SCHULTE'S NEW FUNCTION AT THE FIRM
The new division of The Firm will engage in the licensing of its current clients as well as seek to manage various non-studio-based content that may not have the infrastructure to support retail licensing initiatives or entertainment access.
With The Firm's already-existing client base, the company can use its leverage in the entertainment community to gain access to retailers and companies looking to align their licensing efforts with tie-ins to music, TV, film and Internet productions. The company has already initiated one of the biggest licensing programs of the year with the merchandise supporting The Backstreet Boys' new release, slated for Nov. 21. A retailer alliance on this program will be announced next week.
"The expertise of David and his team will allow the company to offer multi-license initiatives to our clients and hence maximize their royalty base," said The Firm's Co-chairman/CEO Jeff Kwatinetz. Co-chairman/CEO Michael Green added, "Just as Disney or Warner Bros., we approach our brands on a global level, strategically managing all aspects of their presentation. Internalizing the licensing function is another step to ensuring total control of the final product. We should be shipping out those Limp Bizkit lunch boxes any day now."
Joining Schulte will be Roxsanna Mobley, formerly Director of Sales at Sony Pictures' Consumer Prods.
