Move Reflects Rapid Growth of Lionsgate's Location-Based Entertainment Business & Other Brand Extensions Worldwide
SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, Aug. 22, 2017 /CNW/ -- On the heels of last week's announcement of Lionsgate's (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) first outdoor branded theme park at Jeju Island, Korea, Kerry Phelan has been promoted to President of Global Franchise Management, it was announced today by Lionsgate Chief Brand Officer and President of Worldwide Marketing Tim Palen, to whom she reports.
Since joining Lionsgate three years ago, Ms. Phelan has helped leverage Lionsgate's large and diversified portfolio of film and television properties across multiple platforms and created significant new incremental business for the studio. Under her direction and the oversight of Mr. Palen, the newly-formed Franchise Management Group has created brand extensions spanning location-based and live entertainment venues, consumer products, licensed merchandise, brand partnerships and an array of promotional ventures.
Under her leadership, Lionsgate has enhanced its global brand by launching location-based entertainment initiatives worldwide that feature premium consumer experiences built around blockbuster film properties including The Hunger Games, Twilight and Now You See Me. Recently-announced projects include the Lionsgate Movie World outdoor theme park in Korea, the state-of-the-art Lionsgate Entertainment World indoor theme park currently under development in China, and multiple, smaller indoor Lionsgate Entertainment City centers planned for high-traffic consumer destinations in the U.S. and Europe.
In addition, Lionsgate recently launched a 125-city "La La Land in Concert" world tour, inspired by its multiple Academy Award® winning blockbuster film. The tour debuted to rave reviews at the Hollywood Bowl in May.
"Kerry Phelan is an astute strategist and brand builder who understands how to extend the life of our film and television properties by attracting partners and engaging fans around the world," said Mr. Palen. "Her promotion reflects not only her vision and leadership but the continued rapid growth of our tremendous portfolio of IP and the Company's commitment to both."
Ms. Phelan's team has partnered with best-in-class companies including Hasbro, Funko and BioWorld for the licensing and merchandising of products based on Lionsgate's brands, ranging from toys and apparel to costumes and collectibles. They have also worked with major global brands including GapKids, Kellogg's and Samsung on promotional activations to supplement the reach of Lionsgate's marketing campaigns and drive box office.
Prior to joining Lionsgate, Ms. Phelan was head of consumer products and licensing for DreamWorks Animation for seven years. She also worked at Pixar overseeing the consumer products & marketing partnership business during the launch of Pixar's blockbuster franchise Cars.
Her first job in entertainment was at Lucasfilm Ltd., where she led the global consumer products & promotional licensing business for the Star Wars brand. She started her career at LEGO Systems Inc. as a brand marketer and ultimately became a senior member of their brand marketing group.
ABOUT LIONSGATE
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies. Lionsgate's content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company's worldwide consumer base.
For more information, please contact:
Peter D. Wilkes
Lionsgate
[email protected]
(310) 255-3726
or
Cristina Castañeda
Lionsgate
[email protected]
(310) 255-5114
SOURCE Lionsgate
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