In Brief
by Karen Raugust -- Publishers Weekly, 7/26/2004
Lionel will produce Polar Express model trains in conjunction with the forthcoming Warner Bros. film.... Big Tent Entertainment signed Isaac Morris Limited to produce Miffy apparel.... Archie Comics launched an upscale licensing effort centered on the comic book characters Betty and Veronica, with 15 licensees signed to produce apparel, accessories and other items.... New licensees for Olivia include Casa D'Oro for charms, Little Kids for collectible figures and toys, Birthday Express for party supplies, all granted by Silver Lining Productions.... Simon & Schuster's new imprint, Simon Spotlight Entertainment, will produce licensed titles tied to the television series American Dreams (NBC and Universal), Everwood (Warner Bros.) and Charmed (Spelling Entertainment), among others.... Lion's Gate Entertainment and WGBH Boston will coproduce a feature-length direct-to-video film starring Marc Brown's Arthur, for 2006 release.... Airborne Entertainment will create the Left Behind Mobile Prophecies, a mobile phone "life enhancement program" based on Tyndale's Left Behind series.... As part of its worldwide distribution and production alliance with Jim Henson, HIT Entertainment will represent the book-based property Frances for a preschool licensing program.
