Trolling for its next hit, DIC Entertainment has acquired worldwide entertainment and licensing rights from the Troll Company (a.k.a. Dam Things) to the iconic spiky, colorful-haired Troll character to be developed into an entertainment and lifestyle brand for tweens, called TROLLZ.
DIC is developing a worldwide television, video and licensing and merchandising program for TROLLZ scheduled to launch in 2005 while the interactive/web world created for the characters, will launch in December 2004. In addition to the new TROLLZ, DIC will create a separate worldwide consumer products campaign for the classic Troll characters, excluding Scandinavia (which has been retained by Troll Co.).
We are absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to re-launch a major classic character of this magnitude and potential and with a phenomenal track record, said Andy Heyward, ceo/chairman of DIC.The opportunities for TROLLZ are endless, and we know with the right partners in place that it will be a guaranteed success across all platforms.
The Troll character, created nearly 50 years ago by Troll Co. founder, Thomas Dam, grew to become one of the best selling properties in history, rivaling Barbie dolls with girls in the sixties, reaching cult phenomenon status and generated approximately $4-5 billion in worldwide sales.
Troll Co. recently settled its copyright infringement lawsuit against Russ Berrie and Co. Inc. regarding the Troll character. Troll Co., which had its U.S. copyright restored by federal statute in 1996, alleged that RUSS infringed the Troll Co.s Troll design. Under terms of the settlement, RUSS has acknowledged that Troll Co. is the owner of exclusive rights in the Troll character. Troll Co. has completely restored all of its rights in the property after several years of litigation with companies in the United States and internationally.
We are excited to be able to move forward and re-introduce the lovely little imps that conquered everyone's heart for the first time in 1961 to an all new generation, said Calle Ostergaard, president/ceo, Troll Co. With their expertise in the childrens entertainment business, DIC is the perfect partner to rebuild the Troll brand, and we look forward to exceeding our previous success.
DIC (www.dicentertainment.com) 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 3,000 half-hours of programming. In September 2003, DIC launched the DIC Kids Network, a unique syndicated programming block designed to meet core FCC requirements. DIC has developed strategic partnerships with key domestic and international broadcast partners throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and Australia. DIC is headquartered in Burbank, California with international offices in New York, Paris, London and Cologne.
Troll Co. (www.troll-company.dk) is a Danish corporation headquartered in Gjol, Denmark. It is best known for its Good Luck Troll, created by its founder Thomas Dam. The company owns the exclusive intellectual property rights in the Dam designs and, as a licensor, closely monitors and enforces those rights worldwide.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
