LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Summertime Entertainment, through its exclusive licensing agent Travis James, LLC, recently signed a master worldwide toy license agreement with Bandai America Incorporated for the upcoming 3D CGI animated musical feature, DOROTHY OF OZ. DOROTHY OF OZ is on track to bow in the Summer of 2012.
Bandai's toy line will feature an array of products that evoke the magic and wonder of OZ, including dolls, play sets, plush, role play, trading cards, and more.
"We are very excited to be working so closely with the talented team at Bandai to deliver a compelling and endearing toy line in support of this beloved family-friendly film franchise," said Travis J. Rutherford, CEO of Travis James, LLC, who is spearheading the global licensing and retail development efforts on the DOROTHY OF OZ brand for Summertime Entertainment.
"We have seen some amazing new technology and play patterns brought to bear in the initial product assortments from Bandai and the early response from the retail community is tremendous. We look forward to bringing Dorothy and all of her lovable Oz friends to life in a way that has never been done before in a kids toy program," said Ryan Carroll, producer of DOROTHY OF OZ, and co-founder of Summertime Entertainment alongside his brother and fellow DOROTHY OF OZ producer, Roland Carroll.
The large range of licensed product is expected to be on the shelves of many major retailers by Summer 2012 in conjunction with the movie release.
"DOROTHY OF OZ boasts an impressive, award-winning cast, crew and musical talent, and we're sure this musical family adventure will enthrall a new generation with the world of OZ. Bandai looks forward to introducing an inspiring line of toys and collectibles that captures the spirit of the new franchise, and honors the legacy of the most watched film ever," said Andre Lake Mayer, Vice President, Licensing for Bandai America.
Additionally, Sheldon Rabinowitz, Summertime Entertainment's new business affairs consultant will be instrumental in helping to grow the franchise.
DOROTHY OF OZ is a 3D CG animated musical feature that stars Lea Michele (Dorothy), Martin Short (The Jester), Jim Belushi (The Cowardly Lion), Dan Aykroyd (Scarecrow), Kelsey Grammer (The Tin Man), Megan Hilty (China Princess), Hugh Dancy (Marshall Mallow), Oliver Platt (Wiser the Owl), and Patrick Stewart (Tugg). The film is based on one of the world's most popular and beloved fairy tales, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, and the further adventure books written by his great-grandson, Roger Stanton Baum.
For more information, visit www.dorothyofoz.com
For more information, visit www.summertimemedia.com
About Summertime Entertainment:
Summertime Entertainment is a multi-media company specializing in family-friendly entertainment for film, television, digital, mobile, and other trans-media platforms. Currently, Summertime is in production on a new franchise of epic proportions — the re-vitalization of the indelible and beloved Oz world originally created by L. Frank Baum and carried on through the creative minds of Roger Stanton Baum, the great grandson. Through various forms of digital worlds, online communities and a brand new stereoscopic, 3D-animated feature film, Oz will soon be brought back to life in literally new dimensions, for a whole new generation to love and cherish.
About Bandai America Incorporated:
A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children's imaginative spirit and provide endless "Fun For The Future," Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Power Rangers®, ThunderCats™, Ben 10™, Fashion Design by Harumika®, and Pocoyo™, among other boys, girls, preschool and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Amusement Facility and Contents. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at www.Bandai.com.
Source: Summertime Entertainment
IDW Publishing released a charming Dorothy of Oz comic earlier this year. To learn more about it and Dorothy of Oz please see my previous blog entry at The Curiozity Corner.
http://curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/dorothy-of-oz-by-idw-publishing.html
