Software Spotlight: Mediabox-PA

With Mediabox-PA, the entire product approval process, from completion of the approval form through concept and pre-production stages and beyond, is all in one centralized, online location. The application allows individuals to review artwork online and attach online comments with each artwork file, and manage the workflow order of projects and submissions between users. Users also use the system to log in, review comments, and submit new or next stage product designs.

FEATURES: 

• Communication- Automatic email notifications of project updates and multi-thread messaging
• Reporting- Real-time reporting across properties, Licensees, stages, categories and stages
• Creative Tools- Online previewing, commenting, zoom and markup of artwork (including post-its and drop pins)
• Security- Control of user access rights by property, project, Licensee, category, role and date range
• Configuration- Customizable approval form templates and private label splash page branding

MyMediabox to Attend Brand Licensing Europe

image courtesy of www.brandlicensing.eu

Representatives from MyMediabox will be performing demonstrations as well as visiting licensor stands from Tuesday, October 15^th through Thursday, October 17^th at Brand Licensing Europe in Olympia, London. BLE, now in its 15^th year, is an opportunity for licensees, retailers and sales promotion professionals to come together with leading brand owners and discover the latest brands and characters and create business opportunities.

 

Over 30 of the 280 companies exhibiting at BLE are current MyMediabox customers, including: BBC, ITV, DreamWorks Animation, SONY Consumer Marketing, The Licensing Company (TLC), IMPS, FremantleMedia, Discovery and many more.

 

With Mediabox-PA, the entire creative approvals process, from completion of the online approval form, to concept designs though final production sample submissions, online previewing and integrated commenting, automated email notices, role-based approvals workflows, business rules and archiving, is in one easy-to-find online location.

 

With Mediabox-DAM licensors and agents can organize, manage and deliver high-resolution artwork assets to licensees around the world. Mediabox-DAM provides users with the ability to switch between light box and list views of assets, zoom into images to view details, transform and resize images while downloading, customize proof sheet reports and user and asset activity reports, create private collections of assets for projects, build customized, branded and interactive webpages within the system, and more.

 

For more information on streamlining your product approvals and style guide delivery or to schedule a demo, visit MyMediabox online at www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Earthbound to create licensing program for Sharknado

Image courtesy of licensemag.com

SyFy channel’s fictional film, Sharknado, generated the most social media mentions of any program in the history of the network. Sharknado 2 is already in the works and is set to debut in July 2014.

SyFy and The Asylum will be working with Earthbound to create a licensing program for Sharknado which will include creating a range of merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, costumes, games, bags and other accessories.

Earthbound is one of the many licensing agencies that utilize MyMediabox’s hosted applications to streamline the licensing process. MyMediabox offers applications for digital asset management (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM).

To find out more about how companies benefit from MyMediabox applications visit www.mymediabox.com or email us at marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule an online demo.

New Exhibitors at the Licensing Expo

It is almost that time… The Licensing Expo is less than a week away!  It is the world’s largest brand, character and art licensing event and MyMediabox is excited to be exhibiting again this year. We will be among the 5,000+ premier brands from all key licensed consumer product categories at the annual trade show on June 18-20 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

There are a lot of new exhibitors this year, one being Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The Premier League club, which has already developed a portfolio of over 40 licensees worldwide, is looking to expand upon its international licensing program. Already having secured deals with Under Armour and Sports Endeavors, the Club is hoping to meet with new potential international licensees to bring on board. The Expo will be a great networking opportunity for all new and returning exhibitors.

If you are attending the Licensing Expo and would like to learn more about MyMediabox’s hosted solutions for digital asset management and style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals and other creative workflows (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM), stop by the our booth, #A141.

MyMediabox Exhibits at the Licensing International Expo

Representatives from MyMediabox will be taking meetings and performing demonstrations at its booth (#A141), as well as visiting licensor stands from Tuesday, June 18^th through Thursday, June 20^th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

Over 50 of the 400 companies exhibiting at Licensing International Expo are current MyMediabox customers, including: American Greetings, The Cherokee Group, DreamWorks Animation, SONY Consumer Marketing, The Licensing Company (TLC), Capcom and many more.

With Mediabox-PA, the entire creative approvals process, from completion of the online approval form, to concept designs though final production sample submissions, online previewing and integrated commenting, automated email notices, role-based approvals workflows, business rules and archiving, is in one easy-to-find online location.

With Mediabox-DAM licensors and agents can organize, manage and deliver high-resolution artwork assets to licensees around the world. Mediabox-DAM provides users with the ability to switch between light box and list views of assets, zoom into images to view details, transform and resize images while downloading, customize proof sheet reports and user and asset activity reports, create private collections of assets for projects, build customized, branded and interactive webpages within the system, and more.

For more information on streamlining your product approvals and style guide delivery or to schedule a demo, visit MyMediabox online at www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

TLC acquires fashion collaboration for Peanuts

Image courtesy of www.licensing.biz

Peanuts is now working with The Rodnik Band to create a capsule clothing line that incorporates specially designed prints that mix iconic Rodnik symbols with the Peanuts gang. The line will be comprised of sequin accessories and headwear, as well as dresses and separates.

This collaboration between Peanuts and The Rodnik Band was secured by The Licensing Company. Both Peanuts and TLC utilize MyMediabox hosted applications (Mediabox-DAM, and Mediabox-PA) to streamline their licensing processes with licensees globally.

Interested in learning more about MyMediabox and how our clients benefit from their MyMediabox applications? Visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com for more information.

Click here to schedule a demo.

Chupa Chups Inspired Cookbook

Image Courtesy of www.LicenseMag.com

More and more companies are teaming up with different brands and taking advantage of the licensing opportunities that are available.

According to License! Global, Chupa Chups is being featured in a candy-inspired cookbook. The publisher, Marabout, has a series of collectible mini recipe books called Les 30 recettes culte, which is based on collaborations of popular food and beverage brands. 

“The new Chupa Chups book features 30 original recipes based on the candy brand including charlotte topped off with a Chupa Chups fruit purée, crunchy sticks with Chupa Chups slivers, birthday cake and homemade lemonade.”

Many of our clients utilize MyMediabox applications to streamline their licensing processes. Interested in learning more about  MyMediabox and how our clients  benefit from our hosted applications for digital asset management (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM)?

Visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo.
Attending Licensing Expo? Stop by the MyMediabox booth, #A141. 

MyMediabox Cloud Questions Answered

As a provider of hosted licensing solutions it is important to us that our clients and prospective clients know the following about our cloud services:

1. MyMediabox applications do not add internal IT complexity

According to the article, "Cloud Computing Myths Explained, Part 1", companies tend to resist a migration to the cloud, because they believe that it will complicate their IT processes. However, this is not the case. When you adopt MyMediabox applications, your IT department will not have to take on extra responsibilities. MyMediabox applications are hosted and managed 100% on our servers.

2. MyMediabox monthly licensing costs actually SAVE you money

It is easy to hear "monthly subscription" and assume that purchasing an installedapplication would be cheaper, because you think of it as a one time cost. Why is this thought process incorrect?

a. When purchasing installed applications, you are required to host the software on your servers. This means your IT team has to take time away from other projects to manage the new software.

b. Upgrades are not included. You will have to continually purchase upgrades.

MyMediabox applications start at a base price of $500/month* or $25/day (based on 20 working days/month). After personnel time savings (Mediabox-PA moves the entire creative approval process online to one central location), as well as outside savings (Mediabox-DAM allows online delivery of assets-- eliminating courier, packaging, mailing expenses),it is easy to see savings of over $25/day.

Interested in learning more about MyMediabox cloud services? Visitwww.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo. 

*Non-profit discounts available.

SoBe Secures Food Extension Through Licensing

SoBe Lifewater & Elixirs has with the help of licensing agent, The Joester Loria Group, landed a new brand extension. The drink brand will make its food debut with the product offering of frozen fruit bars. Philly Swirl will introduce SoBe's Yumberry Pomegranate and Pacific Coconut bars. The bars are the first flavors of the brands new product line and will hit the freezer section of U.S. grocery stores this summer.

Image Courtesy of www.Licensemag.com

EVP of The Joester Loria Group and long-time MyMediabox client, Joanne Loria, states "Expanding into frozen novelties allows consumers to experience and enjoy the distinct and delicious flavors of SoBe in a brand new way."

Interested in learning how clients like The Joester Loria Group utilize MyMediabox applications to streamline the licensing process? MyMediabox offers hosted applications for digital asset management (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM). For more information visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo.

Attending Licensing Expo? Stop by the MyMediabox booth, #A141.

BBC Show Attracts New Licensees

Image Courtesy of www.licensemag.com

MyMediabox client, BBC Worldwide, has attracted several new licensees with the popularity of its
CBeebies series "Something Special." Among the new partners are Egmont Publishing, Kinnerton and Inspiration Works. Current licensee, Golden Bear, will also extend its product offering centered around the show.

Look for "Something Special" products expected to launch this year: five titles, two novelty books, two activity titles, advent calendars, miniature figures, an electronic learning tablet, 3D backpacks, puzzles and more!

Interested in learning how clients like BBC Worldwide utilize MyMediabox hosted applications to streamline their product approvals process? Click here to schedule a demo.

For more information visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Attending Licensing Expo? Visit the MyMediabox booth (#A141).

More Museums Join the Licensing Space

The Museum of New Mexico Foundation, comprised of four museums in Santa Fe, has entered into a licensing agreement with Shadow Mountain. Shadow Mountain plans to roll out a line of furnishings inspired by collections at each of the museums. Chad M. Turney, President of Shadow Mountain comments on the newly formed partnership, "It is a great marriage from a historical and design perspective that will expand and complement our current niche offerings. Shadow Mountain is honored and excited to bring such a distinct offering to the market."

The New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the New Mexico Museum of Art are not the only museums that have entered in the licensing space. MyMediabox client, Victoria&Albert Museum similarly licenses out the rights to patterns and designs from its collections to bring in additional revenue.

Interested in learning how other un-traditional licensing companies are increasing productivity, reducing overhead costs and streamlining the product approvals process? MyMediabox clients like V&A Museum, National Wildlife Federation, ASPCA and more have chosen Mediabox-DAM (digital asset management) and Mediabox-PA (product approvals) for their licensing and creative needs.

For more information visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule an online demo.

Attending Licensing Expo? Stop by the MyMediabox booth #A141.

Mr. Bean Brand Grows with New Licensing Deals

Image Courtesy of www.licensing.biz

Beloved UK celebrity icon, Mr. Bean, has expanded his brand globally with several new licensing deals. The deals, negotiated by Tiger Aspect Productions, partner Mr. Bean with Live Nation, China Telecom, Animoca, Thumbstar and Jam. Perhaps the most notable of these deals is that with China Telecom, which will introduce the Mr. Bean brand to the Chinese market-- a previously untapped audience of over 100 million people.

With the added licensing deals and growing international popularity, it may come as no surprise that Mr. Bean has now far surpassed Justin Timberlake, TopGear and Hello Kitty in number of facebook fans.

Interested in learning how brands are streamlining their product approvals process? MyMediabox offers hosted solutions for Style Guide Delivery (Mediabox-DAM), Product Approvals (Mediabox-PA) and Deal Memo Management (Mediabox-DM). For more information visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo.

Attending Licensing Expo? Stop by the MyMediabox booth #A141.

Press Release: DAM and Product Approvals Application Upgrades

MyMediabox, provider of SaaS hosted applications for product approvals (Mediabox-PA), digital asset management (Mediabox-DAM) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM), rolled out multiple upgrades to their systems in March 2013. New functionality in Mediabox-PA includes the ability to set email preferences by individual user, as well as the capability to change project owners. Mediabox-DAM features additional customization and organization options, plus a new, improved video player.

The new features added to Mediabox-PA give more flexibility to individual users. The ability to set email preferences allows users to opt in or out of emails about project, team or individual related updates. With project emails, users can now decide if they would like to receive notifications when a project is added to the system, when files are added to a project, when a licensee cancels a project and more. Team emails include notifications when team members are added, when an action is required, when a project status changes, etc. Lastly, individuals can decide if they would like to be notified about changes to their account settings (i.e. access dates, changes in access, profile updates). Administrative users also have more flexibility in the admin section with the new "Projects" tab. Here users with admin access can change project owner by individual projects or by project owner (transferring all or one of an owner's projects to another owner).

Mediabox-DAM upgrades provide users with a more personalized experience, as well as a new, improved video player. Now site administrators can create and add backgrounds at the folder level for specific properties. Additional branding options are provided at the subfolder level, with the ability to create and display graphics, providing users another way to identify the location of assets.

MyMediabox rolls out upgrades to Mediabox-PA and Mediabox-DAM on a regular basis. If you have suggestions for functionality you would like added to the sites email marketing@mymediabox.com.

For more information on streamlining your product approvals and style guide delivery or to schedule a demo, visit MyMediabox online at www.mymediabox.com.

MyMediabox Cloud Questions Answered

As a provider of hosted licensing solutions it is important to us that our clients and prospective clients know the following about our cloud services:

1. MyMediabox applications do not add internal IT complexity

According to the article, "Cloud Computing Myths Explained, Part 1", companies tend to resist a migration to the cloud, because they believe that it will complicate their IT processes. However, this is not the case. When you adopt MyMediabox applications, your IT department will not have to take on extra responsibilities. MyMediabox applications are hosted and managed 100% on our servers.

2. MyMediabox monthly licensing costs actually SAVE you money

It is easy to hear "monthly subscription" and assume that purchasing an installed application would be cheaper, because you think of it as a one time cost. Why is this thought process incorrect?

a. When purchasing installed applications, you are required to host the software on your servers. This means your IT team has to take time away from other projects to manage the new software.

b. Upgrades are not included. You will have to continually purchase upgrades.

MyMediabox applications start at a base price of $500/month* or $25/day (based on 20 working days/month). After personnel time savings (Mediabox-PA moves the entire creative approval process online to one central location), as well as outside savings (Mediabox-DAM allows online delivery of assets-- eliminating courier, packaging, mailing expenses),it is easy to see savings of over $25/day.

Interested in learning more about MyMediabox cloud services? Visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo.

*Non-profit discounts available.

Security: A Common Cloud Storage Concern

Image Courtesy of CloudTweaks.com

A main concern when transferring your data to the cloud is security. You question not only if your data is secure from unauthorized parties, but also if your data is "physically" secure in the cloud.

MyMediabox offers hosted solutions for product approvals (Mediabox-PA), digital asset management (Mediabox-DAM) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM). With all of our applications in the cloud, it is a number one priority for us to make sure our clients data is secure.

Here are a few MyMediabox security features:

• Fully redundant IT infrastructure with state-of-the-art physical access security and 24/7 on site support staff
• Assets secured in three separate MyMediabox-owned storage systems for redundancy
• Two data center hosts with 500 mile separation for business continuity in the event of a regional disaster
• 100 Megabit dedicated internet connection backed by multiple fiber optic carriers at both data centers
• Data protection by disk-to-disk-to-tape technology, as well as, disk-to-disk backups and assets worldwide

For more information visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo. 

Press Release: Jonas Software USA, Inc. Acquires MyMediabox, Leading Provider of SaaS Solutions for the Consumer Products Licensing Industry

In October 2012, MyMediabox, the leading provider of SaaS hosted solutions for product approvals (Mediabox-PA) and style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM) for the consumer products licensing industry, was acquired by Jonas Software USA, Inc. Already considered the “industry standard” for product approvals, and boasting a clientele of more than 75 leading licensors, 33,000 licensee users and over 120 live sites worldwide, the recent acquisition is set to further propel MyMediabox to the next level within the industry.

Eric Rennagel, CEO and Founder of MyMediabox, states “We are thrilled to be a part of the Jonas Software family.   With access to Jonas’ deep technical, financial & operational resources, MyMediabox customers can expect to see more upgrades rolled out more frequently and the design and launch of new services to broaden our product suite as a true one-stop-shop of integrated, best-of-breed applications.”

With Mediabox-PA, the entire creative approvals process, from completion of the online approval form, to concept designs though final production sample submissions, online previewing and integrated commenting, automated email notices, role-based approvals workflows, flexible business rules and archiving, is in one easy-to-find online website.

Mediabox-DAM allows licensors and agents to easily organize, manage and deliver high-resolution artwork to licensees who have licensed the rights to properties and brands from the brand owners.

Interested in streamlining your product approvals or style guide delivery?

Schedule a demo with MyMediabox online or at any of the following shows:

Natpe (January 28-30, Miami, FL)

MAGIC (February 18-21, Las Vegas, NV)

MipTV (April 8-11, Cannes, France)

Licensing International Expo (June 18-20, Las Vegas, NV)

For more information about MyMediabox visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

For more information about Jonas Software USA visit www.jonassoftware.com.

About MyMediabox and Jonas Software USA, Inc.

MyMediabox was founded by executives with prior direct experience in the Consumer Products Licensing and Media and Entertainment industries. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with an additional office in Cincinnati, Ohio for Software Development and Customer/Tech Support. Today, MyMediabox applications are used daily by over 75 leading Licensors and 33,000+ Licensee Users in 120+ countries.

Jonas Software, a Constellation Software Company, is the leading provider of enterprise management software solutions to the Consumer Product Licensing, Club, Foodservice, Construction, Leisure Fitness & Sports, Attractions, Metal Service Centers, Moving & Storage, Education and Radiology/Laboratory Information Systems industries. Within these ten vertical markets, Jonas boasts 33 distinct brands, all of which are respected and longstanding leaders within their own domain.

Mr. Men Little Miss Outdoor Toys Hit the UK

Mr Men Little Miss Characters
Image Courtesy of penguin.com.au

According to licensing.biz, Sanrio UK licensees, H Grossman and Custom Accessories Europe (CAE), are launching an offering of Mr. Men Little Miss active toys (scooters, tricycles, bicycles, ankle ball and skip, frisbees and skip ropes), accessories and safety gear. H Grossman will create the outdoor toys, while CAE will offer the accessories (helmets, bells, baskets, saddle covers, reflective gear, booster seats, sunglasses and car decals).

A MyMediabox client since 2010, Sanrio utilizes Mediabox-PA (product approvals) and Mediabox-DAM (style guide delivery) online applications to streamline their approvals process. Interested in seeing how clients like Sanrio are increasing productivity, lowering overhead costs and maximizing efficiency with the MyMediabox suite? Click here to schedule a demo.

For more information on MyMediabox visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Football Clubs Find Value Add in Financial Services Products

What's better than selling licensed products? Selling licensed products that promote other licensed products. European Football Clubs have established licensing agreements that will offer fans not only new products, but products that provide the opportunity to "earn" other branded merchandise. Specifically, I'm referring to Manchester United and the Chelsea Football Club.

According to License!Global, Manchester United has signed a new licensing deal with the China Construction Bank that will make Man. U. branded credit cards available to the Chinese fan base. Richard Arnold, commerical director of the club, points out, "Manchester United has a huge following in China of 108 million... together with our TV and mobile partners, financial services products give us tangible ways of providing real benefits to our fans that enable them to establish a closer relationship with their favorite team.

Chelsea Football Club MBNA Credit Cards
Image Courtesy of License!Global


Likewise, the Chelsea Football Club has renewed their licensing contract with MBNA that provides UK fans with Chelsea branded credit cards. In addition to showing their team spirit, fans can earn points when they use their Chelsea credit card. Points can then be redeemed for more Chelsea merchandise!

Interersted in streamlining your product approvals process? Ask us how we've helped the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club improve their approvals process. Click here to schedule a demo.

MyMediabox offers hosted applications for style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM) and product approvals (Mediabox-PA). For more information, visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Candy Brand, Chupa Chups, Capitalizes on Licensing

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Two weeks into the new year, well known lollipop brand, Chupa Chups, has secured several new licensing deals. The deals will increase the brands presence in France, Asia and Australia according to licensingmag.com.

France will see Chupa Chups apparel, bedding, a tabletop range and giftbags enter the marketplace. Likewise Asian licensees, Uniqlo, Itochu and Chamzon, will launch new Chupa Chups apparel. Also new to the Asian market are Chupa Chups Ice Lolly Makers and a Chupa Chups app. Australian licensee Magic Brands will release Chupa Chups accessories for smartphones and tablets, while another Australian licensee will introduce Chupa Chups air freshners.

More licensing contracts are said to the be on the horizon for Chupa Chups in 2013, including deals in Russia and the U.K.

Whether you are just entering the licensing business or are a seasoned veteran like Chupa Chups, MyMediabox SaaS applications can help streamline your style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM) and product approvals (Mediabox-PA) process. For more information visit www.mymediabox.com or email marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo.

Top Licensing Stories from 2012

Let's ring in the New Year by taking a moment to remember the top licensing stories from 2012!

10. Chapman Entertainment Enters Administration
9. MovieStarPlanet Hires Head of Safety
8. Tamagotchi's US Return
7. Fifty Shades of Grey Party Game
6. Record Traffic for Club Penguin
5. Over 100 My Little Pony Lines

For the complete list of the top licensing stories from 2012, visit licensing.biz.

MyMediabox offers hosted solutions for digital asset management/style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals/creative workflows (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM). For more information visit us at www.mymediabox.com or email us at marketing@mymediabox.com.

Click here to schedule a demo.