Following the recent announcement of the Where’s Wally? UK licensing program, Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family entertainment brands, today unveils the launch of an international licensing program for the iconic brand.
Press Release from Classic Media
LONDON, UK (October 17, 2011) — Following the recent announcement of the Where’s Wally? UK licensing program, Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family entertainment brands, today unveils the launch of an international licensing program for the iconic brand. The Company announces deals spanning across international territories including Australia, Japan and Western Europe. This expansion builds on the global traction in publishing (Walker Books) with more than 50+ million books sold worldwide, and gaming (Ludia) with more than 4.6+ million Apps for iPhone and iPad sold to date.
“This iconic search and find brand is a proven hit in publishing and gaming globally, and is building a strong presence at retail in the UK, and we are excited to build on this momentum as we begin our international consumer products roll-out,” said Nicole Blake, EVP, Global Marketing & Consumer Products, Classic Media. “From Sydney to Tokyo to Paris to Copenhagen—Where’s Wally? fans all over the globe will be joining the search!”
Australia & New Zealand (Agent: Stella Projects)Where’s Wally? is popping up Down Under with recent deals including John Sands (calendars), Smiffy’s (mens costumes), Kinnerton Australia (advent calendars), Designworks (mens apparel and accessories), Thos Holdsworth & Son/Leisure Dynamics NZ (games & puzzles), The Five Mile Press (floor puzzles), Modern Brands (games & puzzles), Simson Cards and Image Galley (distributing the award-winning range of greetings cards from Woodmansterne) and Artico Pty Ltd (distributing giftware from Half Moon Bay).
A key focus has been promotions, where payment service, BPay features Where’s Wally? as the star of their ‘BPay. Almost Too Easy’ campaign for print, online and outdoor media. Where’s Wally? has also launched the first licensed program for family restaurant chain, Red Rooster.
Japan (Agent: Buildou)In Japan, the Where’s Wally? consumer products program launched this Summer with 500 SKUs and 23 licensees. Partners include Sega (arcade game), Delfino (diaries and photo albums), Ensky (calendars and puzzles), KD System (accessories), Watanabe (mens and womens apparel and accessories including the iPhone cover), Skater (melamine), SunStar (stationery), Broccoli (travel card holder), Kokka (fabric), Benelic (kids melamine), Marimo Craft (assorted novelty), Run’A (assorted novelty), Morimoto Industry (novelty), Dix-Sept (stationery and novelty), UTE (womens accessories), Small Planet (accessories and socks), Sun Arrow (plush), Kutsuwa (accessories, homeware and footwear) and Takara Tomy (stationery and novelty).
A key focus in Japan has been retail pop-up shops in high profile locations. You never know where Wally will turn up next in the Land of the Rising Sun!
France (Agent: Marathon Media)Oh Là Là, Where’s Wally? is taking off in France with partners including Alcara (cake charms), Alpa (back-to-school stationery), Grund (stationery) and Ravensburger (puzzles and board games).
High profile events are a key focus in France and include a Where’s Wally? inspired exhibition from photographers Max&Charlotte, which opened to critical acclaim at the Bercy Village in Paris and will move to other locations over the coming year.
Western Europe – Benelux, Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Iberia and Italy (Agent: CPLG)
The first new deals from just-signed Agent CPLG include Euro Prosem, with a range of Where’s Wally? apparel such as t-shirts, nightwear and underwear for young men and women for leading trend retailer Pull and Bear across multiple territories, and DuMont with calendars for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
About Where’s Wally?Created by Martin Handford and first published in 1987, Where's Wally? is one of the most recognizable characters in the world and a pop-culture icon. A global publishing phenomenon with 50+ million books sold worldwide, the successful series is published in more than 38 countries and has been translated into more than 30 languages. JOIN THE SEARCH! as the ultimate world traveller embarks on A Fantastic Journey to celebrate his 25th Anniversary in 2012. Online, in-store, or at events–who knows where Wally will be spotted next? Keep your eyes open. You won’t be the only one searching. www.whereswaldo.com About Classic MediaClassic Media, one of the world’s largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo?, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, and new global brands Tinga Tinga Tales and Life With Boys. Big Idea Entertainment, a member of the Classic Media family, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s programming, including the best-selling animated series, VeggieTales. Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music. Visit us at www.classicmedia.tv.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
