Puppetmaster poised to pull placement strings

Hollywood-based Indie studio Full Moon has named Malibu Licensing Group, from Agora Hills, California, representative for its franchise Puppetmaster series for product placement and development. The two-year agreement will cover video games, posters and other related image-placement vehicles.

Sesame taps local Values in Asia and seeks Europark opps

Sesame Workshop has named Taipei, Taiwan-based Value Image Plus its licensing agent for China, Hong Kong and Japan. Value Image is charged with developing a local licensing program, including retail and promotional activity for two years. The Workshop also named Orlando, Florida-based ITEC Entertainment its theme park rep for Europe. ITEC will identify opportunities to develop Sesame Street themed areas in existing Euro parks. The first are expected to open spring 2002.

Pub-based Mona series spawns more books

Canadian prodco Cinar has appointed U.K.-based Allsorts Licensing agent for animated series Mona the Vampire in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland. The series, produced by Cinar and Paris-based Alphanim in association with France 3, Canal J and Canada’s YTV, first aired on the BBC in spring 2000 and on Nick UK in fall 1999. Mona the Vampire, based on the books by Sonia Holleyman, chronicles the adventures of a 10-year-old pretend vampirette. The Watts Publishing Group, publishers of the Mona the Vampire books, will launch a new Mona program under the Orchard Books imprint in March 2001. The line will include coloring, activity and sticker books, and Mona the Vampire’s Diary novelty book.

Extreme racing dudes get superhero-ized brand power

Extreme sports racing stars Mike LaRocco, Ben Bostrom, Missy Giove, Sebastien Tortelli, Scott Summers and Lance Isaacs are set to acquire superhero alter-egos through a five-year agreement between Stan Lee Media and Kentucky-based sports management firm OMS. The companies will jointly develop and co-own animated brand extension based on the athletes for all media exploitation. Stan Lee Media retains sole rights to distribute projects for the Internet and other mediums, including traditional licensing and merchandising.

Dr. Otter: New 3-D tot entry

Entertainment Rights has secured exclusive worldwide TV and video rights to an original new U.K. preschool show called Dr. Otter. The 3-D model animated series (26 x 10 minutes or 13 x 30 minutes) is created by Red Baloo Productions and produced by Ealing Animation. Dr. Otter has been presold to the U.K.’s BBC for broadcast in 2001. U.K.-based 3D Licensing will handle worldwide licensing, merchandising and publishing for the series.

Precious Moments: Big eyes on Asia

United Media inked a long-term deal with Illinois-based Precious Moments to rep the Precious Moments property worldwide. United Media will handle all licensing sales, retail contacts and brand management, and will work to expand the property’s 60 licensees and build broader channels of distribution. Currently, Precious Moments is looking to extend its presence in juvenile and infant categories and increase the property’s international presence through expansion into new territories-initially the Asian market.