NEWS
TOTAL LICENSING
neW BarBie DoLLs BaseD on grease
Paramount Licensing has worked closely with Mattel on a series of four collectible dolls
based on the classic musical, Grease.
The high fashion dolls, part of Mattel’s “Barbie Collection Pink Label,” are costumed and
painted to commemorate the film’s characters – Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John),
Betty Rizzo (Stockard Channing), Cha Cha DiGregorio (Annette Charles) and Frenchy
(Didi Conn).
The first collection will be available at retail in Spring 2008. Retailers carrying the prod-
uct in the US include Wal-Mart, Toys R Us,
BarbieCollector.com and FAO Schwarz.
New costumes for the first four dolls as well as all-new dolls for the collection will be
released in Autumn 2008.
Penguin TargeTs The nuTcracker
Target Entertainment’s licensing programme for its first The Nutcracker, which has just finished filming in Bu-
film property has got off to a cracking start with the dapest is directed by Andrei Konchalovsky (Runaway
announcement that it has signed a major licensing deal Train, House of Fools) and produced by Paul Lowin
with Penguin to represent the World English language (Rolling with the Nines) and Moritz Borman (World
publishing rights for the forthcoming movie The Nut- Trade Center, Alexander).
cracker: The Real Story. Target Entertainment’s Head of Licensing, Shelley Ker-
Following the Target deal, Penguin will release a range ridge, comments: “We’re delighted to be working with
of books in October ’08 to reflect the magical style Penguin on The Nutcracker, their enthusiasm and
of the film and bring this classic story to life for a passion for this movie is second to none and
new generation. The range will include a hard anyone who has been lucky enough to view
back storybook for younger readers, a scenes from the film will realise that their
novelisation, a paper-engineered pop-up plan for the books perfectly represents
book, sticker and activity books, along the fabulous style and feel of this major
with a picture book and read along CD new movie.”
with exclusive content. Eric Huang, Penguin Groups Special
Scheduled for release November 2008 Projects Director Brands and Licens-
this new film is based on the classic ing comments: “The unique heritage
Nutcracker story, combiningcombining livee actionaction of the Nutcracker combined with this
and the latest in CGI, with a host of new stunning new cinematic interpretation
songs written by Sir Tim Rice and an all star will translate beautifully to books next
cast The Nutcracker is hoped to be the family Christmas. Penguin is very much looking for-
movie for Winter 08. ward to being a part of the Nutcracker story in 2008.”
PenThouse BecoMes LargesT gLoBaL aDuLT
enTerTainMenT coMPanY
Penthouse Media Group Inc., parent to Penthouse Magazine has announced that it has acquired internet social net-
working giant Various, Inc. and its subsidiaries for $500 million in cash and securities. With $340 million in projected
combined 2007 revenues, this acquisition makes Penthouse the largest adult entertainment company in the world.
Various has an extensive affiliate network, as well as a rapidly growing member base of more than 260 million consum-
ers and a total paid subscriber list in excess of 1.2 million. Various operates more than 25 online communities including
adultfriendfinder.com, which is a top 50 website nationwide.
Adultfriendfinder.com is one of the
most highly trafficked Web sites in the world with more than 18 million members.
“We are very excited to welcome Various and its employees as a part of the Penthouse family,” said
Penthouse Media Group CEO Marc H. Bell. “Various is an attractive addition to our already strong
print platform, and one that puts Penthouse in a very robust position in the ever-growing online
social networking arena. We like where the business combination puts us and that this transaction
will enhance PMGI’s current and future licensing, print and interactive ventures.”
“We are excited to be combining our substantial internet presence with one of the most recog-
nized adult entertainment brands in the world,” said Lars Mapstead, VP of Marketing for Various, Inc. “Together we will
expand in many areas, both online and offline, to solidify our position as the world leader in adult entertainment.”
The transaction is the latest step in Penthouse’s expansion march, with the company having previously acquired Danni.
com and the Jill Kelly Productions library in separate 2006 transactions. Penthouse is continuing its acquisition pro-
gram as it continues to consolidate the industry into one global brand.
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