity is seen in her prevalence in pop culture with fashion magazines, advertisers, designers, and entertainment producers including and referencing her in their offerings.
Other popular classic Fleischer Studios characters include Betty’s beloved pup Pudgy, Grampy, her pal Bimbo, and the character Koko the Clown, the first character ever to be animated with the rotoscope.
Source: Fleischer Studios
