Author: Bighnesh Mahapatra

It is now is the fourth largest YouTube channel in India with its online audience larger than that of All India Bakchod (AIB), Viral Fever Videos or Comedy Nights, Colors TV and Star Plus.

Popular edutainment channel, ChuChu TV, has now 10 million subscribers with just 154 videos, making it the fastest ever growing YouTube channel in the world in the family entertainment and pre-school educationspace. ChuChu TV is a YouTube-based kid’s channel which offers educational videos and original nursery rhymes refreshed with a positive message.

It is now is the fourth largest YouTube channel in India with its online audience larger than that of All India Bakchod (AIB), Viral Fever Videos or Comedy Nights, Colors TV and Star Plus. The channels more popular with a larger subscriber base than ChuChu TV are T-Series, Sony and ZeeTV.

In terms of views, ChuChu TV has a whopping 12 billion views across all its channels. It ranks #1 in Asia Pacific region and in India and #2 worldwide in terms of subscribers in the family entertainment and pre-school education categories.

“We are delighted and proud to have made history by becoming the fastest growing family entertainment and preschool channel in the world on the back of just 154 videos. As a team, we have always believed in quality and positive messaging and this landmark is a thumbs up from our audience and care-givers. It tells us that we are on the right path and inspires us to push new boundaries, create iconic content, introduce consumer products and basically do more of everything that delights and educates our audiences across the world”, says Vinoth Chandar, co-founder and CEO, ChuChu TV.

MUMBAI: The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has appointed Jiggy George as LIMA’s official head for India.

George, a veteran in the Indian licensing industry, has over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, project management and licensing.

George is the founder and CEO of Indian licensing agency Dream Theatre, established in 2010. Dream Theatre represents iconic international and domestic brands in India including the Angry Birds.

Earlier, George set up and ran the Viacom (MTV) and Turner (Cartoon Network and POGO) licensing businesses, and also served as executive director at Cartoon Network Enterprises.

“With experience as a licensor, licensee and agent, Jiggy possesses a thorough knowledge of the licensing industry in India and of the overall regional market. He understands both the power and benefits of operating in India, as well as the challenges,” said Charles Riotto, president, LIMA.

“Our goal for LIMA India is to unify licensing professionals through the development of valuable regional networking and educational opportunities. We are looking to reach not only those directly involved in licensing, but also those whose business is connected to our far-reaching industry,” Riotto added.

India is a strategically important market for the licensing industry and LIMA recognises the market’s growth potential.

“With its rich history of entertainment and brand awareness coupled with strong economic fundamentals, the Indian licensing industry is poised for takeoff. This is the perfect time for LIMA to bring the key players together to jointly address the challenges and grow the licensing business in India,” said George.

Dream Theatre Becomes Newest Licensing Agent for Company in India

Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products announces today the appointment of Dream Theatre as its new licensing agent in India effective immediately. Dream Theatre will establish and grow the licensing business for Fox Consumer Products’ portfolio of TV and film brands including The Simpsons, Family Guy, Sons of Anarchy, Ice Age, Rio, and Avatar, among others in the market.

The Fox portfolio has the distinction of not just having properties across movies and television, its legions of fans cut across age groups of kids, teens, youth and adults making it one of the most sought after propositions in India and across the world. The addition of Fox properties to its portfolio reinforces Dream Theatre’s leading position in India with its three verticals of Entertainment, Sports and Lifestyle.

“We are delighted to have Dream Theatre as our new licensing agency in India,” said Pinky David, Vice President Asia Pacific, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. “Their leadership and brand-driven creative approach makes them the perfect partner to continue exploring new consumer targets and expanding our retail reach in this very important territory.”

Dream Theatre will further establish all Fox Consumer Products brands in the Indian market with a focus on franchise building and retail expansion. Dream Theatre’s great reputation and truly unique approach to building brands and keeping them relevant locally allows Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products to continue to expand the business in a country that is now the world’s third

largest economy.

Twentieth Century Fox theatrical film releases have performed superlatively with Ice Age and Rio featuring in the top 5 animated films in India. On the television series front, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Modern Family and 24 air on India’s leading English Entertainment channels like Star World, Comedy Central, Zee Café and others making the brands household names. The avid fan following makes India a leading potential market for Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products.

“We are thrilled and are extremely proud to have been chosen as Fox’s partner of choice in India. We aim to make Fox one of the largest licensing propositions in India with its sheer diversity of appeal and its legendary popularity,” said Jiggy George, Founder and CEO of Dream Theatre.

The Fox partnership will allow Dream Theatre to unleash the power of Fox in India in the form of apparel, toys, stationery, home furnishings, gifts and novelties and more through licensees. 2

Fans in India will now be able to buy authentic licensed merchandise which will be available at retail and online portals at price points ranging from INR 99 to INR 3000, making it possible for every fan to own their favourite Twentieth Century Fox movie or TV series merchandise.

About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products

A division of 21st Century Fox and recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, the flagship studio leading the industry in supplying award-winning and blockbuster primetime television programming and entertainment content.

About DREAM THEATRE:

Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd is a Brand management company that builds, represents and distributes iconic Entertainment, Sports and Fashion brands in South Asia. Dream Theatre owns brand Beebop and Joshua Tree. They have also built their own distribution network through Woodstock Merchandising, an apparel merchandising company. Within the Sports space, Dream Theatre represents AC Milan, FIFA World Cup 2014, Real Madrid. In the Entertainment space, they represent DreamWorks Animation brands, Discovery channel brands, Krrish 3, Rovio (Angry Birds), Outfit 7 (Talking Tom & Friends), King’s Candy Crush Saga, Pokémon Company and World Wrestling Entertainment. On the Fashion and Lifestyle front Dream Theatre represents Sanrio (Hello Kitty and Mr. Men and Little Miss), Von Dutch, Times of India among others. More information available on www.dreamtheatre.co

George’s office is an ode to his passions, like music, movies, sports and books. “I have brought parts of everything that resonates with me to work. I don’t ever feel I’m working,” he says.

The wonderwall

This was designed by our creative head who I handed a list of things that appeal to me. Miles Davis, Muhammad Ali, Bono, even the Matthew 16:26, and Monet and Banksy paintings are on this wall.

A tiger’s tale

I have written an animation script — Tiger Trail, which I hope will become a movie someday. This is one of the characters — Shufi.

Mojo working

I play the guitar and i am a fan of The Powerpuff Girls. I was part of the team that launched Powerpuff Girls in India so these were gifts sent by the executives in the US team.

Music for lunch

This tiffin box is actually a CD case. I have always had such a quirky office that I tend to get these kinds of gifts.

The yellow brick road

My artist friend Pratap SJB Rana depicted the journey of Dream Theatre through this painting called The Yellow Brick Road. Like in The Wizard of Oz, we will eventually reach the Emerald City.

The Aamir chhaap

I am a big movie buff. This bat signed by the entire Lagaan team was a gift from one of our partners.

Woodstock Merchandising partners with Green Gold Animation to create apparel for its top properties

If kids want to show their love for their favorite superheroes Chhota Bheem or Mighty Raju, they need to look no further. Woodstock Merchandising,a division of Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd, has joined hands with Green Gold Animation as the official licensee for the kids apparel range of its intellectual properties Chhota Bheem and Mighty Raju. From July 2015 onwards, fans of these cartoons can look forward to a wide variety of products including tee shirts, shirts, skirts, pants, leggings, shorts, jamaicans, capris and pre-coordinated sets.

Woodstock Merchandising is an apparel merchandise company that leverages the power of its private brands as well as licensed iconic brands to create products in the young adults and kids space. Woodstock Merchandising also holds the license for iconic brands such as Madagascar 2 and 3, Angry Birds, Kung Fu Panda 2, Krrish 3 and Kid Krrish.

The deal fortifies Woodstock Merchandising’s established position in the young adults and kids space. Green Gold Animation has been a pioneer in creating wholesome entertainment for kids of all ages, and is known for its path-breaking, original content. The popularity of its characters transcends across ages and borders, making them prime merchandising properties. Chhota Bheem is an adventurous and fun-loving boy who is admired by children for his extraordinary strength and big heart.

The TV show has been on air since April 2008 and is India’s favorite cartoon amongst kids, as per repeated surveys. The character has won several awards at FICCI and other forums including the Best Intellectual Property award at the inaugural World Children Expo’s Kidzooka awards. Mighty Raju is a spin-off from the Chhota Bheem TV series’, but has an impressive following for his strong morals and super powers.

Talking about the significance of the deal, Rajiv Subramanian, COO, Woodstock Merchandising Pvt. Ltd., said, “The kids wear segment is one of the fastest growing in India’s apparel industry. In such a competitive landscape, this deal marks a key milestone in our growth story. We believe Woodstock Merchandising’s experience with iconic international brands will enable us to replicate our success with hugely favored properties like Chhota Bheem. We will not only be able to enhance the product offering to our loyal customers, but also build the brand strongly across retail channels.”

Jibi George, xx, Woodstock Merchandising Pvt. Ltd., added, “It is no surprise that kids apparel is identified as a high growth category. In India, disposable income is constantly on a rise. Coupled with a growing consciousness of lifestyle, this is contributing to increased spending on children’s fashion. With an expected annual growth rate of 25%, it is lucrative for brands to expand their product offering, specially towards the growing trend of licensed clothing.”

Speaking on the news, Madhav Pabhala, Vice President Licensing & Merchandising, Green Gold Animation, said, “We’re happy to associate with Woodstock. They have a wonderful team and have done pioneering work in licensing and retail in India. We look forward to a long and fruitful association with them.”

Samir Jain, COO & Executive Director, Green Gold Aniamtion, added “We are expanding our apparel range and with this deal we hope to cater to larger sections of society and increase our reach in stores and satisy more consumers.”

The all-new kids apparel range of Chhota Bheem and Mighty Raju is available in the range from Rs. 299 to 899. The range would be distributed by Woodstock in select Hypermart and Departmental Store formats across India.

About Woodstock Merchandising Pvt. Ltd

Woodstock Merchandising Pvt. Ltd. is an apparel merchandising company in India and is an established name in the organized young adult and kids wear category. It has acquired licensing rights to globally recognized iconic kids brands to create unique products in the young adults and kids space. Woodstock Merchandising has partnered with iconic brands such as Madagascar 2 and 3, Angry Birds, Kung Fu Panda 2, Krrish 3 and Kid Krrish.

About Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd.

Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd is a Brand management company that builds, represents and distributes iconic Entertainment, Sports and Fashion brands in South Asia. Dream Theatre owns brands: Beebop and Joshua Tree. They have also built their own distribution network through Woodstock Merchandising, an apparel merchandising company. Within the Sports space, the company represents AC Milan, FIFA World Cup Brasil, Real Madrid. Within the Entertainment space, they represent DreamWorks Animation brands, Discovery channel brands, Krrish 3, Rovio (Angry Birds), Outfit 7 (Talking Tom & Friends), Pokémon company and World Wrestling Entertainment. Within the Fashion and Lifestyle front they represent Sanrio (Hello Kitty and Mr. Men and Little Miss), Von Dutch etc. For further information, please visit- www.dreamtheatre.co

Fans of Talking Tom and Friends will soon have access to licensed merchandise in India thanks to the recent partnership between Outfit7 Ltd and Dream Theatre. Talking Tom and Friends has enjoyed enormous success in its four-year lifecycle, having extended from a series of apps to a global entertainment franchise. The first “Talking Tom” app was launched four years ago and the franchise has grown exponentially since; Outfit7 recently announced that the apps have been downloaded over 2 billion times. With this partnership, Dream Theatre has added another digital powerhouse brand to their existing success in this space. Dream Theatre will have deals spanning across multiple categories including apparel, sleepwear, kids wear, accessories, back to school, bags, games and puzzles in India. The licensed merchandise will be available at leading retail chain stores, department stores and standalone outlets, along with popular e-commerce portals.

Samo Login, Co-Founder and CEO of Outfit7 Ltd, said: “This is an exciting time for the Talking Tom and Friends franchise, with a movie and a new 3D CGI animated series on the way, not to mention the recent 2 billion downloads milestone. We are looking forward to working with Dream Theatre to bring Talking Tom and Friends licensed merchandise to our fans in India.” “We are very excited to be working with Outfit7’s brand Talking Tom and Friends and look forward to leveraging its popularity in India via quality merchandise”” said Jiggy George, Founder & CEO of Dream Theatre.

About Outfit7 Limited

Best known for its global phenomenon Talking Tom, Outfit7 is one of the fastest-growing media entertainment companies on the planet.

Outfit7 was founded by a group of entrepreneurs in 2009 whose mission is to bring fun and entertainment to all. Its flagship app franchise Talking Tom and Friends has achieved over two billion downloads since its launch in 2010 and continues to grow with 230 million active users each month.

Talking Tom and Friends is a rare global brand that, in just four years, grew from an instant app success into a fully-fledged media entertainment franchise. With a movie in production and a CGI animated series soon to debut, a global licensing and merchandising program and a chart-topping sensation on YouTube, the lovable 3D animated characters have skyrocketed in popularity with fans across the world and sit firmly at the forefront of the digital entertainment era.

Outfit7 Limited is a UK multinational entertainment company headquartered in Cyprus.

For more information, please visit www.Outfit7.com and www.talkingtom.com or visit our Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd is a Brand management company that builds, represents and distributes iconic Entertainment, Sports and Fashion brands in South Asia.

Dream Theatre owns brands: Beebop and Joshua Tree. They have also built their own distribution network through Woodstock Merchandising, an apparel merchandising company.

Within the Sports space, they represent AC Milan, FIFA World Cup Brasil, Real Madrid.

In the Entertainment space, they represent DreamWorks Animation brands, Discovery channel brands, Krrish 3, Rovio (Angry Birds), Outfit 7 (Talking Tom & Friends), Pokémon Company and World Wrestling Entertainment.

On the Fashion and Lifestyle front they represent Sanrio (Hello Kitty and Mr. Men and Little Miss), Von Dutch, Times of India etc.

For further information, please visit- www.dreamtheatre.co

Outfit7 has appointed Dream Theatre to represent its digital brand Talking Tom and Friends in India.

The first “Talking Tom” app was launched four years ago and the franchise has grown since, expanding from a series of apps to a global entertainment franchise.

Dream Theatre will work to build the brand in India with extensions into apparel, sleepwear, kidswear, accessories, back-to-school, bags, games and puzzles.

“This is an exciting time for the Talking Tom and Friends franchise, with a movie and a new 3D CGI animated series on the way, not to mention the recent 2 billion downloads milestone,” says Samo Login, co-founder and chief exeutive officer, Outfit7. “We are looking forward to working with Dream Theatre to bring Talking Tom and Friends licensed merchandise to our fans in India.”

Ever dreamt of getting a surprise within a surprise? Now, that fantasy can turn into reality as Cadbury Gems Surprise, the ball-shaped offering from Cadbury Gems, presents a new range of iconic Justice league toys through a licensing agreement with Warner Brothers. This deal has been facilitated by Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd., one of the pioneering brand management and licensing company that builds, represents and distributes iconic Entertainment, Sports and Fashion brands in South Asia. It marks a landmark in the field of promotional licensing as it brings together two iconic brands in a powerful and creative partnership.

Now, kids all over the country will have a chance to collect toys of their favorite Super Heroes like Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Flash. These characters teach kids lessons on human perseverance and how to overcome difficult challenges when growing up. With this tie-up with Cadbury Gems Surprise, kids can make these Warner Brother Superheroes a part of their lives at consumer-friendly price point of Rs. 20, Rs. 40 and Rs. 90.

Speaking about the deal, Mr. Jiggy George, Founder and CEO, Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are very proud of successfully chartering the licensing agreement between Cadbury Gems and Warner Brothers. Both are powerful players whose brand values are strengthened through this mutually beneficial partnership. It is a testament to the expansive potential of promotional licensing in the burgeoning consumer marketplace of India.”

This deal will also lead to the launch of a new pack called the Cadbury Gems Playpack. This unique offering allows kids to play with the pack while giving them a choice of exciting toy assortments like a Super Hero Skateboard and a Super Hero toy. To support the launch, Cadbury Gems will come up with a new TVC that showcases the new range of toys in a fun and a quirky manner.

About Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd: Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd is a Brand management company that builds, represents and distributes iconic Entertainment, Sports and Fashion brands in South Asia. Dream Theatre owns brands: Beebop and Joshua Tree. Within the Sports space they represent: AC Milan, Arsenal, FIFA World Cup Brasil, Real Madrid. Within the Entertainment space, they represent: DreamWorks Animation brands, Discovery channel brands, Krrish 3, Rovio (Angry Birds), Outfit 7 (Talking Tom & Friends), Pokémon Company and World Wrestling Entertainment. Within the Fashion and Lifestyle space they represent: Sanrio (Hello Kitty and Mr.Men and Little Miss), Von Dutch etc. For further information, please visit www.dreamtheatre.co

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) India is excited to announce the extension of its partnership with Parle Products, India’s largest biscuit manufacturer, following an outstanding consumer response to the Tom and Jerry biscuit range.

Since launching last November, Parle Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich – Tom and Jerry biscuits, have been such a hit with consumers, prompting the introduction of its Dual Cream variants – Milk & Chocolate , Milk & Strawberry.

Javier Garza, Managing Director, WBCP India says the new flavour marks the strength of WBCP’s licensee partnership with Parle Products. “We are thrilled to expand the range, continuing to delight consumers with the beloved cat and mouse duo,” Mr Garza said.

“Tom and Jerry have a special place in the hearts of consumers young and old and we’ve been blown away by the strong consumer response in the Indian market since launching eight months ago.

“The partnership perfectly aligns Tom and Jerry’s popularity with the strengths and expertise of Parle Products and we’re excited to continue to build upon our success together in the biscuit aisle.”

Pravin Kulkarni, General Manager, marketing, Parle Products added, “Tom and Jerry are timeless cartoon super stars and the consumer response to last year’s launch proves they have great appeal in our market,” Mr Kulkarni said.

Jiggy George, Founder and CEO Dream Theatre is excited about the launch, “Dream Theatre is thrilled about the launch of Parle Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich Dual Cream – Tom and Jerry biscuits. Parle Products has perfectly blended the Tom and Jerry popularity with their strengths. We are looking forward for a great consumer response to the new added flavour.”

“The product is a stellar example of a successful licensee partnership and we’re confident the new flavour will be received by consumers just as well.”

Parle [Parle Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich] – Tom and Jerry biscuits are available in two sizes – 60 grams and 120 grams and MRP for [Rs. 10 and Rs. 20 respectively].

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.

About Parle Products

Parle Products has been India’s largest manufacturer of biscuits and confectionery for almost 80 years. Makers of the world’s largest selling biscuit, Parle-G, and a host of other very popular brands, the Parle name symbolizes quality, nutrition and great taste. With a reach spanning even to the remotest villages of India, the company has definitely come a very long way since its inception. Many of the Parle products – biscuits or confectioneries, are market leaders in their category and have won acclaim at the Monde Selection, since 1971. With a 40% share of the total biscuit market and a 15% share of the total confectionary market in India, Parle has grown to become a multi-million dollar company.

About Dream Theatre:

Dream Theatre is a brand management and licensing agency that creates and manages iconic brands in the kids and youth space in South Asia. Dream Theatre has three divisions dedicated to Entertainment, Sports and Fashion brands respectively. Dream Theatre represents Warner Bros. Consumer Products for core portfolios of Promotional Licensing, Food and Beverages and Personal Care. In addition, for all licensing categories and portfolios, Dream Theatre represents Pokemon, Rovio for Angry Birds, DreamWorks Animation, World Wrestling Entertainment, Sanrio for Mr. Men Little Miss and Hello Kitty, FIFA 2014, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Arsenal Football Clubs among others. For further information, please visit the website: Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd | Licensing and Merchandising Agency, India

Dream Theatre enters Content Syndication deal with Hungama TV; robust licensing plans to drive business

Internationally acclaimed kids franchise and toy brand, Pokémon has made a powerful comeback in India this summer with its launch on Hungama TV. Launched on 19th May 2014 and backed by a robust programming and promotion strategy the show is already being touted as the best kids show launched in the year. Reaching out to 57.1 Mn audiences across All India of which 24.2 million audiences are kids in till now and the show has ranked #1 in its prime play slot every week since launch.

Pokémon is one of the top brands internationally with a slew of TV series, Movies, Video-games, Toys and Consumer Products. The show is syndicated by Dream Theatre Pvt Ltd to Hungama TV marking its foray in the content syndication space adding to their already existing prowess in Licensing and Merchandising business in India. Dream Theatre will also handle Licensing and Merchandising portfolio for Pokémon in India and South Asia.

On the Licensing and Merchandising front, Dream Theatre is tying up licensees across multiple categories spanning toys, plush, apparel, back to school and others which will start hitting stores by January 2015. Says Jiggy George, CEO and Founder, Dream Theatre, “We are thrilled to partner with Hungama TV who share our excitement and passion about Pokémon and we believe it will scale new heights of popularity. On the licensing front we are excited to revive the Pokémon phenomena in India and build into an evergreen property in India.”

“Pokémon, true to Hungama TV’s proposition, celebrates the spirit of childhood with elements of fun, adventure, sportsmanship and friendship. The response to the series has been phenomenal and its success is a testimony to the fact great content packaged with interesting elements can definitely excite the kids of today. We are glad to be associated with Dream Theatre to bring back this internationally popular series on the channel”, said Devika Prabhu, Director, Programming, Media Networks, Disney India.

“We chose Dream Theatre for the relaunch of Pokemon in India as they have a great understanding of the market which includes both broadcast space and off-channel commerce. We are delighted that they have made the right steps to see the brand come back and win the heart of kids. We look forward to building a long term value of the Pokémon brand in India”, said Kenjiro Ito, Executive Corporate Officer, The Pokémon Company.

About Dream Theatre:

Dream Theatre is a brand management and licensing agency that creates and manages iconic brands in the kids and youth space in South Asia. Dream Theatre represents Warner Bros. Consumer Products for core portfolios of Promotional Licensing, Food and Beverages and Personal Care. In addition, for all licensing categories and portfolios, Dream Theatre represents

Pokemon, Rovio for Angry Birds, DreamWorks Animation, World Wrestling Entertainment, Sanrio for Mr. Men Little Miss and Hello Kitty, FIFA 2014, Real Madrid and Arsenal Football Clubs among others. For further information, please visit the website: www.dreamtheatre.co

About The Pokémon Company:

The forerunner of what is now The Pokémon Company (President and Chief Executive Officer, Tsunekazu Ishihara) was established in 1998. Headquartered in Tokyo, The Pokémon Company’s operations span four key areas: video game production and development, trading card game business planning and promotion, licensing and quality control, and management of all official outlets selling Pokémon-related merchandise in locations throughout Japan. Upholding the brand through strict product evaluation and support for licensees, it ensures that the role-playing world of Pokémon remains a fresh, fun and exciting connective medium for players around the globe who enjoy collecting and exchanging the unique characters, which have grown in number to more than 700 since the release of the first video game in 1996.

About the Pokémon Media Franchise:

The first generation of Pokémon debuted in Japan in 1996 with the release of the Nintendo Game Boy role-playing video games Pokémon Red and Green. The original game concepts of capturing, training, battling and trading Pokémon with both fictional and real-world players continue today, and video games remain the inspiration for all other Pokémon-related content from trading card games to anime, film and manga. The franchise is a JPY 4.2 trillion enterprise enjoyed around the world, with more than 21.5 billion trading cards published and 260 million video games sold to date.