They say “an elephant never forgets” and, now that Metrostar Media Ltd. has appointed Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management as sub-agent to manage the U.S. and Canadian merchandise licensing program for Elmer the Patchwork Elephant™, the two agencies are looking forward to one day remembering today as the start of a very auspicious new chapter in the history of this popular children’s picture book property.
“We love Elmer’s colorful picture book stories with their wonderful themes of friendship and diversity and we also love Elmer’s enormous potential for licensing,” says Spotlight Licensing President Carole Postal. “Metrostar has been doing amazing work with Elmer merchandise licensing in the UK and Spotlight is looking to replicate that success when it comes to building a top notch roster of licensees starting with plush and toys, puzzles, children’s apparel, accessories, room décor as well as coloring/activity books, crafting, fabrics, and a wide range of other categories here in the U.S. and Canada.”
Metrostar, which has for years represented Elmer across all categories in the UK, was recently appointed by Andersen Press as lead agent to manage and work alongside Andersen’s network of sub-agents across all product categories globally and, according to Claire Pottter, Managing Director of Metrostar, the decision to appoint Spotlight Licensing to lead licensing efforts in the U.S. and Canada was an easy one.
“The Spotlight team impressed us with their great affection and enthusiasm for Elmer and we are looking forward to working with them to make sure we have lots of wonderful products for Elmer’s many U.S. and Canadian fans to enjoy,” says Potter.
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About Elmer
Elmer the patchwork elephant is a popular picture book character created by British author David McKee. Andersen Press has published 27 original Elmer picture books since the first Elmer story in 1989. Elmer’s iconic look and playful character have made him a favorite in millions of households and a proven success at retail with an extensive global merchandising program. The Elmer books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. They have been translated into over 50 languages around the world, from Russian to Rumantsch, Luxembourgish to Indonesian.
About Andersen Press
Andersen Press is a leading independent children’s publisher, and home to some of the biggest names in the world of children’s books, including the much-loved picture book characters Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and the Little Princess. Andersen Press is the publisher of many award-winning authors and illustrators including Melvin Burgess, Rebecca Stead, Susin Nielsen, Julian Clary, David Roberts, Tony Ross, David McKee, and Jeanne Willis. The company was founded in 1976 by Klaus Flugge.
About Metrostar
Launched in 2004, by Claire Potter (ex Unilever, BBC) Metrostar is a licensing agency, literary agent and talent agent representing a small portfolio of brands, writers and performers. In licensing, we represent the world-famous Krispy Kreme doughnuts, award-winning BBC drama Call the Midwife, popular picture book, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and horse racing’s most prestigious and exclusive property, The Jockey Club. In terms of talent, Metrostar represents, amongst others, Youtuber, Alex Gabriel (A French Guy Cooking), food writers, Chetna Makan (The Cardamom Trail), James Morton (Shetland), Mary-Anne Boermans (Deja Food) and Ruby Tandoh (Eat Up) and sewing experts Chinelo Bally (Freehand Fashion) and Lauren Guthrie (Learn to Sew). Metrostar has also managed licensing and publishing activities for hit TV shows, The Great British Bake Off, Downton Abbey, Life On Mars and The Thick Of It.
About Spotlight Licensing
Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management, Inc. (spotlightlicensing.com) is a New York City based boutique licensing agency specializing in representation of Entertainment, Art/Design, Digital properties and Character Brands including BOO The World’s Cutest Dog, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, Downton Abbey, The Great British Baking Show, Imperial War Museums (IWM), The Last Kingdom, Little House on the Prairie, Precious Moments, and more.