BRAND LICENSING
EUROPE 2011 HOWARD ROFFMAN –
THE BIG INTERVIEW NEW TECHNOLOGY
HELPS LUCASFILM TAKE STAR
WARS™ TO A THIRD
GENERATION OF FANS - Animated TV comedy series with
Seth Green, inspired by Star Wars™ parodies including those of French &
Saunders, will premiere “within the next two years”
- - Lucasfilm prepares for the launch
of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 3D, February 2012
- Olympia, London,
Wednesday 19 October 2011 – Howard Roffman,
president of Lucas Licensing, revealed that the hotly rumoured Star Wars™
animated TV comedy series with Seth Green will premiere “within the next two
years”, as he was grilled by EMPIRE magazine editor-in-chief Mark Dinning in
The Big Interview at Brand Licensing Europe 2011 exhibition today.
Roffman told the hundreds of business professionals gathered in the Licensing
Academy that new technology, like animation and 3D, are crucial to keeping the
brand fresh, helping Lucasfilm take Star Wars™ to a third generation of
fans. Roffman also hinted that a totally new Star Wars™ live action TV
series was under consideration for the future. Whilst careful not
to give away too many details, Roffman said that Lucasfilm is working closely
with US comedian Seth Green, of Family Guy and Austin Powers fame,
to finalise the comedy TV series. He said that Lucas has always found Star
Wars™ parodies extremely funny, citing a brutally frank French &
Saunders parody as an example, and is thrilled to be exploring opportunities
in a new area of the brand. Roffman said:
“Lucasfilm knows
that to keep the brand fresh and exciting for both new and existing fans, we
must always look for new ideas. For example the Clone Wars TV series has been an
exciting new chapter for the Star Wars™ brand. The changing nature of technology
has also opened many doors. In 2011 we launched blu-ray versions of all six
films and in February 2012, we will launch a 3D version of Star Wars: The
Phantom Menace in cinemas worldwide, as we aim to reach a third generation of
fans. The new animated
Star Wars™ comedy series with Seth Green is a product of Lucasfilm’s focus on
continued innovation. I remember showing George the French & Saunders parody
of The Phantom Menace with trepidation in my heart, but I don’t think I have
ever seen him laugh that hard! Lucasfilm has never been more prolific. We are in
one of the most exciting phases of Star Wars™ 34-year
history.” Roffman has been a
part of Lucas Licensing for 31 years and there are few people closer to the
Star Wars™ brand and the secrets behind its success. The
third-highest-grossing film series in history, Star Wars™ consumer
products have sold a staggering $23bn worth of merchandise over the last three
decades. The brand continues to thrill and engage its third generation of
fans through the blu-ray releases, the upcoming 3D cinematic experience and now
one, possibly two, new TV series’ on the way. Brand
Licensing Europe 2011 exhibition, taking place October 18 – 20 at Olympia in London,
is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension.
Lucasfilm has a stand at the show this week, alongside nearly 250 other
exhibitors including BBC Worldwide, Mattel Consumer Products, Manchester United
Merchandising and The Walt Disney Company. All the big deals happen at the show
and it’s during this week that all the big trends in sectors as wide as gaming,
toys, fashion and technology are set in stone. Now in its 13th
successful year, Brand Licensing Europe 2011 will host around 6,000 retailers,
manufacturers and sales promotion professionals from 63 countries this
week. - ends
– For more
information please contact Braben at ble@braben.co.uk
or 0207 025
8021 Notes to
editors: About Advanstar
Licensing: Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com),
producer of Licensing International Expo and Brand Licensing Europe is a leading
worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the
Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries. Advanstar serves business
professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 147
events, 68 publications and directories, 267 electronic products and Web sites,
as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market
leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and
services enables Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has
approximately 1,000 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in
North America and Europe. About
Lucasfilm: Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks
and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd.
and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All
other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective
owners. === Rachel
Froggatt Director Linkedin:
Rachel Froggatt and Braben Twitter:
@BrabenPR and @globalfroggers Skype:
RachelFroggatt brabenCommunications
that build businesst. 020 7025
8021 m. 07515 587
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