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Tag: Cartoon Network Enterprises

  • Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    MUMBAI: It was a big deal for a 90s kid from non-metro India to get hands on a Batman or Superman figurine. A Justice League T-shirt would have bowled them over because authentic merchandise shopping was a ‘city’ thing, for the sheer lack of access. Hence, counterfeits thrived.

    Since then, the merchandising industry in the country has come a long way given that consumers can now access their favourite character-driven consumer products at the click of a button online, sitting at home. As Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) director Anand Singh rightly pointed out, e-commerce has helped Cartoon Network expand the licensing and merchandising business to the regional and Tier I and Tier II markets as well.

    CNE is the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

    “Earlier, there was a restriction of location, one could have limited inventory per character, pilferage and cost of carrying inventory, and promoter cost added to very high overheads, which made the business difficult. But, e-commerce has revolutionised the process, by adding another distribution channel. The cash-on-delivery proposition has allowed the assortment of products to be exposed to potential consumers in newer markets,” Singh informed.

    Singh shared that 30 per cent of the business done by CNE comes from e-commerce with double-digital growth rate. The merchandising and licensing division itself has grown three times since 2014, thereby identifying e-commerce as one of the key growth drivers.

    Close to 12 per cent of CNE’s business currently comes from the emerging regional markets, including a significant chunk from the north-eastern states.

    “We have recently tied up with a brand called Dukes from Hyderabad.
    There is a company called Kishna Snacks from Guwahati which has done amazing work with the promotional license for Batman Vs Superman, and Tom and Jerry,” Singh said.

    While ease of access through online shopping has been a major boon to the business made in regional markets, it’s the willingness of local and regional brands that have augmented growth. The country’s new-found love for Hollywood superhero movies can be credited for this acceptability.

    And, since CNE also represents the Warner Brothers Consumer Products IP portfolio for south Asian markets, its proposition for the regional markets has only increased. The portfolio includes hit favourites like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Superheroes from the DC portfolio such as Batman, Superman, Flash, along with various WB movie franchises such as Harry Potter series and TV shows such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory, etc.

    “We see a lot of interest from the regional FMCG and food and beverage players. It all comes down to the resonance with these classical franchises. Brands have come to realise that buying licenses to these properties is not as expensive as they thought it was. There was a general assumption in those markets that being regional players it would be too much to go after global franchises. But, that mindset is changing and more and more regional players are opening up to the idea,” he said.

    According to industry guesstimates, currently, licensed merchandised market for character IPs or franchises for kids stands at Rs 5000 crore, growing from Rs 3500 crore, last year. Without sharing any figure, Singh asserted that, though CNE may not add huge numbers to the network’s top line, it’s a highly profitable business.

    In 2012, Cartoon Network Enterprises was expecting a turnover of Rs.1,650 crore in the next three years as against a Rs.850 crore turnover previously, according to media reports (source:
    licensing.org)

    Of the major 500 licensees, CNE handles close to 135 across India and south Asian markets with more than 5000 SKUs on retail across mass distribution, modern trade and e-commerce. Currently, CNE South Asia looks after the territories of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which will be added later this year.

    CNE’s most recent tie-ups include strategic partnerships with Myntra for apparel and fashion accessories and a DTR (direct to retail) deal with Future Group across product categories.

  • Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    MUMBAI: It was a big deal for a 90s kid from non-metro India to get hands on a Batman or Superman figurine. A Justice League T-shirt would have bowled them over because authentic merchandise shopping was a ‘city’ thing, for the sheer lack of access. Hence, counterfeits thrived.

    Since then, the merchandising industry in the country has come a long way given that consumers can now access their favourite character-driven consumer products at the click of a button online, sitting at home. As Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) director Anand Singh rightly pointed out, e-commerce has helped Cartoon Network expand the licensing and merchandising business to the regional and Tier I and Tier II markets as well.

    CNE is the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

    “Earlier, there was a restriction of location, one could have limited inventory per character, pilferage and cost of carrying inventory, and promoter cost added to very high overheads, which made the business difficult. But, e-commerce has revolutionised the process, by adding another distribution channel. The cash-on-delivery proposition has allowed the assortment of products to be exposed to potential consumers in newer markets,” Singh informed.

    Singh shared that 30 per cent of the business done by CNE comes from e-commerce with double-digital growth rate. The merchandising and licensing division itself has grown three times since 2014, thereby identifying e-commerce as one of the key growth drivers.

    Close to 12 per cent of CNE’s business currently comes from the emerging regional markets, including a significant chunk from the north-eastern states.

    “We have recently tied up with a brand called Dukes from Hyderabad.
    There is a company called Kishna Snacks from Guwahati which has done amazing work with the promotional license for Batman Vs Superman, and Tom and Jerry,” Singh said.

    While ease of access through online shopping has been a major boon to the business made in regional markets, it’s the willingness of local and regional brands that have augmented growth. The country’s new-found love for Hollywood superhero movies can be credited for this acceptability.

    And, since CNE also represents the Warner Brothers Consumer Products IP portfolio for south Asian markets, its proposition for the regional markets has only increased. The portfolio includes hit favourites like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Superheroes from the DC portfolio such as Batman, Superman, Flash, along with various WB movie franchises such as Harry Potter series and TV shows such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory, etc.

    “We see a lot of interest from the regional FMCG and food and beverage players. It all comes down to the resonance with these classical franchises. Brands have come to realise that buying licenses to these properties is not as expensive as they thought it was. There was a general assumption in those markets that being regional players it would be too much to go after global franchises. But, that mindset is changing and more and more regional players are opening up to the idea,” he said.

    According to industry guesstimates, currently, licensed merchandised market for character IPs or franchises for kids stands at Rs 5000 crore, growing from Rs 3500 crore, last year. Without sharing any figure, Singh asserted that, though CNE may not add huge numbers to the network’s top line, it’s a highly profitable business.

    In 2012, Cartoon Network Enterprises was expecting a turnover of Rs.1,650 crore in the next three years as against a Rs.850 crore turnover previously, according to media reports (source:
    licensing.org)

    Of the major 500 licensees, CNE handles close to 135 across India and south Asian markets with more than 5000 SKUs on retail across mass distribution, modern trade and e-commerce. Currently, CNE South Asia looks after the territories of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which will be added later this year.

    CNE’s most recent tie-ups include strategic partnerships with Myntra for apparel and fashion accessories and a DTR (direct to retail) deal with Future Group across product categories.

  • Turner appoints Eric Lee to lead its LBE business

    Turner appoints Eric Lee to lead its LBE business

    MUMBAI: Turner Asia Pacific has appointed Eric Lee as director for Asia Pacific to lead its growing location-based entertainment (LBE) business for the region.

    Lee is tasked with identifying opportunities to develop consumer-facing experiences such as water parks, theme parks, branded retail and entertainment spaces. These environments utilize Cartoon Network’s global kids’ IP such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, We Bare Bears and Adventure Time, as well as Turner’s other youth-focused brands including Tuzki, according to a company statement.

    This is a new position for Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), Turner’s licensing and merchandising arm, and demonstrates its commitment to developing more LBE initiatives around the region. Lee’s appointment is a part of a wider strategy by Turner to become an even more consumer-centric and IP-focused company.

    Turner Asia Pacific business development and overseas CNE senior vice president, Clément Schwebig was quoted in the statement as saying, “Eric is a talented and experienced individual who will straight away look to forge strategic relationships with local partners that will enable us to engage existing fans and win over new ones. LBE and the themed attraction business has huge potential for growth in Asia Pacific, and Cartoon Network’s world-famous franchises are well-loved by kids and families across the region.”

    The appointment comes at a period of growth for both the industry and Turner’s extensive portfolio of IP.

    Cartoon Network Amazone, the water park in Thailand that opened in 2014, is going from strength to strength and earlier this year, Turner opened a Tuzki-themed restaurant in Shanghai, China, and the first of a planned series of Cartoon Network retail stores in Seoul, Korea.

    Meanwhile in Dubai, Cartoon Network is all set to open its own themed zone at IMG Worlds of Adventure. In a number of other Asian markets, LBE projects in the CNE pipeline include Family Entertainment Centers and Retail-Dining-Entertainment experiences.

    Lee joins Turner from Rovio Entertainment in Europe, where he held the position of Director for Global LBE. There he worked with large-scale licensing deals and led innovative projects such as the first ever Angry Birds 4D film and Angry Birds VR experience. He has also held roles in Jack Rouse Associates and JBJ Associates and has worked on projects such as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Crayola Experience in the US, Sochi Theme Park in Russia, and Angry Birds parks in the UK, Russia and Qatar.

  • Turner appoints Eric Lee to lead its LBE business

    Turner appoints Eric Lee to lead its LBE business

    MUMBAI: Turner Asia Pacific has appointed Eric Lee as director for Asia Pacific to lead its growing location-based entertainment (LBE) business for the region.

    Lee is tasked with identifying opportunities to develop consumer-facing experiences such as water parks, theme parks, branded retail and entertainment spaces. These environments utilize Cartoon Network’s global kids’ IP such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, We Bare Bears and Adventure Time, as well as Turner’s other youth-focused brands including Tuzki, according to a company statement.

    This is a new position for Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), Turner’s licensing and merchandising arm, and demonstrates its commitment to developing more LBE initiatives around the region. Lee’s appointment is a part of a wider strategy by Turner to become an even more consumer-centric and IP-focused company.

    Turner Asia Pacific business development and overseas CNE senior vice president, Clément Schwebig was quoted in the statement as saying, “Eric is a talented and experienced individual who will straight away look to forge strategic relationships with local partners that will enable us to engage existing fans and win over new ones. LBE and the themed attraction business has huge potential for growth in Asia Pacific, and Cartoon Network’s world-famous franchises are well-loved by kids and families across the region.”

    The appointment comes at a period of growth for both the industry and Turner’s extensive portfolio of IP.

    Cartoon Network Amazone, the water park in Thailand that opened in 2014, is going from strength to strength and earlier this year, Turner opened a Tuzki-themed restaurant in Shanghai, China, and the first of a planned series of Cartoon Network retail stores in Seoul, Korea.

    Meanwhile in Dubai, Cartoon Network is all set to open its own themed zone at IMG Worlds of Adventure. In a number of other Asian markets, LBE projects in the CNE pipeline include Family Entertainment Centers and Retail-Dining-Entertainment experiences.

    Lee joins Turner from Rovio Entertainment in Europe, where he held the position of Director for Global LBE. There he worked with large-scale licensing deals and led innovative projects such as the first ever Angry Birds 4D film and Angry Birds VR experience. He has also held roles in Jack Rouse Associates and JBJ Associates and has worked on projects such as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Crayola Experience in the US, Sochi Theme Park in Russia, and Angry Birds parks in the UK, Russia and Qatar.

  • Turner targets young adults with ‘Mr Bean’ licensing products in India

    Turner targets young adults with ‘Mr Bean’ licensing products in India

    MUMBAI: His ingenuity and child-like nature have managed to capture the hearts of the young and old alike. We’re talking about none other than Mr Bean. Starring Rowan Atkinson, this British television programme has entertained masses of all age groups.

     

    Riding on the success of the franchise, which has seen TV shows, movies and books, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific’s licensing division – Cartoon Network Enterprises – has been tasked with the responsibility of driving licensing activity for Mr Bean for the next three years in key Southeast Asian markets including India.

     

    In India, the company is looking at targeting young adults. The company has the rights to license the property for both the animation and the live action series across product and promotional licensing.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Turner International India director – Cartoon Network Enterprises Anand Singh said, “With its lustrous licensing programme, it made great sense to have an internationally acclaimed, parental approved brand in our portfolio. The brand also gives us entry into the 14+ young adult space.”

     

    This is not for the first time when Turner has acquired licenses of popular characters. In the past too, it had got other franchises such as Ben 10, PowerPuff Girls, M.A.D. and Roll No 21 on-board.

     

    This year also happens to be a landmark year for the franchise. In 2015, Mr Bean celebrates its 25th anniversary with the brand growing from strength to strength. The second installment of The Mr Bean Animated Series is set to debut in Asia Pacific in April, broadcast on Turner’s kids’ channels including on Boomerang in Southeast Asia and Australia, on Cartoon Network in Japan and on Pogo in India.

     

    Cartoon Network Enterprises Asia Pacific VP Melissa Tinker feels that the partnership is a perfect complement to its already strong portfolio. “It is extremely exciting to be representing a brand with such a powerful presence in Asia. For a quarter of a century now, audiences have been chuckling along to the antics of Mr Bean – and his famous teddy – and Rowan Atkinson’s unique creation has become a genuine global brand,” Tinker informed.

     

    Market Expectations

     

    Singh informed that the Mr Bean franchise has got a lot of traction from not only India, but also from the South Asia region. What’s more, a few promotional deals with Mr Bean in Pakistan have elicited great response.

     

    “South Asian markets behave fairly similarly in terms of consumer and buying behaviour. I see a lot of scope for Mr Bean to grow as a franchise in the entire region with its universal appeal and a unique style of humour that could translate in several strong categories,” said Singh.

     

    He also expects a number of FMCG, F&B companies and QSR’s (Quick Service Restaurants) to ride on the popularity of the show and the character to promote their products and services.

     

    One of the most interesting propositions Singh reveals for Turner Licensing is the concept of Mr Bean branded Coffee Shops, which are operational in Thailand and Singapore. With the very English imagery and a quirky look and feel, he thinks there could be scope to do something with local partners in the region.

     

    “We expect to see a strong off-take from e-commerce, modern trade and select mass distribution outlets and mom & pop stores,” opined Singh.

     

    Talking about the revenues that Turner will generate through the deal, he said that classic properties and brands with a strong content pipeline tend to have a steady pace but fad properties tend to burn out after creating buzz in the market.

     

    “This will vary depending on the nature of the brand/ IP in question (action or humour), appeal (universal or niche) the quality of creative assets (style guides) and the overall support from the broadcaster/ IP owner. It is not uncommon for a strong brand/ property to contribute up to 25 per cent of the total revenue generated by the brand. Needless to say pure play licensing remains a business with a lower base but with fairly high profit margins,” he concluded.

  • Little Orbit and Cartoon Network to create new interactive games

    Little Orbit and Cartoon Network to create new interactive games

    MUMBAI: One of the leading game publishers – Little Orbit – and one of the most loved kids’ channel – Cartoon Network – have announced a strategic partnership that will bring multiple properties to gaming consoles and handheld devices later this year.

     

    Serving as a licensing agent for its Turner Broadcasting sister network TNT, Cartoon Network Enterprises initially partnered with Little Orbit to release the popular Falling Skies Planetary Warfare mobile game, based on TNT’s critically-acclaimed drama Falling Skies, earlier this year. Little Orbit will also launch a console version of the game later this year.

     

    “Both TNT and Cartoon Network have tremendous experience developing both live-action and animated hits for a variety of audiences which makes them a perfect fit for what we want to achieve in terms of high-quality content,” said Little Orbit president Matt Scott. “The expansion deepens our partnership with Turner networks enabling us to work closely together on development to bring a truly transmedia experience to the games.”

     

    Building on that successful relationship, the two companies will partner again to create two all-new interactive games a multi-property game that will combine characters from Cartoon Network’s popular original series, and a game based on the global smash hit series, Adventure Time. Both will be released globally, with North American launches slated for this fourth quarter.

     

    “Working with Little Orbit to create the Falling Skies game has been a great experience and from that, we’re excited to extend our partnership this year and develop new games based on some of the most popular characters and brands in the Cartoon Network portfolio,” said CNE VP of consumer products Pete Yoder.

     

    Additional titles and details for the new Cartoon Network and Adventure Time games will be announced soon with several launches planned for later this year.

  • Melissa Tinker joins Cartoon Network Enterprises as VP

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has appointed Melissa Tinker as vice president of its licensing and merchandise division, Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE).

    Tinker brings over 15 years of industry experience focused on crafting licensing strategies for brand expansion, and was instrumental behind the success of many kids‘ and family entertainment brands.

    In her new role, she will be reporting to Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific senior VP and MD, Entertainment Networks Sunny Saha.

    “Melissa is joining the CNE team at a time of unprecedented growth for our business in Asia. With Melissa‘s proven track record within the industry, CNE will be taken to even greater heights as she identifies innovative partnerships that create more opportunities for brand engagement,” Saha said.

    Tinker will assume the leadership of CNE‘s regional licensing & merchandise strategy, planning and network collaboration for Turner‘s franchises such as Ben 10, Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball and The Powerpuff Girls.

    Tinker‘s appointment coincides with CNE‘s expansion across the region that includes branded learning centres and themed destinations in addition to the growth of traditional categories of toys, apparel, home entertainment, publishing and lifestyle products.

    “I am delighted to be joining Cartoon Network and to be working alongside such a dynamic and experienced team. I see endless opportunity with such powerhouse brands and the exceptional content Turner has to offer. I am very much looking forward to developing regional initiatives to support the franchise partners and introducing new partners to the business,” said Tinker.

    Prior to this, Tinker was with Chorion, Australia for six years, where she was Sr VP of Licensing, Asia Pacific.

    She has also worked with Haven Licensing where she managed a portfolio of Universal Studios, MTV Networks/Nickelodeon and ACP.

  • Pogo expands merchandise to apparel, publishing, stationery & home videos

    Pogo expands merchandise to apparel, publishing, stationery & home videos

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global licensing and merchandising division of Cartoon Network, has announced the strategic roll out of the second phase of Pogo merchandise, with the launch of Pogo branded apparel, activity kits, publishing, stationery, electronics and school bags.

    Cartoon Network’s sibling Pogo, has tied up with Karmatex, a garment manufacturing and export enterprise, for the launch of the apparel range at their exclusive ‘Scram’ outlets. The channel is targeting a 10 city roll out of ‘Scram’ stores in May next year. The branded apparel will be available in three ranges Surf, Word Trails and Party wear for boys and girls, aged 3 to 12 years.

    Besides, the collection will also be available at typical retail outlets including Lifestyle, Pyramid and Lilliput. Following the standard roll out strategy in key metros, the channel has also expressed their plans to enter smaller markets. With 80 SKUs, the range will be priced between Rs 399 to Rs 995. Currently, Karmatex has two stores at malls in Mumbai (Inorbit and Atria), while another 12 stores across India are expected to be operative by the end of next year.

    Based on the M.A.D. (Music Art and Dance) theme, the new additions to Pogo merchandise will lend itself to a consolidated range of the latest home entertainment DVD’s, six new book titles, stationery and ‘Do it yourself’ activity kits. The M.A.D. range of products will be priced between Rs 25 to Rs 525.

    In addition, the company is also looking to introduce to the existing Pogo portfolio more branded merchandise across categories such as innerwear, sleepwear, gifts and novelties, bags and activity games in the New Year. This is in line with company’s plans to expand its width of consumer products, which will ultimately find its way to the theme parks slated to launch next year in the form of ‘Planet Pogo.’

    Cartoon Network Enterprises India and South Asia director Jiggy George said, “This year has been fabulous for us! Over the last quarter we have announced two strategic initiatives in the consumer goods division and it makes me proud to close the year with the announcement of the extension of Pogo Merchandise across these exciting categories. The division has recorded a fantastic double digit growth, registering an annual jump of 50 per cent in business and I am looking forward to witness similar success in 2007, with the launch of many such exciting announcements.”

    “Our channel, Pogo, stands for fun, learning and excitement and keeping these brand characteristics in mind, coupled with a recent qualitative research conducted amongst three age groups of kids and parents, it was found that the extension of Pogo into merchandise would be welI accepted. The categories that would best fit the brand would be apparel, toys, back to school products and gifts and novelties. This gave us the clear direction that the right time to commence our merchandising programme for Pogo had arrived.”

    Beefing up its retail presence in the country Cartoon Network Enterprises’ previously launched character themed consumer products like The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, Galli Galli Sim Sim and Pogo Wheels. The Pogo toys range, launched in the first phase, will also see extensions, as new and higher end versions will be launched next year.

  • Cartoon Network Enterprises unveils ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim’ merchandise

    Cartoon Network Enterprises unveils ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim’ merchandise

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global licensing and merchandising division of the Network has announced the launch of consumer products featuring the Galli Galli Sim Sim characters including Elmo, Biscuit Badshah, Bharat, Ernie across four categories. In their efforts to extend the magic of the series, Turner International wants to give children a chance to touch, feel and own the characters outside of their TV sets.

    The first phase of the Galli Galli Sim Sim merchandising programme will commence with the launch of an entire range of apparel, publishing, plush and home furnishing for which CNE has partnered with Liliput, Euro Kids, Scholastic, Mattel and Portico.

    Cartoon Network Enterprises – India and South Asia director Jiggy George said, “The objective of Cartoon Network Enterprises is to mirror the success of the channel off-air. The fabulous response received for the revolutionary pre-school series Galli Galli Sim Sim along with the instant popularity being enjoyed by the show’s Muppets are reasons enough for us to offer kids’ merchandise centered around these new stars of kids’ programming.”

    “We are bullish about the Indian market and endeavour to consistently expand our products portfolio by constantly adding newer characters, brands, categories and retail partners.”

    Targeted at 2 – 8 years old, the Galli Galli Sim Sim range of apparel merchandise will be manufactured and distributed by Lilliput and will be available in 60 Liliput stores across India and multi-brand outlets.

    Euro Kids will offer eight storybooks across 25 cities while Scholastic will offer six titles across the Book Club catalogue to be sent to 2200 schools across 500 cities as well as various book fairs.

    Mattel will manufacture and distribute non-toxic Classic Sesame plush across multi-brand outlets and toy stores in over 20 cities. The range will introduce a Hindi-speaking plush for the first time in the country.

    Home furnishing merchandise will be manufactured and distributed by Portico and will include bedsheets, pillow covers, duvets and quilts featuring the Galli Galli Sim Sim Indian Muppets.

    Priced between Rs. 70 to Rs. 1399 across categories, the products will be available in multi-brand retail chains such as Lifestyle, Shoppers’ Stop, Pantaloon, Piramyd, Landmark and Hypercity. Galli Galli Sim Sim branded merchandise will be launched across several other categories in 2007.

    With this, Cartoon Network Enterprises continues to strengthen its retail presence with over 700 products currently available in over 13 categories such as apparel, plush, home furnishings, home décor, party products, stationery across 3000 plus counters and 20 cities, including branded in-store Cartoon Network corners in retail chains such as Lifestyle, Piramyd, Pantaloon, Shoppers’ Stop, Liliput, and others.