Hasbro, Inc. will unveil its TRANSFORMERS movie
merchandising program at the American International Toy Fair in New
York, as fans of all ages eagerly anticipate the first-ever
live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount
Pictures, based on the globally popular franchise that first
captivated kids worldwide in 1984.
Due in theaters on July 4, the film is directed by Michael Bay
(Armageddon, The Rock, Bad Boys I and II) and executive produced by
Steven Spielberg, and follows the epic feud between the AUTOBOTS (led
by OPTIMUS PRIME) and the DECEPTICONS (led by MEGATRON) as they bring
their battle to Earth. In their efforts to help the humans, the
AUTOBOTS meet up with an unsuspecting teen, played by Shia LaBeouf
(Holes, Even Stevens), who finds himself in the middle of an
intergalactic war being fought on our planet. The movie also stars
Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), Tyrese Gibson (Annapolis, 2 Fast 2 Furious),
Megan Fox (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen), John Turturro and
Jon Voight.
"Hasbro is thrilled to work with DreamWorks, Paramount and Michael
Bay in making the most amazing, larger-than-life version of the
TRANSFORMERS saga ever created," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's Chief
Operating Officer and Executive Producer of the film. "Michael, Steven
and the production crew have captured the personality of the
TRANSFORMERS characters through ground-breaking visual effects and
they have translated the storyline into a film packed with non-stop
action and excitement."
HPG, Hasbro's licensing team, has signed more than 200
TRANSFORMERS-branded licensing agreements across all major categories
in more than 70 countries. Hasbro and HPG will give attendees of Toy
Fair a first look at select products slated for worldwide distribution
later this spring.
"We'll be showcasing dozens of highly innovative
TRANSFORMERS-licensed products geared to fans of all ages at Toy Fair
this week but let me assure you that it is just the tip of the
iceberg," said Jane Ritson-Parsons, President of HPG. "We presented
licensees with the opportunity and challenge of creating genuinely
inventive, out-of-the-box products that engender the TRANSFORMERS
brand - items that are 'more than meets the eye.' The range across all
categories is phenomenal."
ROBOTS IN DISGUISE
Kids and kids at heart can recreate epic battle scenes between the
AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS with Hasbro's toy and game line that is
slated to reach retail shelves on June 2. The action figure collection
features highly stylized figures based on all of the key robots in the
film, including OPTIMUS PRIME and an "ultimate" version of BUMBLEBEE,
all which convert from their robot mode to vehicle mode and back
again. Kids can also prove to their friends that they are "more than
meets the eye" with the OPTIMUS PRIME VOICE CHANGER HELMET that
changes your voice into the voice of the AUTOBOTS leader.
STEP INTO OPTIMUS PRIME'S WORLD
Several deals struck in the digital media arena will allow fans to
step into the virtual TRANSFORMERS world joining the ranks of the
AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON faction while embarking on an epic quest for
CYBERTRON. Activision, Inc. has signed on to develop
titles for the video game console, handheld and PC platforms while Glu
Mobile will bring to market a mobile experience. For old-school arcade
gamers, under a pending license, Moose Mountain will be producing a
line of TRANSFORMERS pinball machines.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
On the publishing front, pending completion of contracts, HPG
expects dozen of items from publishers such as HarperCollins, Random
House, Readers Digest, Publications International and IDW Publishing
to hit book shelves around the world beginning later this spring.
Products will include novels, comic books, picture books, panel books,
sound books, sticker books, coloring and activity books, junior and
graphic novels.
WRAP IT, WRITE IT, POST IT
In the stationery and paper products categories, companies such as
American Greetings, Trends International, Meadwestvaco, and Giddy Up!
(pending contract) are creating a variety of items including gift
wrap, posters, party goods, binders, pencil pouches, coloring books,
notebooks, and drawing pads.
Accessories makers such as Accessory Network, StyleMark, PeachTree
Playthings, Mello Smello, and Basic Fun, are producing a myriad of
items such as bags and backpacks, stickers, magnets, sunglasses, key
chains, carabineers, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons,
markers, and binders.
READY TO GO HEAD TO TOE
TRANSFORMERS fans will be stepping out on the town in a variety of
items and styles based on completed or pending deals with apparel and
footwear companies such as Extreme Concepts, Kids Headquarters, Fruit
of the Loom, Elan Polo, Adorable Kids, Saramax Sleepwear, Changes, and
Drew Pearson. Goods will include T-shirts, fashion and fleece tops,
hoodies, short sets, underwear, pajamas, robes, swim trunks, headwear,
sandals, casual shoes, athletic shoes, and aqua socks.
MAKE ROOM FOR TRANSFORMERS
TRANSFORMERS will move into the home as well with companies such
as Delta Enterprise, Northwest, and Franco Manufacturing with desks,
tables, chairs, toy boxes, blankets, throws, comforters, sheet sets,
towels and pillows. In addition, sporting goods makers including Kent,
PTI, and Bell Sports (pending contract) are developing a range of
sports items from bikes to protective gear for the TRANSFORMERS
athlete in every home.
PARTY LIKE A ROBOT
There will be plenty of choices for consumers who want to go all
out with a TRANSFORMERS-themed party or seasonal affair. Agreements
inked with companies such as American Greetings, CSS Industries Inc.,
Bakery Crafts, Seasonal Specialties Disguise Inc. and Mello Smello
will bring to market party goods, cake kits, gift tags, gift bags,
activity kits, holiday stockings, masks, removable tattoos, ornaments
and gift sets.
FLASH AND BLING
Jewelry and electronics makers will add their own touch of
glisten, flash and shine to TRANSFORMERS-related goods in 2007.
Companies such as Seiko Instruments U.S.A., Inc. and KidDesign, Inc.
(pending contract) are working on products that include watches,
flashlights, cameras and walkie-talkies.
RETAIL GEARING UP
As a result of the landslide of TRANSFORMERS products coming to
market, retailers across the board -- from specialty mall-based stores
to mid-tier and mass market retailers -- have stepped up to provide
premium in-store support for the line.
ABOUT HPG
HPG, Hasbro Inc.'s licensing team, translates one of
the industry's richest portfolios of brands into a world of fun and
excitement for children and adults globally. Through a host of
publishing, digital media, lifestyle and entertainment platforms, HPG
is able to surround fans worldwide with consumer products that expand
Hasbro's core brands, such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MY
LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, G.I. JOE, TONKA and PLAYSKOOL.
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family
leisure time entertainment products and services, including the
design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from
traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its
PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS
OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most
recognizable play experiences in the world.