Warner Brothers

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Licensing Show 2003 Fact Sheet:

Harry Potter The magical adventures of Harry Potter continue to enchant fans all over the world. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets released to amazing critical and box-office success. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets also delighted audiences in 2003 with its release to home video and DVD. Worldwide licensees such as Mattel, Electronic Arts, and LEGO continue to capture the magic of Harry Potter in a range of products.

In 2004, Warner Bros. Pictures will release the third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Two new licensing programs are set to launch next year from Warner Bros. Consumer Products - one based on the literary world of Harry Potter and the other based on the film. Each program uniquely brings to life the magic and adventure of Harry Potter with separate and distinctive styles.

For the first time ever, Harry Potter fans will be able to fully experience the magical power, speed, and competition of Quidditch, the favorite sport of witches and wizards, in the Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup game from Electronic Arts. Under development by EA's UK Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets games, the new title is scheduled for release in the fall of 2003 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC CD-ROM.

The magical sport of Quidditch is an exciting and challenging game involving two teams of seven players who fly on broomsticks, four balls in simultaneous play, and a unique scoring system. In Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup, players can control all the Quidditch positions and high-flying moves, scoring with Chasers, defending with Beaters and the Keeper, and trying to capture the Golden Snitch with the Seeker. Gamers can choose any one of the four Hogwarts House teams to triumph in the Hogwarts Cup, gaining an opportunity to attend the Quidditch World Cup. In the international World Cup tournament, one can choose to play for professional teams, which include the USA, Bulgaria, the hard-hitting Nordic team, England, Japan, France, Germany, Spain and Australia. Sporting their own Quidditch uniforms in a unique stadium environment, each nation has different strengths and tactics that lend strategy and depth as players' progress through a unique ladder system.

Scooby-Doo

It's no mystery that Scooby-Doo has something to howl about in 2003. One of the most well known animated icons of all time, Scooby-Doo's popularity has crossed age and gender boundaries like no other cartoon character. Equity's Scooby-Doo product line continues to be a top seller at retail and following on the heels of the successful line-up of merchandise based on this past summer's hit film, the company is set to fully support the brand in 2003. The debut of the Scooby-Doo live-action feature film this past summer was a huge success and the debut of a sequel further demonstrates the power of the brand.

Scooby-Doo hits the big screen once again in an all-new live-action movie, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, in theaters on March 26, 2004. The original cast including Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini will all return for the sequel along with guest stars.

Featuring the timeless crime solving gang in all new adventures, the "What's New Scooby-Doo?" cartoon series sensation has been picked-up for another spine-tingling season, airing Saturday mornings on Kids' WB!. New Scooby-Doo interactive games and books will debut in 2003 featuring the lovable canine and his cast of sleuths. Also, new branded food and promotional partners are on board for Scooby-Doo in 2003 including In Zone Brands, Hunts Snack Pack, Kellogg's, Heinz Snausages, General Mills and others. The groovy "Scooby-Doo Rocks With You" promotion celebrated two new direct-to-video movies with a national sweepstakes, Kids WB! on-air tie-in, custom products and more - Zoinks!!

The Powerpuff Girls

Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup swoop into the hearts of children everywhere with new products and promotions in 2003. In January, The Powerpuff Girls cosmetic line launched and also all-new episodes began airing on Cartoon Network. February through March, the busy trio and their pal Mojo Jojo appeared in a powerful Kids-Meal promotion at Burger King. The Powerpuff Girls also flew into supermarkets, and off the shelves, on over five million packages of Kid Cuisines. All new The Powerpuff Girls video games are planned for release in 2003 along with a new holiday direct-to-video title. Equity is launching a full line of exciting new products that will unite the originality of The Powerpuff Girls with classic girls play patterns. Online, PowerpuffGirls.com is the #1 trafficked character web site on CartoonNetwork.com. Publishing will continue to be strong with The Powerpuff Girls' book series from Scholastic, Dalmation's coloring and activity titles and DC Comic's monthly comic. Marketing and retail initiatives will continue to keep this brand nabbing the attention of consumers throughout the year.

The Matrix

The highly anticipated Matrix sequels get ready to roll this year. The Matrix Reloaded, released May 15, 2003 and The Matrix Revolutions, scheduled for release in November 2003, are supported by a targeted licensing campaign. The licensing program behind The Matrix sequels includes Enter The Matrix, the new interactive game from Atari. Developed by renowned Shiny Entertainment, Enter the Matrix for Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube and personal computer, is the most aggressive collaboration between a video game publisher and a Hollywood movie studio to date. Enter The Matrix is a revolution in interactive entertainment - a third-person action game that effectively blurs the line between Hollywood blockbuster films and next generation video games. The game is directed and features a script written by the Wachowski brothers, writers/directors of The Matrix film trilogy. Additionally, McFarlane Toys has created a line of adult collectible figures, Blinde Sunglasses introduced a high-end line of sunglasses based on the property and Rubies has produced a line of adult costumes.

The Polar Express

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) reunite for The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

The book, The Polar Express, became an instant holiday favorite upon its original release in 1985 going on to win numerous awards, including the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration in 1986. Domestically, the book has sold over four million copies, selling more than a million copies in its first five years of publication. It has also been published in France, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Japan. The Polar Express will feature state of the art motion capture technology and charter new territory in digital animation. The "motion capture," will incorporate every nuance of the actors' likeness and movements into a digitally animated environment. A focused licensing strategy is currently being developed by Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

DC Comics

In 2002, Mattel was named master toy licensee for a number of Warner Bros. properties, including DC Comics' super hero brands Batman, Superman and Justice League. Mattel's new line has a look that's never been seen before in Justice League toys. Batman received a new, contemporary look and the members of the Justice League have been replicated in action figure form based on the animated series on Cartoon Network.

Justice League

When global catastrophe strikes only a team of the World's Greatest Super Heroes can meet the challenge. Even with different backgrounds and diverse methods Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl band together to form the Justice League to fight for truth, justice and freedom. Mattel is enlisting these world famous DC Comics characters based on the Cartoon Network animated series to entertain super hero fans with a new toy line. Mattel has released their amazing first wave of figures based on the animated Justice League series. Look for additional Justice League action figures, games and more from Mattel in 2003.

Midway unveiled their first Justice League title Injustice for All for Game Boy Advance in November 2002. Look for more pulse-pounding Justice League videogame titles in 2003 for PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Additionally, sales of Bellywashers continue to soar. Brand new packaging for Justice League team members Batman, Superman will hit shelves in 2004 and an all-new Wonder Woman sku hit shelves in February 2003. New Justice League licensees Starpoint (backpacks) and Drew Pearson (hats) are bringing fun and cool Justice League products to retail in 2003. Powering up, Warner Home Video will reveal two Justice League episodic compilations on DVD and VHS in July 2003.

Batman, Superman and the rest of their Justice League teammates partnered with Burger King restaurants nationwide on April 21, 2003 for a power-packed kids' QSR promotion. The five-week promotion featured eight fun Justice League toys, each packaged with a unique 12-page mini comic book created by DC Comics. A national TV spot, in-store signage, and support on the Cartoon Network made this promotion a winner.

Sargento Cheese has teamed up with the Justice League for a year long fully integrated on-package, online and retail merchandising effort on select non-refrigerated and refrigerated Cheese Snacks, beginning in May 2003. Inkworks announced their first trading card series based on Justice League The Animated Series. All the non-stop super hero excitement is captured in this 81-trading card set hitting retail in June.

Beginning July 2, Justice League The Animated Series moves to Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block Monday - Fridays at 5:00pm.

Batman

Gotham City's Caped Crusader and one of the world's most popular super heroes, Batman, is a proven, classic brand that enjoys universal awareness across all age groups. Mattel will be launching their new Batman product line in 2003, with a fresh, new look inspired by the dynamic action of Batman, as he appears in DC's top selling Batman comic books. The figures will have highly sculpted features to bring this world famous character to life. The line will include new action figures, vehicles, playsets and games for one of the top 10 toy properties of all time.

This powerful evergreen franchise continues to fuel the licensing world. Video game licensee Kemco recently released Batman: Dark Tomorrow for Xbox and GameCube. Ubi Soft Entertainment will follow the success of their hit videogame Batman: Vengeance with the release of Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu during Holiday 2003 for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and Game Boy Advance. A new Batman direct-to-video title will be released in October 2003 from Warner Home Video, plus Scholastic will launch a new series of Batman chapter books in Fall 2003. Also in 2003, DK will publish The Essential Guide to the Batman Animated Series and the Batman Glow-in-the-Dark sticker book.

Batman's crime fighting partner Robin is back leading a unique group of young super heroes in the all-new animated series - Teen Titans. 26 high-spirited episodes are coming to Cartoon Network in July 2003 and on Kids' WB! in early 2004.

Superman

The Man of Steel is a true American icon and the standard against which all other super heroes have been measured. With nearly 100% global awareness, Superman is the only licensed property with decades of continuous major media exposure. New Superman and Supergirl licensees have been added to the apparel and accessories categories including Buster Brown's new Superman and Supergirl shoe line, C-Life (fashion separates) and Isaac Morris (sportswear sets). Superman keeps video game players coming back for more with a hot new game for the Game Boy Advance, Superman: Countdown to Apokolips, which debuted in March 2003. Also in 2003, DK will publish The Essential Guide to the Superman Animated Series and the Superman Glow-in-the-Dark sticker book. Warner Bros. Consumer Products recently announced that Electronic Arts has been awarded the worldwide interactive rights to develop, publish and distribute computer and video games based on Superman. Under this agreement, EA will publish games based on the upcoming Superman feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures as well as any subsequent Superman films distributed during the term of the agreement.

Smallville is the #1 show on the WB Network! 22 new episodes for the 2002-2003 TV season bring the total number of Smallville episodes to 44 - all new episodes began airing in February. Warner Books will release young adult and adult novels based on the hit WB series Smallville throughout 2003.

¡MUCHA LUCHA!

An over-the-top comedy-adventure about honor, family, tradition�and donuts, ¡MUCHA LUCHA! explores the theatrical style of Mexican pro-wrestling Latino cultural phenomenon known as "Lucha Libre." The series premiered on Kids' WB! in August 2002. ¡MUCHA LUCHA! takes viewers into a world of colorful masks and costumes, and the all important "signature move." The first-ever all-flash animated series on broadcast television, this no-holds-barred comedy combines bold humor and exciting graphic designs in two fast-paced 11-minute episodes. Brought to life by the voices of Carlos Alzaraqui, Candi Milo and Kimberly Brooks, ¡MUCHA LUCHA! is created by Eddie Mort and Lili Chin and produced by Warner Bros. Animation under the creative supervision of Alfred Gimeno, Joel Kuwahara and Michael Ryan.

The show slams the competition with Boys 6-11 with a 7.4 average rating. ¡MUCHA LUCHA! is also the highest rated broadcast show in its timeslot with Boys 6-11 and is Kids' WB!'s number one program with Hispanic Boys 6-11. Since January 2003, ¡MUCHA LUCHA! has been simulcast in Spanish.

This year, DC Comics will publish a 3-month limited-edition comic in May and Harper Collins will release their first ¡MUCHA LUCHA! titles in July and August. Also, Warner Home Video will release ¡MUCHA LUCHA! episode compilations on VHS and DVD in August. A full consumer products licensing program is currently underway for products to hit retail shelves by 2004.

Dexter's Laboratory

Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, Dexter's Laboratory debuted in April 1996. Just last year, Dexter's Laboratory tied with The Powerpuff Girls for the Cartoon Network's highest rated program among households, earning 2.0 in ratings while delivering to nearly 1.6 million homes on average. U.S. licensees produce Dexter's Laboratory products in key categories including apparel, accessories, domestics and interactive games.

This year, Cartoon Network will launch a new advertising campaign during back-to-school in support of Dexter's Laboratory consumer products. Bam! has released five game titles to date on Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PC and PlayStation. Other highlights of 2003 include eight new story and chapter books from Scholastic, as well as the Hip Hop CD "Dexter's Laboratory: Home Boy Genius."

Samurai Jack

Samurai Jack kicks into high action for 2003. The award-winning animated series Samurai Jack will premiere 16 new episodes in 2003, following the adventures of the Japanese warrior as he challenges an evil shape-shifting wizard. Samurai Jack resonating with audiences with its breathtaking visuals and spirited showdowns.

Equity will introduce the first ever Samurai Jack toy line in the third quarter of 2003. The Samurai Jack experience journeys online at www.cartoonnetwork.com and across the page, as DC Comics launches a special edition book this year. Scholastic will be releasing eight new story and chapter books in 2003, including "Code of the Samurai," which will tie into Cartoon Network's On-Air Total Immersion Event in July

The Wizard of Oz

The Emerald City will glitter once again on the big screen in a new interactive film experience, The Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz. Featuring a large-screen viewing of the classic film mixed with a costume-filled celebration and sing-along, the Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz launched in Chicago to rave reviews and will tour nationally and internationally in fall of 2003. A stunning new three-dimensional book by Jay Scarfone and a commemorative pop-up book by Robert Sabuda have received glowing reviews from editors and readers alike on Amazon.com.

A spectacular, interactive book by Intervisual Books features memorable scenes from the movie and a CD of musical selections sure to please fans and introduce a new generation to the classic film and the widespread appeal of the Wizard of Oz brand.

The #1 movie ever in the history of The WB, The Wizard of Oz scored the highest ratings the time period has ever seen for the network debut in 2002. This over the rainbow property continues to rank high among women and girls and will continue to be supported with innovative consumer products.

International

With 37 offices and agents representing more than 70 countries in key regions around the world, including Latin America, Asia and Europe, Warner Bros. Consumer Products maintains an ongoing commitment to expand its core brands' recognition in the international marketplace -- through strong, creative, merchandising, marketing and retail programs.

Kicking off a major international licensing agreement with the Union of European Football Association (UEFA), Warner Bros. Consumer Products was recently appointed the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for UEFA EURO 2004 to be held in Portugal next summer. Leveraging its expertise in character licensing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will create licensed toys and apparel, a premium catalogue and a mascot for a strong retail presence at UEFA's Major European Football Championship Event Of 2004, where 16 of Europe's top football teams battle it out on the field for the championship.

The UEFA European Football Championship is held every four years and is the largest European football event, with televised matches from UEFA EURO 2000 capturing a worldwide audience of more than seven billion. Additionally, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will be in charge of the on-site retail operation during the event in Portugal. Warner Bros. Consumer Products' European offices are leading the program and are working with different licensing organizations to expand the campaign.

Last year, Warner Bros. Consumer Products broke new ground with a collaborative agreement with Sanrio Co. LTD to develop and launch co-branded merchandise featuring Tweety and Hello Kitty. The agreement resulted in merchandise that is sold exclusively at Sanrio locations throughout Japan and most of Asia.

In addition, Warner Bros. Consumer Products recently partnered with Sesame Workshop in Asia to develop and distribute television, print, video, interactive and related merchandise based on Zhima Jie, the Chinese version of Sesame Street. Working together, the companies are seeking local and global partners to support the creation of three new seasons of television with a total of 195 episodes of Zhima Jie.

At the beginning of the year, WBCP announced that through an authorized licensed retail agreement, it has granted Pena BEC-TERO Co. Ltd., the rights to open the first Flagship Warner Bros. Studio Store in Thailand. As part of the agreement, Pena BEC-TERO Co. Ltd. will build and operate both freestanding and shop-within-shop Studio Stores throughout Thailand and sell products based on Warner Bros. brands like the Looney Tunes, Harry Potter, Batman, Superman and more within Thailand. The first Flagship Warner Bros. Studio Store recently opened in Thailand, following the success of the opening in Bangkok at Central Plaza LadPrao in February 2002.

From Harry Potter to the Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo to Batman, Warner Bros. Consumer Products enjoys success around the world with its powerful portfolio of franchise brands. The company remains committed to the worldwide support for all of the studios brands and upcoming films.