Syfy and The Asylum today announced the first ever Sharknado merchandising program with Earthbound LLC, a leading direct to retail and brand licensing agency, which will extend theSharknado pop culture and social media phenomenon into a wide range of potential merchandise, from fashion tees, bags, posters, accessories and costumes to gaming, among other areas.
A social media phenomenon that has generated unprecedented press coverage, Sharknado was the most social telecast in Syfy's history, generating nearly a half-million mentions when the movie premiered on July 11.Syfy has already announced plans for a sequel, Sharknado 2, which will be set in New York City and premiere on the Channel in July 2014.
The first wave of Sharknado t-shirts will hit retail stores nationally within the coming weeks.
"The public's appetite for the incredible Sharknado franchise has been remarkable," said Jeff Li, Vice President,Syfy Ventures. "The bold and over-the-top Sharknado brand is the perfect fit for a wide range of fun merchandise, providing partners with the unique opportunity to drive consumer excitement and retail sales."
"We're excited to be working with Earthbound and Syfy, and to seeing Sharknado on every t-shirt, umbrella, and chainsaw in America," said Paul Bales, Partner at The Asylum.
"The worldwide response to Sharknado has again proven the power of Syfy. We look forward to launching a major program with Sharknado and other strategic product extensions with Syfy," said Jeffrey Cohen, Co-Founder and President of Earthbound.
Earthbound LLC is a leading brand management and licensing company, responsible for Billions in retail sales for their clients since they began in 2000. They have a decade-long track record of installing large branding programs at major-retailers; those programs include Isaac Mizrahi at Target & QVC, Fieldcrest at Target, XOXO at Macy's, Charisma at Bloomingdales, and Better Homes & Gardens at Wal-Mart. Their extensive national brand portfolio, proven success, and creative approach, make them a leader in world of licensing and brand management.
The Asylum is one the world's leading brand-oriented motion picture and television studios. With its focus on high-concept, market-driven entertainment, The Asylum has created an exciting brand recognized worldwide. The Asylum finances, produces and releases 25 films per year through its direct pipeline to the nation's top retailers and its network of international partners. Since its founding in 1997, The Asylum has released more than 500 films and built a library of over 150 original productions, including top-rated movie premieres for Syfy and Lifetime networks. The Asylum is releasing 10 theatrical films in 2013 and is developing TV properties for 2014, including a comedy-horror series for MTV.
Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site, and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.(Syfy. Imagine greater.)
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