Rocket Licensing, is making preparation to celebrate its tenth anniversary at British Licensing Expo by showing its portfolio of new representations and classic much-loved brands.
This year’s line-up includes The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the works of Dr Seuss, the massive TV and publishing hit Horrible Histories, Sony Pictures’ Hotel Transylvania franchise, Beyblade Burst,the third generation of the Beyblade franchise, Love is, the classic art property whose theme is sharing the feeling of love and JIFFPOM, the pomeranian dog who is a huge social media star.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar which has sold over 45 million copies worldwide is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019. This major event will be supported by new products, new licensing categories and special anniversary ranges and brand activations.
Recent product launches include a children’s apple pressed drink, from Cawston Press and melamine and ceramic three-piece gift sets from Portmeirion, as well as new product in the gardening, dress-up, travel accessories and baby apparel categories.
The works of Dr Seuss, led by The Grinch, The Cat in Hat and many other much-loved characters have been part of every childhood and most adulthoods too. The Grinch, in particular, has enjoyed growing success recently in adult and children’s apparel, such as loungewear, nightwear and novelty tees and jumpers.
Rocket’s BLE 2017 line-up also includes a host of exciting new acquisitions including the Horrible Histories franchise, the world’s best-selling children’s history-book series, which is also a hit stage and TV show, Beyblade Burst, a proven hit and award-winning boys’ action franchise since 2002, entering its third generation with a TV success in Japan and the US.
Rocket represents licensing for Sony Pictures Entertainment across its new and classic portfolio including the Hotel Transylvania franchise which has generated over $1 billion in global box office and home entertainment sales. The third family-friendly monster animated film will release in cinemas July 2018 and the all-new animated TV series premiered on Disney Channel this month.
Other licensing opportunities from the Sony portfolio include the new Barbie movie in August 2018 and a number of classic brands including Ghostbusters which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2019. Rocket also represents Sony Pictures Television cult classic Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and Channel 4 hit Outlander, the time travel, science fantasy and historical drama that is building a devoted fan base all over the world.
Rocket will be launching the new licensing programme for the Love Is… brand at BLE. The brand which is based on a true love story has both the simple charm of its characters and its one liners (notes) about love and continues to drive a regular syndicated cartoon and appeal to a core market of adult females aged 18 to 30. The licensing opportunities range from apparel, accessories, publishing, stationery, cards and calendars to housewares, beauty products, and of course, gifting.
JIFFPOM, the Pomeranian dog with a massive cross-generational appeal and worldwide social media fan base, is the star of numerous viral videos and has a huge social media presence (20 million followers and growing) that has inspired apps, a forthcoming TV show and film, a new book from Scholastic – due in September – and now a multi-category UK licensing campaign, with strong potential in categories ranging from toys to toiletries
Rob Wijeratna and Charlie Donaldson, are the Joint Managing Directors of Rocket Licensing. Rob says, “It’s been an amazing decade that has seen licensing extend into new categories, new media and new franchises, but our aim is unchanged: to discover and represent the classics of today and tomorrow.” “We’re always thrilled with our portfolio, but this year underlines more than ever the diversity and quality that we constantly seek to present to licensees and retail. It’s a great way for Rocket to enter its second decade,” Charlie adds.
