ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has unveiled new additions to the Classic Thunderbirds licensing programme as the brand approaches its 50th anniversary in 2015.
Random House now joins the extensive Classic Thunderbirds licensing programme, which boasts over 40 partners across the UK and international territories. Inspired by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s original Thunderbirds TV show which first aired on UK television in the 1960s, Random House will develop a special edition Thunderbirds – The Complete Archive, a 240 page anniversary book featuring ‘behind the scenes’ and ‘never before seen’ content. Also launching across electronic, audio, digital and E-Book formats, the coffee table book is certain to be a must have for super-fans and will be available through gift, high-end and speciality retailers in 2015.
Following hugely successful sales, Egmont UK has brought forward a second print run of its ‘best of’ The Comic Collection gift books, which are based on Gerry Anderson’s original comic strips. The publisher will also extend its line ahead of the anniversary celebrations and launch a variety of Classic Thunderbirds gift items this year including notebooks, comic albums and collectible books Gerry Anderson Collection and Inside the World of Gerry Anderson.
The Classic Thunderbirds consumer products programme now features 20 licensees in the UK and another 20 internationally, across key categories including collectibles, adult puzzles and board games, gifting and accessories, calendars and greeting cards, adult ‘print on demand’ apparel, figurines and publishing. A further range of special products and limited editions based on new artwork will launch in time for the anniversary and celebrations will be boosted by the arrival of the ground breaking and highly anticipated new boys’ action adventure TV property, Thunderbirds Are Go on ITV and CITV in Spring 2015.
Trudi Hayward, SVP, Head of Global Merchandising for ITV Studios Global Entertainment says : “It’s really shaping up to be a fantastic celebration! Thunderbirds is a national treasure and our recent developments confirm the consistent consumer demand for products and the great retail confidence in this much-loved brand, 50 years since it first hit our screens.”
ITV Studios Global Entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe taking place this week at London Olympia stand D040
