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Editor-in-Chief: The Toy Book | Senior Editor: The Toy Insider/The Pop Insider | Founder, Publisher, & CEO: THE ROCK FATHER Magazine | Media Personality, Toy Expert+ | Consultant to the Toy & Entertainment Industries

That didn't age well ???— From the June 1985 issue of The Toy Book: "Licensing by toy companies is a trend, but I believe that not all companies will do this, nor will there be enough time slots on TV. That kind of licensing won't be predominant a year from now. Movies are too short-lived, therefore risky to do. Licensing from TV is difficult because you are forced to compete with the toy companies which are spending so much money on their [own] properties." — Buddy L Our 2024 #Licensing & #Entertainment issue debuts May 21 at Licensing Expo. I'm editing some pages this weekend and it's looking good. #pulseofplay #toyindustry #toynews #toycommunity #consumerproducts #retail #specialtyretail

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John C. Schulte

IP Entertainment Developer, Animation, Toy & Game Developer, Writer, Communications & Strategic Marketeur, Bon Vivant

7 个月

Consider the source of the quote: Buddy L predominantly made trains and ride-on vehicles. Exactly because the Earth was moving toward more robust licensing activities, this notion was an attitude to bring comfort to a traditional toyco as the world changed around it. I recall many discussions with similar clients at the time who were fervently trying to convince others (and themselves) that non-licensed toys is the stable way to go — that veering into licensed goods was fraught with peril. ‘Tis true, but the potential rewards for prospecting with licensed product is an emotional lure, like watching a one-armed bandit get ready for a big payoff. The guy before was a loser, but now’s the time. Hence, today’s licensing industry. The so-called fashion side of the business. Buddy L also was forged as a mid-tier to upscale toy manufacturer initially, selling to FAO and Marshall Field & Company. That corporate culture made bank on cutting scrap steel and making toy cars, trucks, and trains. Licensing? That’s just crazy talk! It’s tough to let go.

Joanna Paul

Creative professional and inventor of Moodles (formerly Whatsitsface) - Empowering kids to express, connect, and thrive through learning and play.

7 个月

Thank God this didn't age well! I finally got a licensing deal!

David Middleton

Eat, Sleep..Toys Toys Toys... Repeat

7 个月

How the world has changed since that was written. Movies life spans were 100 times longer then than they are now. And tv time is no longer an issue.. how they find the show is more the issue now because there is too much tv time

Douglas McCready

Xbox Presence, Influence (Acting) & Innovation Consultant

7 个月

Soundwave, Skelator, Voltron, Firestorm & Dr Fate?! That’s a lineup for the ages ????

michael drake

PR Expert with Management and Advertising Skills in the Collectible / Toy/ Entertainment Industry

7 个月

Although I love licensed products, licensing killed a lot of creativity in the toy world. Now toy buyers just want to focus on the licensed items regardless of how good a new IP is.

Mark Freedman

President at Surge Licensing

7 个月

None of us have a crystal ball..but a fun read nevertheless…now Back to The Future!

Andrew Darlow

Photographer, Writer & Product Developer. Inventor of the GalleryPouch? Art Bubble Bag. ?? I help people backup & print their photographs, & help bring toy & games to life.??Course Launching Soon on The Great Discovery

7 个月

What a great find, James! I always like seeing how predictions for all kinds of things pan out over time. And I look forward to the licensing issue! ??????

Frank Siciliano

Director Media Sales at WildBrain

7 个月

Don't worry James, in University I predicted that this Hotmail thing would never take off!!! ?? ??

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Sergio Godinho

Executive Leader | Strategic and Data Driven | Driving Brand & Sales Growth

7 个月

Loved seeing this! Voltron is my favorite toy of all time!

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