BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 2004--Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP):
-- Impressive Feature Film Roster Includes "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Catwoman," "The Polar Express," "Batman Begins," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Corpse Bride" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
-- Exciting and Innovative New Television Series Including "The Batman" Allows for Fresh and Expanded Licensing Opportunities
Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) is bringing Gotham City to New York City at Licensing 2004 International with a strategic global licensing program surrounding the resurgence of "Batman." The company, which retains the rights to some of the world's greatest entertainment brands, provides licensees and promotional partners with industry-leading programs based on its extensive roster of theatrical and television franchises.
For decades, "Batman" has entertained legions of fans around the globe through comic books, television shows, made-for-video releases, feature films and merchandise, making "Batman" one of the world's most popular super heroes and one of the largest and most-celebrated franchises the world over. The legend of "Batman" has inspired generations who can relate to his humanity and aspire to be like him. With "Batman Begins," a new feature film scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures in Summer 2005, and "The Batman," a new animated television series from Warner Bros. Animation debuting in Fall 2004 in the U.S., the legend is set for an unprecedented worldwide resurgence in 2005.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products' licensees, such as Mattel, the global toy licensee for the "Batman" brand, will support "Batman Begins" and "The Batman" with a worldwide product offering in the all-important toy category.
"With the new film and animated content set to arrive in 2004 and 2005, we are excited to connect our partners to the global strength of the franchise," said Dan Romanelli, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products. "'Batman' has long been one of our strongest properties, and we believe this resurgence will really take the franchise to a whole new level for fans around the world."
Warner Bros. Consumer Products is getting set to deliver more "Batman" action then ever before with a licensing strategy that will capture the integrity of this property in all its new forms. Warner Bros. Consumer Products will segment the product offering into three distinct product lines that speak to the diverse audiences of the franchise. For the comic book fan, a product line will be created featuring artwork inspired by today's hottest "Batman" comics. Fans of the animated series will see products based on the show that bring the series to life. And fans of the upcoming feature film, "Batman Begins," will see a product line that speaks uniquely to the movie.
Entire Film Slate Flies High
"Batman" is not the only Warner Bros. Consumer Products entertainment franchise being supported by innovative licensing and merchandising programs in 2004, 2005 and beyond. Warner Bros. Consumer Products has strong licensing programs for a host of Warner Bros. Pictures film releases -- from the mystical "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and spellbinding "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" to the purr-fect prowess of "Catwoman," the holiday favorite "The Polar Express," as well as the whimsical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and Tim Burton's touching tale, "Corpse Bride."
Additionally, ongoing programs and support for Warner Bros. Consumer Products legendary core properties, such as "Looney Tunes," "Scooby-Doo," "Hanna-Barbera," "The Powerpuff Girls," "Baby Looney Tunes," "Justice League," "The Wizard of Oz," among many others will make a strong statement at Licensing 2004.
Bringing the small screen to life, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will feature the vast collection of television franchises in its portfolio, including "Mucha Lucha!," "The O.C.," "Xiaolin Showdown," as well as several popular series from Cartoon Network, including "Adult Swim," "Codename: Kids Next Door" and DC Comics' "Teen Titans," which is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and also airs on Kids' WB! Other new television series that air on Cartoon Network and that will also be showcased at this year's show include "Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi," "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends," "Megas XLR," and "The Life and Times of Juniper Lee."
"Warner Bros. Consumer Products continues to prove its leading role in the licensing world by providing its partners with access to fresh, innovative licensing campaigns that broaden the consumer experience with our entertainment properties," concluded Romanelli.
About Licensing 2004 International
Licensing 2004 International continues to be the most important marketplace for concepts and creative ideas related to the biggest brands in the world. Consumers spend more than $95 billion on licensed products annually.
Located at booths #3019 and #3219, Warner Bros. Consumer Products is one of the largest exhibitors at this year's show. The show is being held June 8-10 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
