MGM to Host Virtual Licensing Summit

The MGM Licensing Group announced an upcoming virtual licensing summit from May 18-20 for the second year in a row. The event will showcase upcoming initiatives and sneak peeks for brands including Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, Rocky, Creed, Vikings: Valhalla, and Pink Panther.

Additionally, the summit will highlight expanding efforts around MGM’s sci-fi and horror portfolios as well as the reimagining of the MGM brand itself, with the reintroduction of a modernized logo.

“Our team is developing licensing programs that leverage MGM’s iconic portfolio and extend well beyond merchandise and branded experiences,” said Robert Marick, Executive Vice President, MGM Global Consumer Products & Experiences. “Together with our partners, we are looking to build programs that enable fans to fully immerse themselves in the stories they love.”

During the presentation, attendees will get an overview of breakout events and upcoming anniversaries, opportunities for collaborations, and special announcements regarding brands that include:

Legally Blonde: With Legally Blonde marking its 21st anniversary in 2022, MGM is planning a “Legally Blonde Turns 21″ licensing celebration that kicks off later this year built around the movie’s key tenets of empowerment, education, humor, and pink fashion. With some licensees on board, MGM will also launch a movie-themed concert tour later this year. Legally Blonde is also set to return to the big screen with Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor co-writing the script for the film’s third iteration, Legally Blonde 3, which will see Reese Witherspoon reprise her role as Elle Woods.

The Addams Family: In 2019, the property returned to screens in the animated film The Addams Family, which garnered more than $200M in worldwide box office receipts.  A sequel will be in theaters this October, just in time for Halloween, and a new Netflix series is in the works focused on the character Wednesday with Tim Burton set to direct.

Rocky and Creed: MGM’s Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and 10 nominations. The third installment of Creed, starring and directed by Michael B. Jordan in his directorial debut, is set to hit theaters November of 2022, and the MGM team is actively building a licensing program around this film tentpole.  In addition to Creed III currently in the works, the Rocky franchise kicks off its 45th anniversary later this year.  The brand has a number of live events and activations planned for end of 2021 and 2022 including a movie-themed concert announced earlier this year, Rocky-themed road races, in-theater events, as well as merchandise and new gaming collaborations.

Vikings: Valhalla: During its run, Vikings garnered 11.2 million views per weekly episode. Beginning 100 years after the original series concludes, Vikings: Valhalla, from MGM Television, dramatizes the adventures of the most famous Vikings who ever lived: Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Harada, and Norman King William the Conqueror (also a Viking descendant).  Around the world, Vikings has accrued more than 30 licensees across apparel, collectibles, publishing, novelty, and gaming.

Pink Panther:  The Pink Panther character, started life more than 50 years ago in the front and end credits of the detective series of the same name. It has spawned TV series, specials, comics, merchandise and has even become associated with the color pink worldwide. In 2020, MGM unveiled a new shade of pink with Pantone for the character, “Pink Panther pink.”  With a new color tone, and a film in development, MGM will discuss special Pink Panther moments planned for 2022 as well as opportunities across merchandising, gaming, and other licensing categories.

Robocop and Sci-Fi Expansion: The Robocop franchise spans five films with a strong legacy in the gaming space. The property is celebrating its 35th anniversary next year and continues to appeal to fans globally through its consumer products and licensing program. Beyond Robocop, MGM continues to lean into their sci-fi portfolio, expanding the licensing program for Stargate-SG1, and other properties, within the realms of gaming, merchandising, and more.

Reimagination of the Logo: MGM’s logo recently got a CGI makeover reimagining “Leo the Lion” for a new generation. The new logo leans into the history of MGM’s portfolio, while also giving the brand a fresh, modernized look. MGM will continue to grow their licensing program around the logo, which in the past has included deals with popular fashion like Zara and H&M.

Source:AbnMedia