The Two Global Brands Partner in Celebration of Anniversary Milestones and Debut Sneak Peek of the Collaboration at Brand Licensing Europe 2013
A global icon meetsthe most popular family in the world, as Sanrio, Inc. and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Productscome together for a first-of-its-kind design collaboration featuring Hello Kitty and THE SIMPSONS. Announced today, the two iconic pop culture brands are partnering to introduce a product line in 2014 in celebration of two milestone anniversaries: the 40th Anniversary of Hello Kitty and 25th Anniversary of THE SIMPSONS.
"Hello Kitty and THE SIMPSONS have impacted pop culture around the world," says Janet Hsu, President and COO of Sanrio, Inc. "Our collaboration comes at a perfect time as we celebrate major milestones for both brands. The exclusive product offering will feature a fun and unexpected take on THE SIMPSONS' transformation within Hello Kitty's supercute world."
"Fusing Hello Kitty's iconic design sensibility with each SIMPSONS character, this unique collaboration will delight fans of Hello Kitty, THE SIMPSONS and everyone in between," said Roz Nowicki, executive vice president of global sales and retail at Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. "Just in time for back-to-school, fans of every age can own a special product from the line of this historical collaboration."
The unique collaboration art will make a first appearance at Brand Licensing Europe in London, Oct. 15-17, as part of a range of licensing partnerships celebrating the highly anticipated 25th anniversary season of THE SIMPSONS Consumers can purchase items from the product line during the back-to-school timeframe in 2014.
About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who will celebrate her 40th Anniversary in 2014. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.
About THE SIMPSONS
The longest running scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Matt Groening created the iconic family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. Currently in production on its record-annihilating 25th season, THE SIMPSONS celebrated their historic 500th episode in February 2012. The series has won 27 Emmy Awards, been the subject of a hit feature film, created "Krustyland" and a revolutionary virtual coaster The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios, received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, been honored with five U.S. postal stamps personally designed by Matt Groening, and named the "Best Show of the 20th Century" by Time Magazine.
THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the Executive Producers. The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division develops and produces the licensed content for the series. Film Roman is the animation house.
About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of prime time entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20131014006101/en/
Contacts:
Fox Consumer Products
Cynthia Pascoe
310-369-2492
Cynthia.pascoe@fox.com
or
Rogers & Cowan on behalf Fox Consumer Products
Tara Moore
212-878-5072
tmoore@rogersandcowan.com
or
Orsi PR on behalf of Sanrio, Inc.
Dyann Hawkins/Sarah Danley
323-874-4073
dyann@orsipr.com / sarah@orsipr.com
