The Licensing 2006 International trade show kicks off today in New York City, where licensees, retailers, marketers and geeks gather to see what the hot properties will be for this fall and beyond.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the buzzword this week is “mulitplatform,” as licensees shift their focus from movies to television, video games and original online and wireless content.
That doesn’t mean they’re giving up on movies; they’re just looking for sure bets that will mean longer shelf lives for merchandising tie-ins.
“People are investing their licensing dollars in established franchises or properties that have the potential to be established franchises,” Chris Byrne of Royalties Magazine told the trade paper. “People are losing money on movies that are one-shot deals. They are looking at what they can get on the shelf and keep on the shelf. There are so many properties out there now that movies don’t have the same level of urgency that they used to.”
As for TV, The Hollywood Reporter says retailers are eyeing hits like Disney’s High School Musical, Fox’s Family Guy and 24, and Cartoon Network’s upcoming animated Star Wars and Fantastic Four.
There’s a lot more information at the link.
Meanwhile, Playthings provides a lengthy rundown of what to expect from children’s entertainment companies (read “toys”) at the trade show.
